Image Source: Drawing Created on Joelle’s iPad, Colour Scheme Inspired by Stereophonics’ Fly Like an Eagle Album Cover
Sick of your playlists looping the same few tired tracks? Want to spice up your jams and finally stop scrolling endlessly through Spotify like you’re searching for the meaning of life? We’ve all been there—trapped in the cycle of “meh” songs, hoping that this time, your next track will give you the vibe shift you’ve been craving. But deep down, you know you’re this close to becoming that mysterious person with headphones on, strutting around campus like you’ve got your life together (even though we all know it’s just another caffeine-fuelled Monday).
Whether you’re nursing a broken heart and in need of a playlist for your dramatic balcony moments, or you’re looking for songs to make the world your runway, I’ve got you covered. Read on for a playlist that will elevate your mood (and your walk).
All the songs mentioned and many more are compiled in this playlist.
This Is Your Moment, Obviously
Do you find yourself getting into musicals after Raffles Hall Musical Production (RHMP) 24/25? If you’ve been swept away and are still in awe of the powerful vocals, brilliant stage presence, and incredible performances of the cast/ensemble of RHMP, then Broadway is where you’ll want to turn to next. Musical theatre has its own magic, with songs that elevate a story into something unforgettable, whether it is a gut-wrenching ballad or an exhilarating showstopper. Broadway or musical songs have a way of capturing the raw emotions of the human experience through lyrics and melodies that linger long after the final note.
Some Broadway belts for your main character moments:
This Is The Moment from Jekyll & Hyde
Image Source: YouTube/The King’s Academy, “Jekyll & Hyde Live – This Is the Moment – (Act I Scene 6a)”
One of the most iconic moments in the musical Jekyll & Hyde comes with ‘This Is The Moment’, a song that marks the pivotal change in the story, capturing Dr. Jekyll’s bold decision to test the serum he's created, knowing it will forever change him. As he prepares to take the potion, Jekyll reflects on his life’s work, and the song builds and heightens with a sense of exhilaration and anticipation. The orchestrations also swell in volume and intensity, externalising Jekyll’s inner turmoil and the gravity of the moment. Though we might not be consuming any kind of potion like Jekyll (thankfully), we’ve all felt the rush of adrenaline before a major submission or even finals, especially as the deadlines loom and the pressure builds. The feeling of needing to summon every ounce of energy to make it through the semester is almost as dramatic as Jekyll’s moment in the lab.
Sexy from Mean Girls
Image Source: YouTube/Mean Girls The Musical “Sexy | Mean Girls on Broadway”
Unlike many traditional musicals, Mean Girls embraces a pop-driven sound that instantly connects with modern audiences. With infectious beats, catchy hooks (or as Karen Smith from Mean Girls would put it, ‘hot and sexy hook[s]’), and a playful tone, the songs feel like the perfect mix of theatre and pop. One of the standout tracks is ‘Sexy’, a cheeky, upbeat song celebrating self-confidence and the fun, carefree side of girlhood—silly or superficial as it may seem.
Tonight from West Side Story
Image Source: YouTube/DisneyMusicVEVO, “Rachel Zegler, Ansel Elgort – Balcony Scene (Tonight) (From West Side Story)”
In West Side Story, ‘Tonight’ is the song where Tony and Maria, despite the challenges of their divided worlds, express their love for each other with pure, unrestrained passion. The song is filled with longing and hope, with the melody building to a grand crescendo, capturing a romantic ideal of what could be despite the impossible nature of their situation. Just like Tony and Maria’s love, these moments seem almost too perfect to last, but they’re the kind of experiences that remind you what it’s like to live in the here and now, no matter how temporary or fleeting they may be. It’s the feeling that ‘anything is possible’ that makes university life a lot less bleak.
Main Character, Who?
The best feeling in the world is walking with your headphones on, losing yourself in the music, and feeling like the star of your own movie. For those looking for emotionally charged lyrics but craving something a little different from Olivia Rodrigo’s angst-filled belts of rebellion, there are plenty of songs across various genres that pack just as much emotional punch.
Disenchanted by My Chemical Romance
Image Source: YouTube/My Chemical Romance, “My Chemical Romance – Disenchanted”
It’s almost like Gerard Way’s vocals are so full of emotion in every word that he utters, as if each line is a raw, unfiltered piece of his soul. It’s not just a ‘sad song with nothing to say/About a lifelong wait for a hospital stay’; it's a powerful, cathartic outpouring of vulnerability created by Way’s voice, paired with the melancholic instrumentation. An honourable mention here is ‘The Light Behind Your Eyes’, another MCR track that carries a similar weight and a tune so irresistibly pleasing to the ears.
