There’s nothing quite like plugging in your headphones and letting the music blur time and reality. A simple melody can send you soaring and lyrics can leave you breathless. It’s springtime. New music is alive in the air and talk of summer concerts is thriving. However, it’s still plausible to find oneself stranded in a desolate zone of overplayed music. Symptoms include repetitive lyrics, annoying tunes, and abandonment of a playlist all together. I know this has already happened with me and my “Spring 2k17” playlist on Spotify, which I carefully developed three weeks ago. I dread all of the songs, especially after listening to them over two times a day. It’s a rough spot. Luckily, there are ways to elude such a ‘rhythm rut’ and move on to new music.

1. Use Spotify! Spotify is free (unless you want Premium) and an excellent music resource! There are plenty of genres and playlists already developed for your use. On your computer, you can listen to any song you want. On your phone, you can only shuffle a playlist and hope for the best, but it is still free music. Not to mention, it will find songs related to your listening patterns and offer weekly recommendations.
2. “Today’s Top Hits”. I always seem to find that my car radio plays songs that aren’t too… new. They’re often replayed hits, I first listened to months ago. So, I tend to find new songs via Spotify’s “Today’s Top Hits”. They’re updated, you guessed it, daily. So you’ll never fall behind in the latest trending melodies.
3. Scan the decades. Sure, mom’s music is never great, but older decades offer great music you’ve probably never truly listened to. The tune might be familiar, but odds are you aren’t sick of the song entirely. 2000’s offer lots of throwback songs you haven’t heard since elementary or middle school. But I have to say, I’m slightly hooked on the 70’s. ABBA and Bee Gees are among my favorites.
4. Ask friends. Odds are, you and your friend don’t listen to exactly the same playlist. Check out what songs they’re hooked onto and try em’ out. It honestly can’t hurt.
5. Change Genres. Okay, it might seem absurd to shift from favorite country songs to intense rock albums. It’s always worth a shot. I was always into pop hits and was slightly satisfied with the works of Taylor Swift and other generic bands. Then, I stumbled upon Panic at the Disco’s “Death of a Bachelor”. A few months later, I’ve memorized the entire album (or more) and attending their concert.