Penn State news by
Penn State's student blog

Topics

More

Walking to the Beat: What We’re Listening to

As the great philosopher Plato once said, “Music is a moral law. It gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and charm and gaiety to life and to everything.” If only he knew that one day, people across the world would be spending every moment walking around with tiny devices playing music into their ears via small headphones.

As the weather gets nicer, the everyday walks on campus become increasingly more enjoyable. Don’t you ever wonder what’s playing inside that other guy’s headphones? We’ve compiled a list of some of our favorite songs to listen to on the way to class.

Zach Berger: Arguru – Deadmau5

Besides the fact that “Arguru’s” beat just happens to perfectly align with my walking pace, it’s also just an overall incredible song. The mellow opening sets the tone for your walk to class and once you finally get to the two-and-a-half minute mark, that patented Deadmau5 sound starts to kick in and the track begins to get a little energetic, perfect for a quick walker like me. I constantly find myself bobbing my head and getting weird looks when I’m listening to this as I make my way around campus. There was a good two-week period where this was the only song I’d listen to going to and from class, and I might just have to bring it back now that this is reminding me how good “Arguru” really is. If you’re a fan of the mau5, give it a try, you won’t regret it.

Ally Greer: Put Your Records On – Corinne Bailey Rae

“Summer came like cinnamon, so sweet. Little girls double dutch on the concrete…” Nothing gives you that warm fuzzy feeling of spring and summer like this song. Guys, I’m sorry but this one might not be for you. Girls, however, let me tell you that nothing screams girl power like walking down the street with Corinne’s soothing, confident voice assuring you that it’s okay to “let your hair down” because “you’re gonna find yourself someday, somehow.” If you ever see me walking on campus with a huge smile on my face looking like I’m ready to take on literally anything that comes my way, you can bet your bottom dollar that this is what I’m listening to.

Sam Cooper: Big Bank Hank – Blue Scholars

“Whatcha gonna do today?” asks Geo, one half of Seattle hip-hop duo Blue Scholars as “Big Bank Hank” begins. I find myself answering his question in my head as I head out of my West College apartment toward campus. The guitar riff is wonderfully sampled and provides the perfect mid-tempo backdrop for a sunny day stroll.

David Morar: Bla Bla Bla – Italian Secret Service

Now, I know I’ve talked about this song before. But when it’s the number one played song on my iTunes, you know I listen to it while walking around campus. It’s upbeat and somewhat tongue-in-cheek, and it fits great with a leisurely or fast-paced walk. Sure, the weirdness of nu-jazz can be a turn-off, but stay with it for a few more beats, you’ll get into it, i promise (unless you’re into screamo, no guarantees there). Even if you turn the volume up to extra loud, or you just play it in the background, it’s a great complement to an afternoon promenade in good ol’ University Park.

Dennis McNamara: Bruce Springsteen

Now that it’s nice out & walking across campus has shifted from “trans-arctic expedition” to “pleasant,” the best music to listen to (really the only music to listen to) is Bruce Springsteen.  Maybe it’s because my music tastes were forged during my elementary school years, riding shotgun with my dad as he blasted The Boss & drove twice the speed limit while running errands, but for my money there’s no better soundtrack for a walk to class than Born to Run (except maybe, like, “Adam Raised A Cain” or The Wild, The Innocent, & The E Street Shuffle).

Alex Federman: We Made it Through That Water – The Free Agents Brass Band

Combining rap and New Orleans jazz, this song is great for walking around to. The brass just blows this one away.

 

What is your favorite song to listen to on your walk to class? 

Your ad blocker is on.

Please choose an option below.

Sign up for our e-mail newsletter:
OR
Support quality journalism:
Purchase a Subscription!

About the Author

Coming Full Circle: Megan Kelby’s Senior Column

“It wasn’t my time for that college experience yet. I had to be able to enjoy myself and get my bearings before I could be ready for any of that.”

Graduating With Style: Buttons On Beaver Founder Makes Mark On Penn State Fashion

“There’s been a few other buttons I’ve seen pop up… but I still feel like my designs are always so much more unique.”

An Algorithm Of Their Own: Penn State Math Club Goes Viral On TikTok

In their order of operations, kindness always comes first.

Follow on Another Platform
113kFollowers
164kFollowers
59.6kFollowers
4,570Subscribers
Other posts by Ally

Looking Back: My Last and Favorite Semester of College

If someone would have told me that I would make the most new friends and have some of my most unique experiences during my very last semester of college, I probably would have laughed. That isn’t how it’s supposed to work, right? Wrong.

Where to Take the Perfect Graduation Photos

Skipping Class? Don’t Burn Yourself on Social Media