Getting bored with your music library? Pandora and Spotify just not cutting it? Have no fear, you've come to the right place. Here are three carefully-assembled playlists to listen to in any situation.
For when you’re chillin out, maxin’, relaxin’ all cool, but most likely not shootin’ some bball outside of the school:
1. "Don’t Wanna Be Your Girl" by Wet
Album/EP: Wet
Year: 2014
Brooklyn-based trio hits you right in the feels with the hit that put them on the musical map. (Check out their debut album Don’t You that just came out this month!)
2. "9" by Willow Smith feat. SZA
Album/EP: 3 (III)
Year: 2014
Released when she was 14, the uber-talented daughter of Will and Jada Smith put out this soulful track. With the sultry voice of R&B star SZA, the two ladies created a beautiful piece of art that gives you all the vibes.
3. "Bet U Wish" by Raye
Album/EP: Welcome to the Winter
Year: 2014
Having described her sound as, “pop melodies, but… R&B music and those kinds of beats,” London-originated Rachel Keen, more commonly known as Raye, was destined to be behind a hit like “Bet U Wish.”
4. "Overdose" by Maudlin Strangers
Album/EP: Overdose
Year: 2015
This indie-rock band, coming from Augora Hills, California, began to make its way into the music scene last year with the release of their first EP, Overdose. The group of four has toured with other alternative artists such as Bad Suns and Strange Names.
5. "Menswear" by The 1975
Album/EP: The 1975
Year: 2013
This enchanting song is just the tip of the iceberg for the Manchester-based powerhouse The 1975. With the pleasant sounds of synth waves, a catchy drum beat, and frontman Matty Healy’s delightful British accent, Menswear is in a league of it’s own.
For when your inner sass queen comes out while you’re attempting to clean your room:
1. "Rumble in the Park" by Catey Shaw
Album/EP: Rumble in the Park
Year: 2015
With the undeniable catchiness of the magical instrument of the cowbell, this tune is sure-fire fun whenever it’s played. Catey Shaw, from Virginia Beach, hit the nail on the head with this summer anthem.
2. "Generals" by The Mynabirds
Album/EP: Generals
Year: 2012
This fierce female pump-up song has a classic rock tone to it, giving it a unique sense of allure. The dominant electric guitar paired with the driving drum beat and lead singer Laura Burhenn’s strong vocals makes for a solid power anthem.
3. "Look What We've Become" by Grace Potter
Album/EP: Midnight
Year: 2015
Grace Potter is no stranger to making hits, having been the front woman of Grace Potter & The Nocturnals since 2002. But upon branching out with her first solo album, the singer has clearly not strayed far from her rocking roots.
4. "Marry Well" by ZZ Ward
Album/EP: Love & War
Year: 2015
With a wildly successful combination of western rock and R&B sounds, ZZ Ward puts out another energetic and sassy tune, as always. Guaranteed to make you wanna throw on some Ray Bans and strut down a city sidewalk.
5. "Come Into My Head" by Kimbra
Album/EP: Vows
Year: 2011
We all know of Kimbra from her part in the wildly popular 2012 hit “Somebody That I Used to Know” by Gotye. “Come Into My Head,” having been featured in numerous movie trailers and commercials, is a classic in the sense of it’s unique, funky timbres.
For the drive on which you would typically let your windows down, but it’s January and you’re not tryna catch hypothermia:
1. "American Spirits" by INNRWVE
Album/EP: III
Year: 2013
Indie band INNRWVE (Innerwave) has drawn a following on the Internet since the release of their album III in 2013. “American Spirits” being one of their most popular track for obvious reason—bouncy melodies, fun instrumentation, and a contrasting voice giving the band a classic indie sound.
2. "Slow Burner" by Millions
Album/EP: Nine Lives Six Degrees
Year: 2012
This underground group from London put out this light-hearted tune with the release of their debut album in June of 2012. Sure to make you instantly happier, it’s one of those songs you’ve got to be insane not to want to sing along with.
3. "All Over" by CRUISR
Album/EP: All Over
Year: 2014
Philadelphia-born band CRUISR surfaced onto the music scene after touring with The 1975 in late 2014. “All Over” is just one example of this group’s lively and optimistic sound.
4. "It All Began with a Burst" by Kishi Bashi
Album/EP: 151a
Year: 2012
Kaoru Ishibashi, who goes by the stage name of Kishi Bashi, has been killing the alternative music game since his breakout album 151a in 2012. With a playful tone and effervescent timbres, “It All Began with a Burst” is an instant mood-booster.
5. "Home By Now" by Bombay Bicycle Club
Album/EP: So Long, See You Tomorrow
Year: 2014
Bombay Bicycle Club, being one of the more unparalled bands in their genre, paired up with singer-songwriter Lucy Rose to create this harmonious, sweet song. With a beautiful and continuous build-up throughout the entire piece, the dominant piano and tambourine use gives it a different sound.
