It’s week five of the semester, and we’ve already said hello to February. The groundhog saw his shadow so we’re in for 6 more weeks of winter, bobcats, beginning strong with this imminent winter storm heading our way this weekend. But what better way to stay energized than with a good playlist that keeps the stress at bay and gives you peaceful moments during these long dreadful weeks ahead.
While everyone has their favorite genre of music, we’ve made a playlist that will appeal to any mood or preference. Below are new songs that are perfect for walking to class, working out at the gym, sitting around in your dorm or cranking out those last-minute papers. Here are 7 new songs to get you through the week:
“High” by The Chainsmokers
According to a Genius report, the first record released from The Chainsmokers since their last album, World War Joy, in 2019, “High,” is set to be the lead single for their upcoming, untitled, fourth studio album. The Chainsmokers are best known for their records “Closer” and “Something Like This.” The Chainsmokers switch their production style with guitar instrumentals. It’s different from their traditional production style, almost punkish with lyrics about coping with only having someone love them when they're off unknown substances.
“(Pick Me up) Euphoria” by James Blake
The HBO show Euphoria has become a phenomenon among young teens and college-aged students since the release of its second season, which includes Friends That Break Your Heart. Creator James Blake, who was mentioned in a previous Fresh Find has teamed up with Labrinth in the past, and is doing so again to make a song for the soundtrack “Pick Me Up Euphoria,” according to UPROXX. The sad softer side of Blake’s piano and string driven instrumentals back up the more sad themes of the show, such as heavy drug use among teenagers but also skews to a reflection on his process of immigrating to the US from the UK.
“26” by Lauv
Lauv is best known for his singles “I Like Me Better” and “I’m so tired…” He returns with his first single of 2022, with “26.” “26” has a different taste with sped-up guitar riffs and psychedelic beats which paint a story of heartbreak. This story, though, is of self-heartbreak with confessional-style lyrics: “Can I tell you a story about a boy who broke his own heart.” It will define him better than his previous works, which have been blaming external heartbreak, by now focusing on the self we all need during these challenging times.
“New Moon” by MØ
Danish singer-songwriter MØ, who initially launched her career thriving on the local punk scene of Funen Denmark, has now converted to much more pop and dance hits with DJs such as Diplo and DJ Snake on songs like “Lean On.” Now, in her solo career, she releases “New Moon,” a song intended to “manifest a new era. It’s a song about regaining control. To me, it is a reminder to listen to myself," she said in an interview with eq.
“Joy” by Andy Grammer
Multi-platinum pop singer and songwriter Andy Grammer, who's known for his songs such as "Keep Your Head Up" and "Honey, I'm Good," continues the theme of empowering yourself in dark times. He keeps on that theme with his new single “Joy," his first song of 2022. Essentially, he's found joy in his life. "The word ‘joy' I feel like it has depth a grounded spiritual center, something deeper and more substantial than happiness," he said in an interview with Broadway World Music.
“Bag” by Col3trane, Lucky Daye
Singer-songwriter Cole Basta, better known as Col3trane, is famed for his contemporary R&B style focusing on emotive but poised lyrics on songs like “Roses” and “Superpowers,” which bring his style closer to other R&B greats such as Frank Ocean and Daniel Caesar. With his first single of 2022, “Bag,” he’s going above and beyond for a girl with subtle synths and piano. Lyrics, “I gave you the gate key and the bag, still wasn’t enough,” leans between love and lust for luxury items to gain the woman of his dreams’ attention.
“Gradually” by ASTN
19-year-old singer-songwriter Austin Sanders, known as ASTN, combines talents in songwriting and producing to create a mix of various genres in his music starting at age 5. He started with drums, adding in the piano & guitar along the way. On his debut EP from 2017, Tell Your Friends, ASTN’s love for jazz is evident. With “Gradually,” the jazz is still there as he talks about relationships and learning to let go after breakups and other situations of departing.
