Spring semester is coming to an end, which means students are faced with the daunting task of trying to fit a year’s worth of items in a small car, while juggling the ever-growing list of final assignments.
But what’s a better way to tackle the impossible than with music?
Below is a compilation of songs suggested by students and staff on The Wit’s Instagram page, and the pages of the editor and me. I also included some of my personal favorites to round off the list.
Misery Business by Paramore – Hope Nixon
A fast-paced single from Paramore’s sophomore album Riot, “Misery Business” is an alt-rock classic.
Whether you need to scream in the car or find motivation to finish folding your endless pile of clothes, Hayley Williams’ vocals can get you through it.
“It’s a fast tempo rock song that’s good when you’re trying to stay awake and study,” said senior nutrition and dietetic major Hope Nixon. “Heck, we are all in misery during the end of the semester.”
Life is a Highway – Rascal Flatts –Lou Westcott
A cover of the Tom Cochrane hit, the Rascal Flatts’ version of “Life is a Highway” was recorded for the 2005 Pixar movie Cars.
The song was big enough to be included in their greatest hits album and captivated the hearts and ears of listeners all over.
“It reminds me how good life is,” said Lou Westcott, a junior convergent media major, on Instagram. “Through ups and downs, there are scary things, but there are also things that make me excited. All along the way, there are beautiful sights to see and experience. Keep your ‘car’ fueled and well taken care of so you can go far.”
Body Parts – Plain White T’s – Adam Menser
“Body Parts” is featured on the Plain White T’s fifth album, Wonders of the Younger.
The mellow song tells the story of a breakup and while the lyrics may be sad, the song itself can help get you in a mood to study.
Reason Chosen: “It is a very soothing song that gets me in the mood to do mental tasks rather than explosive movements,” said first-year nutrition major Adam Menser on Instagram.
Nighttime Drive – Jay Som – Trinity Borgman
The low-fi, indie pop tune “Nighttime Drive” is from Jay Som’s 2019 album Anak Ko.
The song is perfect to study to or to go on a nighttime drive with your friends to savor the last bits of the semester.
“It’s really chill and also uplifting,” said first-year social work and psychology major Trinity Borgman through Instagram. “It’s really relaxing to listen to and I really like the ending of it.”
BRUH.mp4 by bilmuri– Kevin White
Featured on the album RICH SIPS, “BRUH.mp4” features a rock beat destined to motivate you to finish your packing.
“The tones and melodies are incredible,” said Kevin White, Assistant Director of Student Engagement. “I actually was fortunate enough to play a few shows with the lead singer in Columbus when I was in a band.”
Oh No – Wet Leg – Olivia Daugherty
The third single from Wet Leg’s self-titled debut album, the song attracted listeners after the duo blew up on TikTok.
The song tells the story of endless scrolling on social media, a cycle I often find myself in when I’m trying to be productive. The breakdown in the middle of the song gives me the motivation to get my chores done.
Other suggestions by Bluffton students and staff:
Rise Up by Andra Day – Meghan Ream
I Am Woman by Emmy Meli – Meghan Ream
The Man by Taylor Swift – Emilie Drumm
The Days – Avicii – Lou Westcott
If you need help finding motivation to get through the last weeks, below is a playlist of the songs mentioned above, plus a few more I included that did not make the list.
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3yFICSlFH3KgOL6cL3WKF3?si=f45a08b73abd4611
