This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Northeastern chapter.
I’ve liked almost every genre of music at some point in my life. I’ll listen to everything from Bruce Springsteen to Miley Cyrus to Hawthorne Heights. And I’ll admit it right now, collegiettes: remember Rebecca Black’s viral song Friday from a year ago? I love that song…not even ironically. I know all the lyrics.
To be honest, though, I get sick of all the songs on the radio really easily. They’re overplayed and often, well, awful (I mean really, Bruno Mars? Why would you love anyone who is–for some reason–in danger of a grenade being thrown at her? Ugh).
…So I try to listen to less popular/commercial artists as often as possible. As a result, I’ve found some pretty amazing songs that- in my opinion- every collegiette should listen to!
- Carry On by Valencia. This song is so sad, but it’s absolutely beautiful. When I saw this band live, they dedicated the song to their old drummer who died in a motorcycle accident. It was obvious that the song means a lot to the band and their fans. It’s one of those special songs that you love to cry along to if you’re in the mood. LISTEN
- Ashes by Ben Fuller. I think that this song may be about death too, or at least about letting someone go. I love the acoustic sounds and the occasional sound of a piano in the background. It’s really just a very interesting kind of sound. LISTEN
- My Heart Radio by Sparks the Rescue. Do you know We the Kings (they sing Check Yes Juliet and We’ll Be a Dream feat. Demi Lovato)? Sparks the Rescue has the same high energy and pop-y sound as We the Kings do; I can’t help but sing along to this song whenever it comes on shuffle. LISTEN
- Hang You Up by Yellowcard. First of all, you can’t go wrong with the band that wrote Ocean Avenue. Secondly (and more importantly), THIS SONG WILL GET YOU THROUGH THE WORST OF BREAK-UPS. It’s sad and nostalgic and talks about missing your ex, but the lyrics show you that the band knows exactly what you’re going through and reassures you that you aren’t alone. LISTEN
- Hum Along by Ludo. This song is ridiculous in the best possible way. The song is about the singer imagining what his crazy and unrealistic future could be like with a girl he fell in love with from afar. I mean, seriously! He contemplates that if this woman were kidnapped by pirates, he would save her and then they would camp on the steps of an ancient temple… and the natives would crown them king and queen. The lyrics are so incredibly ridiculous that you can’t help but fall in love with the song. LISTEN
- Life is in the Air by Broadway Calls. Imagine those last few days of classes before you leave for summer vacation (or, as Northeastern students, go on co-ops and Dialogues). That feeling of excitement for the summer but knowing you’ll miss your college friends to death combined with the carefree party atmosphere in the air is what this song is all about. LISTEN
- Wrecking Ball by Bruce Springsteen. I know we all know the Boss to some extent, whether we just know Born in the USA or have the lyrics to every song memorized. But I’m including this song because it’s off his latest album (named Wrecking Ball after the song) that hasn’t been out for more than a few weeks. We’ve all been so preoccupied with midterms and spring break that you probably haven’t had a chance to hear this song yet…and you’re missing out! LISTEN
- Call to Arms by Angels & Airwaves. Most of us know Blink-182 and remember jamming to The Rock Show and All the Small Things before the band broke up (they ARE thankfully back together again and making new music now, though). But what happened to Tom, Mark, and Travis when the band was broken up? While Travis and Mark helped form the pop-punk/alternative rock band +44, Tom sang for Angels & Airwaves. His extremely distinct vocals and the spacey sounding instrumentals create a unique and–in my opinion–incredible sound for the band. LISTEN
- The Best I Ever Had by The Swellers. Do you like pop-punk music? Like your music a little tamer? This song can satisfy your taste no matter what because there’s an acoustic version to accompany the original song! It’s all about looking back fondly on a relationship. It’s sad and beautiful and makes you want to find a relationship as special the one the singer had with his ex. LISTEN – ACOUSTIC
- Summer by Fireworks. This is the kind of song that you want to blast in your car with the windows down as you speed down a highway on a beautiful summer evening. It’s carefree and happy…and it just happens to be one of my all-time favorite songs. LISTEN
There’s a song in here for everyone, collegiettes; I’d love to know which one is your favorite. So, without further ado, happy listening!