When it comes to getting ready for the day or driving around on a Saturday morning, I find that the most important and invaluable component is the music in the background. I’ve loved singing along to the radio for as long as I can remember. There’s something about driving down the highway with the windows rolled halfway down, a quick song blasting from the speakers.
Of course, this is on my list of things I didn’t realize I would miss so much when I was away at school. Because of that, I love listening to music any chance I get when I’m not in class. Here’s my soundtrack to get you through the bittersweet end of summer and dragging days of fall semester to come.
1. “Closer” by The Chainsmokers & Halsey
A recent release just in time for the last beach trips of summer, this song is addicting. The voices on this track pair together amazingly and are full of emotion. It’s easy to sing along to and even more fun to dance to (not that I’ve had impromptu dance parties to this in the shower, but maybe some other people have).
2. “Vacation” by Thomas Rhett
This one is so much fun. It’s technically country but definitely took some inspiration from the recent pop hits. There’s something so innocent about this track; it’s just about good, ol’ fashioned fun times. It’s the perfect song for the soundtrack of your last BBQ this summer.
3. “Cold Waters” by Major Lazer (ft. Justin Bieber)
It’s a miracle if you haven’t heard this jam on the radio lately. The first of his two recent releases, Bieber has come back with the perfect song for the first parties of the school year. Catchy and easy to sing along to, it’s got a great beat that would be awesome for dancing. I’m sure there are a few trap remixes floating around already to add even more sound to this song.
4. “Rafael” by Beatenberg
Recommended to me recently, this indie song is just so much fun. Altogether, this band has a different kind of sound. It’s as if Michael Buble went to the islands and put on a hula skirt before cranking out some songs. I want to sing along to this while I get ready for parties and dance it to in the morning before my classes.
5. “80’s Mercedes” by Maren Morris
Another country track, this one got me through the early drives to opening shifts at my summer job (one thing I will not miss at all when we go back to school). It’s got a good beat with fun lyrics. The analogies are witty, and it’s the perfect song to pump you up for your night out (or your next anatomy exam).
6. “Missin’ You” by The Summer Set
A favorite band of mine, this song is from their most recent album which came out a few months ago. Still, it remains one of my class go-to’s when I’m working on a playlist. It’s the perfect song to crank up if you’re fresh off of a summer fling gone awry or if you’ve been seeing your ex around campus with a new chick. This song is all about empowerment, and it’s got a great beat to dance to.
7. “In the Arms of a Stranger” by Mike Posner
Fresh off of his recent comeback, this song is just as catchy as “I Took a Pill in Ibiza”. It’s a little bit slower, but there’s already an official remix by Brian Kierulf that puts a quicker spin on it. This is another post-break-up jam, but it could also be the anthem to your next party. It’s also got some great lyrics that’ll make your inner literary nerd smile (or maybe that’s just me, but hey, to each their own).
8. “American Country Love Song” by Jake Owen
One of my favorite country singers, by far, is Jake Owen. He brings his usual soulful lyrics and country accent to this hit. It’s a feel-good song that makes you want to bask in your last few days of summer or maybe call up your ex-boyfriend to see if he wants to catch up next weekend (but don’t do this, it’s a bad idea, I swear).
9. “Up for Now” by KING
This song has the perfect tempo for your morning playlist. Put it on while you’re getting ready for your classes; it’s a soft song with a catchy, heartfelt chorus. Even though the message is bittersweet, it leaves you with that warm feeling in your heart. It’s relatable and amazing.
10. “Running Back to You” by For the Foxes
If anyone from this band is reading this article, please give us more songs. Give me a single or a full album or just a thirty-second preview, because I need it. With that said, this song is different than anything I’ve heard before. It’s a few years old but recently made its way back onto my Spotify, and I’m so grateful. It’s got a vintage sort of sound to it with an adorable message. The chorus is fun and makes you want to dance around your room.
11. “Cocoon” by Catfish and the Bottlemen
A little bit more rock and roll than anything else on this list, this song was a must in every playlist I made during my first semester at college. It’s got a quick beat to it with a catchy chorus. This song is good background noise for when you’re getting ready to go out for the night or something to listen to when you’re walking to class at some ungodly hour.
If you want to check out these songs and other similar tracks, you can listen to my playlist here!
