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Eight Songs To Get You Through That January Slump

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at PSU chapter.

Ladies, it is that time of year where the weather is dreary and there is pretty much nothing that will motivate you to walk to your 9 a.m. class. Even though it is super easy to fall into a winter slump, try your best to suppress it with a fresh cup of coffee, a good attitude and a few new tunes.

Whether you are all about a good pop anthem, into those folky indie vibes or just looking for some new playlist inspiration, you’re in the right place.

Taylor Swift’s “Betty” gives off serious Jo March energy. Does anyone else agree? Well, whether you’re a Jo or an Amy, use this song to push through that slight identity crisis you’re having and keep doing great things.

But if you’re an Amy, don’t fret, we still mostly love you.

Sawyer has singlehandedly gotten me out of my own personal January slump. This pop duo does it all and I can’t get enough. The songwriting is so playful and personal and while their discography is small, I’ve truly enjoyed every song.

Think about giving “Nashville” a listen for great lyricism or try “Emotional Girls” to solicit a laugh.

I like to consider Mt. Joy as a more indie rock version of The Lumineers. “Astrovan” was the song that got me hooked on Mt. Joy and since then, their folky music is so upbeat and easy to listen to.

Add “Julia” and “Silver Lining” to the queue right after “Astrovan.” Those songs won’t disappoint, I promise.

I have a feeling everyone has listened to this one, but still, “Mr. Rager” sometimes just scratches all the right places in my brain. There isn’t much else to say about this Kid Cudi masterpiece, it simply does the trick every time it pops up in my Spotify queue.

“I’m waiting on the sun.” Aren’t we all, Penn Staters? “REPRISE” is an optimistic, newly released song from everyone’s favorite, The Lumineers. The melody from “REPRISE” will add some pep in your step on the way to class and remind you to “head to the brightside.”

I sure hope that you haven’t “forgotten how to smile,” but Oscar Lang let us know that it is okay to change for the better, even though it might take time. “Something Has Changed” is such a great tune and never fails to boost my mood, and sometimes, that is no easy feat.

Okay, don’t hate on this one. Even though “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series” takes serious effort to say and might leave a bad taste in your mouth, Olivia Rodrigo doesn’t miss. “Out of the Old” remind you to keep on keeping on and that there is always something to look forward to. It doesn’t matter if you are Team Olivia or Team Josh, this song is worth a listen.

Vampire Weekend guitarist Rostam Batmanglij told Digital Spy that “Step” is about “people who can be possessive over songs they love.” I promise, collegiettes, there is no music gatekeeping around here. On an otherwise emotional and intensive third album, “Step” is an easy melody to get lost in.

If you’re interested in more of my mood-boosting favorites, check out the Spotify playlist below. 

Set those alarms, turn in your assignments and keep moving forward. Make this semester everything you want it to be and say no to a January slump.

Keeley is a first-year journalism major from Richmond, Va. and is one of Her Campus at Penn State's associate editors. She is a lover of grilled cheese, sports, and Kevin Jonas. If you would like to discuss the superior Jonas Brother, feel free to contact her on Twitter @lammkeeley.