We’ve officially reached the halfway point of the semester! Exams are being administered, papers are piling up and it seems like spring break will never arrive. Never fear, the stress is temporary, and you will make it to the light at the end of the mid-March tunnel! This week’s 13 Beats features songs to keep you happy and motivated through the midterm craziness:
- “Live While We’re Young” – One Direction (2012)
Have you ever been stressed while listening to One Direction? Me neither! This track features positive lyrics about living in the moment, reminding you to step back from the craziness of schoolwork and let yourself relax a little. The pop production is sure to get you dancing or smiling a little.
2. “Mr. Brightside” – The Killers (2004)
“Mr. Brightside” is a bar classic, but it is equally as fun to listen to when you’re in the trenches of schoolwork. Lyrics like, “I’m coming out of my cage, and I’ve been doing just fine,” are surprisingly motivational. Screaming the words is a great way to release frustration.
3. “The Climb” – Miley Cyrus (2009)
“I gotta keep trying, gotta keep my head held high,” Cyrus sings in this quintessential pop track about not giving up and pushing through adversity. This is a great pick for an especially stressful day (and when you have to physically make the climb to Case-Geyer Library).
4. “It’s ok I’m ok” – Tate McRae (2025)
Pop powerhouse Tate McRae sings about being at peace with losing out on a guy, even though the new girl he is with keeps flaunting him. “I don’t want him anyway, girl take him,” emphasizes how sometimes things you thought you wanted actually aren’t what’s best for you.
5. “Don’t You Worry Child” – Swedish House Mafia (2012)
For all the house fans and anyone who needs a really energetic song to keep morale high, “Don’t You Worry Child” is perfect for you! This throwback track pairs lyrics about finding hope after a stressful time with a hype, electric beat to keep the good vibes flowing.
6. “Maneater” – Nelly Furtado (2006)
“Maneater” is simultaneously the ultimate mad-at-the-world and confidence-boosting song. “And when she walks, she walks with passion,” Nelly Furtado sings about knowing how powerful you are and how much you can accomplish.
7. “Wait for It” – Leslie Odom Jr., Original Broadway Cast of Hamilton (2015)
“I am the one thing in life I can control,” Odom Jr. belts in this emotion-filled track from the hit Broadway musical “Hamilton.” While the track was originally written about Aaron Burr, its message of the importance of patience is a good one for when you feel like giving up on your schoolwork.
8. “DNA.” – Kendrick Lamar (2017)
Lamar raps about finding strength through his Black identity over a persistent and addictive beat. Lyrics like, “I got hustle though, ambition, flow inside my DNA,” remind listeners to tap into the power and drive they’ve had in them this whole time.
9. “Unwritten” – Natasha Bedingfield (2004)
While the title of this track might also correspond to the state of that paper you have to start, its meaning and pop production is much more positive. “Today is where your book begins, the rest is still unwritten,” Bedingfield sings about how each day is a chance to start new.
10. “Imma Be” – Black Eyed Peas (2009)
“Imma Be” is the ultimate manifestation of a lavish future (after working hard for it, of course). Lyrics like, “I’ma be on the next level,” are great visualizations and affirmations for how you’ll feel when all of your assignments are turned in.
11. “Lose Yourself” – Eminem (2002)
“If you had one shot or one opportunity to seize everything you ever wanted in one moment, would you capture it or let it slip?” This is the question that Eminem poses at the beginning of this iconic track. The song’s motivational lyrics and intense beat always force me to lock in.
12. “Good Days” – SZA (2020)
SZA reminds us to dream about the happier and more peaceful days ahead in this magical R&B masterpiece. The dreamy production is a great accompaniment to daydreams of summer and less work in between all of the craziness.
13. “Don’t Stop Me Now” – Queen (1978)
When you’re on a roll in the library, “Don’t Stop Me Now” is the right track to play to keep you on the right track! Lyrics like “I’m travelling at the speed of light,” celebrate all of the studying and assignments you have been able to get through. You’ve got this!
