There are many trivial things I wish I could accomplish during the day. Sometimes I even go as far as to take the bold step of promising myself that I will go out of my way to do certain things. Do I actually do said things? Hardly ever. Despite these abundant failed attempts at being mildly productive, there is one activity I inevitably wind up engaging in at some point throughout each day. In fact, I have reason to believe that most others do as well. What may this mysterious activity be? You can probably come to a logical conclusion by inferring from context clues provided by the straightforward title of this article. It’s listening to music, you silly goose.

Shocking revelation, I know. Whether throwing clothes in the washing machine, sitting on my bed staring into space while polishing off an entire bag of Goldfish in one sitting, working out, or being an actual functioning human being, I am pretty much always listening to music. The only time I’m ever not listening to music is during the dreaded social interaction – which during 50% of the time there is still some variation of background music being played. Music narrates both the predictable and unpredictable circumstances of life. Without it, life would be incomplete.

Needless to say, hunting for new music has become one of my favorite and most fundamental pastimes. Music apps like Spotify make this task much easier with features such as Discover Weekly, and running playlists tailored to your music taste. I’ve acquired quite the music library over the past year or so that I’ve been faithfully fulfilling my duties as an active Spotify user. The majority of my collection is angsty and embarrassing, but here are a few that I think everyone could appreciate in some capacity.

1. Stolen – Dashboard Confessional

Fun fact: I started listening to this song in middle school when I had a whopper of a crush on this really gawky, awkward kid that I had never mustered up the courage to look in the eye, let alone speak to. In my head, I dedicated it to him. I’m as embarrassed for my 13-year-old self as you are. As cheesy as it is, it’s still a great song for when you’re feeling sappier than maple syrup. Also, I love how his voice goes higher when he sings the word “heart." It’s super catchy.

2. Two Weeks – Grizzly Bear

This is definitely one of the angstier songs I was talking about. At the same time, I think there’s a really chill quality to it. I first heard this song when I was walking through the Boston Commons in the fall and all I could think was YES, this song is perfect for exactly what I am seeing in this moment. Songs that you stumble upon at the right times tend to be the ones that stick with you.

3. When The Stars Go Blue – Tim McGraw

I’ll be the first to admit that I am not a huge fan of country music, but I do make a few exceptions from time to time. This song is one of them. It’s just so soothing. I would totally be a country music fan if every song were as sweet as this.

4. Forrest Gump – Frank Ocean

I love Frank Ocean. I love the film "Forrest Gump," and I also love this song. I love "Channel Orange." I love "Blonde." That's an overwhelming amount of love, I know. Listen to the song, not me and my love nonsense.

5. Where Is My Mind? – The Pixies 6. Colorblind - Counting Crows

7. Florida Kilos – Lana del Rey

8. Could it Be Another Change – The Samples

9. Rawnald Gregory Erickson The Second - STRFKR

10. Transatlanticism – Death Cab for Cutie

Although I've never taken hallucinogens, this is what I think they might be like:

11. Raconte – Moi Une Histoire – m83