The Daily Texan’s back to school playlist for walking to your next class

Angela Lim, Life and Arts desk editor

With the fall semester underway, it’s time to brave the Speedway crowds with a pair of earbuds and a vibrant collection of songs. As thousands travel across campus, The Daily Texan curated a playlist to accompany students making their daily treks to class, from morning get-ups to evening tunes on their way home.

“Silk Chiffon” by MUNA, Phoebe Bridgers

This breezy track instantly lifts the spirits of its listeners. The catchy pre-chorus serves as the perfect soundtrack for the sun beaming down on the Forty Acres. The song’s carefree lyrics will help students romanticize their mundane college lives.


 

“What If I Love You” by Gatlin

Dreamy layers of Gatlin’s voice glide above pulsating instrumentals. The artist sings about a nostalgic love with a light and airy sound fit for morning walks to class, gradually winding down by the end of the track.

“Oh sh*t…are we in love?” by Valley

Valley calls back to summer memories through a minimalistic song with filtered, steady percussion akin to clouds floating on slower days. Singing the lines, “Summer nights spent layin’ on the pavement,” the band charges into a new season.

 

“Water Your Garden” by Magic City Hippies, Maye

Drift away to this hazy song while taking a break. Beyond its calm, distorted guitar solo on top of an infectious bass line, the song reminds listeners that they will have someone and somewhere to go to for comfort at the end of each day.

 

“the perfect pair” by beabadoobee

This bossa nova-inspired track from July 2022 album Beatopia features a gentle melody that seamlessly passes through listeners’ ears. The contrast between jazzy, rich instrumentation and the artist’s delicate voice creates a refreshing soundscape.

“august” by Taylor Swift

As Swift sings in her reverb-filled folklore hit, “August slipped away into a moment in time.” The song encapsulates a passionate, sunlit summer that faded into a leaf-strewn fall. Listeners will feel like protagonists living “for the hope of it all.”

 

“High School in Jakarta” by NIKI

The second track of NIKI’s latest album Nicole brings listeners back to their vivid high school days. With an addictive hook combined with the artist’s renowned songwriting skills, this soft, upbeat song accompanies students down the hallway.

 

“Medicine” by Dayglow

“Medicine” blends a bouncy, exciting beat with the artist’s signature synths throughout. Embellished with indie-pop and retro influences, the track becomes an immediate mood booster with a guitar interlude that never gets old.

 

“Day Off” by DAISY

Presenting a cacophony of instruments, this groovy single soothes listeners with honeyed vocals. Fun texture changes keep listeners on their feet, layering smooth piano adlibs, a thick bassline and snappy percussion.

 

“Come Inside Of My Heart” by IV Of Spades

Although the band’s verses start off foreboding, the chorus’ swaying melody opens its arms to listeners, ready to fall and embrace them. Wrapped in nostalgia, this song should play as the sun sets after a long day.