Do you remember sitting in all those English Language Arts classes learning about some stupid plot chart that you thought wouldn’t be relevant to your life? Well, my oh my were you wrong all those years ago in your literature classes. That’s right each day you are moving along that plot line from exposition all the way to resolution. And today I’ve got five songs-one for each plotline- on that plot chart that truly is relevant to your life.
Starting off bright and early with the exposition, we’ve got “Alright” by Supergrass. With a sudden start to the song, beginning with a fast paced piano, “Alright” produces the feeling of quickly waking up to that alarm clock you have a love-hate relationship with. And why stop there? The song keeps it consistent lively feel throughout the song…sorta like those mornings when you sleep in a little too late and somehow complete that entire mourning routine in only fifteen minutes. What a way to kick off your day.
Now that your adrenaline has fallen down, we’re relaxed and life is good. You cannot help but feel like stopping and smelling the roses as you make your way to school, work, or whatever else keeps you busy. “Young Folks” by Peter Bjorn and John is embodies this rising action to your day perfectly. This indie-pop track’s minimalist feel with its driving drums and catchy whistle sets the tune for the rest of your day.
When life couldn’t get any better with that piece by Peter Bjorn and John, just like that your day picks up and you hit your climax on your day’s plot chart leaving you feeling shattered. That’s right, “Shatter” by Maggie Rogers, off her second album, had a rocking feel that matches the intensity. The synth-rock anthem driven by her raw passion and anger in her singing highlights all those emotions you’ll feel at the peak of your day.
And just like that, the height of your day starts to simmer down, no more flight or fight mode, and what’s that playing in the background? “American Girl” by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. You can’t help but wonder what just you had so stressed because you can only focus on that hop in your step as this song plays. Maybe it’s the lyrics, maybe it’s the blend of rock and 70s folk, or maybe it’s that nostalgia feels it produces. But no matter what, this song is perfect for your falling action of the day of your plot chart.
Last but not least, everything seems wrapped up for your day and “A World Alone” by Lorde is the song to end this day. The lyrics highlight finding peace with your people in our judgy world, and the constant guitar strumming blended with the upbeat chorus creates a feel of reflection and celebration for what you’ve just done.
And that’s all folks. That’s right, thank your English teachers’ folks for teaching you the plot diagram and
