By Editorial Staff
There are many experiences virtual school has robbed us of. Whether it be lounging on the sixth floor of the Sheldon & Tracy Levy Student Learning Centre (SLC) with friends or grabbing a broccoli cheddar soup from Panera between classes, even the simplest moments and staple froshie experiences have been taken for granted.
As such, many students have yet to experience a tinge of nostalgia during their commute to campus.
This playlist is a compilation of song suggestions from our masthead at The Eyeopener. It crosses genres and decades, and is meant to support you as you re-embark on the journey of a long and often painful commute back to school. So pop in your AirPods and pretend there’s longing eye contact with the only other person on your streetcar. The Eye’s got your back.
“Comme de Garçons (Like the Boys)” by Rina Sawayama
“Comme de Garçons” was released right on the precipice of the pandemic. It was exactly what many needed as the world went into lockdown. Her pop-y and upbeat single encapsulates the attitude you need to bustle home after a long day. It’s punchy, powerful and can turn any streetcar into a runway. No one can get in your way when you cruise home to this bop.
– Rochelle Raveendran, fun & satire editor
“My House” by Declan McKenna
Indie pop artist Declan McKenna’s voice is like a warm bowl of soup, and his song “My House” makes you feel as if you’re commuting home to one. This breezy and sweet single touches on life in the city, young love, and the concept of home. “My House” allows you to romanticize what’s waiting for you after three shuttle buses and a double delay home.
– Dhriti Gupta, online editor
“Break From Toronto” by PARTYNEXTDOOR
This song is best listened to on the commute home from the city, staring at Toronto’s high-rise apartments and twinkling lights. The music video follows PARTYNEXTDOOR as he drives through Toronto, highlighting drone shots of the CN Tower accompanied with shots of convenience stores in the West End. It turns a simple trek back into your neck of the woods into an adventure-filled evening. Best listened to on full blast.
– Charlize Alcaraz, business & technology editor
“Anna Sun” by WALK THE MOON
“Anna Sun” was written by WALK THE MOON vocalist, Nicholas Petricca and his eight-year-old neighbour Jake. The sunny sound of the electronic pop tune combined with lyrics that detail the up-and-downs of life is a gentle reminder to keep in touch with the childish side of you. Even when you must do adult tasks, like commute home from a long day.
– Abeer Khan, features editor
Love & War in Your Twenties” by Jordy Searcy
Jordy Searcy is the type of artist who creates music for hopeless romantics. With only some soft percussion, an acoustic guitar and his soulful voice, this song will make you feel as if you’re having a coming-of-age moment every time you step onto campus. His lyrics are written for early adulthood as he sings, “I don’t want to take the world for granted / while I’m still trying to understand it.”
– Heidi Lee, news editor
“Runnin’ (Lose It All)” by Naughty Boy feat. Beyoncé, Arrow Benjamin
“Runnin’” is three minutes and 43 seconds of sheer shimmering magic. The song begins with soft piano chords and Miss Beyoncé herself describing the feeling of being trapped. However, soon enough percussion and strings begin and suddenly, she’s runnin’. It’s the type of song to listen to when you’re in a rush, need a bit of hope that things will speed up and be freed from the tight subway car soon enough.
– Norah Kim, media editor
“Don’t Delete the Kisses” by Wolf Alice
This is the quintessential dreampop song for romanticizing strangers on the TTC. The music video tracks two youthful and reckless lovers as they meet, fall in love and unravel throughout their daily commute. It’s a sweet reminder to look for beauty in even the most mundane parts of your day-to-day routine. Maybe you’re meant to find love during rush hour at Dundas Station.
– Tyler Griffin, editor-in-chief
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