By Kevin Koeninger
The weather is finally warming back up and the walks to and from class are becoming less of a battle against mother nature.
For many students, this walk is usually a monotonous journey that requires self-motivation. However, with the emergence of the i-Pod age, music has become the new companion for a significant number of students.
Here is a compiled list of songs every student should have that will surely get you to your seat every day and on time.
“You’re Like A Ghost” by Sherwood
Sherwood hails from California and is still relatively unknown, but their energetic and catchy tunes are sure to put a spring in your step. The bands sound, which features an organ among other things, is pure West Coast pop-rock, and the lyrics don’t depart from this style. With descriptions of sandy beaches and palm trees, Sherwood will have you wishing it was Spring Break.
“SexyBack”
by Justin Timberlake
Probably the jam that drove Britney back to the gym. Justin brings sexy all the way back like a grown-ass man, in sync with Timbaland on a spaced-out Prince-style funk fantasia.
“New Virginia Creeper” by Old Crow Medicine Show
Shifting gears quite a bit, Old Crow Medicine Show offers pure, unadulterated bluegrass/folk music with this song off their first major release, “Big Iron World”. Rife with sexual overtones, this upbeat and incredibly catchy song is sure to have anyone humming along in no time. Dense harmonies and a lush sound that includes a harmonica and, of course, a fiddle, makes Old Crow Medicine Show a worthy companion on the way to class.
“Dance, Dance” by Fall Out Boy
Don’t fight them: an irresistible number in which Patrick Stump spews at a cheating lover he’d still agree to take back if she’d just sleep with him again, dang it. But the catchy words and witty humor of the lyrics will definitely get the brain turning early on.
“Is It Any Wonder?” by Keane
Keane is a three-piece outfit from England who made a splash in the U.S. with their debut release, “Hopes and Fears” in 2004. “Is It Any Wonder?” is off their most recent release, however, but it follows their former style, a blend of pop and alternative rock centered around piano and vocals. Vocalist Tom Chaplin is a true talent, and his ability for crafting poignant yet progressive songs is never more evident than here.
“It’s Going Down” by Yung Joc with Nitti
“Meet me in the club/It’s going down”: More proof of the power of a pure, synthy snap beat and a singsongy rhyme. This is a great song to stir up some adrenaline and get that blood flowing early on.
“Between the Earth and Where We Lie” by Thrice
If you should happen to be in a bit of a pensive, reflective mood while wandering around campus, look no further than Thrice’s latest album, “Vheissu”.
Singer/songwriter Dustin Kensrue has a knack for focusing on more serious subjects than the usual rock band, and “Between the Earth and Where We Lie” is no exception. The song is truly representative of the band as a whole, with aggressive instrumentation and guttural vocals.
While the bands harder sound may alienate some listeners, Thrice really does offer quite a bit, both musically and lyrically.
“Alcohol” by Brad Paisley
Finally, we come upon a song that would be most appropriate on a Thursday or Friday, looking ahead to the coming weekend. While Brad Paisley is certainly a mainstream musical icon, his innovative songs and serious guitar chops are enough to impress the staunchest of pop critics. “Alcoholî is simply a fun song, sure to have you smiling on the way to another humdrum day at school.
So while the end of your journey may be a classroom, there’s no reason you shouldn’t enjoy the walk; loading up your i-Pod with these songs and more is sure to help put a little extra bounce in your step. “Crazy” by Gnarls Barkley
In a perfect world, Al Green could still sing collard-green soul gems like this one, but Cee-Lo and Danger Mouse stepped up with an instant classic, winning this year’s “Hey Ya!” award for the song nobody even pretended not to like. Everybody tried to cover itóbut nobody can hit the chorus like Cee-Lo, and nobody ever will.
“Read My Mind” by The Killers
A shimmering sing-along about love in the sticks. Ever wonder what Bono would sound like if he grew up in Vegas?–this song is rocking and lyrical, enough for a good wake-up.
“Ain’t No Other Man” by Christina Aguilera
Aguilera digs up DJ Premiere for a zoot-suit-riot dance cut, all brassy horn samples and even brassier vocals. The upbeat rhythm and energy of Aguilera is the perfect equivalency to coffee.
“The Long Way Around” by The Dixie Chicks
A heart-tugging guitar anthem for small-town girls with big dreams — and the best ersatz Springsteen song in a year that was packed with them.
“Yo (Excuse Me Miss)” by Chris Brown
Usher didn’t drop any new panty-dissolver R&B ballads this past year, so Brown stepped up to the plate, doing for “U Make Me Wanna” what “Run It!” did for “Yeah!” This song will have almost anyone testing out his or her new dance moves on the sidewalk.
“Before He Cheats” by Carrie
Underwood
The country-jukebox favorite of 2006 and American Idol sweetheart is reborn as a psycho stalker, slashing her man’s tires outside the honky-tonkóbut she is definitely a relatable character to anyone who has been cheated on. Plus, her chorus is pretty catchy and can pump up any dragging morning.
“It’s Going Down” by Yung Joc with Nitti
“Meet me in the club/It’s going down”: More proof of the power of a pure, synthy snap beat and a singsongy rhyme. This is a great song to stir up some adrenaline and get that blood flowing early on.
