BY CHRISTINA BOUCOURT
With the start of school, students have to abandon their free time, their sleep and the time they spend with friends. However, they cannot put music on hold for 9 whole months. Here are four songs to help you get through the hallways, the homework and the stress that inevitably accompanies a new school year.
1. When the Day Met the Night- Panic at the Disco
This lively song off of Panic’s second album, Pretty. Odd, displays the band’s trademark upbeat theatrical feel and is perfect for those days when you’re feeling down. The use of vocal harmonies and orchestral arranging creates a jubilant mood that just makes you want to spring into an impromptu 50’s swing dance. The band’s songwriter (up until their third album, Vices & Virtues), Ryan Ross, also trades in his usual pop culture referencing lyrics for something more substantial. Although the lyrics often sound insignificant and nonessential, it’s still a cheery song to jam out to in the mornings when you need a boost.
2. Dyed in the Wool- Circa Survive
When I first heard this track, the intro stuck to me. If it was translated into a movie, the hypothetical scenario would show a camera panning over the schools entrance, focusing on certain social groups that have conflicts with each other. Then the main character would step out of a bus and gaze at the school dramatically. With its acoustic/electric instrumentation and folk influences, the instrumental core of the song has an almost tropical feel. Soft chords give a breezy and cheerful mood, which is cleverly contradicted by the lyrics. Anthony Green’s powerful vocals compliment the strong power chords and perfectly blend in with a faded choir. The overall bubbly yet melancholy feel of the song, for me, is the perfect “wake me up” to listen to in the morning.
3. Ragged Wood- Fleet Foxes
Fleet Foxes’ trademark earthy, harmony-filled style is perfectly displayed on this track. It has an enchanted forest feel, like the set of The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. Vocals play a huge role in their music, whereas their lyrics mainly follow the nature theme. The band switches lead vocals to basic harmonies from verse to verse. Tied in with mild rhythmic syncopation, Ragged Wood demonstrates the bands signature natural folk aesthetic. The songs’ lusty vibes really give you the energy and motivation to do anything (perhaps even that homework you’ve been putting off).
4. No Good Before Noon- Into it. Over it.
Although it contains influences that are similar to Evan Wiess’ style, this particular song is unique from other tracks. The song honestly depicts the emotional equivalent of the average high school student in the morning. Even the song title perfectly sums up what everyone thinks about their work ethic. The light vocals and gentle instrumental set a good mood for someone who just wants to go back to bed. Lines like “I have realized I’m not built for nine-to-five’s” are easily relatable and reflect everyone’s thoughts in the morning.
