Music can do so many things. It can change a person's mood, reflect what they are feeling at the moment, or just help lighten the mood and bring out the fun in any social situation. That being said, tough days are inevitable. It has been a rough week due to stress and other commitments. Because of this, I turned to music to help me focus, help me relax, and to help me feel validated as a person. These ten songs are what I have been listening to a lot lately.
1. Who You Are by Jessie J
This song is an old one but it is so powerful. It reminds me to be proud of who I am and focus on myself when I'm not okay because there are those rough days.
2. Is There Somebody Who Can Watch You by The 1975
I love The 1975 so much. The song was actually written for Matty Healy's younger brother. I just love the rawness in his voice when he sings.
3. F**ked Up Kids by The Maine
The Maine is a band everybody should look up. Their music is amazing. This song says that it is okay to not be the popular kids. And sometimes, it is better to be alone. My favorite lyrics are "We are alone but we're not lonely. No, it's nothing personal. We prefer to do things on our own. And even though nobody knows it, no we're not lonely. No we're raw, and invincible."
4. Rescue by The Summer Set
From Arizona, The Summer Set is another personal favorite band. This song reminds me to take advantage of everything because we will all grow up. This is kind of an anthem for friends going out because it talks about lasting friendship.
5. Missing You by All Time Low
All Time Low is the band who introduced me to all things pop-punk. This song is focused on self-harming but it is so relatable about being in a difficult place. Alex, the lead singer, is saying how it's okay to slip up every once in a while, as long as you fight through everything thrown at you.
6. Shut Up and Dance by WALK THE MOON
Because why not? Everybody needs a break and just dance sometimes.
7. SOS by Jonas Brothers
This song is on the list because it's hella throwback to those middle school days. My friends and I were jamming out to all the Jonas Brothers' songs as we did a Taco Bell run one night.
8. Partition by Beyoncé
I was involuntarily signed up for Date-A-Palooza this Saturday. Date-A-Palooza is an event that UMD's Black Student Association(BSA) holds every year where participants go up and gets bid on by the audience. All of the proceeds go towards BSA's Kwanza event later in the semester. Since, I am doing the event, I chose Partition so I get to channel my inner Beyoncé because she slays.
9. One Last Time by Christopher Jackson from Hamilton Soundtrack
I love Hamilton. The soundtrack is what I listen to when I study or work or have to do anything productive. This song stuck with me this week because President Washington is leaving because he knows it's best. It makes me think about if I am too controlling about some things or not and this song just reminds me to take a step back and look at the big picture.
10. Technically Single by Tayler Buono
I recently discovered this song and I love it. It encompasses how I have been feeling recently when it comes to my barely existent love life. It's just nice to have a song completely represents your feelings without having to say a word.
