Back-to-School Blues: September Music Suggestions
As another school year has arrived, so has the eminent need for new music to drown your sorrows in. Here are some of my recommendations for this year. (It’s also very good music to listen to while you are sick.)
- “White Room” by Cream- “White Room” is a solid rock song that will get stuck in your head throughout the day. The beginning of the song starts off with its super catchy chorus that instantly draws you in. If you like classic rock, Cream is the band for you.
- “Alligator” by Grateful Dead – “Alligator” is one of those rare long songs that are worth your time. Perfect for listening to while studying or just relaxing, this song has a slow but smooth beat. The song starts off with a balance of lyrics and music but then fades into an instrumental song with some pretty wicked percussion.
- “We’re Going To Be Friends” by The White Stripes – One of my all time favorites, “We’re Going To Be Friends” is one of those songs that resonates with everyone, no matter your music taste. Throughout the song, the theme of making a new friend on the first day of school is amplified by Jack White’s innocent lyrics and simple guitar strumming, which are qualities that I personally like.
- “Sadie Hawkins Dance” by Relient K- A prime example of Relient K’s music style, “Sadie Hawkins Dance” has an abrupt fast paced tempo that blends with a strong guitar lead. Matched with a super catchy beat, the song’s lyrics tell a relatable story about uncomfortable experiences in high school.
- “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” by Relient K – Although it is September, Christmas music is great to listen to any time of the year. In addition, Relient K’s version of “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” provides the charm of classic Christmas music with a rock twist.
- “Sugar Magnolia” by Grateful Dead – This song might have been sent from God. “Sugar Magnolia” has a super catchy beat with lyrics you can follow along. Unlike “Alligator”, “Sugar Magnolia” is much more lyric based which makes it very fun to sing along to, if you are that kind of person. In general, the Grateful Dead produces music that is very soothing to listen to when you are stressed out.
- “Kozmic Blues” by Janis Joplin – Even though “Kozmic Blues” is not Joplin’s most popular song, in my opinion it is her best. Joplin’s unique raspy voice is the star of this song and stays strong throughout. It might be strange to listen to at first, but you will grow to love it.
- “Mercedes Benz” by Janis Joplin – The first Janis Joplin song I have ever listened to, “Mercedes Benz” is a classic. Although super short, the song still seems complete with Joplin’s message and emotions clearly portrayed in a very gritty but passionate manner. Joplin sings acapella fearlessly, combating the materialistic society that we are consumed in.
- “Northern Downpour” by Pan!c at the Disco – If you listen to this, wear headphones! The song starts off with instrumental in one ear and vocals in the other, which gives it a nice layered sound. Unlike most of Pan!c at the Disco’s works, “Northern Downpour” is slowed down and unrelated to the pop punk genre, which is the classification the band is commonly known for. These qualities give the listener the ability to actually hear Brendon Urie’s voice, which is edited in newer albums and blows. If you like this song, check out their “Pretty Odd” album; I do not recommend any of their other albums.
- “I’m Eighteen” by Alice Cooper – “I’m Eighteen”’s theme of teenage angst along with Alice Cooper’s rough and raspy voice gives the song a very catchy and relatable vibe. The song also features a harmonica part in the beginning which strangely works with the aggressive guitar that appears throughout the rock hit.
