The end of the semester is quite possibly the most excruciating time of any student's life. In my experience, this time of the spring semester is the absolute worst because summer is right around the corner. You're so close to going home and no longer having to stress over finals, projects, and exams (at least for the next three or four months). However, one roadblock stands between every college student and their glorious summer vacation: finals week. During this week, every student's schedule is compiled into studying (or stu-DYING), eating, studying, sleeping, studying, and, finally, actually taking the exams. Here are a multitude of songs to get you through this dreaded week and to enjoy during the summer:
1. "One Kiss" - Calvin Harris and Dua Lipa
Calvin Harris' new music is a blessing and he's become the king of meaningful collaborations. This upbeat retro jam is everything I've ever wanted in a summer song and it makes me want to dance. Hopefully, it can get you through the long hours of studying that await.
2. "Sit Next to Me" - Foster the People
I could listen to this song on repeat and never get tired. It's funky but upbeat and makes me so happy. This song is going to be the song of the summer so go ahead and download it and prepare for the end of your misery!
3. "SUMMER" - BROCKHAMPTON
The song is literally called "Summer." What other motivation could you have to get through your finals than to listen to a masterpiece like this?
4. "Alfie's Song (Not So Typical Love Song)" - Bleachers
I'm not particularly religious, but Jack Antonoff is a gift from heaven. This bop comes from the "Love, Simon" soundtrack, curated by Antonoff himself, and it never fails to put a smile on my face.
5. "Waving Through a Window" - Ben Platt
This song is inspiring, uplifting, and always puts a smile on my face. Even if Broadway tunes aren't your thing, you will love this one.
6. "After The Storm (feat. Tyler, The Creator & Bootsy Collins)" - Kali Uchis
There's only one word to describe this song (and the video that accompanies it): art. It might be laidback and slow, but it's groovy and its lyrics are empowering and paint the perfect metaphor for finals week.
8. "Fake Happy" - Paramore
The upbeat rhythm and melodramatic but relatable lyrics of this song make for the perfect finals week anthem.
9. "I Do (feat. SZA)" - Cardi B
Cardi B is an absolute powerhouse and bringing in SZA is one of the smartest things she's ever done. This song screams female empowerment and will make you feel like such a boss.
10. "Say Amen (Saturday Night)" - Panic! At the Disco
I'm pretty sure Brendon Urie invented the word "bop." I would be lying if I said I haven't been listening to this on repeat since its release but I'll just let it speak for itself.
11. "Take Me" - Aly & AJ
This song has gotten me through countless hours of taking notes and studying. What makes it even better is that ushered in Aly & AJ's tremendous comeback
12. "Caramelo Duro (feat. Kali Uchis)" - Miguel
Miguel's entire album is a masterpiece, but it's literally impossible to not dance to this song. The addition of Kali Uchis and Spanish lyrics make it even better. Do yourself a favor and download this right away!
13. "Kamikaze" - WALK THE MOON
Walk the Moon is the producer of countless bops, many of them underrated, and this song (and album, for that matter) is no exception. It's an absolute anthem paired with an insane and unique beat.
14. "Miranda Beach" - COIN
Coin rose to popularity through their hit song "Talk Too Much" but that is far from their best song. Like Walk the Moon, the band's discography is chock-full of masterful pop anthems. This one, in particular, forces me to contemplate how close I am to summer and going to the beach.
15. "I Melt With You" - Modern English
It sounds crazy, but I have five versions of this song downloaded. That's how good it is. When I listen to it I can't help but picture Sky High or the pool scene from Stranger Things. I promise you that you will never be able to maintain a bad mood if you listen to this. If you're going to listen to one song from this playlist, make it this one.
16. "Holding On to You" - twenty one pilots
From the inspiring lyrics to the percussion-heavy, uplifting beat, this song will get you through absolutely anything.
17. "Lost In Your Light (feat. Miguel)" - Dua Lipa
Not to disrespect Lady Gaga, but Dua Lipa is a pop queen. I started listening to her music almost a year ago and I haven't stopped. Her self-titled album is a bop in and of itself but this song might be my favorite from it. It's impossible not to dance to and helps me push through any tough study day.
Bonus: "Dreams" - Fleetwood Mac
You didn't think I'd leave this one out, did you?