Bad Girl by Avril Lavigne
For those who love Olivia Rodrigo’s bold, unapologetic style but want something more pop-punk with an edge, ‘Bad Girl’ is the perfect song for you. Channelling that same rebellious energy, the song features a fast-paced, high-octane rhythm and Avril’s signature snarky, sassy delivery. With lyrics that flaunt defiance and a playful attitude, the song taps into the spirit of youthful rebellion.
Calling all shower singers!
Let’s be real – the shower is arguably the best concert hall. The acoustics? Absolutely perfect. The audience? Unwavering. It’s just you, your voice, and the freedom to belt out songs without anyone’s critical eye on you. Moving into Raffles Hall was a big adjustment, and for me, that included learning not to belt out ballads in the bathroom like I was auditioning for The Voice. But if you’re someone who is confident about your strong vocals and unafraid of judgement in the hall shower stalls, here are some tracks that will give you the ultimate vocal workout.
My All by Mariah Carey—or really, any song by Mariah Carey
Image Source: YouTube/Mariah Carey, “Mariah Carey – My All (Official HD Video)”
When it comes to vocal workouts, Mariah Carey is the ultimate challenge. Whether you’re hitting those high notes in ‘My All’ or attempting to match her otherworldly whistle register, this song will surely get your voice soaring. For the truly ambitious, tackle ‘Emotions’ or ‘Vision of Love’. Just make sure you complete a set of vocal warmups before attempting them.
If I Ain’t Got You by Alicia Keys
Image Source: YouTube/Alicia Keys, “If I Ain’t Got You”
There’s something about singing it with the shower steam fogging up the mirror that makes you feel like you’re about to make your debut. With runs, riffs and lyrics depicting the longing for love and authentic connections rather than material possessions, this song is heartfelt and perfect for an emotional shower belting session. It’s the ballad to release your inner Celine Dion.
Breaking Free from High School Musical
Image Source: YouTube/DisneyMusicVEVO, “Troy, Gabriella – Breaking Free (From High School Musical)”
If you’re feeling adventurous and want to create your own shower musical with your shower stall neighbour (yes, that’s a thing), try some iconic duets. Take Troy and Gabriella from High School Musical, for example, as they sing ‘Breaking Free’. This song is about breaking away from the labels and prejudice placed on them by their respective teams. It’s a powerful song for anyone feeling entrapped by expectations and for us university students, it hits close to home. Between the pressure to excel in class, fit in with the right crowd, and juggle a million other things, we can all relate to the need to break free from those roles. There’s nothing quite like belting out this song, with the acoustics of the shower bouncing your harmonies back at you, turning that emotional release into something empowering.
Kingslayer by Bring Me The Horizon
Image Source: Rock Sound, “Watch: Bring Me The Horizon and BABYMETAL Share Official Live Video Of ‘Kingslayer’”
For those who aren’t afraid to add a little edge to their vocal repertoire, “Kingslayer” by Bring Me The Horizon is sure to ignite some energy in the bathroom. Headbangs optional, but recommended. If you’re not feeling the heavy metal shower experience, don’t worry; just scream the chorus and call it a day.
So whether you’re a shower soloist or ready to take on some duet action with your stall neighbour, these tracks will elevate your bathroom performances to a whole new level. And who knows? You might just find your next big audition in the steam of the shower.
Dance the night away
Ever get that 3 a.m. urge to get up and dance like you’ve got no responsibilities tomorrow? As if that 8 a.m. lecture—the one that’s definitely not recorded and painfully dry—won’t be waiting for you? Here are some songs that you can dance to. Just don’t blame me when you’re half-dead in the morning.
Superstition by Stevie Wonder
When that late-night burst of energy hits and you can’t resist moving, ‘Superstition’ is the perfect track to fuel your solo dance party. With its infectious groove and funky rhythm, Stevie Wonder’s classic jam has the kind of beat that demands you get up and shake it, even if you’re running on zero sleep. It’s the kind of song that tricks you into thinking, “Just one more song,” only to find the sun rising before you know it.
And just a quick honourable mention to ‘Sir Duke’ by Stevie Wonder as it sounds like the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse theme song. For all you know, you might even start dancing like Goofy.
