Weekly Wildcat playlist: Semester’s end

Wildcats, we are a hairsbreadth away from the semester’s end. Many of us are ready to drop and call it quits, but remember to summon one last burst of energy and willpower and you’ll come out feeling successful.

The Daily Wildcat has compiled a playlist to help keep you going. Listen to these songs on the way to that cumbersome final exam, or rock out as you make your way through that major essay. These songs will both keep you from falling asleep and keep you going when you feel you’ve already given school your last metaphorical ten cents of sanity. Rock on and hang on, Wildcats.

1. “Thunderstruck” by AC/DC

AC/DC was on to something with this well-known song. Take a moment, realign yourself, and get thunderstruck with some inspiration for your final essay or study session. Let the “sound of drums” beat in your heart, “the thunder of guns” tear you apart and allow Brian Johnson to declare you “thunderstruck.”

2. “I Won’t Back Down” by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers

This 1989 Tom Petty hit is the mantra not only for finals but in life. No matter what is thrown at you, no matter how many failures you many experience, there is something beyond the hard times that will get you through. Stand your ground and don’t let the world push you around. Be Tom Petty and stand your ground, because you won’t back down.

3. “Livin’ on a Prayer” by Bon Jovi

Sometimes, we need a prayer to keep going when we’re not sure where we’re heading, or else we simply pray to make it through the painful essay portion of our tests without tearing the paper to pieces and peeling out of the classroom as though we were spontaneously on fire. “Woah, we’re halfway there, woah, livin’ on a prayer…”

4. “Basket Case” by Green Day

This is a tune we can all certainly relate to, especially at this time of year. We’re drowning in paperwork, the words in our textbooks are blurred from our vision due to lack of sleep and we’re two seconds from turning into a rendition of Ace Ventura in the tutu.

Vocalist Billie Joe Armstrong later mentioned the song was about his own struggle with anxiety. Kudos to him for creating an artful masterpiece we could all relate to. Commiserate with your friends, reach out to your family, they all have the time to listen to you whine, “about nothing and everything all at once.”

5. “Primal Scream” by Mötley Crüe

Take a cue from Vince Neil and “let that mother out.” There’s only so much a person can take and keep bottled up before they need to “primal scream and shout.” Apologize to your roommates in advance and scream along with this song until your voice is hoarse. Really, show “a little pain” and “unlock a lotta truth.” Guaranteed an instant release and a newfound strength to keep working.

6. “You’ve Got Another Thing Comin’” by Judas Priest

Show ’em what ya got, Wildcats! Prove them wrong, kick ass, and do well on your upcoming tests and projects. Listening to this song will give you a reinforced will to keep going and end up victorious. Because Wildcats, we honestly all need that extra reassurance, especially at this point in the semester. As Rob Halford declares, “One life I’m gonna live it up!”

7. “We Are Not Alone” by Karla DeVito

This song inspired the Breakfast Club, it will inspire you. Dance like no one’s watching, and let your mood lift in correlation with this uplifting tune. The song’s title says it all; you are not alone to face what’s ahead, and per the lyrics, “there’ll be somebody there to break your fall.” Any support we have is greatly appreciated during these stressful times.

8. “Whip It” by Devo

“When a problem comes along you must whip it.” That problem has approached us, Wildcats, in the form of piling and seemingly endless work. Whip it, overcome it and decimate it so you can look forward to the freedom of summer that much sooner. Everything will be alright; just “go forward, move ahead, try to detect it, it’s not too late to whip it…” and most importantly, “whip it good!”

9. “Let’s Go Crazy” by Prince

“Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today, to get through this thing called life…” Prince couldn’t have said it any better. We are all making our way in life the best way we know how, and specifically for us college students, we are conquering finals in the best way we know how. Unite, stick by one another, and help each other get through it together. Follow Prince’s advice and get crazy, Wildcats!

10. “Got Your Six” by Five Finger Death Punch

Whether it be friends or family, you’ve got people guarding your six. Many of us would agree that through the help and support of the ones we care for most is how we get through everything from finals to problems that arise in our lives. They help us study and give us direction, offering reassurances and encouragement. This song will get you pumped while also relaying an important message; “won’t go down, never gonna quit, don’t turn back ’cause I got your six.”

Everything is going to be alright, Wildcats. You will get through this, and no, your brain will not implode. Worst case scenario you lose your hearing from listening to your music too loudly; however, this is only a temporary issue. Best of luck, prayers for your sanity, and rock on!

Follow Kacie Lillejord on Twitter.