If you’re a human, it’s pretty likely that you enjoy music in some shape or form. Some people listen to music while they workout, some while they study, some to relax, and some listen to it just so they can sing along in the shower. No matter where you fall on the music spectrum, there’s always more to listen to than you could possibly imagine. If you’re looking to spice up your playlist or just find some new tunes to jam to, I’m here to bring you ten songs from a variety of genres to set you off in the right direction. Let’s get to the jams.
1. Tears by Clean Bandit featuring Louisa Johnson
I’ve decided to start things off with an upbeat song to get you ready to take over the world. Tears brings together the phenomenal vocals of Louisa Johnson and the wicked mix skills of Clean Bandit, gifting us with its presence. Once this song starts, it’s only a matter of seconds before I’m dancing around the room.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dc-nyGo0aC8
2. Sweet Baby James by James Taylor
Now I’m a die hard James Taylor fan so there’s no way I could have left him off of this list, but this song is one of his most compelling in my opinion. It’s short and sweet and his voice always brings some kind of nostalgia.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XXVg07t1HCE
3. The Weekend by Allen Stone
This song is phenomenal, but I’m warning you now to not listen to it on a Monday. This is my go-to song whenever I get out of class on Fridays and it’s funky tune always puts a smile on my face. Allen Stone always says that he gets a lot of his inspiration from Stevie Wonder and you can really hear it in this song. A true hit.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p-p8r0Ul84M
4. Saturnz Barz by Gorillaz featuring Popcaan
If you follow Gorillaz, you know that they’ve recently made a long-awaited comeback after their hiatus. Saturnz Barz was their first music video released since the hiatus and is a part of Phase Four: We Are Still Humanz. Known for their genre mixing, Gorillaz certainly won’t let you down with this one.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5qJp6xlKEug
5. Spaceman by The Killers
Coming to you from the musical genius behind the eternal hit Mr. Brightside, Spaceman is one of the most underrated songs out there. There seems to be a sort of whimsical vibe with this song. I’ll confess that I didn’t love it the first time I heard it, but I kept going back to watch the music video and eventually the song became essential to my music collection.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hc16Y9fiCvQ
6. Thank God for Girls by Weezer
This is just a fun song. That’s the only way I know how to describe it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DJMruBJfhNM
7. Instant Crush by Daft Punk featuring Julian Casablancas
The vocals of Strokes front man, Julian Casablancas, are a gift from the heavens. I’m convinced that this song was created so that the masses would have something to bop their head along to in the car. It’s so catchy and the first time I heard it, it sounded so familiar and I think it’s just one of those beats that sticks with you.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a5uQMwRMHcs
8. Come Dancing by The Kinks
Maybe you know this song or maybe you don’t. Either way it’s a throwback. Released in 1979, Come Dancing is easily my favorite song from that year. It’s one of those that always gets stuck in your head after listening to it but that doesn’t stop me from playing it on repeat while I’m in the shower. It has a very London-esque vibe to it and while that may not make sense, it will after you listen to it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AEeH5OkjeIY
9. Every Single Night by Computer Games
This is another one of those songs that’s just a fun one. Who doesn’t love a fun song?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mSvYtQ1Do1Q
10. Bad Blood by NAO
If you’re ever wanting to just chill out, this is the song for you. Everything from the beat to the vocals makes me want to just lay down in a dimly lit room and focus on absolutely nothing. I know that sounds weird but let’s just admit that we all have those moments every now and again.