Kendrick Lamar and Future perform
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Kendrick Lamar to Phoenix: Must-see 2017 summer tours

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Even in the age of the mighty music festival, summer headlining tours still thrive as artists gear up to take their shows on the road
THE GRAMMYs
GRAMMYs
May 15, 2017 - 2:36 am

Every summer, music lovers around the world open their wallets and their calendar apps to plan their live concert schedule.

With the modern proliferation of festivals, artists have more ways than ever to connect the dots and reach fresh markets and new fans. Unlike festivals, however, seeing an act headline their own show provides the opportunity for a more immersive concert experience, with a deeper dive into a catalog along with higher stage production value.

What are some of the can't-miss headlining tours on the docket for this summer?

It's hard not to start with Kendrick Lamar. The GRAMMY-winning rapper will set out on a one-month arena run starting in July, culminating with three nights at Staples Center in Los Angeles on Aug. 6, 8 and 9. Based on the momentum of Lamar's latest album, DAMN., and the momentum of support acts Travis Scott and D.R.A.M., Consequence of Sound calls this the most anticipated tour of the summer.

Also making COS's short list, French indie rockers Phoenix return after a four-year hiatus for a world tour to capitalize on the release of their upcoming album, Ti Amo, due out in June. The group will launch their tour on May 12 in Miami, with the tour taking them to Japan, Europe and the U.K.  Meanwhile, Future continues his landmark 2017 by kicking off a tour of his own today in Virginia, which will see him jaunt across the U.S. in support of the two back-to-back albums (FUTURE and HNDRXX) he's released this year.

For those about to rock, Loudwire's boisterous list of summer stints is highlighted by monster '90s-era bands Soundgarden, Tool, Green Day, Korn, Incubus, Bush and Red Hot Chili Peppers. Two-time GRAMMY nominees Gojira, another French outfit, hit the road in early May, including some select co-headlining dates with the eclectic Swedish metal band Opeth. Gojira will also join reigning GRAMMY-winning metal champions Metallica on their WorldWired summer tour, which also includes Avenged Sevenfold at select locations. 

Some of the world's biggest pop artists are also hitting the road this summer. Harry Styles' world tour sold out in just seconds according to Billboard, tough news for those looking to see the One Direction star on his first solo outing. Styles' tour includes a 13-day North America run before he heads to Europe, Australia and Japan. Not to be outdone, Lady Gaga embarks on a world tour of her own this summer and Bruno Mars will set off on his 24K Magic World Tour, a stint that will touch on international markets in May and go around the States from July all the way through November.

With all of this and more at a venue near you, don't forget to wear hearing protection and support your favorite artists at the merch booth if you can.

How artists can skillfully add new material to their set lists

Cardi B photographed in 2017

Cardi B

Photo: Thaddaeus McAdams/WireImage.com

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2018 GRAMMYs: Who's Performing?

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Find out which of your favorite artists are performing on the 60th GRAMMY Awards on Sunday, Jan. 28
Renée Fabian
GRAMMYs
Jan 26, 2018 - 5:30 am

The 60th GRAMMY Awards celebration in New York is quickly approaching. From rolling out the red carpet to tuning the guitars and adjusting the lights at Madison Square Garden, the Recording Academy is getting ready for the big milestone installment of Music's Biggest Night. But how about the performers?

Who's Performing On The 60th GRAMMYs?

Spanning multiple genres, including pop, rock, hip-hop, R&B, country, and more, this year's lineup of GRAMMY performers — many of them current nominees or past winners — will make for three-and-a-half hours of must-see television.

Without further ado, here is the list of performers for the 60th GRAMMYs.

Childish Gambino
60th GRAMMY Awards Performers

Hosted by James Corden, the 60th GRAMMY Awards will take place at Madison Square Garden in New York on Jan. 28, airing live on CBS from 7:30–11 p.m. ET/4:30–8 p.m. PT.

'2018 GRAMMY Nominees' album
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'2018 GRAMMY Nominees' Album, Featuring 21 Hits, Available Now

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Get your copy of the genre-spanning compilation featuring 60th GRAMMY nominees Bruno Mars, Jay-Z, Lady Gaga, Pink, Kesha, Kenny Chesney, and more
Tim McPhate
GRAMMYs
Jan 12, 2018 - 6:30 am

Available now, the 2018 GRAMMY Nominees album features a 21-deep track listing reflecting the world's top recording artists and emerging talent.

