Getting up in the morning is tough. As soon as the alarm goes off, most people’s initial thought is “already?” A lot of these same people use music to wake themselves up, but they’re not necessarily listening to the right kind of music.
According to a 2015 article published to Business Insider, there are three criteria that the songs you wake up to in the morning should have: music that builds, positivity and a strong beat. Songs with Beats per Minute (BPM) of roughly 100 to 130, combined with feel-good lyrics, will make your early morning routine much more bearable.
While getting out of bed is bad enough, having to sit on a packed bus or train can be even more discouraging. With the release of PSB’s first wireless active noise cancelling headphone, listeners can now enjoy their favourite tracks freely without having to hear the racket of the world around them.
To make commuting more enjoyable for our users, we have created the perfect playlist filled with dynamics that will get your blood flowing. Whether you’re on your way to school or work, these songs will elevate your mood and help you begin your day on the right note. Without further ado, here are just five of our favourite #riseandgrind songs.
5) “Daylight” – Matt and Kim
Since the early 2000s, New York duo Matt and Kim have been releasing uplifting tunes that can cure anybody’s bad mood. Appearing on their sophomore album Grand, “Daylight” is the perfect spark to get you moving in the morning.
4) “Number One” – Tove Styrke
Once you’ve finally gotten out of bed, it’s important to keep that positive momentum going. Released in 2015, Tove Styrke’s “Number One” is an empowering anthem of independence and success, and will give you the motivation you need to seize the day.
3) “Tongue Tied” – Grouplove
After showering and having some breakfast, it’s time to hit the road. Depending on weather conditions, waiting for your train or bus to arrive can be painful, so listening to a light-hearted tune is important. Off of their debut album, ironically named Never Trust a Happy Song, Grouplove’s “Tongue Tied” is as infectious as it is breezy.
2) “Feeling OK” – Best Coast
There’s no use in disputing it, commuting is tiring and isolating, so it’s vital that you listen to something that’s sunny and encouraging. While it seems obvious to listen to a track like Erkyah Badu’s “Window Seat,” we suggest Best Coast’s heart-warming 2015 song “Feeling OK.” Known for their cheery, sun-kissed tunes, Best Coast’s “Feeling OK” is a reassuring song about resilience and inner peace.
1) “On Hold” – The xx
When forced to sit on a crowded bus or train, your best chance of escape is through music. Although their discography is often labelled as being “moody,” The xx have a true talent for creating uplifting tracks despite their despairing lyrics. “On Hold,” the lead single off The xx’s 2017 album I See You, deals with young heartbreak and missed opportunities. However, even though the subject matter has some melancholic elements to it, “On Hold” actually has 125 BPM, proving that even sad songs can make you feel good.