I don‰’t know about anyone else, but this week was especially difficult to get through for me. It‰’s that point in the semester where you can feel the workload starting to pick up and the excitement of new classes beginning to diminish. However, music always seems to be an antidote for the stress and worry associated with academics and can alleviate some of that pressure that seems to slowly build up over time. 

Oldies, in particular, seem to lend themselves well to stress relief. Whether it’s fast 1920s jazz, mellow 1960s folk, or anything else in between, music from the past serves as the perfect distraction from the realities of being a student. This is my most recent “recuperating‰” music playlist. It is comprised of music that not only relaxes the nerves, but brightens my mood and (not to sound too cheesy), cleanses the soul.

This version of “Son of a Preacher Man‰” by Ike and Tina Turner is an up-beat, celebratory piece of music. The tempo is upbeat, the vocals are soulful, and the arrangement is funky. Perfect for ringing in the weekend and celebrating time off.

The next song is “When a Man Loves a Woman‰” by Percy Sledge. Not only is it fitting for the Valentine‰’s Day weekend, but it also has such a classic 1960s melody and arrangement that you can‰’t help but tap your feet to and sway your body back and forth to. Overall, it‰’s a vibrant, sweet piece of music that makes you feel good.

“California Soul‰” by Marlena Shaw is in my top 10 favorite songs: and for good reason. It reminds me of being at home in San Francisco, enjoying the sun, the air and the surf. You don‰’t have to be from California to enjoy this piece, though. In the dead of winter, as DC is in currently, it is uplifting and reminds you that summer is not too far away.

Now I can‰’t make a weekend, de-stress playlist without including the Beatles. If you‰’re planning on going out, “Twist and Shout‰” is the perfect jam to listen to while you‰’re getting ready or in the car waiting to reach your destination. It‰’s a short song, but it‰’s fun, carefree and joyous: the perfect characteristics of a night out.

Sundays can be quite dreadful, especially when the workload has piled up. However, with the right music, they can be just as relaxing as a Friday or Saturday night. Picking fun music that is easy to study or work to is key to making Sundays enjoyable. For this, I like Simon and Garfunkel, especially their hit, “Mrs. Robinson.‰Û

So go forth and enjoy your weekends!