I'll be the first to admit that this song is a little bit too reliant on its chorus, but it has some awesome keyboard work, a cool bridge and its lyrics hit home (in a quite literal way) for me.
2. "Feeding Line" by Boy & Bear
Stick Mumford & Sons, Arcade Fire and Fleet Foxes into a blender (please don't) and you get this awesome band. This is definitely one of the better songs off their debut album Moonfire, which came out in August.
3. "5 Years Time" by Noah & The Whale
Starting with the carefree whistle in its opening, this song will put you in a great (if not a bit nostalgic) mood. It reminds us of how we change and grow, and the ways our perspectives shift.
4. "Half Moon" by Blind Pilot
This song is even better than the delicious shake of the same name served down at Maxwell's. Unlike that sugar-packed drink, this song will calm you down and leave you feeling serene. Perfect study song or chill-out tune.
5. "Wax & Wire" by Loch Lomond
With folksy jamming juxtaposed with slow piano parts accompanied by soulful lyrics, this song is certainly a bit of a tour through this band's varied style. Take what you want from this song; it makes some people sad, others happy, optimistic, reflective, etc.
6. "Big Black Bird" by Blitzen Trapper
This song really lets the guitar sing to you without letting it overpower the vocals or other instruments. Enjoy it while you can: at two minutes and 47 seconds, it's the shortest one on this list.
7. "Endless Summer" by The Jezabels
Despite the fact that we've just returned from fall break, it's never too late to say goodbye to summer. With its fasts-and-slows and highs-and-lows, this is a genuinely interesting song that always puts me in a great mood.
8. "Tropical" by FM Belfast
So it's not off their awesomely popular June album Don't Want to Sleep (try "American" or "Vertigo"), but it's arguably their biggest song to date. Who can complain with nonsense lyrics like these: "Playing keyboards is my monkey Pedro. He's tropical. He's chimpanzee."
9. "Broken Heart" by The Novel Ideas
A feel-good despite its name, this song starts and stops (sometimes) without warning and is full of surprises. This group reminds me of some kind of Okkervil River variant with a Neutral Milk Hotel-style penchant for lo-fi recordings and raw vocals.
10. "Pray For You" by Jaron and the Long Road to Love
Watch the music video on YouTube when trying this song out. It's essentially an anti-love song. As he sings about a variety of horrible things happening to his lover ("I pray your tire blows out at 110"), Jaron essentially gets the living daylights kicked out of him by his nasty lady.
11. "Eileen" by Tin Sparrow
This indie folk quartet has only released an EP but I have high hopes for them, especially considering their similarities in sound and circumstance to Boy & Bear. This might not be the best song on the EP, but it fits well in this group and, if it leaves you wanting more, you can go listen to "Fool's Gold" (not to be confused with The Middle East's song of the same name).
12. "Brazil (2nd Edit)" by deadmau5
As the only example of progressive house on this playlist, "Brazil" is certainly the odd-track-out. Anyway, this is a great song for driving on empty roads late at night. It has both a calmness and an energy that interplay wonderfully. Plus it's deadmau5 at his best.
13. "Time Could Do Better" by Eyes of 99
As the thirteenth song on this list, enjoy the free download on the web as your own musical baker's dozen. It's a cool – if slightly generic – song with a vocals-driven sound and a chorus that rises out of the chill several times.
Wherever pop and folk music successfully collide, Maggie Rogers is certain to be there. Listen to the song that got her discovered by Pharrell and launched her promising career.
2. “After the Storm (feat. Tyler, the Creator & Bootsy Collins)” by Kali Uchis
New to the R&B scene, Uchis has more than proved her capabilities as a force to be reckoned with. In this song, she collaborates with a rap legend to make a hit that not only sounds good, but can also get you through any rainy day.
3. “hope is a dangerous thing for a woman like me to have— but i have it” by Lana Del Rey
Lana Del Rey’s music has never been known to get a crowd hyped. But when you’re alone and in your feelings, nothing can compete with her sultry, contemplative lyrics.
4. “Velvet Elvis” By Kacey Musgraves
Choosing a song from Slow Burn, the Grammy “Album of the Year,” is like trying to choose a favorite child. Just give the whole album a listen. It is worth your time.
5. “Peach” by Broods
You’ve heard of Lorde, but New Zealand has more than one pop icon to offer. This sibling duo combines everything we love about deep, troubled lyrics with a bubbly refrain.
6. “bury a friend” by Billie Ellish
Don’t sleep on the newest single from Ellish’s album, “WHEN WE ALL FALL ASLEEP, WHERE DO WE GO?” set to be released March 29. Never straying far from her pop roots, she invites you into melancholy contemplation of a fever-dream, full of heavy bass and distorted vocals.
7. “Good as Hell” by Lizzo
All about self-empowerment and being true to yourself, Lizzo creates music that makes you feel warm inside. You’ll probably be humming this all week because you can’t get it out of your head.
8. “Handmade Heaven” by Marina
After a five year hiatus, Marina is back to making music. Reminiscent of her past eras but singing with a distinct new sound, she couldn’t have returned on a stronger note.
9. “Tourist” by Alex Winston
Ever felt used by an ex? This classically-trained opera singer has made the perfect song to sum up all the feelings you’re holding inside.
10. “I’m not Calling You a Liar” by Florence + the Machine
This song still sounds as fresh as Florence’s most recent ballads. No one compares to her distinct and effortless vocals.
11. “Silver Knife” by SHAED
If the Bee Gees and Prince had a baby that was raised by MGMT, you’d probably get something similar to this song. As odd as that description is, this tune is worth a listen.
12.“Rhiannon” by Fleetwood Mac
I know I’ve thrown obscure artists at you, but sometimes you have to go back to the basics. If you’ve never heard this song, check your pulse because you might not be alive.
13. “Traveling Song” by Ryn Weaver
If you’re taking a road trip soon, want to reminisce on memories or are just missing an old friend, this is the song to do just that.
Every year, Colgate University awards the O’Connor Fellowship to two budding writers who have yet to publish their first book. The program began in ...
