Hangover Playlist
Hey, reader. How was your Halloweekend? Sober and quiet? No? I didn’t think so. Studies (by which I mean sweeping generalizations I heard from upperclassmen in my freshman year) have shown that Halloweekend and Founder’s Day are the average Vassar student’s two weekends that involve the most intense partying, and it’s not hard to understand why. Think about it: 2,000 college students on one small campus with a seemingly endless amount of alcohol and a practically non-existent security presence? Things are bound to get crazy.
From my observations, it seems like we all had a pretty good Halloweekend—apart from the destruction of several Main House windows (come on, people). I saw no less than twenty foxes, fifteen Miley Cyruses, and, strangely enough, seven Where’s Waldos. I heard tons of great party playlists bumping from houses, dorms, and the Villard Room. Unfortunately, now that the party’s over, we all have to get back to real life. Which brings me to this week’s playlist theme: hangovers.
I’m guessing that more than a few of us woke up last Sunday with killer morning-after hangovers. We know the symptoms: sensitivity to light and sound, exhaustion, and a general feeling of awfulness and regret. You may think that music is the worst possible remedy, but think again, my nauseous friend. I’m no doctor, but I’ve assembled a super chill hangover playlist guaranteed to take away your troubles—at least for half an hour). Grab your Advil, sunglasses, and headphones and check it out.
The Morning by The Weeknd
I sense that I’m very late in jumping on The Weeknd’s bandwagon. For months now iTunes, Spotify, and Facebook have been reminding me that if I like Drake, I might like The Weeknd, too. Last week I finally gave in, listened to “The Trilogy,” and fell in love. “The Morning,” my favorite song of the album, contrasts a fast-paced subject matter with a slow and sweet melody. It’s a soft track with a great beat that won’t exacerbate your hangover headache.
Ribs by Lorde
I know that everyone’s obsessed with Lorde right now, so there’s a good chance that you’ve already heard and gotten sick of this song. I’ll skip the background since you’ve almost definitely heard it and jump to why I chose the song. Lorde’s stripped-down song is perfect for hangover fatigue. “Ribs” is simplistically beautiful without the overwhelming production that overruns a lot of contemporary songs. In addition, the song fits perfectly into category of music that makes youth feel desperately, deeply important, making it a natural pick for a post-party playlist.
Caitlin by Jamaican Queens
I won’t lie: a small part of the reason why I love this song so much is the fact that it uses my name extensively. Do you know how hard it is to find a song with the name Caitlin in it? This wonderful facet aside, I challenge you to find a more chill song than this one. I’d be willing to put money on a bet that it is the most relaxing song in the world (or at least in the top 50). The Jamaican Queens’ fantastic combination of digital and instrumental elements is flawless, while the lead singer’s calming voice will distract you from the slightly disturbing (but completely fascinating) lyrics.
This Isn’t Our Parade by Santigold
Don’t be fooled by the fact that this is the only dance-able song on this playlist; it is still entirely mellow. Santigold’s gentle singing and the song’s low beat will lull you into a sleepy bliss sure to calm those hangover blues. Don’t believe me? Press play.
I Think It’s Going To Rain Today by Nina Simone
I’m rounding out this playlist with the classic “I Think It’s Going To Rain Today,” by the iconic Nina Simone. This song is a pure and soulful standard. Nina Simone’s unique talent brings a beautiful quality that never fails to enchant me. The song’s simple, optimistic message is guaranteed to lift your spirits even on the darkest of days.