Smash that alarm clock and wipe away those eye boogers with these songs to wake up to.
Hall & Oates – “You Make My Dreams”
There is no peppier, catchier song likely to instigate a brief epidemic of Restless Leg Syndrome than “You Make My Dreams.” Joseph Gordon-Levitt strutting down the street to this track in “500 Days of Summer” is the perfect visualization of this song. You truly feel like cartoon birds are merrily tweeting and your good looks have become equivalent to those of Han Solo. Brew the coffee with some extra spunk in your step. — Audrey Piehl
The Gabe Dixon Band – “All Will Be Well”
With “All Will Be Well,” the Gabe Dixon Band has, while perhaps unintentionally, created the perfect song to wake up to in the morning. It falls under the singer-songwriter genre, yet it possesses an upbeat, charming melody that transports you to a place of reflection, “The new day dawns, and I am practicing my purpose once again.” We wake up and go on our way. While we’re not quite sure what to expect, we simply try out best. Hearing this lyric makes it impossible to not feel a sense of optimism, and that little push we need to seize the day. — Frankie Hermanek
Aqua — “Barbie Girl”
I was on vacation in the mid 2000s when I first woke up to the distinct 90s synth sound of “Barbie Girl” resounding from my brother’s iHome. It was part of a ritual he liked to perform every family vacation, where he would torment me with obnoxious pop ballads and fart on my pillow. Little does he know now that this energetic and sardonic one-hit wonder not only makes me question gender roles in our society, but is also very effective in getting me up and dancing in the morning. — Selena Handler
Vampire Weekend — “Campus”
Basically, I like waking up to something that’s going to be the soundtrack of my day. On days when I have to think, write and be all-academic, I love listening to “Campus” by Vampire Weekend. There’s nothing else that gets me so pumped for school and academia. — Andie Burjek
Cold War Kids — “All This Could Be Yours”
This indie rock song by California-native Cold War Kids is the perfect song to get your sleepy college body out of bed in the morning. With its upbeat pia— Frankie Hermanekno, edgy guitar riffs and hard-hitting percussion, “All This Could Be Yours” will make you feel awake and like a bad ass (which is all you really need in life). — Hunter Reed
Sufjan Stevens — “Chicago”
The prophet of all things 20-something and Midwestern has produced many folksy, melodic jams, but this may be the best. The rumbling drums and gentle journey beginning with, “We drove to Chicago,” is synonymous with road trips and new beginnings. Stevens is bound to bless your day, even if he’s talking about Illinois rather than Wisconsin. — Audrey Piehl
Kendrick Lamar — “i”
Beck — “Morning”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GZo8_IV0IGQ
Awolnation — “THISKIDSNOTALRIGHT”
Since I have become immune to most default iPhone alarms, I decided to find something more enthusiastic. If someone yells “fuck” and then follows with a drum beat while you’re asleep, you will wake up. The beat is sick, adding a little extra angst into the day. — Tia Hagenbucher
Ludacris — “Pimpin’ all Over the World”
Nothing gets me more jazzed about starting the day like a solid melody, funky synths, intermittent piano and Ludacris rapping about traveling with some hot ladies. When that smooth bass drops in the first few seconds, I can’t help but spring from my bed and swing my hips. By the time Bobby V. begins explaining how to discern a man from a pimp, I am ready to learn about the most dry topic in ancient history. — Selena Handler
Thomas Newman — “Wow”
Bright and positive, yet not overbearing in tempo or tone, to wake up to this intro track from Pixar’s “Finding Nemo” is a serene and engaging. Subtle bubble sound effects and playful piccolo give way to a more driving rhythm, transitioning from the initial wakeup to a peaceful morning. Pair with a cup of tea and a groggy, contented smile. — Aaron Hathaway