Because school has just started, I've been broadening my scope and discovering music that reminds me of adolescence. Mainly, I've been trying to find good music for me to play when I'm studying, working, or just relaxing in my room. Here are some go-to songs on my playlist that have kept me feeling refreshed.
Need Your Love by Tennis
"I need your love and I need your touch like I need a bolt of lightning from the sky above."
I was introduced to Tennis by a friend of mine, and this particular song stood out to me. Need Your Love has a smooth change in tempo: the verse begins in a fast-paced rhythm and suddenly changes to a slower, relaxing beat at the start of the chorus. I absolutely love this unique way of spicing up a song. The song incorporates both tempos flawlessly without it sounding off-putting or unpleasant. The lyrics speak of an infectious love, even though the person is "more poison than sugar." Regardless of their "poison," the singer still needs their love because they have fallen too deeply.
Girl Like You by Toro y Moi
"What's it gonna take for a guy like me to find a girl like you?"
Girl Like You has a feel-good rhythm with some electronic elements in the instrumental. I love the melody of the chorus and Toro y Moi's voice beautifully blends in with the instrumental. The lyrics are simple and are about wanting to find a connection with someone. Whenever I feel low-energy, I play this song on my playlist. It's the kind of song that makes you want to dance alone in your room.
Kingston by Faye Webster
"I don't know that much about Kingston."
I first heard this song when I was taking a short online course. The material was getting bland since I was staring at it for hours, but when this song came on, I felt more secure and comfortable with the material. Faye Webster's tone makes the song sound so personal, like she is talking directly to you. The verses' melody is very soothing to listen to, and the chorus's repetitive nature sits perfectly in between verses.
How to Forgive by Tennis
"I've got my reasons, I could give you a million."
As you can tell, I really like to listen to Tennis. The duo's music has a retro '70s vibe. The song features a soft synth in the background of the song leading the melody. The percussion is also soft and low to complement the synth. How to Forgive serves as a reminder that staying angry takes more energy than forgiveness, and that "all that it takes is just an act of surrender."
Francis Forever by Mitski
"I've been trying to lay my head down, but I'm writing this at 3am."
When I first heard this song in Adventure Time, I absolutely loved the melody coupled with the bass. Then, I discovered that the song was actually written and released by Mitski. Both versions are beautiful in their own respective ways. The verses have a restless vibe to them, and the chorus is like a burst of energy. The song eventually builds up to a satisfying, effusive ending.
