6 Energizing Songs for Your Back to School Playlist

School is finally back in session! If you’re not too enthused about summer break being over (or your kiddo is particularly over it), these six energizing songs might just be perfect for your back to school playlist.

1. “Middle Schooler” by Hello Sister

Hello Sister is a trio of sisters who first made waves when they auditioned for America’s Got Talent back in 2021. They performed the song “Middle School” for their audition and later produced the song, complete with a music video. Even if their genre isn’t really your thing, this is a pretty relatable song about being a kid in middle school.

2. “Girl On Fire” by Alicia Keys

This Alicia Keys classic was released in 2012 for the album of the same name. It’s an iconic R&B tune that can amp anybody up. If you’re nervous about going back to school and your confidence isn’t really up to par, this song is perfect for your back to school playlist.

3. “Break The Rules” by Charli XCX

Charli XCX has very much grown up, and not many of her fans remember her early days. “Break The Rules” was released back in 2014 for her album Sucker when she was in her early 20s, but the song itself is quite relatable to anyone who feels exhausted over returning to middle or high school. It’s definitely worth graduating; but sometimes, you just wanna break the rules and play hooky.

[See Charli XCX Live On Tour]

4. “High School” by 90’s Kids

Even though high school is only four years long and such a brief period of one’s life, it still feels like it’ll last forever; and not usually in a positive way. It’s so important to remember that the vast majority of problems you’ll experience in high school are not nearly as serious as they feel at the moment. “High School” by 90’s Kids is a great reminder that the embarrassing thing you said freshman year will not even matter in 10 or 20 years.

5. “Too Cool For School” by Fountains Of Wayne

Fountains Of Wayne were one-hit wonders back in the early 2000s with their hit song “Stacy’s Mom”. However, “Too Cool For School” is another pretty sick track from the band that was even featured in the classic comedy-horror film Scary Movie.

6. “Be True To Your School” by Grace Vanderwaal

Grace Vanderwaal is a true vocal talent. She managed to cover this Beach Boys hit with flying colors and modernize the song for a younger audience. The cover even made it to the Disney+ film Stargirl. This one will definitely get you in the school spirit.

Photo by Terrence O’Connor

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