The collection commemorating the 60th GRAMMY Awards nominees includes Album Of The Year nominees Childish Gambino, Jay-Z, Kendrick Lamar, Lorde, and Bruno Mars; and Song Of The Year nominees Luis Fonsi & Daddy Yankee featuring Justin Bieber, Logic featuring Alessia Cara and Khalid, and Julia Michaels, among others. See the full track listing below.

1. Bruno Mars, "24K Magic"
2. Kelly Clarkson, "Love So Soft"
3. Luis Fonsi & Daddy Yankee Feat. Justin Bieber, "Despacito" (Remix)
4. Kendrick Lamar, "HUMBLE."
5. Lorde, "Green Light"
6. Childish Gambino, "Redbone"
7. Jay-Z, "The Story Of O.J."
8. Zedd & Alessia Cara, "Stay"
9. Lady Gaga, "Million Reasons"
10. Imagine Dragons, "Thunder"
11. Portugal. The Man, "Feel It Still" 
12. The Chainsmokers & Coldplay, "Something Just Like This" 
13. P!nk, "What About Us"
14. Logic Feat. Alessia Cara & Khalid, "1-800-273-8255"
15. Julia Michaels, "Issues"
16. Kesha, "Praying"
17. Chris Stapleton, "Broken Halos"
18. Little Big Town, "Better Man"
19. Thomas Rhett Feat. Maren Morris, "Craving You"
20. Lady Antebellum, "You Look Good"
21. Kenny Chesney, "All The Pretty Girls"  

Pick at your copy at any of the below links:

A portion of album proceeds benefits the year-round work of the GRAMMY Museum and MusiCares — two charitable organizations founded by the Recording Academy that focus on music education programs and critical assistance for music people in need.

The 60th Annual GRAMMY Awards will be broadcast live on CBS Jan. 28 at 7:30 p.m. ET/4:30 p.m. PT.

60 Facts About The 60th GRAMMY Nominees

(L-R) Jay Z, Rapsody, Lady Gaga, Alessia Cara, Childish Gambino, SZA, Taylor Swift, Luis Fonsi, Bruno Mars, Cardi B
Photos: WireImage.com

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2018 GRAMMYs: Alessia Cara To Jay-Z | 60 Nominee Facts

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From Luis Fonsi, Bruno Mars, SZA, and Childish Gambino to Rapsody, Lady Gaga, Shakira, and Taylor Swift, get forensic with 60 interesting facts about the 60th GRAMMY nominees
Paul Grein
THE GRAMMYs
GRAMMYs
Jan 3, 2018 - 4:56 pm

Looking for a different kind of New Year's resolution? How about pledging to become an expert on this year's nominees for the 60th GRAMMY Awards? We can help you do just that.

From first-time nominees and top nominees to GRAMMY history and potential records at stake, we've sliced and diced the 84 categories to bring you 60 delectable factoids about the 60th nominee class.

Make sure to read all 60 facts below and follow all the storylines during Music's Biggest Night at Madison Square Garden in New York on Sunday, Jan. 28.

1. Jay-Z

Jay-Z is this year's leading GRAMMY nominee with eight nominations. This is the third time the rapper has been the year's leading nominee (or at least tied for the lead). He tied for the lead for 2003 with Beyoncé, OutKast and Pharrell Williams. He held the lead outright for 2013.

Jay-Z, Justin Timberlake Win Best Rap/Sung Collaboration

2. SZA

SZA is this year's top female nominee with five nominations, including Best New Artist.

3. Childish Gambino

Childish Gambino is nominated for five GRAMMYs, including Record and Album Of The Year. The versatile performer, aka Donald Glover, won two Emmy Awards in September for his work on the FX series Atlanta. (He won Outstanding Lead Actor In A Comedy Series and Outstanding Directing For A Comedy Series.)

4. "Despacito"

"Despacito" by Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee featuring Justin Bieber is this year's only work to be nominated for both Record and Song Of The Year. It's the first foreign-language hit to be nominated in both categories since "La Bamba," recorded by Los Lobos, 30 years ago.

5. "The Story Of O.J."

"The Story Of O.J." is Jay-Z's fourth single to receive a Record Of The Year nomination. It follows Beyoncé's "Crazy In Love," on which he was featured; Rihanna's "Umbrella," on which he was featured; and "Empire State Of Mind," a collaboration with Alicia Keys. Jay-Z is the first rapper to amass four Record Of The Year nominations.

