Photo taken by: Charlie Nguyen
Winter quarter will soon come to a close and SoCal’s idea of chilly, freezing weather and erratic rain will soon leave and pave the way for refreshing, feel-good, sunny spring weather. Even with finals here, keep in mind that spring break is right around the corner and everything it promises – Netflix for days, spontaneous road trips, beach days and so forth – will be yours to enjoy soon enough! So here is a list of songs that encapsulate the feeling of the “finals grind”. Relax, enjoy, and ace those pesky finals!
1) “Roar” – Katy Perry:
This mid-tempo pop song about standing up for yourself is sure to motivate you. Turn this up, get into it and remember Perry has your back.
2) “Back In Black” – AC/DC:
If Iron Man, aka Robert Downey Jr., deemed this song acceptable as his theme song for kicking supervillain butt, then you better believe that this song can make you feel like overpowering those finals while looking cool at the same time.
3) “California Love” – 2Pac feat. Dr. Dre and Roger Troutman
Because one, this song can never get old and two, you have to appreciate that going to college in California is pretty amazing because of the food, the beaches, Disneyland, and seriously, this list can basically go on forever.
4) “Kids” – Mikky Ekko
“Kids are gonna do what they want.” Truer words have never been spoken Mikky. Even if finals are killing you, remember the fun aspects of college!
5) “Popular Song” – Mika feat. Ariana Grande
Mika’s quirkiness and Ariana’s pipes might be the musical combination you never knew you wanted to hear until it actually happened. Get up and enjoy the feel-good vibe this song emanates.
6) “Anna Sun” – Walk the Moon
This song was actually named after the lead singer’s college professor so of course it tries to capture the excitement and youthfulness of what everyone calls, “the best four years of your life”. Enjoy this song.
7) “Sweet Disposition” – The Temper Trap
The perfect song to listen to on the way to class, back from class, studying, or relaxing: the soothing vocals and equally soothing beats will keep you calm and level-headed.
8) “Counting Stars (Cover)” – Clara C & Joseph Vincent
Yes this song is seriously overplayed on the radio, no matter how great the song is. However, Clara’s and Joseph’s take on OneRepublic’s hit song revamps the upbeat tempo into a more mellow and lowkey one. Their soft yet strong voices combine and harmonize beautifully to create a unique cover that is pleasing to listen to. As an added bonus, the two talented musicians both graduated from UCI. If they can do it, so can you!
9) “Anything Could Happen” – Ellie Goulding
Ellie Goulding is definitely known for her soft voice and catchy beats. This song is no different and with its hopeful lyrics, it is the perfect study pick-me-up.
10) “Can’t Hold Us” – Macklemore & Ryan Lewis
This song is another finals pick-me-up. Everyone has experienced the weariness from school, the “mentally done with classes after Week 10” feeling, so this song should be just what you need to get you excited and finish strong..
11) “Sleeping at Night” – Caught a Ghost
“Suits” fans might recognize this song from season three and for good reason. “I hope you make it alright/Make your mind up, you get right up”. With lyrics like those, this is the perfect study song.
12) “Burn” – Usher
Let’s be honest. At some point during one of your numerous, tedious study sessions, your mind will reach the point where it cannot possibly process any more information and you will feel like collapsing on your bed where you will seriously contemplate lying forever. Here is the song you play when you have to break it to your study materials that you are done.
13) “DLZ” – TV on the Radio
“Breaking Bad” fans, you may recognize this song as it marked one of the most important moments in “Breaking Bad” history, albeit a moment from one of the much earlier seasons. With its lyrics, this song will get the science majors in particular into the studying mood. Don’t follow Walt’s example though everyone.
14) “Make it Home” – Hoodie Allen feat. Kina Grannis
This unexpected but beautiful collab between Hoodie and Kina – both talented artists in their respective genres – has the right amount of rap intertwined with the right amount of acoustics. It is sure to appeal both fans of rap as well as fans of YouTube artists with an indie, acoustic style like Kina’s.