Jasper Jams: Waking Up in Winter


Flynn Myers, Contributor

The winter season is already harsh and cold, leaving us running from place to place in hopes of getting out of the blistering, freezing air. This winter is no different – I find myself tired in the mornings and not wanting to venture out throughout the day. When the first alarm on my phone goes off, and I’m faced with the fact that I have to climb out of my covers and throw a million other layers on, I go through a wide array of emotions. From irritating puffer coats to thermals and don’t even get me started on gloves – these jams will get you going when nothing else does

Messy by Lola Young 

This is a perfect song that wakes me up and gets me confident for the day. I know that this is a very popular song currently, it satisfies the bouncing emotions of the morning. The song itself connects deeply to winter mornings for me due to Lola Young’s confidence and rage. 

Favorite Verse: “You told me, “Get a job,” then you ask where the hell I’ve been/And I’m too perfect ‘til I open my big mouth/ I want to be me, is that not allowed?”

Illusion by Dua Lipa

The fast beat and repetition in the song make it a very exciting listen. The song is very upbeat and can make a morning feel very fast paced. No it can’t make the cold go away, but it can definitely keep you awake.

Favorite Verse: “Don’t know who you think that you’re confusin’/I be like, ooh, it’s amusin’/ You think I’m gonna fall for an illusion”

Altar by Kehlani

Though this one is a sadder song, I find it to be enjoyable. The beat, rhythm and the lyrics combined are melodious. The song is reflective and catchy and is great for the middle of the day when walking from class to class.

Favorite Verse: “Soon I’ll see your face/ Don’t know why I ever thought you were far away/I should’ve known better/ If I set a flame and I call your name”

Love Me Not by Ravyn Lenae

The building of the beat in the song is like bread and butter. The singer has a unique voice that compliments the differentiating tempo to the song, also a very great walking song. Makes it feel almost warm outside. The lyrics are telling a story of going back-and-forth through emotions and I feel it can be listened to in the early afternoon.

Favorite Verse: “And, oh, it’s hard to see you, but I wish you were right here/ Oh it’s hard to leave you when I get you everywhere/ All this time I’m thinkin’ we could never be a pair”

Say You Love Me by Fleetwood Mac

I’m taking a swift turn with this one, the tempo is way too good to pass up. The vocals are layered in such a perfect way and it’s very rhythmic. I am a Fleetwood Mac fan so if you love them you’ll love this one. The perfect song for getting homework done or traveling through the windy weather.

Favorite Verse: “I guess I’m not as strong as I used to be/ And if you use me again, it’ll be the end of me/ ‘Cause when the lovin’ starts and the lights go down/ There’s not another living soul around/ You woo me until the sun comes up/ And you say that you love me”

Take It Easy by Eagles

As the late afternoon hits, I find it hardest to skip out on a nap or focus on work. This song has softer vocals, but also has a fast tempo to keep you awake. The lyrics are very catchy and can be paired with a good walk to a coffee shop or relaxing on campus.

Favorite Verse: “Don’t let the sound of your own wheels make you crazy/Lighten up while you still can/ Don’t even try to understand/ Just find a place to make your stand and take it easy”

Please, Please, Please, Let Me Get What I Want by The Smiths

When you start winding down after the hectic day that took you for a spin, this is a perfect song to relax to and do your final tasks before making the journey back home. The smooth vocals and dynamic background instruments crafted a well thought out song that is soft.

Favorite Verse: “Haven’t had a dream in a long time/ See, the life I’ve had/ Can make a good man bad/ so for once in my life/ let me get what I want”

I’ll Be Seeing You by Billie Holiday

Finally, at the end of a long day there is nothing like some jazz. A cold evening and the warmness of a jazz song work beautifully cohesive together. This song in particular is very calming, light to the ear and I find it’s great to listen to before resting. The honey-like vocals and smooth piano and trombone offer a great winding down mix.

Favorite Verse: “I’ll always think of you that way/ I’ll find you/ In the morning sun/ And when the night is new/ I’ll be looking at the moon/ But I’ll be seeing you”