6. Bruno Mars, Record Of The Year

Bruno Mars' "24K Magic" is nominated for Record Of The Year. It's Mars' fifth nomination in that category since 2010. That's more than any other artist in this decade. Mars and Beyoncé are the only artists to amass five nominations since 2000.

7. Kendrick Lamar

DAMN. is Kendrick Lamar's third consecutive studio album to be nominated for Album Of The Year. Kanye West is the only other rapper to receive nominations in this category for three consecutive studio albums.

8. Lorde

Lorde is among the nominees for Album Of The Year for her sophomore release, Melodrama. The young star has now been nominated in three of the General Field categories. Four years ago, her breakthrough hit, "Royals" was nominated for Record Of The Year and won for Song Of The Year.

Lorde, Joel Little Win Song Of The Year

9. Alessia Cara, Khalid, Julia Michaels: Song Of The Year

Three of this year's Best New Artist nominees — Alessia Cara, Khalid and Julia Michaels — are up for Song Of The Year. Cara and Khalid co-wrote "1-800-273-7255," the Logic hit on which they are featured. Michaels co-wrote her hit "Issues." This is only the second time in GRAMMY history that three Best New Artist nominees have also been nominated for Song Of The Year in the same year. It first happened 16 years ago with Alicia Keys ("Fallin'"), India.Arie ("Video") and Nelly Furtado ("I'm Like A Bird").

10. Alessia Cara, Best New Artist

Alessia Cara is the first artist who was born in Canada to receive a Best New Artist nomination since 2010, when both Justin Bieber and Drake were nominated.

11. Khalid, Best New Artist

Khalid, 19, is the first teenager to receive a Best New Artist nomination since Justin Bieber, who was 16 when he was a finalist for the 2010 award. Khalid will turn 20 on Feb. 11.

12. Michael Bublé

Michael Bublé lands his eighth nomination for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album for Nobody But Me (Deluxe Version). He is a four-time winner in the category.

13. Bob Dylan

Bob Dylan is nominated for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album for Triplicate. This gives the music legend a 55-year span of GRAMMY nominations. He received his first nomination for 1962, when his debut album was up for Best Folk Recording. Dylan received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Recording Academy in 1991.

14. Lady Gaga

Lady Gaga's Joanne is among the nominees for Best Pop Vocal Album. She won in this category seven years ago for The Fame Monster. Gaga is vying to become the third two-time winner in the category's history, following Kelly Clarkson and Adele.

15. Kraftwerk

Electronic music pioneers Kraftwerk are nominated for Best Dance/Electronic Album for the second time for 3-D The Catalogue. The German group was first nominated in this category 12 years ago for Minimum-Maximum. 3-D The Catalogue is also nominated for Best Surround Sound Album. Electronic music pioneers Kraftwerk are nominated for Best Dance/Electronic Album for the second time for 3-D The Catalogue. The German group was first nominated in this category 12 years ago for Minimum-Maximum. 3-D The Catalogue is also nominated for Best Surround Sound Album. Kraftwerk received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Recording Academy in 2014.

16. Leonard Cohen, Chris Cornell

Leonard Cohen and Chris Cornell are posthumously nominated for Best Rock Performance. Another late, great artist, David Bowie, won the award posthumously last year for "Blackstar."

17. Body Count

Body Count are vying for Best Metal Performance for "Black Hoodie." Bandleader Ice-won a GRAMMY 27 years ago for Best Rap Performance By A Duo Or Group, for his featured role on the title song from Quincy Jones' album, Back On The Block. He's vying to become the first artist to win in both of these categories.

18. Best Metal Performance

Each of the five bands vying for Best Metal Performance — August Burns Red, Body Count, Code Orange, Mastodon, and Meshuggah — is looking to bring home their first GRAMMY Award.

19. Foo Fighters

Foo Fighters are nominated for Best Rock Song for "Run." The group won in the category six years ago for their similarly titled song "Walk." In addition, group members Dave Grohl and Pat Smear shared the 2013 award in that category for "Cut Me Some Slack," a collaboration with Paul McCartney and Krist Novoselic.

20. Arcade Fire

Arcade Fire lands their fifth nomination for Best Alternative Music Album for Everything Now. Only one other group or duo has amassed five or more nominations in this category. Radiohead have had eight.