Say Say Say by Paul McCartney and Michael Jackson
Image Source: YouTube/Micheal Jackson, “Paul McCartney, Michael Jackson – Say Say Say (Official HD Video)”
If ‘Superstition’ is all about getting down with funky energy, ‘Say Say Say’ is the perfect track for when you need to dance with a little more swagger. This song is timeless, with McCartney’s more laid-back vocals and Jackson’s signature pop flair creating a sound that pulls you in and makes it impossible not to groove.
Give Me the Night by George Benson
With its infectious groove, ‘Give Me the Night’ mixes disco, R&B, and smooth jazz, making it perfect for late nights when you just want to unwind. Benson’s smooth vocals glide effortlessly over the rhythmic bassline, while the upbeat tempo keeps your feet moving, almost like you’ve slipped on a pair of Red Dancing Shoes. In that fairy tale, you can’t stop dancing, no matter how hard you try. But instead of being cursed to dance forever, this song gives you the freedom to lose yourself in the rhythm, embracing the night and all its possibilities.
Park Bench Main Character Moments
After a whole night of dancing and endless energy, sometimes you just need to channel your inner movie protagonist—sitting alone on a park bench, lost in thought, as the world quietly moves around you. These songs will help you fully embrace that introspective, cinematic vibe.
Fly Like An Eagle by Stereophonics
‘Fly like an Eagle’ by Stereophonics is one of those acoustic tracks that feel like a breath of fresh air, and honestly, it’s one of my all-time favourites. With its soothing tone and uplifting lyrics, it’s the kind of song that instantly calms your mind and encourages you to embrace the moment. The gentle rhythm lulls you into a state of peacefulness, and the lyrics remind you that there’s always a bigger picture, and sometimes, all you need to do is take a step back and let life carry you.
Dear God by Avenged Sevenfold
Image Source: YouTube/Avenged Sevenfold, “Avenged Sevenfold – Dear God [Official Music Video]”
‘Dear God’ by Avenged Sevenfold is one of those tracks that hits deep. The song expresses the pain of missing a loved one, with heartfelt lyrics that reflect a deep desire for God’s protection over them in their absence. The raw emotion of the lyrics resonates on a personal level. What truly elevates the song, though, are the heavenly guitar solos, amplifying the sense of longing and emotional weight of the track to a profound level. (If you play guitar, do yourself a favour and learn this one.)
Stranger by Olivia Rodrigo
Written about the liberating feeling of moving on, this song captures the emotional journey of personal growth. Paired with a simple yet beautiful melody, this song’s stripped-back production allows the raw emotions of Olivia’s voice to shine through, creating a haunting yet hopeful atmosphere. It tells us that while growth might be painful, it also allows us a sense of freedom to know that we are stronger than we think.
Songs I Wish Someone Would Play for Me Because I’m So Lonely
Calling all lonely singles daydreaming of a love story straight out of a rom-com! Maybe you’ve watched Patrick Verona serenade Kat with ‘Can’t Take My Eyes Off You’ in 10 Things I Hate About You (1999) and thought, “Why can’t that be me?”. If you’re in the mood for a little delusional fantasy, here are some songs for those moments when you’re wishing someone would play these songs for you.
Something About The Way You Look Tonight by Elton John
Image Source: YouTube/Elton John, “Elton John – Something About The Way You Look Tonight”
From the moment this song begins, you will be swept away by its majestic melody. There’s something about it that simply feels timeless and ethereal. This song seems to wrap you in a warm, romantic embrace—one where the world fades away. As it builds, there’s a certain magic to it—like the kind of song you wish someone would play for you when you're sitting there single, slightly wistful, hoping someone would sweep you off your feet the way this song does.
She by Elvis Costello
‘She’ by Elvis Costello is a beautiful love song that slowly unfurls like a delicate secret. There’s a very cinematic quality to the way Costello sings this. The orchestration is lush but subtle, building a sense of depth and elegance. And when this song plays in Notting Hill (1999), it’s hard not to imagine yourself as Anna or Will, starring in your own perfect, heart-tugging rom-com. Because, let’s face it, who wouldn’t want to fall in love while listening to this masterpiece?
Drama, Drama
We all know that music is about expression—some artists do it, and then there are those who take it to the next level. These songs are so brimming with emotion and energy, they practically define what music should be. If you’re looking for tracks that are as dramatic as your mood, here’s a selection that hits all the right notes.
