Got the back-to-school blues? Do you need an extra boost to give you a little more motivation in the morning? Do you have a love for music? Here is a list of 10 songs to help you be more energized and ready to take on the day: (PSA: most of these songs were written before “our time” but try to have an open mind… you might find your new favorite song!)

1. “Walking On Sunshine” by Katrina and the Waves – It’s best to give this upbeat song a listen when you just need that morning “pep” and you can’t seem to snap out of your gloomy daze. You can’t help but smile while listening to this throwback. Even the title is happy! 

1. “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go” by Wham! – You can’t deny the glee and joy that radiates from this song. The tempo and those high notes are guaranteed to put a huge smile on your face. So go ahead, give this classic a listen! The song itself has the words “wake me up” in it so it just might help get you out of that bed!

1. “Stronger” by Kelly Clarkson – Let’s be honest here, you’ve probably heard this song at least twice, and it’s one of those songs that kind of annoys you but puts you in a good mood.This is also the perfect song to empower you to stay strong and embrace the struggles of school, because you might as well stay positive!

1.  “Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor – I sure hope everyone has heard this song before. This is the perfect motivational tune, and it’s sure to make your head bob. If you didn’t know already, when someone has the “Eye-of-the-Tiger” that means that they are intensely confident, focused, fierce, and strong.

1. “Don’t Stop Believin” by Journey – The song’s message is pretty self-explanatory: never stop believing! This iconic anthem is great for those who need a reminder that you’ve got this, and even if you fall a thousand times, it’s so important that you don’t stop until you’re proud. Keep going; you’re doing great!

1.  “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” by Marvin Gaye – Say it louder for the people in the back! I mean, come on, this song can truly drive you to keep making those huge dreams of yours a reality! The song definitely has a fun and buoyant sound which makes it so much more cheery and spirited! Who says you can’t achieve the majority of your goals in high school? I say, go for it, and see how far you go. Maybe you’ll shock yourself with the talent and potential you never knew you had.

1. “We Are the Champions” by Queen –  Whether you are a freshman, sophomore, junior, or senior, every student wants to finish strong. That could mean that you want to finish the semester, quarter, school year, or your entire high school career on a note where you actually cut yourself some slack knowing that you did it! This song helps you be appreciative of how far you have come and how far you will go.

1. “Every Little Thing Is Gonna Be Alright” by Bob Marley – This song has the perfect positive energy and chill factor that every student needs to hear. I would definitely give this relaxing beat a listen when you’re not really in the mood for crazy blood-pumping songs and you just want to dial down. I highly recommend that you give this mellow hit a listen before a big test or exam, an audition, or when you just want to give your ears a break from all the stress. Also, pay attention to the lyrics when you feel at your worst.“Every little thing is gonna be alright!”, because it will be, don’t wear yourself out!

1. “I’m On Top of the World” by Imagine Dragons – This song has a “today is going to be an amazing day and I am not going to let anything or anyone bring me down” type of vibe which is clearly some positivity that every student could use. If you are super stressed and need some more jubilance in your life, go give this hopeful and joyous ballad a listen or two! I’m pretty sure that hearing Imagine Dragons sing about letting loose and feeling unstoppable even in the hardest time won’t be the worst. 

1. “I’ll Be There For You” by The Rembrandts – If you’ve ever watched the hit sitcom “Friends”, then you definitely know this song! This song can help you start the morning off right because it reminds you about your friends and how you should take care of each other! As silly as it sounds, this song can be pretty comforting because it’s about how life doesn’t always go the way you’ve hoped for but how people in your life will help you get through it all. The lyrics at the end of the song: “I’ll be there for you, because you’re there for me too” is a splendid picture of friendship and the vision of an unbreakable bond.