21. LCD Soundsystem

LCD Soundsystem's American Dream is nominated for Best Alternative Music Album. The group's first two albums, LCD Soundsystem and Sound Of Silver, were nominated for Best Dance/Electronic Album.

22. Kali Uchis

Kali Uchis receives her first GRAMMY nomination for Best R&B Performance for her featured role on Daniel Caesar's "Get You." At the recent Latin GRAMMY Awards, she received a Record Of The Year nod for "El Ratico," a collaboration with Juanes, who is also a current GRAMMY nominee.

23. The Weeknd

The Weeknd's Starboy is among the nominees for Best Urban Contemporary Album. The Weeknd's previous album, Beauty Behind The Madness, won in the category two years ago. He is vying to become the first two-time winner in the category.

24. Ledisi

Ledisi's Let Love Rule is nominated for Best R&B Album. This is Ledisi's fourth nomination in this category. She was previously nominated for Lost & Found, Turn Me Loose and Pieces Of Me. Ledisi was nominated for Best New Artist 10 years ago.

25. Bruno Mars, Best R&B Album

Bruno Mars' 24K Magic is nominated for Best R&B Album. Mars won Best Pop Vocal Album four years ago for Unorthodox Jukebox. He is vying to become the first artist to win in both of these categories.

Bruno Mars wins 2014 Best Pop Vocal Album GRAMMY

26. Cardi B

"Bodak Yellow" brings Cardi B her first GRAMMY nominations for Best Rap Performance and Best Rap Song. The title is a play on its musical inspiration: Kodak Black's 2014 hip-hop hit "No Flockin."

27. Jay-Z, Best Rap Album

Jay-Z's 4:44 is nominated for Best Rap Album. Jay-Z won in that category 19 years ago for Vol. 2…Hard Knock Life. If he wins, he'll have the longest span of wins in the category's history. Eminem currently holds that distinction, with a 15-year span of wins in the category.

28. Rapsody

Rapsody's Laila's Wisdom is nominated for Best Rap Album. Rapsody is the fifth female solo artist to be nominated in this category, following Missy Elliott (who has had four nominations in the category), Nicki Minaj (two) and Eve and Iggy Azalea (one each).

29. Tyler, The Creator

Tyler, The Creator's Flower Boy is up for Best Rap Album. It's his second GRAMMY nomination. He was nominated as a featured artist on Frank Ocean's Channel Orange, which was an Album Of The Year contender five years ago.

30. Alison Krauss

Alison Krauss is nominated for Best Country Solo Performance for "Losing You" and Best American Roots Performance for "I Never Cared For You." Krauss is currently tied with Quincy Jones for the second most wins in GRAMMY history with 27. The late classical conductor Sir Georg Solti is the long-time GRAMMY leader, with 31 awards.

31. Little Big Town

Little Big Town are seeking their third win for Best Country Duo/Group Performance for "Better Man." The group won for "Pontoon" (2012) and "Girl Crush" (2015).

Little Big Town Win Best Country Duo/Group Performance

32. Taylor Swift, Best Country Song

Taylor Swift is vying to win for her third GRAMMY for Best Country Song. She is nominated for writing the Little Big Town hit, "Better Man." Swift previously won for co-writing "White Horse" and writing "Mean." She would become only the second three-time winner in the category. Josh Kear won for co-writing the Carrie Underwood hits "Before He Cheats" and "Blown Away" and the Lady Antebellum hit "Need You Now."

33. Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne

Shane McAnally and Josh Osborne are among the writers of two of this year's nominees for Best Country Song. They co-wrote Sam Hunt's "Body Like A Back Road" and Midland's "Drinkin' Problem." McAnally and Osborne won in this category four years ago for co-writing Kacey Musgraves' "Merry Go 'Round."

34. Chris Stapleton

Chris Stapleton is nominated for Best Country Album for From A Room: Volume 1. He won in the category two years ago for Traveller. Stapleton is vying to become the first male solo artist to win two awards in this category since the late Roger Miller did it more than 50 years ago.

Chris Stapleton Wins Best Country Album

35. Indie.Arie

Indie.Arie's SongVersation: Medicine is nominated for Best New Age Album. She won Best R&B Album 15 years ago for Voyage To India. India.Arie is vying to become the first artist to win in both of these categories.

