Asiah Mendoza
Assistant Editor
2020 was a difficult year for everyone. Two months into the new year, we are still amid a pandemic and experienced a weather event that left many without electricity and water. Stress from your personal life and academic responsibilities can easily add up.
Sometimes it can be difficult to designate time for self-care with a busy schedule. The following playlist consists of seven feel-good tracks. Play them after a stressful day and hopefully you’ll feel a moment of tranquility in the middle of commotion.
Better – SG Lewis & Clairo: Clairo, better known for being a bedroom pop artist, teamed up with producer and singer SG Lewis to create this bubbly track.
Clairo’s confidence is transparent in her vocals, so much so that it will rub off on listeners. “Better” is simply an upbeat track that’s bound to boost anyone’s mood. Even if it’s your first time hearing the song, you’ll probably find yourself tapping your foot along to the beat.
“You make it hard for me
So hard not to stare
I’m moving closer baby
Why don’t you seem to care?”
It’s the ideal track to listen to while you’re getting ready for the day, or when you need a midweek pick-me-up.
Mythos – Dreamgirl: Dreamgirl is a dream pop band with no fear of dabbling in different genres. This particular track is simultaneously fast and silky. Singer Lacey Hopkins’ vocals are so smooth the lyrics aren’t completely coherent, but that doesn’t take away from the song itself.
On a track this impressive, it’s evident that the band put a lot of thought into each note played and an incredible amount of pride into their art. The heavily synthesized track is bound to lift spirits, and you might find yourself saving it to your music library.
Bad Texter – Ryan Woods: A track that doesn’t require much explaining, “Bad Texter” is certainly going to catch your attention. Ryan Woods’ discography is on the shorter side, but if this track is any indication of what he’s capable of, you should be on the lookout for him.
“Don’t you say you’re meant for me,
‘Cause I’m all that I’ll ever need and no one else”
From the second the track starts, you’ll be dancing along. Woods’ silvery voice is only a plus to the upbeat and charming melody. It’ll definitely be a track that has you hooked from the very first listen.
Dead Horse – Hayley Williams: Hayley Williams, better known as the lead singer of Paramore, went rogue in 2020 for her solo album “Petals for Armor.” On this particular track, Williams reflects on her feelings post divorce.
She’s not bitter, just really over it and ready to move on. The song is incredibly chic with a catchy melody. It’s definitely going to be stuck in your head for a couple of days.
“When I said goodbye, I hope you cried”
It’s the ultimate breakup track that will leave listeners feeling empowered and wanting to get up and dance.
Hallucinate – Dua Lipa: Featured on her sophomore album “Future Nostalgia,” “Hallucinate” is arguably Dua Lipa’s best song. With lyrics about being euphorically in love and a solid bassline, it’s the perfect dance track.
“You’re my one, my favorite, my ride or die,
I’ma love you like a fool,
Breathe you in till I hallucinate”
This track will instantly become your go-to song. It’s fitting for Friday night get-togethers or a night out with friends.
Hung Up – Madonna: Madonna is no stranger to pop hits. On her 2005 album “Confessions on a Dance Floor,” she outdid herself.
One has to accredit ABBA, whom Madonna sampled on this track. However, she took the sampled riff to the next level. There’s over 10 seconds of near silence before the infectious beat kicks in, but the anticipation is well worth it.
“Waiting for your call,
baby night and day,
I’m fed up, I’m tired of waiting on you”
Although the song is well over five minutes long, you still find yourself hitting the repeat button.
Lamb’s Wool – Foster The People: Better known for their 2010 hit “Pumped Up Kicks,” Foster The People is still consistently releasing good music 10 years later.
The track has genuine lyrics of unconditional love accompanied by lead singer Mark Foster’s delicate vocals. This combined with a charming piano riff, makes “Lamb’s Wool” one of the most sublime songs I’ve ever heard. There’s no need for much reasoning, the track speaks for itself.
“I’m so in love with loving you,
That’s all I do, is keep loving you,
Where things will change but I’ll always be the same”
Listen to the playlist on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7fsiKzSibnLubu8vBpvJqd?si=46h0X3_kRta98Gvt1rDRLw
