This week’s 13 beats feature songs for a refreshed, productive and happy morning!

1. Maine — Noah Kahan (2020)

Maine is the last track on Cape Elizabeth, an EP by Noah Kahan. It has the raw, indie feeling that the EP centers on; the hums and bird sounds drop the listener into the serene landscape that Kahan’s lyrics describe. Lines like “a boat beside a dock in the sunlight” provide a refreshing backdrop for a morning routine.

RIYL: Ben Howard, James Bay, Gregory Alan Isakov

2. Surf — Mac Miller (2020)

The echoey, bright strumming of guitar and layered vocals that Mac Miller provides in this song are the perfect blend of calm and energizing tones. Miller sings about letting go and growing, which are fitting messages to hear at the start of a new day.

RIYL: Logic, Brockhampton, blackbear

3. Daphne Blue — The Band Camino (2019)

“Daphne Blue” focuses on missing a lover that was once revitalizing and exciting. As track three on The Band Camino’s EP “tryhard”, the song combines the reverb of electric guitar and a steady drum beat to create a tune that’s hard not to dance and sing along to. 

RIYL: The 1975, The Backseat Lovers, The Script

4. Awake My Soul — Mumford & Sons (2009)

A classic Mumford & Sons track, “Awake My Soul” starts out mellow and builds an upbeat feeling as it goes on. The lyrics delve into the vulnerability of recognizing one’s weakness and tapping into spirituality. 

RIYL: The Lumineers, The Head and the Heart, Of Monsters and Men

5. Good Days — SZA (2020)

“Gotta let go of weight can’t keep what’s holding me,” sings SZA, advising listeners that letting go of things holding them back is crucial to moving forward. The dreamy production coupled with the sounds of birds and nature create an idyllic image of the “Good Days” that SZA fantasizes about.

RIYL: Kehlani, Kali Uchis, Jhené Aiko

6. Daylight — Harry Styles (2022)

“Daylight” is catchy and boppy, making it a great song to get the morning started. Styles sings, “If I was a bluebird, I would fly to you,” showing the hope he has in renewing a past love.

RIYL: Vance Joy, Declan Mckenna, Conan Grey

7. It’s Alright — Motel 7 (2021)

“It’s Alright” repeats its title throughout much of the song, serving as a mantra for listeners that everything will be “alright” in whatever they may be confused or stressed about. In this case, the stressor is a lover. The pictorial cover of the EP is a bright blue sky, which adds to the early-morning feeling of this track. 

RIYL: Joan, Yoke Lore, lovelytheband

8. Animal — Neon Trees (2010)

The fast-paced drums and guitar, coupled with the passionate lyrics, make “Animal” a track that is sure to get the listener out of bed to start their day off strong. Heart-racing lyrics like “Here we go again, I kinda wanna be more than friends,” add to the song’s excitement. 

RIYL: Walk the Moon, The Mowgli’s, COIN

9. Nice for What — Drake (2018)

A classic Drake song, “Nice for What” is the ultimate beat for starting the day off pumped up and ready to go. Among other lyrics, Drake repeats, “it’s a short life,” motivating the listener to seize their day.

RIYL: PARTYNEXTDOOR, Bryson Tiller, J. Cole

10. Love You Like That — DAGNY (2017)

The ideas of falling in love and letting someone in are explored in this blissful song. Dagny layers multiple harmonies into the chorus to convey a bright and upbeat sound for the listener to enjoy.

RIYL: Astrid S, Maggie Rogers, Léon

11. Take Her Place — Don Diablo and A R I Z O N A (2017)

“Take Her Place” is the perfect blend of pop and EDM for waking up and getting energized. Lead singer Zach Hannah croons about letting loose and enjoying the company of a lover.

RIYL: Shallou, ayokay, Lauv

12. Stolen Dance — Milky Chance (2014)

Rhythmic and chill, “Stolen Dance” has a melody that is sure to get the listener bopping their head. The chorus is groovy, matching the lyrics about “dancing on,” and “do[ing] the boogie all night long.”

RIYL: Vance Joy, Mumford & Sons, The Paper Kites

13. Perfect Places — Lorde

Lorde uses “Perfect Places” to describe the feeling of youth and dreamy days filled with a love for life. The melody is reminiscent of summer and infused  with piano and drum instrumentals for a blissful listening experience.

RIYL: HAIM, Lana Del Ray, Taylor Swift