36. Jazzmeia Horn, Alex Han, Pascal Le Boeuf

Three alumni of the GRAMMY Camp — Jazz Session receive their first GRAMMY nominations. Jazzmeia Horn is nominated for Best Jazz Vocal Album, Alex Han for Best Contemporary Instrumental Album and Pascal Le Boeuf for Best Instrumental Composition. The GRAMMY Museum program is designed for outstanding high school jazz musicians.

37. CeCe Winans

CeCe Winans lands two nominations for Best Gospel Album for Let Them Fall In Love and Best Gospel Performance/Song for "Never Have To Be Alone." These are Winans' first nominations in seven years. The gospel great is a 10-time GRAMMY winner.

38. Reba McEntire

Reba McEntire's Sing It Now: Songs Of Faith & Hope is among the nominees for Best Roots Gospel Album. This marks her first nod in the Gospel/Contemporary Christian Music Field. She has 13 previous Country Field nominations and one prior Music Video/Film Field nod.

39. Shakira

Shakira's El Dorado is among the nominees for Best Latin Pop Album. Shakira won in that category 17 years ago for Shakira — MTV Unplugged. She is vying to become the first female artist to win twice in this category.

40. Glen Campbell

Glen Campbell is nominated for Best American Roots Performance for "Arkansas Farmboy." This gives the late music legend a 50-year span of GRAMMY nominations. He received six nominations (including four awards) for 1967 for his classic hits "By The Time I Get To Phoenix" and "Gentle On My Mind." Campbell received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Recording Academy in 2012.

Glen Campbell: Lifetime Achievement Award Acceptance

41. Jason Isbell And The 400 Unit

Jason Isbell And The 400 Unit's The Nashville Sound is nominated for Best Americana Album. Isbell won in this category two years ago for his previous album, Something More Than Free. Isbell is vying to become the second two-time winner in this category, following Levon Helm.

42. The Rolling Stones

The Rolling Stones are nominated for Best Traditional Blues Album for Blue & Lonesome. They won Best Rock Album 23 years ago for Voodoo Lounge. They are vying to become the first artist to win in both of these categories.

43. Yusuf/Cat Stevens

Yusuf/Cat Stevens lands his first GRAMMY nomination, more than 50 years after he released his first album. He is nominated for Best Folk Album for The Laughing Apple.

44. Damian "Jr. Gong" Marley

Damian "Jr. Gong" Marley is among the nominees for Best Reggae Album for Stony Hill. With two prior category wins, he's looking to join his brother Stephen Marley as a three-time Best Reggae Album winner. Another brother, Ziggy Marley, has the most wins in the category with seven.

45. Ladysmith Black Mambazo

Ladysmith Black Mambazo is nominated in two categories with different albums. Shaka Zulu Revisited: 30th Anniversary Celebration is nominated for Best World Music Album. Songs Of Peace & Love For Kids & Parents Around The World is nominated for Best Children's Album.

46. Lisa Loeb

Lisa Loeb is nominated for Best Children's Album for Feel What U Feel. It's her second GRAMMY nomination. She was nominated 23 years ago for Best Pop Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocal for "Stay (I Missed You)," a chart-topping hit with her group, Nine Stories.

47. Carrie Fisher

The late Carrie Fisher scores her second GRAMMY nomination for Best Spoken Word Album (Includes Poetry, Audio Books & Story Telling) for The Princess Diarist. The Star Wars actress was nominated in the same category eight years ago for Wishful Drinking.

48. Bernie Sanders

Sen. Bernie Sanders (D-Vt.) earns his first GRAMMY nomination alongside actor Mark Ruffalo for Best Spoken Word Album (Includes Poetry, Audio Books & Storytelling) for the audio version of his book, Our Revolution: A Future To Believe In. Sanders is the fourth politician to be nominated in this category this decade, following fellow Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and former presidents Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter (the 2015 winner).

49. Bruce Springsteen

Bruce Springsteen receives his 50th GRAMMY nomination for Born To Run, which is among the nominees for Best Spoken Word Album (Includes Poetry, Audio Books & Storytelling). The audiobook shares its title with Springsteen's classic 1975 album, which was voted into the GRAMMY Hall Of Fame in 2003.

50. Sarah Silverman

Sarah Silverman is nominated for Best Comedy Album for A Speck Of Dust. She is vying to become the fifth female comic to win in this category, following Elaine May (who won for a collaboration with Mike Nichols), Lily Tomlin, Whoopi Goldberg, and Kathy Griffin.

