Ahhh, the start of another glorious semester. For most of us, a new semester means more stress and less sleep. Sometimes it’s truly hard to get back in the swing of things … but with a little help from our musical friends, we will get by just fine.
“All Eyes On You” # St. Lucia
St. Lucia (or Jean-Philip Grobler) is known for his misty pop sound. Born in South Africa and based out of Brooklyn, this Madonna lover knows how to take ‘synthpop’ to a new, dreamy level. Put this on to take the edge off your morning, half-awake-frantic-drive-to-school car ride.
“The Way We Get By” # Spoon
This fun, fast-paced hit can pull you out of the back-to-school blues in an instant. Released in 2002 on the band’s fourth album, this song will make you dance to its edgy yet simplistic rhythm. Try listening to it as you get ready for your day. Just don’t hold a cup of coffee at the same time… your wardrobe will thank you.
“Booty Swing” # Parov Stelar
Austrian musician, Marcus Fureder, known by his stage name Parov Stelar, released this jazzy, electro swing song in 2012. Its upbeat, instrumental style makes it perfect to listen to while studying, without being overly distracting.
“(You Gotta) Fight For Your Right (To Party)” # Beastie Boys
How could this be a good back to school song? Well, it’s simple. We all can’t be robots, and when we try too hard, we explode. Let’s not, shall we? It reached No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 in its day and was later named one of “The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s 500 songs that shaped Rock and Roll.” This 1986 hit is perfect to jam out to after taking that preposterous pop quiz.
“Feeling Good” # Michael Buble’
Let’s take it down a notch with our favorite big band, Canadian crooner, Michael Buble. He performs this jazzy cover with perfection in his second album, “It’s Time”. How will this song make you feel during the hustle and bustle of college? Good.
“Supremacy” # Muse
This English rock band really knows how to get their fans pumped up. “Supremacy” is the opening track and fourth single for their sixth studio album, “The 2nd Law,” which came out in early 2013. Frontman Matthew Bellamy is known to hit incredibly high notes, but shatters all records here. The underlying James Bond theme makes the single devilishly addictive… like multiple times a day addictive. Throw this on when you don’t want to get out of bed, seriously.
“Daydreamin’” # Lupe Fiasco feat. Jill Scott
Soul singer Jill Scott joins Lupe Fiasco in this alternative Hip Hop track. In 2008, it won the Grammy Award for “Best Urban Alternative Performance.” This is the cool down song after a big test, long day of classes, or just because.
“American Man” # Rio Bravo
If any song makes you feel like you can do anything, it’s this one. Released in the summer of 2012, “American Man” pulses with energetic confidence. Its catchy melody and feeling of opportunity will make you want to climb a mountain # in outer space.
“Bulls On Parade” # Rage Against The Machine
Then there was Rage. This incredibly talented rap-metal group has too many hits to name. “Bulls On Parade” debuted in 1996 in the band’s second studio album, “Evil Empire,” and is widely known for its famous guitar solo and vinyl scratch effect. Besides it’s overwhelming popularity and timelessness, the song’s title is enough isn’t it?
