Fun fact: I almost always wake up with a song already stuck in my head, a completely random track that my brain apparently decides to fixate upon overnight. The reason why this is crucial is because for me, the music I listen to in the morning shapes my mindset for the rest of the day. I’m not a morning person, so I definitely rely on music to energize me. I have several morning music playlists (honestly an unnecessary amount) on Spotify, usually highly disorganized and genre-less, all meant to encapsulate any given mood. I have one for rainy mornings, one for Sunday mornings, one for jazzy mornings, and my favorite one “WAKE UP,” which aggressively yells at me to get moving.
It was really hard to narrow them down from my million morning playlists, but here are a few of my favorite tracks to listen to in the morning, ones that are sort of like caffeine and endorphins to my brain.
In no particular order:
1. “Margarita” by Jammy
Yes, this song makes me want to be on a sunny beach more than be on my way to class, but it still feels like a really solid promise of good times to come. This is especially exciting on a cold, early Bay Area morning.
2. “I Know There’s Gonna Be (Good Times)” by Jamie xx, Young Thug, Popcaan
Speaking of good times: it’s so hard not to love this song. Definitely on my list of top 5 feel-good-about-life songs (which I also have a playlist for), and it really inspires the positive attitude I’d like to have when I first wake up, with a sprinkling of carefree island vibes thanks to Popcaan.
3. “Warm” by Dre’es, Mia
4. “Morning Dew” by Matt Quentin
This is one of the chiller tracks on this playlist, but I had to include it because it’s just. So. Beautiful. Pretty self-explanatory. Listen!
5. “Gravitate” by Oscar Jerome
This is a contribution from my “Smoove Morning Tunes” playlist, because that’s exactly the sort of vibe it gives off. Something about a nice, smooth, modern jazz piece in the morning is so peaceful and centering. Plus the guitar riffs are so fun.
6. “Sundress” by A$AP Rocky
7. “Isn’t She Lovely” by Stevie Wonder
A mood-enhancing classic. Need I say more?
8. “Ordinary” by UMI
9. “Carino” by The Marias
The guitar/bass intro in this song is really energizing, and the vocals are, in contrast, really calming, which is a really ideal blend for having woken up 3 minutes ago.
10. “KEYS TO THE KINGDOM” by Tiwa Savage, Mr Eazi
Aside from literally instant heart happiness from thinking about The Lion King, this song (and album – please listen to it if you haven’t!) is so incredible. It tropical and upbeat, and the words always inspire me to confidently get my shit together.
11. “Reckless” by Arin Ray
I looove this song; something about it makes me feel so content. The initial few notes are so calm, and the beat drop right after is such a perfect transition jumping into the rest of the song – and jumping into the day.
12. “Most Beautiful Ride” by Kyo-Ken, MistaDC, Elujay
13. “Waves – Tame Impala Remix” by Miguel, Tame Impala
By possibly two of my favorite artists, this track exceeds expectations. This song starts out providing a feeling of surrealness, and then once the beat drops, switches into an upbeat, groovy tune. It always puts me in a good mood.
14. “SUNNY CALIFORNIA” by Rejjie Snow
Somehow this song does perfectly capture being in sunny California. How does music do that?!
15. “Sunflower” by Post Malone, Swae Lee
Here’s the link to the playlist on Spotify, enjoy!
Written by Sanjana Sanghani