By: Omar Nsouli
Whether you commute to campus by car, bus, or . . . a helicopter, for all I know, Monday mornings can sometimes be a drag. A cure for this early inconvenience are songs calm enough to be played in the morning, but pack a little punch of energy to keep you going during the gruelling transition from home to classes.
“KANTE (feat. Fave)” by Davido
The first time I heard this song was at a Drake concert and I could not resist Shazaming it — the melody was hypnotizing. The rhythmic Afrobeats track features a bouncy use of drums and blissful brass inclusions. Released earlier this year, “KANTE” is from Afrobeats star Davido’s newest album, Timeless. This song is perfect to add to your playlist because of its jazzy flair, which is sure to serenade you out of sleep.
“Dolerme” by ROSALÍA
From reggaetón to rock and everything in between, Spanish artist ROSALÍA can do it all. For her 2020 alt-rock song, “Dolerme” (‘hurt me’ in Spanish), ROSALÍA deals with heartbreak. Released near the beginning of quarantine, ROSALÍA shared how music is healing for her mental health in a vulnerable Notes app confession on Instagram. Through the novel use of an autotuned chorus and a soft guitar strum, this sentimental track packs an appropriate amount of angst to start your journey to school.
“Binz” by Solange
“I just wanna wake up to the suns in Saint Laurent” is a quote that will remain iconic in the Knowles literary canon among many other famed lyrics she shares with her sister, Beyoncé. The sumptuous song contains a relaxing use of funky keyboards and experimental guitar, coated by Solange’s honey-like voice. Solange sings about wishing to wake up one day “on a yacht” and just taking it easy with luxuries circling her. The mellow and summery dream acts as a small escape from your mundane Monday.
“Possibly Maybe” by Björk
Beginning with a telephonic and ethereal sound to initiate a sonic journey, “Possibly Maybe” is a great accompaniment to your commute. The trip-hop track is an aural jungle, blending an infinite mix of sounds and genres into one bite-sized song. Björk sprinkles in a telephone, a cartoonish crescendo, and soft brass notes as she sings about how anything could’ve happened when she was with then ex-boyfriend, Stéphane Sednaoui. Eclectic yet calm, the song is a perfect addition to your commuting playlist for its innovative experimental sound.
