Best Songs To: Wake Up To
There is a bitter chill in the air this November. The sun is setting far too early and arising far too late. If, like us, you’re not really a morning person, it can be difficult to detach yourself from the warm bedsheets and get ready for another day, but a good playlist can always be the antidote. Katie and Brandon, our Music Editors, have compiled a list of feel-good bangers to set yourself off to a great start, no matter the weather.
Sleepyhead - Passion Pit
Katie: The PINNACLE of optimistic indie sleaze. This song ticks two vital boxes for me: sickly sweet nostalgia and a unique sound of hopefulness / euphoria / morning chaos that I can’t find anywhere else. ‘Sleepyhead’ absolutely nails that feeling of deciding to make a new day a good one.
Mr. Blue Sky - Electric Light Orchestra
Brandon: Lyrically paints the picture of the perfect start to the day: that rhythm on the instrumentals is like a throbbing heartbeat urging you to get up and have a proper attempt at a productive day. It has a timeless energy to it, unbelievably written and released in 1977, but still trumps any track out there when it comes to its elevating nature.
Naked - Bickle
Katie: A little shot of energy for a grey Wednesday. The message of this song is so simple but so fitting: no matter what happens in life, you can always dance it away. This choppy, bassy pop song can pull anyone out of a morning funk.
Have A Nice Day - Stereophonics
Brandon: A flowy, ballad-like anthem by Welsh giants Stereophonics. The chorus says it all, "Have a Nice Day" and doesn't it just instill that wishful thinking. It's an optimistic sounding tune, puts a pep in your step, keeps your chin up. That blissful 'ba bada ba ba badaba' fills you with warmth on what is currently a cold winter's morning.
I Like Your Look - Blossoms
Katie: Put on your flares and get funky. This track from Blossoms’ recent release ‘Gary’ showcases the bands’ 70s / contemporary pop fusion at its best. Perfect for feeling yourself in a smart casual outfit before heading into a compulsory office day.
#5 Go Bang! (Francois K remix) - Dinosaur L
Brandon: Well, this song pretty much has it all. It gradually intensifies throughout, additions of percussion, chiming, and that sinister organ. It almost replicates the hazy vision feeling of just getting out of bed. Then, the bassline begins, your day has started. I like to think of the 'Bang' as knocking off those small morning tasks. Like 'That's right I just made a quality cuppa, and hell yeah I made the bus on time!': an invigorating energy to get your day started.
Sweet Disposition - The Temper Trap
Katie: I love romanticising my life and this song has always been the perfect soundtrack for that. Listening to ‘Sweet Disposition’ - that perfect, building pre-chorus and those sharp, twinkling drums in particular - makes me want to go for a run at 6AM, and not many songs are capable of doing that.
Forgot About You (Piano Version) - Axel Boman, Milijon
Brandon: The chords make this track; if I persevered I would make this my alarm ringtone for every day. It is sweet, innocent, and a gentle awakening. The muted shakers, the beautiful voice of Miljon and Axel Boman's signature electro touches. If you prefer a smoother start, one to accompany your coffee and toast, this one's for you.
The King of Rock ‘N’ Roll - Prefab Sprout
Katie: You simply cannot be unhappy listening to this song. If you can’t already tell, I believe that the cure to the Monday Miseries is to get up and instantly dance. Prefab Sprout’s kooky ode to a washed-out pop star not only reminds you that it could be worse, but inspires you to craft intricate lip-synch choreography with those suave vocals.
Break My Love - Nicolas Jaar
Brandon: For the electro heads out there, Nicolas Jaar really brings us to life with this one. Maybe if you're suspecting a tough start, this regenerating electronic bassline expands continuously throughout, like multiple pushes to wake the f*** up! Yet behind it, a rolling plodding beat, layered with subtle breakbeats and drum rolls. It is replenishing, it is refreshing and ultimately it awakens.
Feeling ready to attack the day yet? Get up and go!
Keep your eyes peeled for more Top 10 lists, carefully curated by our music editors. What theme shall we delve into next? Find the full playlist here.
Written by Brandon Purmessur & Katie Coxall
Brandon is a music journalist in Bristol who enjoys writing as well as hosting radio shows and video interviews. Beyond music, he enjoys working with the community and learning about other cultures.
Katie is an all-round creative, specialising in music journalism for Everyday. Coming from a background of opinion-pieces and cultural essays, she strives to weave contemporary context into all of her writing.
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