1. Dare You to Run by Ariela Jacobs:
This is more of an acoustic piano song. It’s haunting in its tune yet extremely calming. This is a perfect song to falling asleep to.
“Sleep still haunts me now…I don’t know why, I dared you to run.”
2. Guy.exe. by Superfruit:
This song is good for people who are feeling lonely. It has a great beat but it’s also slow. This is definitely a jam for all the single ladies out there!
“Where all the boys at with emotional stability?
Nice car, a CEO, and almost just as smart as me”
3. Habits of My Heart by Jaymes Young:
This is a song about an abusive relationship. It talks about the cognitive dissonance that the man experiences. This is a twist on the usual sob story of a damsel in distress calling for help. Instead, the man is struggling to help himself in a war between what’s good for him and his sexual needs.
“'Cause I'd rather be alone
But you're fermented in my bones”
4. Devil Like Me by Rainbow Kitten Surprise:
Not only is the band's name really cool, but they also have a great message.
"Is the devil so bad if he cries in his sleep, while the earth turns
And his kids learned to say, f*** you, they don't love you.
Does the devil get scared if she dies in her dreams, where the earth burns?”
5. For Keeps by Lily Kershaw:
This is a really calming song; another good one for going to bed. The notes are hit perfectly and the song talks about being in a relationship that can never last. There are some really great metaphors in this song; there's something for everyone.
“I know you’re not for keeps
Just like pebbles on the beach
And this love is not for free
But they’re banking on you and me”
6. Timmy’s Got a Gun by 1AMVRKA:
This is a rap song with a good message. What are we doing to our children that make them want to kill others? How are kids growing up so fast that they have a gun in their hand; a life in their arms before they can vote?
"I bet they blame Eminem
But where are the -----,
where are the teachers the preachers where the f*** are their parents at?”
7. Cringe by Stripped:
This is a story about how love can turn into hate. It’s a very real song about how the little things can destroy a relationship.
“oh I make you cringe now
don't I make you cringe?”
8. AMBiVALENT by Sam Lachow:
This is a super fun song with a few old songs mashed into it. For example, all Missy Elliot lovers can rejoice that there is a stanza just for her. This song is a fun jam to laugh at.
“I’m not perfect,
I once freed seven monkey’s from the circus!”
9. Jack Daniels by Mike Stud:
This song touches on how fame can lead to addiction; how being famous isn’t about being perfect. It talks about how hard it is to be in the limelight as a role model and also a struggling addict.
“For the money and the fame and the antics
For the pain they don't really see the damage
Just me and my boy Jack Daniels”
10. Helicopters by Stop Light Observations:
This song makes good use of wind instruments. It talks about staying in the moment and living life for the good times. It’s about a man who feels great but also has downs in his life. He’s struggling to find a way to balance his emotions.
“If time was my lady, Then right now I would stop her And hover over this here moment Like a helicopter.”