The backbone to every good movie or TV show is a fantastic soundtrack, curated to emphasize and enhance every scene. So, why not elevate your own story with a perfectly curated semester soundtrack?
You may be asking, how can I possibly create a playlist that’s going to capture my entire semester? Well, consider this your “official” guide. My qualifications? I’m a senior with an incredibly detailed Spotify account, containing somewhere around thirty playlists.Â
There is only one rule when it comes to creating a soundtrack: make it authentic to you! You have an idea that isn’t listed? Add it. You have multiple songs for one of the sections? Add them all. This is YOUR soundtrack, so make it unique to you!
First off, every good soundtrack has got to have an energetic and hopeful opener. The key to a good start in anything is positivity! It’s the start of the semester, the sun is shining, the birds are chirping, the drillfield is finally crowded with people again. Nothing beats the feeling of everyone being back together after a bunch of time apart. This song has to reflect the feeling of being back in a place full of excitement and warmth, something with a catchy beat and joyful lyrics. My example of this, “Say You Love Me” by Fleetwood Mac, captures the feeling of being back like no other.
Next, a feel good song. I’m not talking about a song with just happy lyrics, I’m talking about a song that creates an uncontrollable smile on your face. There’s always a song that warrants an immediate pause in conversation, one that really just sounds like good times are ahead. “Virginia Highlands” by West 22nd would be my pull.Â
Somewhere in the soundtrack, there needs to be a song to crash out to. In no way am I manifesting a breakdown for you, but realistically in a college as rigorous and big as Virginia Tech, we are all entitled to a meltdown every once in a while. “Downfall” by Noah Kahan has been my go-to for this category. The key to nailing a sad song is to pick a song that lets you be sad, but also makes you feel connected. Sad music doesn’t have to be just sad, it can be a way to notice the feelings you’re going through are more common than you think.Â
A good soundtrack is nothing without a love song. A common misconception about love songs is that they have to be related to a relationship. That love that you feel, doesn’t have to be romantic. Think of all the love you surround yourself with while at school. A best friend, a partner, a club, or even a roommate. There is love found in everything, it is all around you! As mentioned above, sometimes being away from home or just in a bigger place, can feel a bunch of different ways. So, pick a song that reminds you of the love in your life and reflects the beautiful emotion that love is. For me, “Easy to Fall in Love” or “I’ve Seen It” both by Olivia Dean ring through my head when I feel overwhelmed with love.Â
A controversial pick from me, but a themed song is an essential. If you’re reading this at the start of the school year, a fall feeling song is a must. What is a fall feeling song? It’s whatever you want it to be. In my eyes “Duvet” by Boa radiates all of the things that make fall season so amazing. Blacksburg is so beautiful in the fall, the colorful leaves and consistent pumpkin-themed everything brings a comfort all across campus. Bonus points if you add an extra Halloween song. Honorable mention: “Somebody’s Watching Me” by Rockwell.Â
The most obvious song to add as a Virginia Tech student is “Enter Sandman”. This is a mandatory addition to your soundtrack. Gameday? Special event? The gym? Hyped up for a meeting? Metallica prevails in all of these situations. The rush of energy our campus feels on gameday can translate perfectly whenever you need a little extra energy. Nothing feels quite like listening to this song as a Hokie.
Coming of age music is typically a pretty hit or miss choice, but as a senior, it would be a disservice to not add one. Even if you have a couple more years left in your collegiate experience, time will fly faster than you want it to. Hence, the absolute need for one of these songs. The goal of listening to this type of song is to remind yourself to slow down and actually experience what’s going on around you, letting yourself feel those “last” or “first” moments without getting caught up in the production of it all. “Dreams” by The Cranberries is a gentle reminder to slow down and not let life pass you by.Â
Now, this next pick is optional. Highly encouraged, but optional. Everyone loves to feel like a badass. For me, there’s got to be an edgy, angry type of song. In a bad mood? Turn the volume up, pick an emotionally charged song, and scream-sing your way back into a better one. The goal of this pick is to find a beat that’s harsh and bold, while finding scream-able lyrics. Listening to a song like this should give an adrenaline rush. Two examples that come to mind are “My Way” by Olivia Rodrigo or “Blame Brett” by the Beaches.Â
And finally, an end credit song. You may not know at this moment what the future holds, but the best part of a soundtrack is that you control the narrative. So, pick a song that feels good, set yourself up for a movie-worthy semester. This song should encapsulate all of the exciting, new, and inspirational moments that you are going to get to experience. Arguably, this is the most important song on your soundtrack. “Heroes” by David Bowie is possibly the most fulfilling ending. It sounds like the perfect mix of admiration of the completed and excitement for the next chapter.
Now it’s your turn, set yourself up for success with the soundtrack of your semester! Make your life a movie worth watching.