If you take a moment to observe WHS’s hallways during a passing period, you’ll most likely see dozens of students with earbuds in. For most kids, listening to music between classes has become a routine and reprieve from the chaos of their day. It’s a couple of minutes we get to ourselves; a space to release tension and prepare ourselves for our next period.
As an adamant music listener, I’ve always wondered what other students chose to listen to in the hallways. So I decided to ask around, and this is what I learned.
By far, the most popular genre students were listening to was Pop. Most students said that they listened to Pop because of how upbeat it is, adding a positive touch to their day. Cassandra Gamlen said that Taylor Swift’s song “Invisible String” was her hallway song at the moment, and Analise Astfalk said Rihanna’s “Breakin Dishes” was hers.
Next up, at the second most popular spot, was Rap/R&B. These genres are filled with energy, and students said the songs kept them motivated throughout their day. R&B artist SZA was the most referenced among students, but if you’re looking for something fresh, Mahdiya Ahmed suggested “Dapper” by Domo Genesis and Anderson .Paak.
Rock and Indie are both tied for the third spot, being referenced interchangeably among most students. Students said they really liked the vibes of these genres, and that they acted as an alleviating force for them. Sophia Trinh nominated Fay Webster’s “Alone Again” as her current favorite, and Rachel Ronholdt said she was listening to “Closer” by Nine Inch Nails the most.
Finally, there were many answers that didn’t fall under those three main categories. Jeta Beshiri said she specifically listened to peaceful music.
“I enjoy calming songs during the day,” Beshiri said.
Many other students also quoted lofi, classical, or jazz as theirs, with most saying it was simply the most compelling music to them. Overall though, Pop won in a landslide, with every other genre significantly below it.
All in all, music seems to be an indispensable part of most student’s days. It helps us all to manage and get through the school day easier. And maybe, if you’re looking for a new song to listen to, try out some of the ones mentioned in this article. Who knows, you might end up listening to the same song as the kid next to you in the hall.