51. Benj Pasek, Justin Paul

Benj Pasek and Justin Paul are nominated for Best Musical Theater Album as composers/lyricists and co-producers of Dear Evan Hansen. They're also nominated for Best Song Written for Visual Media for "City Of Stars" from La La Land (which they co-wrote with Justin Hurwitz). They previously won a Tony Award for Dear Evan Hansen and an Academy Award for "City Of Stars."

52. Hello, Dolly!

The New Broadway Cast Recording of Hello, Dolly!, starring Bette Midler, is nominated for Best Musical Theater Album. It's the third time a cast album from this durable show has been nominated. An album from the original production, starring Carol Channing, was nominated for 1964. An album from a previous revival, also starring Channing, was nominated for 1995.

53. Justin Hurwitz

Composer Justin Hurwitz's four nominations stemming from the hit film La La Land mark his second try for GRAMMY gold. He was up for Best Score Soundtrack For Visual Media for his work on Whiplash two years ago. Hurwitz worked with director Damien Chazelle on both films.

54. Game Of Thrones: Season 7

Game Of Thrones: Season 7 is nominated for Best Score Soundtrack For Visual Media. It's vying to become the first TV soundtrack to win in this category since Mission: Impossible won 50 years ago. Ramin Djawadi is the composer of Game Of Thrones. Lalo Schifrin did the honors on Mission: Impossible.

55. Common, Diane Warren

Common and Diane Warren are nominated for Best Song Written For Visual Media for their collaboration, "Stand Up For Something," from Marshall. Both songwriters are past winners in the category. Common won two years ago for co-writing "Glory" from Selma. Warren won 21 years ago for writing "Because You Loved Me" from Up Close & Personal.

56. Taylor Swift, Best Song Written For Visual Media

Taylor Swift, another nominee for Best Song Written For Visual Media, is also a past winner in that category. Swift, nominated this year for co-writing "I Don't Wanna Live Forever (Fifty Shades Darker)," won five years ago for co-writing "Safe And Sound" from The Hunger Games.

57. Calvin Harris

Calvin Harris receives his first Producer Of The Year, Non-Classical nomination. Harris won his first GRAMMY five years ago for "We Found Love," his smash collaboration with Rihanna. They shared the award for Best Short Form Music Video.

58. Greg Kurstin

Greg Kurstin, last year's winner for Producer Of The Year, Non-Classical, is nominated in that category again this year. He's vying to become the first producer to win it two years in a row since Babyface won it three years running from 1995 through 1997.

Greg Kurstin wins Producer Of The Year GRAMMY

59. Producer Of The Year, Classical

The Producer Of The Year, Classical category comprises five producers with previous nods in the category. Morten Lindberg, who now has 24 total GRAMMY nominations, is seeking his first win. Blanton Alspaugh, Manfred Eicher, David Frost, and Judith Sherman have each won the category previously.

60. Jay-Z, Kendrick Lamar: Best Music Video

Jay-Z and Kendrick Lamar are each vying for their second award in the Best Music Video category. Jay-Z, who is nominated for "The Story Of O.J.," won four years ago for "Suit & Tie," a collaboration with Justin Timberlake. Lamar, nominated for "HUMBLE.," won two years ago for "Bad Blood," a collaboration with Taylor Swift. To date, just four artists have won twice in this category: Peter Gabriel, Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson, and Johnny Cash.

The 60th GRAMMY Awards will take place at Madison Square Garden in New York on Jan. 28, 2018, airing live on CBS from 7:30–11 p.m. ET/4:30–8 p.m. PT.

(Paul Grein is a veteran music journalist and historian whose work appears regularly at Yahoo.com and Hitsdailydouble.com.)

(GRAMMY.com staff members Renée Fabian, Brian Haack, Nate Hertweck, Tim McPhate, and Philip Merrill contributed to this article.)

Student plays music with headphones

Photo: Martin Bureau/AFP/Getty Images

 

List

Back To School Songs: Students Reveal End Of Summer Soundtrack

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From Kendrick Lamar and Foo Fighters to COIN, Paramore and Khalid, get a taste of the songs GRAMMY U college students are feeling as they head back to school this fall
Brian Haack
GRAMMYs
Aug 29, 2017 - 4:56 pm

Almost everyone is stoked when summertime rolls around each year, and that usually goes double for college students.

