My Top Hits
By Grace Duffy
I don’t know about you, but I listen to music almost all day every day! Whether I am walking to class, doing homework, getting a sweat in at the Recplex, or relaxing at the beach, my airpods are in. With over 30 playlists on Spotify compiled of a wide variety of artists and genres, I am always looking to discover something new. I truly believe in the power of music and its ability to completely alter my mood. So here’s who and what I am currently listening to, and hopefully you too will feel the power of music too.
Let’s begin with possibly the biggest artist of our generation who is an absolute mastermind: Taylor Swift. Taylor just released her new album Midnights, while also announcing the “The Era’s” tour. For all the Swifties, this was more than we could’ve imagined in our wildest dreams. Swift is an artist who captures the perfect mood for so many situations. Thinking about that situationship from last year? Get on the treadmill at the Recplex and blast “Better Than Revenge,” and you will be running at least three miles! Or it’s the last day of summer at your beach house, and “August” is playing as you drive past the beach with all the windows down. There really is a Taylor Swift song for any mood and occasion.
My personal favorite music genre is indie rock/pop, and two of my favorite bands are Mt. Joy and Peach Pit. If you catch me on the Spotify friends activity, I’ll most likely be listening to one of the cultivated playlists I have for them. My favorite song from Mt. Joy is “Astrovan,” which is the perfect song to make you feel calm, yet ready to take on life. I frequently listened to this summer when I was living in Martha’s Vineyard and driving around the island. Peach Pit has been my number one artist for two years in a row now, and their album You and Your Friends is one of my tops. With guitar-driven melodies and a surf-like sound, their music can be described as “sad pop.” This makes Peach Pit the perfect artist to relax too. If I am feeling stressed, especially when doing big assignments, I will turn them on to center myself.
“Sad pop” is not fitting to every mood, however. Sometimes you need a good pick-me-up, especially if you are trying to get hyped up to go out with friends. Picture this: it’s Saturday morning and you are hung over from the night before, but it’s time to get up and get ready for the darty at the beach. Right away we need to motivate ourselves and get in the party mindset. Immediately, I grab my speaker and wake my roommates up to “Doses & Mimosas” or “Jimmy Cooks.” The perfect pregame playlist has a wide variety of artists that will always get you excited for the day ahead. I am referring to Drake, Doja Cat, Bee Gees, Abba, Katy Perry, Grouplove, Outkast and so many more. And don’t forget to include a round of “Rattlin’ Bog” before you head out!
Lastly, my absolute favorite time to listen to music is on the beach at 5pm. This is the perfect beach time because most people have left for the day, and you have spact to sit peacefully by yourself. Over the summer, I love to take a pre-dinner nap in the warm sand around this time, and I have a playlist for just that! “Coastline” by Hollow Coves, “Olivia” by The Backseat Lovers, and “Catch & Release” by Matt Simons are just a few of my favorites on this playlist. They pair perfectly with the sound of crashing waves, and lull you into a tranquil state of mind.
Music has the power to alter your mental state and there are many benefits to bringing it into your everyday life. Check out my Spotify account or The Point’s to find inspiration for any situation– it is definitely worth the $9.99 a month! :)