A Collaboration by IG Staff
The Wintertime blues draped a fog over our heads, allowing us to rot in our lethargy, the break passing by in the blink of an eye. But the break is over now, classes are starting, and it’s time to lock in.
Kick off the new semester with a high-energy playlist to get your blood pumping! The Imaginary Gardens team has curated their favorite bangers, jams, and bops to start your year strong and energized. Catchy beats, heavy bass, and a rebellious voice will leave you ready to rock on.
Draven Copeland, Managing Editor
“Na Na Na (Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na)” by My Chemical Romance
Honestly, this song has never failed to get me excited. Back when I was in high school, I had the entire Danger Days album bumping on my headphones every morning just to get through the day without falling asleep or into a depressive spiral back at good old Hardin Valley Academy. Along with “Bulls in the Bronx” by Pierce the Veil (which I also added to the playlist, you’re welcome), “Na Na Na” is a blast from the classic emo punk pop era of the 2010s, infusing MCR’s previously dark image and sound with a multicolored and unabashedly hyper tone. Remember: “The future is bulletproof; the aftermath is secondary.”
Bean Gast, Editor
“How To Be Cool At Parties” by Sex Mask
I recently found this song and immediately added it to my liked songs playlist. Ironically, this semester my goal is to not be as locked in, for the purpose of saving my mental health. My new goal is to learn “How To Be Cool At Parties,” even though I don’t tend to participate in most party substances. Sex Mask reminds me of a new-age Beastie Boys with a post- punk vibe, alt- rock undertones, and Australian rap. I’m hoping if I play this song on repeat enough, I will rewire my brain to not carry as much school-related stress and hopefully attend more parties.
Addison Chrivia, Editor
“Hate to Say I Told You So” by The Hives
This song is loud, rambunctious, and obnoxious. The Hives have a punk-rock garage sound similar to The White Stripes, The Strokes, or Black Rebel Motorcycle Club. The song’s lyrics are pretty simple; it’s all about doing whatever you want when you want to, no matter what people might think. This is one of my top choices to listen to when I have to do a project for school and need to hype myself up or need something high-energy to keep me from slacking.
James Cochran, Photo Editor
“Domination” by Pantera
This song just punches you in the face with a Vulgar Display of Power with how heavy yet groovy it is. With that breakdown, you’d better pray your neck doesn’t hurt for a week after already headbanging to the previous parts of the song. If you’re feeling bummed during the semester, or just need some extra energy, put on some headphones, turn the volume dial to 11, and press play, because it’ll help brutally and instantly.
Jackie Ayala, Editor
“Misery Business” by Paramore
If anything gets me amped up, it’s a good Paramore rock song. This song reminds me of sharing a room with my teenage older sister in the 2010s where all you could hear was the blasting music from her CD player. It may have been annoying, but now I applaud her taste in music. Even now, whenever it plays in my car or when I get ready, it’s the perfect song for letting loose and putting the volume on full blast to get my energy up!
Emma G. Harrison, Editor-in-Chief
“Girls on Film” by Duran Duran
This groovy, upbeat tune is a surefire way to get the good vibes rolling. Ranked number six on their Spotify listens, “Girls on Film” is one of Duran Duran’s top hits; it even exploded to the top number one spot in Portugal in the summer of 1981. If you’ve heard the song, chances are you have happened upon the controversial music video that kick-started an uproar between fans and foes alike. For this music video, Duran Duran uses themes of the model industry to depict the harsh reality of how women have been treated throughout generations. Along with the rich impact this song had on the world, this pop-rock hit is super addictive, with catchy lyrics and electric riffs making it my go-to “rock on” beat.
