4 Playlists to Start Your School Year Right

I don’t know about you, but I almost always have my headphones in. I listen to music constantly from public transit to the gym, to studying and working –  sometimes I find myself in a rut, listening to the same playlist every day, holding onto the hope that my favorite artists will put something new out soon. If you are experiencing this same kind of thing, look no further. I have curated some back-to-school playlists, just for you. 

For when you need a confidence boost 

Whether you’re amping yourself before a midterm exam, running that extra mile at the fitness center, or just plain feeling yourself, these songs will make you feel unstoppable. 

1. Confident – Demi Lovato 

2. Girl On Fire – Alicia Keys

3. Cry Me a River – Justin Timberlake

4. I Do (feat. SZA) – Cardi B

5. Boo’d Up – Ella Mai

6. ICY GIRL – Saweetie

7. 21 – H.E.R.

8. The Weekend Funk Wav Remix – SZA, Calvin Harris

9. Don’t Be so Hard on Yourself – Jess Glynne

10. MIDDLE CHILD – J. Cole

11. You Know I’m No Good – Amy Winehouse

12. Gloria – Tierra Whack

13. Ordinary – UMI

14. You Need to Calm Down – Taylor Swift

15. Be Honest (feat. Burna Boy) – Jorja Smith

For when you’ve moved on

Entering the school year single has its perks, but sometimes you need a little reminder – these songs will make you grateful you said bye-bye to your summer fling so you can focus on yourself. 

1. Truth Hurts – Lizzo

2. No Scrubs – TLC 

3. Since U Been Gone – Kelly Clarkson 

4. I Wish I Missed my Ex – Mahalia 

5. IDGAF – Dua Lipa 

6. No tears left to cry – Ariana Grande

7. She Don’t (feat. Ty Dolla $ign) – Ella Mai

8. Tears Dry On Their Own – Amy Winehouse

9. Only Child – Tierra Whack

10. Hard Place – H.E.R

11. Glad He’s Gone – Tove Lo

12. I Forgot That You Existed – Taylor Swift

13. BOY BYE – BROCKHAMPTON

14. Peach – Kevin Abstract

15. Mariposa – Peach Tree Rascals 

For early mornings 

These songs will make you feel warm and fuzzy so you can go into your day with good vibes only. 

1. Circles – Post Malone

2. comethru – Jeremy Zucker

3. Honey – Kehlani

4. Flaming Hot Cheetos – Clairo

5. As I Am – H.E.R.

6. Summertime in Paris – Jaden, WILLOW

7. Song 32 – Noname

8. Summertime Magic – Childish Gambino

9. Butterfly – UMI 

10. C U Girl – Steve Lacy

11. Yah / Element Medley – Joy Crookes

12. Through and Through – khai dreams

13. Cleaner Air – Yeek

14. 24/7/365 – Surfaces

15. Stay Flo – Solange

16. Lovestained – Hope Tala

For when you’re stressed 

Take some deep breaths and listen to these songs if you’re having trouble sleeping, or if you’re feeling overwhelmed. Take some time to just sit back, relax, and take care of yourself.

1. Pink Moon – Nick Drake

2. Paint – The Paper Kites

3. Heartbeats – Jose Gonzalez

4. Imagine – Jack Johnson

5. Love on the Weekend – John Mayer

6. Clay Pigeons – Michael Cera

7. Tiger Striped Sky – Roo Panes

8. Can I Stay – Ray LaMontagne

9. New Slang – The Shins

10. Baby Please – Black Pool

11. The Archer – Adam Melchor

12. Harvest Moon (Cover) – Imaginary Future

13. Sleepwalker – Julie Byrne

14. Across the Universe – Fiona Apple

15. First Day of My Life – Bright Eyes 

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