Happy Tunesday, friends! I’m sure we’ve all heard Alice Cooper’s 1972 hit “School’s Out,” right? Epic guitar riffs combined with Alice Cooper’s passionate vocals make us more and more excited to end the school year and enjoy summer break. What about “After Today” from A Goofy Movie? A class Disney tune that truly captures what’s so great about leaving school behind for the summer. With so many songs like “School’s Out” and “After Today” that celebrate this long-awaited, much-needed, and well-deserved respite, I can’t help but wonder if there are any songs that pump us up for a new academic year? I know so many of you have already started or are preparing to head back this week or next. In fact, I’m also returning to school (graduate degree number TWO) at the end of September, and I think we could all use a moment to not only mourn summer’s end, but also–and more importantly–celebrate the start of the 2017-2018 school year. Now, I’m going to be honest, finding back to school songs to pump us up proved to be more difficult than I imagined, but I eventually found some that I hope will at least inspire and empower us as we return to school. Whether you’ve got first-day jitters or question your ability, there’s a song for practically every occasion. Here’s to an incredible school year!
For when you need to remember you’re awesome and that being you is more than enough:
Soar- Christina Aguilera
I Don’t Want to Be- Gavin DeGraw
Who Says- Selena Gomez and The Scene
For when you need a boost of confidence:
I Can- Nas
Brave- Sara Bareilles
Fight Song- Rachel Platten
For when your feathers are ruffled and you need some positivity:
Shake It Off- Taylor Swift
Unbreakable Smile- Tori Kelly
For when you need to remember to focus and push yourself, especially when it gets hard:
The Greatest- Sia feat. Kendrick Lamar
Work Hard, Play Hard- Wiz Khalifa
The Climb- Miley Cyrus
Don’t Stop Believing- Journey
For when you need a little school spirit:
We Will Rock You- Queen
Kermit Says... 