Girl Anachronism by The Dresden Dolls
Image Source: YouTube/dresdendolls, “The Dresden Dolls ‘Girl Anachronism’ music video”
Amanda Palmer’s vocals in ‘Girl Anachronism’ are a force to be reckoned with. From the very first note, her voice flips from fiery anger to fragile vulnerability in the blink of an eye, creating a song that is as raw and chaotic as the emotions it captures. The lyrics tell the story of a girl who is unable to fit into society’s neat little boxes, where the chaotic piano arrangement mirrors the dissonance of her inner turmoil that is fast-paced, frantic, and unpredictable. If you’re feeling spiteful, misunderstood, or just ready to throw all the rules out the window, this song is the perfect outlet.
Seaside Rendezvous by Queen—or any Queen song, really
Freddie Mercury’s voice was practically an instrument in itself—always able to convey a staggering range of emotions, from the tender to the theatrical, the confident to the vulnerable. ‘Seaside Rendezvous’ is no exception. It’s playful, dramatic, and whimsical all at once, and it’s hard to think of any other band that so seamlessly married artistry with theatrical flair quite like Queen.
Get in the Groove
We all have different definitions of what makes a song “groovy.” For some, it’s all about the rhythm that makes you want to get up and dance. For others, it’s the vibe, the way a song feels like it’s made for cruising down the highway at sunset. Whatever your groove is, these jams are guaranteed to hit the spot.
Animal by Badflower
Image Source: YouTube/Badflower, “Badflower – Animal (Live From The Living Room)”
From the first note of ‘Animal’, you’re instantly hooked. The track carries a palpable sense of urgency, as if it’s ready to leap off the speakers—a surge of energy that pulls you in and drives your body to move. Badflower brings the heat with gritty, biting vocals, capturing that restless energy we all know too well. The intensity and emotion in every line make it impossible not to feel every bit of the track’s energy. And if you’re looking for more of that bold attitude, ‘Sasshole’ by Badflower is also worth a listen, delivering an equally sharp and unapologetic punch.
Gunman by Them Crooked Vultures
Image Source: YouTube/themcrookedvultures, “Gunman”
The opening riff of ‘Gunman’ is pure eargasm. Seriously, you could just lose yourself in that gritty, hypnotic groove for hours. As the song picks up steam, it becomes this relentless force, propelled by a driving bassline and some seriously intense drumming.
Tunes Beyond the Ordinary
Ever heard songs that are so captivating, they make you feel like you’re floating into another dimension? With their transcendent instrumental arrangements and magical shifts in melody, these tracks have the power to lift you beyond the ordinary and transport you to a place where time and space no longer exist.
One Day by Gary Moore
In ‘One Day’, Gary Moore uses his guitar not just as an instrument, but as a voice for raw emotion. The song is a powerful ballad where every note from Moore’s guitar seems to convey a message of pain, hope, and healing. Ever heard people say a guitarist ‘made the guitar sing’? This is a prime example of that.
Miles Away by Stone Temple Pilots
Stone Temple Pilots’ ‘Miles Away’ is a stunning blend of rock and orchestral elements. With the inclusion of the violin which adds a layer of ethereal beauty to the track, it creates a sense of emotional weight that feels almost heavenly. And the moment the key change hits near the end of the song, it feels like you’re crossing into an entirely different space.
November Rain by Guns N’ Roses
Image Source: YouTube/Guns N’ Roses, “Guns N’ Roses – November Rain”
Guns N’ Roses’ November Rain is a classic that’s been praised for its sweeping grandeur, but there’s one moment in particular that’s almost otherworldly. At about 7 minutes into the song, when the second guitar solo kicks in, it feels like the song breaks free from the bounds of reality and whisks you to a whole new world.
Plug in Baby (Yes, I’m Talking About the Muse Song)
So, there you have it—the ultimate soundtrack for every mood, moment, and unexpected plot twist that university life throws your way. Whether you’re singing in the shower, dancing around your room at 3 a.m. like the world’s your stage, or channelling your inner protagonist on a quiet park bench, the right song can transform any situation into something unforgettable.
And hey, if you're still scrolling through endless playlists, wondering where the perfect vibe is hiding, just hit play on this Spotify playlist. It's got everything you need to spice up your music collection, elevate your mood, and maybe even give you a newfound appreciation for different genres of music. So plug in those headphones and embrace every dramatic, emotional, or groovy moment that comes your way.
At the end of the day, life is way too short for bad playlists.
Written by: Joelle
Edited by: Videl, Herman, Arushi, En Xin
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