As a student who drives to school every week, I have a complicated relationship with commuting to school. Traveling long distances, traffic, and getting to school late is a stressful experience that triggers my anxiety. To cope with this anxiety, I always play an album to distract me and transport me to a more calming state. Here are five albums I listen to on my commute to school.
1. Cuz I Love You (2019), Lizzo
(Photo by Lizzo on Instagram)
Cuz I Love You by Lizzo is an energetic and positive album to prepare you for the rest of your day. With hits like “Truth Hurts” and “Juice,” Lizzo inspires her audience to feel happy and unapologetic. However, with underrated songs like “Better in Color”, Lizzo stresses the importance of acceptance and people coming together for love.
2. Sweetener (2018), Ariana Grande
(Photo By Ariana Grande on Instagram)
Before Thank U, Next took over the world, Ariana Grande’s Sweetener was one of 2018’s biggest albums. Reaching critical and commercial success, Grande’s album has smooth and dreamy songs like “R.E.M.” and “pete davidson.” Still, Grande incorporates songs to calm you down with hits like “breathin” and “get well soon.” With its mellow beats and rhythms, Sweetener is the perfect album to sweeten up your morning.
3. The Last Concert (Live From Astrodome) (2001), Selena
(Photo Courtesy of iTunes)
Selena’s The Last Concert brings all her hits into one explosive live performance. Starting with her “Disco Meledy,” Selena and her band play disco hits like “Funky Town” and “On the Radio.” Selena’s performance includes a variety of genres like Tejano, Cumbia, and Ballad. Moving rhythmically through these genres, The Last Concert will have you dancing in your car bright and early in the morning.
4. Oasis (2019), J Balvin & Bad Bunny
(Photo Courtesy of Wikipedia)
J Balvin and Bad Bunny team up in Oasis to combine classic reggaeton beats with contemporary themes of love and money. Mainly focusing on themes of love and heartbreak, Balvin and Bunny crafted an album that makes you dance with your partner – or be nostalgic from the break-up. This collaboration will surely have you singing along to the catchy lyrics. You will appreciate the mixture of Balvin’s urban sound with Bunny’s Latin trap.
5. The Kids Are Alright (2018), Chloe x Halle
(Photo Courtesy of Wikipedia)
Chloe x Halle’s debut album is an iconic ode to young adulthood. Beginning with “Hello Friend (Intro),” the sisters introduce their album by showcasing their talent and harmony with each other and the world. As you listen to this album, Chloe x Halle will make you feel carefree with “The Kids Are Alright” and hopeful for financial success with “Everywhere.” Every song in The Kids Are Alright displays the sisters’ harmonies in a way that is sure to calm you on your way to success.