High school feels like a century ago. The first week of college has passed by in one big, happy, yet surreal blur - so much has gone on in such little time and it's difficult to process, and yet I have never felt more excited or overwhelmed all at once. I am starting to put names to faces, and can wave at people as we pass by each other in the halls of my dorms or on my way to class. I am striking conversations with intelligent people from all corners of the world, and am in awe that many things I once thought I only had passions for and obsessed over are also loved by many of my classmates or often even more obsessed over. I am bonding over the struggles of having to do laundry for the first time, or having to ask a million times to upperclassmen "Excuse me but... Where is... Dewick... again?" I am dancing my heart out with my roommate to "oldies but goodies" tunes and swinging our hallway door open as people listening from outside flood in singing at the top of their lungs the very song we are blasting. And I am standing on the roof of Tisch Library at 2am, engaging in stimulating conversations that I would never have had with anyone in my high school nor pictured having with anyone my age, reserving them for late night ice cream runs with (embarrassingly enough) my dad and dog. Suddenly things I had often never had the strength or wish to share come bubbling up from my throat eagerly, embraced by the community, welcomed by new and open ears. Just the other night, walking to a pizza parlor with friends, we found ourselves casually discussing global warming and quickly switched into nuclear weapons and Iran's nuclear deal, which quickly closed on the current presidential candidates. All while chewing on some cheese and pepperoni. I like the ability to be myself in college, and be who I want to be. The pettiness and clique-like nature of high school seems to have evaporated into thin air, and those that try to recreate its exclusive nature are quickly shut down. No one cares here. No one minds. Everyone is curious about everyone else, and it's refreshing. It feels good. It is feel good. And feeling good feels good.
As a result, I have comprised my top ten feel good songs for the beginning of college. For walking to class. For running. For dancing. For late nights. For life. Every day should feel this good.
- If So (Magic Man Remix) - Atlas Genius: A chill remix with a slow build up that is perfect for getting that blood pumping before a workout, getting ready for a party, or walking to an 8:30 class on a dreary Thursday morning.
- Sad Machine - Porter Robinson: Contrary to the name, this song is anything but sad. Not fast enough dancing, but not slow enough to put one to sleep, it's a great song to toss into a slow, acoustic study session playlist to help wake one up and get back to work. Perfect for late night chill sessions or math homework.
- Telescope - Cage the Elephant: Honestly there is no reason not to listen to this whole album. From "Come a Little Closer" to "Cigarette Daydreams," Cage the Elephant provides a set of songs that take one back to beloved childhood memories or high school adventures that would generally only come to one in the wee hours of the morning. Excellent for nostalgic evenings spent writing in one's journal with a cup of tea in hand.
- Baby Got Back - Sir Mix-A-Lot: I really don't think there is ever a bad time to play this song. It is perfect for parties, workouts, walks to class, study breaks, or just random dance parties with your roommate (if you do not have random dance parties with your roommate, then I pity you, because my roommate and I do and they are quite possibly the highlight of my week). Also if you claim that you don't know the words, everyone knows you're lying. So why hide it? Just give in to the music and dance.
- Gooey - Glass Animals: Weird lyrics describing "peanut butter vibes" and "tipsy topsy slurs" great for chill evenings spent alone or with friends, or walking home from class ready to crash into bed and relax before the weekend.
- Paris - Magic Man: Tufts alumnus Alex Caplow (!!!) and childhood best friend Sam Lee provide us with one of the best albums of our time perfect for "sweaty dance parties in your basement," as the two proudly call it and with lyrics that deserve to be shouted and will be stuck in your head for days on end. Will be humming from morning to dusk hoping someone else knows it or is playing it just so that you can hop in and sing along.
- Get It - Matt & Kim: It's Matt & Kim. I think that's enough said. Great gym workout song. Gives you just the right amount of energy needed to roll out of bed and start your day on a good note.
- Read My Mind - The Killers: A die hard Killers fan, there isn't one song of theirs that I wouldn't recommend. However, after a long day of working hard, the perfect end to my day is the mellow beats of "Read My Mind," relaxing my mind and soul and preparing me for the joyful reunion I have so been longing for with my bed. Also a top pick for late night writing sessions or the background music to 2am conversations about who knows what at who knows where.
- Be Your Shadow - The Wombats: Can't help but add that I am seeing The Wombats in November (!!!) and am beyond excited and pumped to scream some of my favorite lyrics at the top of my lungs with one of my favorite bands. Truth be told, I own every single one of their albums and feel like you can't go wrong with any of their songs. I generally mix up all their songs and listen nonstop while I'm running. It's a great mix and adds just the right amount of drums and guitar for a "sweaty dance party" when mixed in with band Magic Man. Plus, The Wombats' lyrics are pure and true and can help in any social situation, which is an added bonus to already great songs that provide me with an energy and strength unlike any other.
- Howlin' For You - The Black Keys: The Black Keys never fail to disappoint. Perfect for pre-party prep with friends or just a good beat to bump to while cleaning up one's room or doing laundry. Steady beat good to walk to class to.
If you liked what you saw above, feel free to go ahead and follow any of my playlists on Spotify (link listed above, or copy and paste it from right here: https://open.spotify.com/user/1240234400)! I love recommending music to others and also enjoy when others recommend music to me, so feel free to comment below with a few suggestions if you have any :)