“Feel free to go, thank you for your hard work today! Don't forget that we have a quiz on Thursday!”
The sound of thirteen backpacks zipping up and thirteen rain jackets being tugged over our bodies can be heard throughout the room as we all prepare to face the gray storm outside. Headphones are put on, hoods come up, and the door swings open, allowing the cool breeze to whip across our cheeks as we hurry across campus back to the warmth of our dorm rooms.
Amidst the crowded mass of somber university students, there are always a few who don’t shield their faces from the drizzle.
These cheery individuals smile into the rain and are exhilarated by its refreshing touch as music flows through their headphones. It is hard not to feel their sheer sense of joy radiating out into the world. Haven't you ever wanted to be one of those people?
It can be hard to feel lighthearted and joyful inside when the gray of the rain seems to smother everything it touches. However, with the right music and a good raincoat, it’s almost impossible to feel disheartened by the gloomy climate. There’s nothing better than walking through the city as the light reflects on the wet pavement and wanting nothing more than breaking into an impromptu dance number.
So, tug on your yellow rain boots and pull out your earbuds because here are the top 10 songs that will make everyone around you wonder what’s got you feeling so on top of the world.
1. "Cold Cold Man" by Saint Motel
This song. Seriously. It’s a funky-alternative-pop-rock jam with a chorus that makes you feel like you could take on the whole world. It’s sort of like the feeling when you take a really good nap – but in song form.
2. "Marry You" by Bruno Mars
If you ever have the sudden urge to watch cute internet videos and “aww” your heart out, check out the choreographed marriage proposal to this song here. Whenever I’m in a bad mood, this video instantly makes my day ten times better. It doesn’t hurt that this song is also one of the cutest songs to exist. Ever.
3. "Geronimo" by Sheppard
The contagious guitar-strumming in this song by the famous Australian indie pop band is enough to make anyone want to go on a spontaneous adventure in the pouring rain.
4. "Someone to You" (acoustic) by BANNERS
The acoustic rendition of this song makes me want to take off my rain jacket in a spur-of-the-moment decision to throw myself into the elements and experience Seattle with a new lease on life. This Liverpool singer’s voice is full of warmth and passion, making it an easy pick for one of my top songs to listen to while walking in the drizzle.
5. "Dancing in the Dark" by Bruce Springsteen
My best friend put this song on a mixtape for me this summer and in that moment, my whole world changed forever. This song is timeless and has been making generations of individuals dance like nobody’s watching. Such a jam.
6. "Waving Through a Window" by Ben Platt (Dear Evan Hansen Original Soundtrack)
Some of the songs that have shaped my life in the most significant ways have come from the beautiful world of musical theater. This one is a must-listen for those moments that you just need to fling your arms out to the side and face the wind and rain in the middle of a crosswalk without worrying about how cold you’re going to be in twenty minutes. Do it sometime.
7. "Hearts on Fire" by Gavin James
This is one of those feel-good songs that could be in the background of a really cute video montage where two people fall in love in an urban city, sitting on the floor of their apartment in their pajamas and eating Chinese takeout while they laugh so hard at 2 AM that they choke on their food. Was that too specific? Sorry, it’s just super true. Trust me.
8. "Ditmas" by Mumford and Sons
While this one has less “dancing in the rain” vibes, it’s just a really good song to listen to if you need to go for a long walk to clear your head. Pent-up stress from finals? Love problems? Need a break from dealing with your issues? Listen to this song.
9. "Hey Mama" by Mat Kearny
This song is so catchy if only because of how contagious the clapping is in the background – you could definitely do a few twirls in the middle of the street to this song.
10. "Avalanche" by Walk the Moon
Walk the Moon has released some songs that have gotten really popular, but some of their most catchy jams are the ones that not many people know. If you haven’t heard Avalanche yet and need a funky beat to get you out of your mid-week slump? Check it out.
