Just like most other people who listen to 80s music on the regular, I am one of those people who would give anything to time travel back into the 1980s (even if they were way before your time). One night when my dad and I were bored, we looked all over YouTube for the most iconic one hit wonders of the 80s, and I learned the true story behind 80s music - a lot of it has no real story behind it and the videos usually did not make much sense, but the big picture was that it was a time for fun and being carefree! No matter how irrelevant the story is, 80s music will always be far superior to any kind of music, because it was always unique and it was especially revolutionary with synthesizers along with some rock thrown in!

For every one of my moods, there is always an 80s song to go with it and make the mood right or brighten it! As a college student, I go through a lot of down times and need something to bring me back up, or even just motivate me through the day. Therefore, I have chosen eight songs that I frequently listen to, and I have listed them along with why I like them for each particular mood.

1. Don't You Want Me - The Human League

This is probably the most frequently played song out of my whole phone playlist. I don't prefer it specifically because of the lyrics, but the beginning synthesizer and singing voice are iconic, and the main mood it helps me with is stress relief (specifically at night time). The rather melancholy yet catchy beat helps me to clear my mind and let me know that life is stressful for everyone.

GIF retrieved from https://giphy.com/gifs/vintage-80s-NsODvNn0PdFyo

2. Harden My Heart - Quarterflash

This is another frequently played song of mine and one of my favorites to wake up to. The beginning saxophone is enough to make the song catchy, but the lyrics are some of the most powerful that I have ever heard, as they are about not letting hardships/toxic relationships get in the way of feelings. Mostly, I like it because of the powerful message that it sends, as well as the unbeatable guitar solo. The mood for this song is thinking realistically; for me, this song helps me to get in touch with reality and not stay mad or upset.

3. Jessie's Girl - Rick Springfield

This song has the typical high school feel of being envious of a friend and how he has a girlfriend. The electric guitar and powerful, perfectly corresponding vocals cause me to feel ambition, and it is easily a go-to song for me whenever I am bored and trying to accomplish something, mostly due to ambition and goal setting based on life expectations.

GIF retrieved from https://giphy.com/gifs/s-arent-mine-a1MN69pXppN8A

4. Vacation - The Go-Go's

This song is mostly about getting away from sadness and looking forward to a happy time. This song helps me feel optimism, as the main message that it delivers to me is that we all need alone time to get away and cheer up from events or people who have let us down. The cheery, sunny beat also encourages me to look for a brighter future!

5. I Ran (So Far Away) - A Flock of Seagulls

This song is mostly about having a normal day but unexpectedly running into somebody/something that causes mixed feelings and bad memories that you just want to "run so far away" from! The smooth yet awakening new wave beat accompanied by powerful, chilling vocals are perfect for anxiety relief. I have used this song so many times to help me overcome anxiety and even sleep!

GIF retrieved from https://giphy.com/gifs/vintage-80s-P7BxS4vEjkH4c

6. Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic - The Police

This song is mostly about having feelings for a girl and believing that she is absolutely perfect and just "magic"! The instrumentals are nothing short of refreshing and smooth flowing without trying too hard to be exciting. This song lends me confidence to believe in people as well as thinking positively about the future.

7. Don't Stop Believin' - Journey

This song is honestly one of the biggest 80s hits that will continue to live on for years to come. It is an amazing blend of piano, electric guitar, and powerful, gradually shifting vocals and rhythm. Every time I listen to this song and sing it in the car with my dad, I feel nothing short of stimulation. The lyrics are absolutely relevant, and it is an amazing song to listen to at night, because it is always a reminder that life will always be full of change and struggle, and it "goes on and on and on and on", but at the end of the day, the best that you can do is stay alert and never stay down!

GIF retrieved from https://tenor.com/view/journey-gif-9157582

8. The Boys of Summer- Don Henley

This song is more on the melancholy, realistic side, but it is a great song nevertheless, especially during times of despair and loneliness. The beat is unique with an enticing blend of synth and guitar solos, especially at the beginning and end. Therefore, nostalgic is the main feeling I get from this song; no matter how I feel, this song always gets deep inside of my feelings, and I reflect on reality and the little things in life.

Overall, there are many more that I could list, but these are the songs that I will always listen to at least once a day with my main moods and alleviation.

So find the right mood, and never hesitate to party like it's 1985!