I don't know how anyone ever graduated college without listening to the perfect songs to get them through certain times. On that note, these seven songs have carried me this semester:

The Fire- The Roots Feat. John Legend

I love Creed. I can’t express how much I love it. But in a fantastic movie of training montages and Sylvester Stallone, the thing that truly stands out is the soundtrack. I listen to this song from the Creed soundtrack at least once a day. I’ll throw it on during a long run, a difficult lifting set, or even just hanging out in my room. It inspires me to work harder and push farther.

Wait for It- Leslie Odom Jr

I’ve already discussed how much I love Aaron Burr in Hamilton, and the majority of that love is because of this song. I like to listen to this song when I’m walking back from the library after hours of studying. It soft but powerful lyrics comfort me when I’m exhausted or when my mind is numb. It reminds me that sometimes you just have to… Wait for it.

The Sound of Silence- Simon and Garfunkel

If they made a soundtrack for my life in total, this would be on the first 5 songs. I loved it in high school and I still do. Sometimes you just need to sit and decompress and this song helps me do that.

Devils Whisper-Raury

As my roommate can attest to, I play this song every morning, and every morning it has the same effect - It gets me excited. The guitar in the back is great, but the truly excellent part is the vocal by Raury. The switch from singing to rapping halfway through is excellent. I highly recommend playing it next time your getting ready to walk out your dorm room door in the morning.

Hurt-Johnny Cash

You know how I mentioned that soundtrack for my life earlier? This would also be on it. It just puts me in a mindset I can focus in. I’ll listen to it whether I’m doing pull-ups or a problem set. It just locks me into whatever I’m doing.

Mack the Knife- Louis Armstrong

It’s kinda weird but this song about a serial killer also makes me smile. Just the way Louis sings it, such an upbeat tone, even if it’s about such a dark topic.

Gonna Fly Know-Bill Conti

As I’ve already mentioned I’m a big fan of the Rocky Series, and nothing is better than the classic theme to Rocky. I try to pinpoint the hardest part of every workout I do and play this song during it, because when I hear it I just run faster, life heavier, or plank longer.