In this article, I give you my ten picks for some of the coolest songs to listen to once you’re back home after completing a tiring school day. After a long period of learning, unwinding by consuming some sweet tunes can quickly become one of the highlights of your day. Without further ado, enjoy my picks for an After School Cool playlist!
“Crazy Train” by Ozzy Ozbourne: Overloaded with frustrating homework? Listen to this classic rock tune that features an iconic riff, and you’ll find comfort knowing you’re not the only person who feels like you’re going off the rails.
“Cult Of Personality” by Living Colour: This song contains some of the finest guitar riffs you’ll ever hear, and would be a top-notch choice for a walk-up song for a baseball player. When you listen to this track from 1988, you can’t help but feel like the coolest human alive.
“Give It Away” by Red Hot Chili Peppers: The Chili Peppers have a great discography, but this track may be one of their top five songs. Everything about this song seems immaculate—the percussion, the riffs, and the strange-yet pleasing vocals from lead man Anthony Kedlis!
“Semi-Charmed Life” by Third Eye Blind: Often a favorite at karaoke, this annoyingly catchy tune from 1997 seems flawless at first glance. With a closer look, the song’s drawbacks make the track seem more authentic.
“In The End” by Linkin Park: I get it—you flunked a big test earlier, even though you tried so hard, and now you’re infuriated, seething with rage. At least you won’t feel alone with Linkin Park’s classic rock-rap track that discusses mortality and anger.
“The Way She Dances” by N.E.R.D.: Pharrell Williams’s genre-bending band showcased some of their finest tracks on their 2004 album Fly Or Die. This little-known ditty from N.E.R.D.’s 2004 record features sick riffs and reminds me of future alt hits like MGMT’s “Electric Feel”.
“Ride” by Twenty One Pilots: Feeling nostalgic for some classic songs from your childhood? Unwind with this playful tune that, not unlike Outkast’s “Hey Ya!”, disguises depressing and introspective lyrics with a lighthearted melody.
“Riot” by Childish Gambino: In my opinion the most underrated song from Childish Gambino’s critically acclaimed album Awaken, My Love!, this track samples Funkadelic’s song “Good to Your Earhole.” The song clocks out at barely over two minutes long, but in my opinion, “Riot” gives you perhaps the funkiest 125 seconds of your life!
“N Side” by Steve Lacy: This soulful, relaxing track from the “Bad Habit” singer features a crisp drum-loop and funky instrumentals paired with Steve Lacy’s smooth, laid-back vocals. Play it back-to-back with “Super Rich Kids” by Frank Ocean and Earl Sweatshirt to ease up your mood.
“Fell In Love” by Marshmello and Brent Faiyaz: Brent’s signature smooth vocals are on full display in this short track that ranks among his catchiest songs! Two other chill songs by Faiyaz that I’d recommend are “Upset” and “Wherever I Go,” which are both featured on his most recent album, “Larger than Life.”
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Hi Jonah, Thank you for your suggestions. Although I am not familiar with any of these songs – I am going to listen to one of them each day for the next ten days. Then I will let you know which ones I like or love. Although I grew up in the days of Elvis, Bob Dylan and the Beatles – I want to be in tune (ha ha) with your generation!
Awesome list and commentary. I am not familiar with any of these. Today I will listen to them all Hope you do a radio podcast