Photos by Gillian Wisniewski
This semester’s vibe is a mix of slow indie melodies, disco beats and so much more. Some of the student body’s top songs of the semester showcase joy and confidence, while others are pessimistic and unforgiving. These are just a few of them.
Listen to the semester playlist to hear for yourself.
“So Far So Fake” by Pierce the Veil
This track has recently gone viral on social media. It has students feeling like cool indie kids from the early 2000s. Mentally, they are at the skate park, body rolling to the melody.
“Milkshake” by Kelis
Kelis released “Milkshake” in 2003. Ever since then, it has been in multiple ads, as well as a hot topic in movies and TV shows. Despite this hit being a classic, some students only know this song from a 2025 Gap ad with KATSEYE.
The overall vibe of the song gives boss bi*ch energy, which is almost synonymous with big Coog energy, so this one totally makes sense.
“Smooth Operator” by Sade
This ‘80s jam seemingly never goes out of style.
“I Can’t Win” by The Strokes
“I Can’t Win,” with its unlucky but relatable lyrics over a hopeful beat, gives students something to dance and reflect to. This is especially true for those students who are trying their best—the ones who feel like despite that, they just can’t win.
“Burn Rubber On Me (Why You Wanna Hurt Me)” by The Gap Band
This song’s vibe is perfectly explained in the title. Imagine going to the club or lounge in the ‘80s reminiscing about an unexpected breakup with a situationship, except you weren’t aware the relationship was going nowhere.
Considering the dating scene in Houston, some students probably don’t even need to imagine this. No wonder they’d choose to jam out that broken-hearted confusion by listening to “Burn Rubber On Me.”
“Yes It Is” by Leon Thomas
This song is another that makes Coogs feel something. It is risqué depending on what you believe “It” is—his heart or her you know what.
“Why (Spare Me Tears)” by Elmiene
Imagine: It was a misty day at the end of the spring semester, and your ex called you crying, trying to reconcile after breaking up. Now, it’s fall and you are happily removed from the situation, not worried about a thing while they’re still falling apart.
That’s the vibe this song is bringing to this semester.
“Calling Me” by LAYA
The lyrics and melody of this tune takes students to a place of embracing newfound success while being pursued—what a way to start off the semester confidently.
“Brown Eyed Lover” by Allen Stone
Stone’s use of imagery paired with a joyful melody highlights how important it is to never keep a lady you love waiting. Seemingly, this is a tip students are taking into the together-weather season. Why else would it be on the list?
Recent Comments