If you’re a college student, you know how stressful midterms can be. The right song is the perfect way to make things just a little easier.
From late-night study sessions to early morning tests, you feel like you’re constantly being pulled in each and every direction. In the midst of all the chaos, it can be hard to find time to take care of yourself. Especially when it feels like you have a deadline every five minutes, and every moment spent not working feels like time wasted.
But if you’re not taking care of yourself, you won’t be able to work at your highest potential. Self-care is the key to surviving midterms and making it through the end of the semester. An easy and fun way to fit self-care into your routine is through music.
Music has been proven by scientists to improve your mood, sharpen your memory, and reduce stress. When you’re struggling to stay on top of things, a good playlist can help you focus and get you in the right mindset for staying on top of your schedule.
This playlist is made to energize and prepare you for success. Not only will it boost your mood, it’ll take your mind off the stress of school for just a moment.
These new releases from popular Gen-Z artists is sure to make you feel refreshed, happy, and ready to work.
1. Jealous Type – Doja Cat
Doja Cat is an artist that always puts me in a good mood.
From her slick flows, to her pop beats, she’s always serving up something fresh and fun. This especially true for her song “Jealous Type,” from her most recent studio album “Vie.” It’s the perfect track for a study sesh dance break.
The song draws heavily on 80s pop influences, with sleek synths and a jumping beat. Her raspy voice raps over the bass effortlessly, as she sings about admitting to her lover that she’s the Jealous Type.
The song is very reminiscent of classic 80s acts like Duran Duran or Wham! Its retro feel almost forces you to get up and move your body. Though she’s singing about her fears and insecurities, she does it in a confident, unabashed way. It inspires the listener to move through their fears and doubts with assertiveness, regardless of their fears.
2. Tit for Tat – Tate McRae
Tate McRae has been on an amazing run this past year, after the release of her third studio album “So Close To What.” She dropped “Tit for Tat” in the middle of her world tour as a surprise for dedicated fans who’ve supported her journey to pop stardom.
It’s also rumored that the song is a response track to her ex-boyfriend, The Kid Laroi’s song “A COLD PLAY.” In the lyrics of the song, he sings about trying to “fix” a lover, and still missing them despite the relationship ending.
The song has a heavy R&B influence, but it’s still reminiscent of songs on her latest album, with a heavy bass and drumming beat. She sings about a lost lover whom she thought she might have another chance with, but after a conversation with another girl, that door is closed.
The song is infused with Tate’s anger and feelings of dismissal about her past relationship. Despite her feelings, the song is still fun to listen to. It beams with Tate’s sexy aesthetic and 90s pop influence.
It’s the perfect song to put on when ignoring an assignment, or you’re fed up with an aggy professor.
3. Safe – Cardi B ft. Kehlani
If you’re looking for a song to unwind to at the end of a long day, this is it. Off of her long-awaited second studio album “Am I The Drama,” Cardi B’s “Safe” featuring Kehlani is a peaceful banger.
The two sing about a lover who makes her feel safe and protected. The beat is simple, yet it bounces excitingly behind Kehlani and Cardi’s voices. They riff about how feeling protected by a lover is more valuable than someone rich or strong. Safety is the most important thing in a relationship, especially when you’re constantly in the limelight like Cardi B and Kehlani.
Though you might not be able to relate to the pressures of celebrity like these two artists, the feeling of craving calm and safety is something everyone can relate to.
The smooth and enchanting rhythm of this song makes you feel protected, like the love the artists sing about. This makes it the perfect anthem for after a hard day of studying and working.
4. Pretty Ugly – Zara Larsson
“Pretty Ugly” off of Zara Larsson’s newest album, “Midnight Sun,” is the perfect confidence-boosting song. Most of the time, pushing yourself to your limits isn’t going to be pretty or cute. Larsson wants us to embrace the ugliness of life, instead of pushing it away.
The song is unapologetically loud and bold. The beat is made with sharp synths that screech behind Larsson as she sings the chorus.
The song begins with her shouting, “Have you ever seen a pretty girl get ugly like this?” And later, she says, “Everybody’s telling me to sit there and look pretty. But I’m feeling like I wanna cause some trouble in the city tonight.” Life isn’t always pretty, and sometimes to be pretty, you have to be ugly first.
You need to release your tension in whichever way you see fit, even if that means jumping around alone in your room or screaming as loud as possible. This song is perfect for both those things.
5. Body Go – MOLIY and Tyla
Both MOLIY and Tyla have had explosive years with viral songs. The African artists are bringing afrobeats to the forefront of popular music, and this song is no exception.
Over a groovy amapiano beat, the two sing about going out for a fun night at the club. They aren’t worried about responsibilities and work; the only thing that matters is looking good and having fun.
If you’re looking for a song to escape your responsibilities for a moment, this is it.
The chorus calls the listener to get up and dance, singing “Dance, whine, your body go down.” Despite what you have waiting for you at the end of this song, for the 2 minutes and 45 seconds that this lasts, you can be free from that and have a good time.
6. Stateside – Pink Pantheress Ft. Zara Larsson
This song is electric fun from start to finish.
PinkPantheress tapped Zara Larsson to infuse her song “Stateside” with a groovy, sassy feel on this remix. Not only does Larsson provide a fun, flirty extra verse, but the production is completely redone to match her aesthetic.
The original song, which has a grungy UK drum and bass beat, has a new Euro-pop feel on this remix. It draws influence from techno to create something that sounds like it belongs in a pop club.
The song is sure to flip your mood, and immediately melt any stress you have away. It’s made to move your body too, and if you’re too tired to do that, it’ll at least bring you a smile.
Self Care is Power
Music is a powerful tool to make any unbearable situation tolerable. These new releases are examples of how a good song can change your outlook on the day, or even just for a moment.
Midterms are hard, but there are pockets of light in the struggle. Music is an easy way to lighten the load, even if it’s just for a few minutes.
All of these artists show us how any feeling, positive or negative, can be turned into something beautiful and enjoyable.
