These days, between classes is one of the best opportunities to socialize being that you aren’t forced to stay 6 feet away from each other like you are in class. Therefore, the hallway is a setting students should take advantage of — and what better way to lighten things up than with music! Principal Caesar Diliberto started mixing things up in November by running the aux cord on the loudspeaker,  playing songs for the five minutes of passing time between classes. His picks are sometimes bumping, but here is The Wire’s official playlist of 2020 for what we’d like to see students and staff enjoying on their way to their destinations.

1. “Pursuit of Happiness” by Kid Cudi

This is without a doubt a song that shares a bond with every teenager to ever live. It represents the nostalgia of having fun, the privilege we students at West Essex once had before COVID. Just make sure to play the clean version, if cuss words are an issue.

2. “Hayloft” by Mother Mother

Absolute banger that recently blew up, super catchy instrumental and everything. I imagine rock or alternative to be something not everyone enjoys, but most people seem to enjoy this song, so why not let us jam to this in the hallways. 

3. “Gangsta’s Paradise” by Coolio

How bout some ‘95 hip hop for the West Essex halls? Teachers and students can agree that this song is a classic. Plus, chances are that you’ll recognize the instrumental, whether you know the song title or not, which makes it adequate for this list!

4. “Kiwi” by Harry Styles

This song is undoubtedly one of those songs that play nonstop in your head for a week if you enjoy it in even the slightest bit. Generally an older song, it’s still considered a fan favorite, especially among us teenagers

5. “Adore You” by Harry Styles

Styles’ album “Fine Line” made its debut at the end of 2019 and a year later, people are still raving about it. The teenage girls’ heartthrob constructed a true masterpiece consisting of songs that are uplifting, mellow, and tear-jerking. “Adore You” is such a happy song that knows how to get people in a good mood.

6. “The Less I Know the Better” by Tame Impala

It’s most likely that everyone in the school knows this song. The very well-known Tame Impala uses electronic sounds to create this song that is all around good vibes. I know personally that when I hear this song, I’m taken back to summer and immediately am put into a calm mindset, as this song is almost hypnotizing in the best way.

7. “Three Little Birds” by Bob Marley

Reggae makes everything better. Not all millennials listen to Bob Marley and it shows. This classic tells the message of “every little thing is gonna be alright”, which is what we all need to be reminded of.

8. “Sunflower” by Post Malone & Swae Lee

There was a period of time when this song was blowing up when life was simpler. It seems like everyone had a Post Malone phase, and it makes sense because any song by Post Malone in my opinion is overall pretty good. “Sunflower” is an extremely catchy song that has a very feel-good tone to it. 

9. “Wake Me Up” by Avicii

This song came out in 2013. Although it’s 7 years old, it’s still one of the best feel-good songs. It talks about growing up and being so young in a big world. Listening to this song takes me back to earlier years when, well, everything was better. Nostalgia is a must for times like these.