At this delightfully awkward and unstable stage of life, the early “not-so-roaring 20s,” it is not uncommon to find that you have no idea what’s going on. Although I’m sure this reassurance has been driven into your head as vigorously as the Pythagorean Theorem in high school, there is some solace to be found in the fact that you’re not alone. At a time where you feel caught stuck between light-up Skechers and making it rain resumés on potential employers, it’s important to give yourself some grace. Don’t turn yourself gray before graduation. Just keep working hard and accept that we still have a lot to learn and that we’re all still works in progress. Here’s my soundtrack to reinforce this message and give you something to close your eyes and bob your head to while you figure everything out from love to school to work.
1) "In Repair" - John Mayer
I know what you're thinking: Why would anyone in their right mind take life advice from John Mayer? While he is a jackass extraordinaire in his personal life, you can't deny that the man writes some extremely insightful lyrics. "In Repair," off of his Grammy Award-winning album Continuum, is a deeply introspective theme song for a man happily under construction. Mayer sings of a self-awareness and patience that I know I would love to hone at this point in my life.
2) "Till I Get There" - Lupe Fiasco
A chilled out piece of hip-hop off of 2011's Lasers, "Till I Get There" is a rare song in my opinion. Lupe Fiasco has always been a favorite of mine for his honest, heartfelt lyrics and smooth voice in a climate overtaken by unintelligible mumbling and uninspired songwriting. Here he raps about being disenfranchised with "fame," the transparency of success and striving towards his own personal idea of success. This is a perfect song for putting your shoulder down, staying true to yourself and living your life the way you want to. Don't worry, you'll get there.
3) "Hang Loose" - Alabama Shakes
Alabama Shakes is without a doubt one of the hottest young rock bands today and "Hang Loose" is a fantastic testament to their success. With singer Brittany Howard's powerful vocals and a Black Keys-esque riff, "Hang Loose" is a beautifully charming and simple song. When you play this, you don't stand a chance against the urge to turn the volume up and just feel happy. It'd be in everyone's best interest to heed the advice: "Hang loose, let the ocean worry about being blue..."
4) "Keep Your Heart Young" - Brandi Carlile
This song from folk singer-songwriter Brandi Carlile has wisdom that I think every stressed out 20-something needs to hear. As we get swept up in a torrent of grade woes, job interviews, grad school applications and a revolving door of relationships, it's all too easy to forget just how young we all really are. It's imperative that we remember to go easy on ourselves and never, ever "go growin' old before your time has come..."
5) "Ain't It Fun" - Paramore
"Ain't It Fun" seems to be a song custom-written for kids at the end of their college careers. Considering lead singer Hayley Williams has cultivated a deep connection with her fans, it comes as no surprise she would write a song meant to comfort her listeners as they attempt to transition into adulthood. Williams makes no attempt to sugar-coat or coddle, but she chooses instead to see the fun and adventure that living in the real world has to offer. There is a liberation in this song that consequently makes the listener excited to take on life's struggles, despite any fear or apprehension we may be harboring. As we find ourselves held together by a string and shaking in our graduation gowns, a song like this comes to the rescue to remind us that we'll be fine as long as we embrace life as a wonderfully personal journey.
