Welcome back Kent State University students, and an even bigger welcome to all the freshmen!
One of the biggest things I say to myself when walking around campus and passing other people wearing headphones is, “I wonder what they’re listening to.” Now, if you’re not a nosey-nellie like me, you probably have absolutely no idea what I’m talking about. However, I know for a fact that at least one of you reading this has asked this question too.
So, wonder no more, my friends. I’m here to scratch that itch in the back of your mind and tell you exactly what it is I listen to when you see me jamming around campus in my rose gold beats headphones. Maybe I’ll even convince you to add some of these songs onto your own playlist. Now, do I have designated playlists for different tasks? Of course. Who doesn’t? Thus, let’s discuss my official back-to-school/walking-to-class playlist.
Charli XCX
The album “BRAT” by English singer and songwriter Charli XCX has taken the world by storm since its release last June. It even coined the term, “Brat Summer.” While I could sit here and tell you to listen to the entire masterpiece of an album — and you should — I’ll pick only a few for my masterclass mixtape. I chose “Apple”, “360” and “Guess” featuring Billie Eilish. Both are upbeat pop tunes that are great contenders to be part of your soundtrack this school year.
Troye Sivan
Speaking of Charli XCX, a certain Australian pop star, who happens to be touring with her this year, is also on my playlist. Troye Sivan’s newest studio album, “Something To Give Each Other,” was top of the charts, giving us great songs like, “Rush,” “Got Me Started” and “One Of Your Girls.” All three of which made the final cut for my campus-wide jam session. Other tunes from Sivan that I also included were “Bloom” and “My My My.” While I may be biased on my love for Sivan and his music, I think that his music is a great addition to campus walks this semester.
Chappell Roan
Let’s not forget about the incredible woman that is Chappell Roan and her newfound, well-deserved fame. She has hits like “HOT TO GO!,” “Goodluck, Babe,” “Pink Pony Club” and “Red Wine Supernova.” All of which were additions to my playlist this school year, just be careful not to do the “HOT TO GO” dance in front of your professor.
The pop girlies
I also added some other songs from the pop girls like “Love You Like a Love Song” by Selena Gomez, “Please Please Please” and “Espresso” by Sabrina Carpenter and various Taylor Swift songs for my fellow Swifties out there, but those are up to you. There are too many good ones to choose from, as well as some of Britney Spears’ greatest hits.
Show tunes
It also wouldn’t be a Nick Keller trademarked playlist without a couple show tunes like songs from “Hamilton,” “Newsies” and “Hadestown.” Nothing feels cooler than walking around blasting “Wait for Me” and “Room Where It Happens” and pretending you’re on those rotating stages.
Chill vibes
Another couple additions to my jams are “Kill Bill,” “Saturn” and “All The Stars” by SZA. If you’re looking for chill vibes, SZA is the musical artist for you. I also don’t mind listening to some Bruno Mars either.
Well readers, I hope you enjoy this glimpse into my back-to-school playlist. While it isn’t every song I have on there, it is a lot of them. Whatever other songs you’d like to add onto your playlist is up to you. Make your school year sound like a coming-of-age teen movie! Have a great year, Kent State University. I’ll talk to you soon.
Nicholas Keller is a columnist. Contact him at [email protected].
