By Tori “Senioritis” Stukins
It’s done, guys. Your last final is in, and you cannot wait to jump on that bus or throw the last load of laundry in the car to get off this forsaken campus. Well, I’m right there with you. Here are some jams to fuel your ride home.
1. “Welcome to the Black Parade” by My Chemical Romance
This seems like an odd choice to kick off your winter break, but soldier through it with me for a second. Once you get past that first minute of dreariness (that you may or may not have felt during your finals), you really get into the emotion of the song. It builds you up, and suddenly, it erupts into this awesome, uplifting piece. So yeah, listen to all of it.
2. “Back to the Shack” by Weezer
I am oh so happy with Weezer’s new album. You have no idea, which is probably true because you don’t know me that well. This playlist will either severely weird you out, or you’ll be rocking along with me. I like to call this the “let’s go the heck home” song. Go forth and jam with your home friends or someone completely new!
3. “Shake It Off” by Taylor Swift
Yes, I like T Swift. Deal. C’mon, this song just screams “FINALS ARE OVER!” It’ll end up being the celebration anthem of 2014. I guarantee it. If you don’t mind, I’ll be shaking off these finals and projects. Nope, not apologizing for that last bit of word play.
4. “It’s Not Unusual” by Tom Jones
I’m going pretty old school on this next one, but I needed to keep the trend of silly dance music going. Not only is this the Carlton anthem, but one of my favorite comedians John Mulaney also uses this song in one of his pieces. Plus, this song is short, sweet and to the point. Unleash your inner Carlton and boogie around the apartment after your last final. I know I’ll be doing that Friday.
5. “Saturday” by Fall Out Boy
Naturally, as a hardcore FOB fan, I had to include them on this list. They like to play this song last at concerts, and I found it fitting to throw it at the end of my semester as well. I think I can speak for a lot of us when I say that college students really do live for Saturday. It’s that sweet spot of the weekend where you can do anything you want for a day. Whether it’s going home or partying, I hope your Saturday is as great as FOB’s.
6. “Come and Get Your Love” by Redbone
Better known now as the “opening credits song in Guardians of the Galaxy,” this song is so much catchier than people give it credit. While I am a huge supporter of Guardians, I highly recommend giving the entire song a listen.
7. “Dance Apocalyptic” by Janelle Monáe
I got to see the lovely Electric Lady herself perform this at Bonnaroo this past summer, and I am still stretching to imitate her dance moves from that concert. Nothing will get your energy up quite like this song.
8.“Weightless” by All Time Low
One lyric of this song says it all: “maybe it’s not my weekend, but it’s gonna be my year.” If you didn’t do well on your finals, or the semester didn’t go well, don’t worry about it! You are the master of your own destiny. Plus, there’s always next year.
9. “Harlem” by New Politics
I have a lot of feelings about New Politics. As the host of WPGU’s Alternative Around the World, I love to include this group from Denmark quite a bit. Their sound is just infectious, and I hope you rock out to this on your commute home.
10. “Anthem Part Two” by Blink-182
Okay, this song is a little rough, but I still love the energy behind it. Plus, they used it on the soundtrack for that movie Stick It, so it can’t be all that bad. I had to throw in something for the teenager angst we all feel after suffering a semester at college.
11. “Starships” (Nicki Minaj Cover) by Pentatonix
Do I really have to give a reason for including Pentatonix? Their silliness makes me happy, and I was not expecting a Nicki Minaj a cappella cover song to ever happen.
12. “Candy” by Robbie Williams
This is by far one of the catchiest songs I’ve ever heard. Also, I dare you to try not to dance when this song is on. I fail every time.
13. “Wings” by Little Mix
Never heard of Little Mix? Well, allow me to alert your ears to this musical genius. The harmonies in this song are absolute gold. Also, this is one of the most positive songs I’ve ever heard. Don’t let anyone (or any test) prevent you from spreading your wings.
14. “Come On Eileen” (Dexys Midnight Runners Cover) by Save Ferris
Yet another song to just get you up singing or dancing, whichever you prefer! As you can tell, I’m a fan of covers, and this is one of my favorites of all-time.
If you made it all the way through my playlist, you have brought a smile to my face! Seriously, I’ll probably keep smiling randomly every time someone does it. I have a sixth sense about this kind of thing. On a more serious note, I hope you had an awesome semester and your finals were simply smashing. If they weren’t, take a breath then go home and watch some Christmas movies. Remember: you come first over schoolwork and anything else. Everything will get better, and you’ll come back refreshed to kick butt in another semester.
Cheers!
The Spread 