Welcome back to the 10th Marshall Street Studios Blog! It’s been a super fun 10 weeks with you guys, talking music and hopefully sharing some knowledge along the way! That brings us to this week’s (rather fitting) entry: 10 Songs to Beat Monday-itis. We all know the feeling. The weekend has just finished, you’re back to work, and you’re probably waking up the day after a hangover. But I’ve got you covered. Let’s dig into it.
1. Sunchyme, Dario G
You may not think you know this song, but believe me when I say, you know this song. I heard it on the radio recently, and had one of those “OOOOOH, I remember this!” moments. It never fails you put my spirits up on the way to work. You’ll know it when you hear it.
Favourite line: N/A
2. Only The Artist, Foy Vance
When I woke up on a cold morning a few weeks ago and saw that Foy Vance had released new music, I was really excited to dig into it. After LOVING his debut record The Wild Swan, which included favourites such as She Burns and Casanova, I was ready to throw the new record To Memphis on repeat. This song for some reason didn’t stand out to me on the first listen, but on the second my ears pricked up. Sprinkled with Romeo and Juliet references, this one is a soothing blues/roots track that will make you smile.
Favourite line: Romeo and Juliet, always bound to cause a scene
3. Truth Hurts, Lizzo
This one’s definitely a break-up boss song, but can also work for getting you in the Monday mood. There’s a reason this song went so viral and brought Lizzo into the spotlight, and if you think it’s for any other reason than the lyric “turns out I’m 100% that bitch,” you’re wrong. It took a while for this track to warm on me, but you can’t deny, it’ll get you ready to take over the world.
Favourite line: You coulda had a bad bitch, non-committal / Help you with your career just a little.
4. S Club Party, S Club 7
If this wasn’t a staple of your childhood, you’re either a) too old, b) too young, or c) didn’t have a childhood. This song was the shit. If you want to get the party started, and walk into your week like the boss that you are, get S Club 7 on and sing every word to that track like it’s 1999. Need I say more? You know the song, add it to your Monday playlist. Now.
Favourite line: There ain’t no party like an S Club Party!
5. Super Rich Kids, Frank Ocean
Here’s another one that’s beautifully chill, and if you’re stressed about your Monday, this Channel Orange track is for you. Almost a spoken word piece, this track travels beautifully between words and song, and incorporates some beautiful Frank Ocean harmonies along the way. This whole album is an absolute treat, but I still listen to Super Rich Kids on the regular.
Favourite line: Too many joy-rides in daddy’s Jaguar (because I like to sing the harmony)
6. This Mountain, Faouzia
If you haven’t yet heard of Faouzia, you’re welcome. This 19-year-old is making huge waves at the moment, with her pitch-perfect voice and songwriting talents to match. Just go and watch some of her Instagram videos, and ask yourself why she hasn’t taken over the world yet. This empowering track was released in 2018, but still packs a punch and can encourage you to kick some Monday butt.
Favourite line: I’m not here to talk, I’m not here to talk. I’m just here to walk, here to walk the walk. (This might be two lines but it’s my blog and I make the rules)
7. Dancin (feat. Luvli) – Krono Remix, Aaron Smith, Krono, Luvli
Once you know this one, you’ll HAVE to sing along. That’s just how it gets you. Before you know this track, it will constantly surprise you with the vocal twists and turns, and you will want to end up Dancin. I’m not sure I know the original, and I don’t even recall where I first heard this song, but the remix is one for the ages and always manages to perk me up and put a smile on my face.
Favourite line: All of them. The whole song sounds like it’s one, ongoing line.
8. Glory, Dermot Kennedy
Ah, Dermy, Dermy, Dermy. Have you ever gone wrong? I would argue that no, you haven’t, and this track Glory is one of the reasons why. Another one that incorporates spoken word around raw vocals, this chill tune will get you through your Monday unscathed. Evoking powerful imagery in the lyrics and passion throughout the main hook, if you need a ballad for your Monday morning, choose this one.
Favourite line: I was only ever thinking ’bout you, you know!
9. Golden Skans, Klaxons
This is another one that you know, even if you don’t know you know it. A 2007 track that is bound to get you excited for the day ahead. Don’t ask me what any of the lyrics are, because I couldn’t tell you, but I still manage to sing along anyway. The energy is at 100% from the very start of this song, all the way to the end, so if you need a pick-me-up, look no further.
Favourite line: ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
10. When You Look At Me, Christina Milian
I once got yelled at by a tram driver because I was jamming out to this song so hard, I hadn’t realised the tram had stopped and wasn’t taking more passengers. She came up and literally screamed in my face to get my attention. A tap on the shoulder would have sufficed, but I digress. Either way, that’s the power of this Christina Milian track. It’ll throw you back to the early 2000’s and you’ll momentarily forget you’re on the way to work for the next 50 years. Bliss.
Favourite line: Never judge a book by it’s cover.
I hope these songs are enough to get you through your Monday, and I would love to hear any more you have to add to the list. Drop me a line at alex@marshallstreetstudios.com
See you next time!
Al