A Playlist for Success

Now that shopping week is over and the semester is in full swing, bloodshot eyes, large mugs of coffee, and crowds at Lamont in the wee hours of the morning are an everyday occurrence. We've made a list of the songs that will get you out of bed in the morning, to your 9 a.m. section, and through a long problem set.

The Wake-Up:

Arguably the most important music of your day. These songs will give you the strength to potentially make it to breakfast—let’s be real though, it’s a struggle getting to the first meal of the day.

“Roar” by Katy Perry

If this doesn’t empower you, we don’t know what will. Within 45 seconds you’ll feel capable of running a marathon, and you might even have the inspiration to finally head to the MAC. Grab your hairbrush and rock out while you get ready for class. You’ll be in a good mood all day.

“Wake Me Up” by Avicii

When you feel really helpless—at your darkest hour, when the idea of getting out of bed is worse than the impending doom of your math p-set—turn to this song. It’s basically song-ception. You’ve got a country song with pretty decent lyrics that transforms into an EDM party song. It will give you that extra needed push.

“Ways to Go” by Grouplove

“[I got a little bit longer] / I got a ways to go,” Grouplove sings. Losing track of days? So are we. Your awkward, hipster dance moves will surface under the covers as you snap your fingers along to the beat.

The Walk to Class:

This day feels like it’s going to last forever. Pump yourself up while sipping your fourth cup of coffee as you pass tourists on your way to Sever.

“Pompeii” by Bastille

This song is all about picking yourself up off the floor after a rough day.  What would you do if Mt. Vesuvius erupted in the middle of your midday nap? Bastille gets it: “How am I gonna be an optimist about this?” Try to move past the little failures.

“Counting Stars” by OneRepublic

“Lately I been, I been losing sleep,” sings OneRepublic; we can all relate to that. As you tap your foot along to the catchy beat, you’ll be daydreaming about the endless possibilities of life at Harvard.

“Safe and Sound” by Capital Cities

As soon as this song comes on, you’ll be seriously jamming out. Whether walking to class or studying, you’ll be shaking your hips. Within seconds you’ll be fist pumping the air and your textbook won’t seem so boring.

The Study Break:

It’s 10 p.m. and you’ve gone to three classes, two meetings, and maybe dinner. You stop back at your room for an hour to regroup before hitting the library. Grab your blockmates, hide your textbooks, and have a ten-minute dance party.

“Burn” by Ellie Goulding

Our girl Ellie has done it again: not only has she caused you to question the range of the human voice, but her words will also resonate. You’re surrounded by amazing people all the time, and you’ll definitely sometimes feel like “We got the fire, and we're burning one hell of a something / They gonna see us from outer space.”

“Wobble” by V.I.C.

Embrace the fact that you look like an idiot doing this dance. You’ll totally bond with your entryway while shaking it to this one. Thou must not judge the wobble abilities of thy neighbor.

“The Fox” by Ylvis

So this was the song of the summer in Europe, but since it only became popular in the US recently, it can technically be considered a song of the fall. You will be left perplexed and questioning your existence. Side effects: infectious happiness and a smile tattooed on your face. And yes, everyone is hoping that The Fox will play this at some point soon. Do not try to understand it, just listen to it on repeat.