Whether you worked, partied, or slept your summer away, we’ve all been left scratching our heads and wondering where the last three months have gone. Ready or not, it’s time to get back to school–here’s some songs to help get you through your first week back.
For your drive up with your parents…
bellyache- Billie Eilish
Billie Eilish goes out of her way to make sure her younger fans can listen to her music, which means it’s a solid choice for avoiding the awkwardness that comes from accidentally playing a grossly explicit song around your parents. And besides being a great, mellow song to ease you into your early-morning drive, your mom and dad might even know her from how often bad guy has been on the radio this summer!
For when you have to get up for your first 8 a.m. class…
Dream Boy- Waterparks
If you don’t know Waterparks yet, you ought to get acquainted because their upcoming album FANDOM has been incredibly promising with the singles they’ve released so far. Dream Boy is the latest of these, and a great upbeat way to start your morning. It’s loud without being overly aggressive, which is perfect for us heavy sleepers that can’t “ease into the morning” but don’t want to wake up stressed.
For your walk to class…
Perfect Day- Hoku
I’m sorry, did you not want to feel like you’re in the start of an early 2000’s teen movie? Perfect Day is the best song for walking into the classroom like you own it, and gives you the nostalgia of the good old days when back to school mainly meant being able to flaunt your new Lisa Frank pencils. Plus, it empowers you to ask yourself a very important question: What Would Elle Woods Do?
For when you have to sit down and do that first-week paper…
Like A Bird- WILLOW
In case you missed it, Willow Smith dropped a new self-titled album this summer. Its ethereal, chilled-out sound makes it a great background listen for when you have to sit down and focus. Like A Bird in particular has all the beauty of Willow’s vocals, but the lyrics can be hard to understand. This makes it a great study track for those who typically have to go for instrumentals to avoid getting distracted by a song’s words.
For when you’re missing the summer…
Truth Hurts- Lizzo
Every summer seems to have those couple of songs that define the era–and they bring back all the year’s memories when you listen back. Lizzo’s upbeat, self-celebratory, post-breakup song does that for 2019 without a doubt. Even if you captioned all your posts “hot girl summer” this season, Lizzo won for song of the summer in my book.
For when you’re getting ready for your syllabus week night out…
Only Human- Jonas Brothers
What words can I use to capture my excitement that the Jonas Brothers are back? It might just be impossible. Regardless, Only Human off of their new album Happiness Begins has that perfect, bouncy sound I’m looking for while I’m having fun with my friends before we go out. It’s great to get you into the dancing mood before you head out into the night to hear Mo Bamba six times in four hours.
For your resolution to actually go to your school’s gym this year…
I Dare You- The Regrettes
While some may like really intense, explosive songs for their workouts, I Dare You wins out for me purely on fun-factor alone. It’s fast pace is great as a runner, but is great just for putting a smile on your face in general. If you aren’t one of the half-a-million monthly listeners that The Regrettes have accumulated in only about two years, give them a listen–I dare you!
For when you have to shower and feel self-conscious about everyone on your floor hearing your music taste…
…Baby One More Time- Britney Spears
When all else fails, everybody loves a good throwback! Who could be mad at you for playing a little Britney in the bathroom stall? If you’re lucky, maybe one of your shower neighbors will sing backup for the “still believe” part during your bath time karaoke.
For when you’re already hitting your first mental breakdown of the year…
still feel.- half•alive
Woah, hold on. We’re not giving in to all the stress in the first week, are we? If you find yourself on the brink, check out half•alive. This song is energetic without feeling condescending when you’re in a bad mood, and the lyrics are optimistic while coming from a low point. The lyrics in the pre-chorus, “But I can feel a kick down in my soul/ And it’s pulling me back to Earth to let me know/ I am not a slave, can’t be contained/ So pick me from the dark and pull me from the grave,” are all about re-centering yourself and realizing that you’ve got this.
While school can seem exhausting and overwhelming when you see your responsibilities all weighed out in front of you, your favorite artists are here for you. So take a breath, put on your favorite playlist, and make this next semester count!