It’s been about two weeks since the coronavirus forced Washington University to transition to remote learning, a decision that subsequently resulted in the eviction of everyone in University-owned housing. The coronavirus is still running rampant, and 30 states are currently in some form of shelter-in-place because of it. If you’re like me, you’re pretty shaken by recent events, struggling to recover while trying to do all your schoolwork from your couch. With your newfound life at home in quarantine, there’s not really a set schedule of what to do, which can feel even more chaotic. And if you’re even more like me, when you’re not doing schoolwork, catching up with friends, reading or watching Netflix, you do what anyone would do in the midst of an unprecedented pandemic: stare at the wall in existential dread.

Thinking ‘Bout You

Dua Lipa
Dua Lipa has had multiple hits in the past few years, and I’m sure her music will only get better with time. One of her more underrated songs is “Thinking ‘Bout You,” a slower track from her debut album “Dua Lipa.” The song catches Lipa pining over a past lover, and the steady guitar creates a perfect blend with her sultry voice. It really hits differently when I can’t stop thinking ‘bout going back to Wash. U.

SUGAR

Brockhampton
In this song, the talented boy band teams up with singer Ryan Beatty, who has previously collaborated with them on the song “BLEACH” from their “SATURATION III” album. Beatty’s chorus is tonally very different from the boy band’s rap verses, but the contrast only makes the song better. Sad yet enjoyable, “SUGAR” is the perfect song for time spent reflecting. Plus, if you’re tired of staring at the wall, you can learn the dance to “SUGAR” that became popular on TikTok.

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NIKI
This song about an inconsistent lover is absolutely heartbreaking, which is why it makes for a great listen when you’re staring at the wall in despair. Oddly, the melancholic lyrics layer really nicely over the steady and relaxed beat, and NIKI’s scintillating voice is always a delight to hear. I’d definitely recommend her entire discography if you’re searching for new quarantunes.

Coffee for Dinner

Orion Sun
On March 27, Orion Sun released her full length album “Hold Space for Me,” a brilliant and mellow work about Sun’s past struggles and emotional growth. I decided to listen to “Hold Space for Me” on a whim after it came up on my Spotify suggestions, and I’m so glad I did. After a few full listens, “Coffee for Dinner” definitely stood out as my favorite song. The lyrics are both raw and gripping, and that in tandem with the simple production elements makes it a definitive highlight. Its somber tone makes it a perfect song for when you’re in a pensive mood.

Like Real People Do

Hozier
In an ideal world, I’d spend my summer vacationing in a log cabin in Vermont, spending all summer hiking and kayaking without a single thought of coronavirus. Is this an unrealistic dream for the upcoming summer? Absolutely. But the key elements of a summer in Vermont are peace and relaxation—Hozier fits those vibes perfectly. “Like Real People Do” is a tranquil acoustic song by the living icon himself, and it’s perhaps the most peaceful song to stare at the wall to.