Music is a life-saver, especially during a COVID-19 summer. Here are some of my favorite songs that have been on repeat (practically) all day.
"Level of Concern" - Twenty One Pilots
twenty one pilots - Level of Concern (Official Video)www.youtube.com
I like to consider myself a casual member of the clique (what TOP fans call themselves). So when they released this song around the same time as when the lockdowns started, this became my coronavirus anthem. The band recently did a mind-boggling livestream game for fans to explore behind-the-scenes content, and that video gave fans a chance to participate in a never-ending music video. This band is the best!
"Scrawny" - Wallows
Wallows - Scrawny (Official Music Video)www.youtube.com
I discovered that actor Dylan Minnette is part of a band called Wallows after I finished the final season of Netflix's "13 Reasons Why" (which Minnette plays Clay Jensen). I honestly love the band's music. They give off a cool indie rock vibe and I'm here for it. This is my favorite song from Wallows!
"Save Your Tears" - The Weeknd
The Weeknd - Save Your Tears (Audio)www.youtube.com
Sure "Blinding Lights" is more popular thanks to the dance challenges on TikTok, but "Save Your Tears" is more catchy. The catchy drum beats and synth sounds put me in a better mood if I'm having a bad day!
"Black And White" - Niall Horan
Niall Horan - Black And White (Official Video)www.youtube.com
Niall Horan is my favorite former One Direction member. His music perfectly fits into my musical tastes, and I can see him blossoming in his solo career with confidence. "Black And White" is a really sweet love song that makes me bounce to the beat.
"Believe" - Cher
Cher - Believe [Official Music Video]www.youtube.com
Sometimes I need an oldie but goodie to sing along with. Cher and I are birthday buddies (though not by year, I assure you), so I always considered myself to be a Cher fan since I was a kid. Listening to Cher reminds me of the car karaokes I'd have with my mom. The moment "Believe" pops up on my playlist, I belt my best Cher impersonation alone for a private apartment concert.
"Better Days" - OneRepublic
OneRepublic - Better Dayswww.youtube.com
At this point, I might as well consider this playlist a global pandemic playlist! I wasn't a fan of OneRepublic's "Native" album, but their latest singles have resonated with me. "Better Days" is a positive pick-me up song that everyone should have on their summer playlist.
"Harleys in Hawaii" - Katy Perry
Katy Perry - Harleys In Hawaii (Official)www.youtube.com
Staying at home lights a flame in my wanderlust. It also doesn't help that I am feeling nostalgic about a Hawaii trip I took with my boyfriend in June 2019. We didn't ride Harleys in Hawaii, but this song reminds me of the trip and makes me think of adventures to come when COVID-19 is over.
"Panini" - Lil Nas X
Lil Nas X - Panini (Official Video)www.youtube.com
I'll admit that I don't like "Old Town Road." So I convinced myself that I probably wouldn't like Lil Nas X's music. Boy, was I wrong. This song is super catchy and keeps things upbeat on my summer playlist. It's even better when you watch the music video featuring futuristic tech, dancing robots and a very persistent Lil Nas X.
"What A Man Gotta Do" - Jonas Brothers
Jonas Brothers - What A Man Gotta Do (Official Video)www.youtube.com
Old Jonas Brothers fans like myself know that this song isn't "Burning Love," but that's absolutely OK! "What A Man Gotta Do" is super fun, and the music video featuring the Jo Bros, their wives and Kevin's children is adorable.
"Boss B*tch" - Doja Cat
Doja Cat - Boss B*tch (from Birds of Prey: The Album) [Official Music Video]www.youtube.com
Of course, I need to add a movie song to the playlist. Before the theaters shut down, "Bird of Prey" starring Margot Robbie as Harley Quinn nailed box office demands. "Boss B*tch" is so memorable, and the song re-energizes throughout my work day when motivation takes a hit.
Contact Samantha Incorvaia on Twitter at @_SamI520.