This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at U Conn chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.
As an out-of-state student who is still regionally local, I spend many hours in my car driving home and back. I have perfected my playlists to avoid drowsiness, but not too hype that I am going over the speed limit. Whether you need a ballad to mend a broken heart or an anthem to hype yourself up, I got you covered.
Groovy, easy sing-a-Long songs
- “Great Pretender” – Dominic Fike. The song is upbeat with a simple drum pattern in the background. The chorus is repetitive and easy to pick up. Fike’s vocals are satisfying to listen to especially when he plays around in his falsettos. Perfect vibes for a drive with the windows down, I can see myself driving through the forest in the fall, all the trees full of color.
- “WELiTA” – Bad Bunny and Chuwi. This song was in my top 15 of my most listened to music this year. It is more casual and laidback than some of the other songs on the album DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS. The island influences will definitely get you dancing in your seat and bring some sunshine to our dreary weather.
- ” Sugar Talking” – Sabrina Carpenter. Off of the album Man’s Best Friend, this song is a plea to lovers of the past. She croons about them leaving their sweet-talk and charisma at the door over an almost whiny guitar. Though sad, it is one of the most put-together songs of the album with her sarcasm and cheekiness and a nod to the vintage aesthetic she uses on stage.
Sing Your Heart Out
- “Loud” – Olivia Dean. One time, I played this song eight times in a single sitting and I am still not tired of it. Found at the tail end of The Art of Loving, “Loud” is the climax of the album after that was loved and lost. It is strong ballad with a James Bond 007-esque theme to the instrumental similar to ” No Time to Die” or ” Skyfall.“
- “Rodeo Clown” – Dijon. Gritty and heart wrenching, this song is one of my favorites from Dijon. It is about partners falling out of love but still being attached. I mean, it is a situationship anthem if I do say so myself. At the end of the song, you hear just the guitar and echoed vocals as Dijon breaks down and cries in the background.
- “here, alone, again” – Olivia O’Brien. Best known for her feature on “i hate you, i love you” by gnash, O’Brien has moved past the bedroom pop style to a more indie rock style. The song is perfect for once you have gotten to the anger stage in the breakup cycle.
Go Girl Go
- “Sue Me” – Sabrina Carpenter. Off Carpenter’s third studio album this song is a major “I got my spark back” tune. The bridge builds as she gains more and more confidence to the ultimate “f*ck you” which is to say, you don’t like it? Sue me. The instrumental has an R&B vibe with some trap drumbeats mixed in. The music video really helps connect the lyrics to the mood as Carpenter struts around in various hot pink outfits.
- “Georgia Peach” – Latto. This song is a tribute to Latto’s home and to her journey to where she is now. It has the marching band horn section running in the back that sells the introduction to her album Sugar Honey Iced Tea. This song transitions into “Big Mama” which is a bass bumping song.
- “Cognac Queen” – Meghan Thee Stallion. To end it all, it’s my go-to get ready song. Whether it is a pregame or chill hangout, Tina Snow is for girls to vibe to. The beat is slower than some of the other songs with 90s R&B influence with a synth carrying the melody.
This is not an all-encompassing list, but it is a start. If you are looking for some taste-breakers following your Spotify Wrapped, or a place to begin following an artist recommendation, here you go. I hope you enjoy these tunes as much as I do.