As we grow older, the years go by and with them go our fleeting summer breaks. If I were to write a memoir about my time in college, I’d title it “How The Hell Is It Already August?” Soon our work uniforms and messy cars will be replaced by homecoming shirts and even messier backpacks, and our late nights spent around bonfires will give way to late nights surrounded by textbooks and lecture notes.
Fear not, as I’m providing you with some hot back to school jams that will get your heart racing when thinking about your pilgrimage back to wherever you may study. Perfect for packing, the road trip, and the move in, you’ll be back with your closest friends in a matter of days and you should get stoked on it.
“Dreaming” by Smallpools (2013)
Rachael (another UI Odyssey writer) posted an article featuring one of their songs recently, so if they’re making the cut twice you know they’ve got to be good.
“Sour Patch Kids” by Bryce Vine (2014)
This song will have you thinking back to the simplicity of childhood and will also remind you to slow it down, breathe in, and live a little. The perfect track for any twenty-something.
“Daylight” by Matt and Kim (2009)
“Daylight” is sure to lift you up and take you to your happy place, wherever that may be. Plus, who doesn’t appreciate a nice little throwback?
“Real World” by Matchbox Twenty (1996)
An optimistic spin on the pressures of growing up, this song can speak to almost every one of us. It brings with it a sense of “everything’s okay,” and with classes right around the corner, who doesn’t need a little bit of that?
“Centerfold” by The J. Geils Band (1981)
If this song doesn’t put you in a good mood then you don’t have a soul.
“I’m Alive (Life Sounds Like)” by Michael Franti and Spearhead (2013)
A tune you can whistle and a catchy chorus--the ultimate song to accompany a summer drive.
“Land of Gathering” by The Ceremonies (2013)
I dare you to belt this song without cracking a smile.
“Mountain Sound” by Of Monsters and Men (2012)
Well-known for their breakout single “Little Talks,” the remainder of their debut album is chalk full of outstanding music and lyricism.
“Absolutely (Story of a Girl)” by Nine Days (2000)
Since it dominated the radio in the early 2000s, you’ve failed as a millennial if you don’t have this chorus down pat.
“Semi-Charmed Life” by Third Eye Blind (1997)
Because we could all use something else to get us through this, and because a playlist without this song is no playlist at all.