Exams are finished, papers are written, presentations have been delivered, and all that's in front of you is a few months of rest, relaxation, vacation, and vegetation (of the couch-potato variety). But on the flip side of the season, the feelings we experience as we transition back into fall, and by extension the school year, are generally a bit more complex.

Each student views the coming school year through a different lens, their feelings informed by everything from how they left things with their roommates and teachers the previous year, to what they may have accomplished during the summer months, to their excitement (or sometimes lack thereof) for the future as they start the next phase of their scholastic career.

Music is there for us whenever we try to examine and unpack our most complex feelings. The words and melodies written by our favorite artists have the power to strengthen and embolden us, comfort or console, or just let us know that someone else understands.

We asked a group of our most active GRAMMY U students to bottle their feelings in song as they return to school for the 2017–2018 year. Here are the 19 tracks they picked — take a listen, take a read, and take some time to reflect on where your head is at as the summer draws to a close.

 

"Run," Foo Fighters

This new single from the Foo Fighters has been on my playlists all summer. With lyrics like "In another perfect light/we run," that seem to be reminiscing on better summer days, and lyrics that are more forward looking like "We are the nation's stakes/ if everything's erased/what you gonna do?" the song sounds like a classic Foo Fighters jam, which is always helpful for getting me ready to go to class.  — Christina F., Seattle University, class of 2018

"Get It," Kaleb Mitchell

This song describes my motivation for this year and how I want to excel in everything I do. It gives me motivation that, though one may be looked at as the underdog, it is possible to still come out victorious. — Wande I., University of Texas at Austin, Class of 2018

"Young, Dumb & Broke," Khalid

As a second-year law student, everyone is rushing to plan the next two years of their lives in two weeks instead of realizing that life is not a sprint, it is a marathon. We have the rest of our lives to plan our careers, so there is time to enjoy the journey. — Honor W., Howard University School of Law, class of 2019

"Blood & Tears," Joseph

As I'm heading into my senior year, I've spent time reflecting on my time in college, and I truly feel I have put blood and tears into finishing my degree. However, like this song implies, it wasn't easy, but I'm going to finish strong! — Meredith W., Dallas Baptist University, class of 2018

"DNA.," Kendrick Lamar

Kendrick Lamar's "DNA." is a confidence booster, and a bold reminder of how limitless the future is when you tap into what's already inside of you and focus on that end goal. — Brandon T., Full Sail University, class of 2017

"Obsession (25/7)," Vice feat. Jon Bellion & Kylie

Not wasting any time, the beat creates an instant vibe that refuses to let you to sit still. The rhythmic high-pitched sounds throughout this song work as a funky humming bird serenading your ear. And with Jon Bellion's smooth vocals leading the verses, by the chorus you're in it! The crazy pallet of sounds used and strong synths immediately hypnotize your body, leaving you with uncontrollable movement. This hit song just exudes happiness and joy; a great way to start off the school year! — Medhan A., Columbia College Chicago, class of fall 2017

"ABC," Jackson 5

It helps me remember that everything can be as easy as 123, and as simple as do re mi, especially as a music student. — Oliver R., California State University, Northridge, class of 2018

"There For You," Martin Garrix feat. Troye Sivan

The song is bittersweet and has a centralized idea around the trust between one person to another. I see the song as my trust toward my school, and the emotions that come with friends, finals, and new experiences that come with each new year. — Marc G., Seattle University, class of 2019

"Unforgettable," French Montana feat. Swae Lee

Going into my last semester of school, I think of how unforgettable my time at Columbia College has been, and how I've grown to be the person I am today. It also has such a summer vibe, I've been listening to this song every day since it came out. — Nicole H., Columbia College Chicago, class of 2018

"Another Day Of Sun," from La La Land

This song is about chasing your dreams, because there is really no other thing you want to or could possibly do, but also a reminder that "when they let you down" there is a new mercy each morning.  I'm excited to "chase all the lights that shine" this school year, as the new year offers a clean slate to have yet another day of sun. — Kenady S., Dallas Baptist University, class of 2018

"Malibu 1992," COIN

This song encapsulates the reminiscence and longing one can have for something/someone, and it relates to how I feel moving on from this summer and going back to school. I am excited for what is ahead of me, but I know I will be nostalgic for the simplicity and memories of this past summer. — Saloni J., DePaul University, class of 2020

"Hard Times," Paramore

Lyrically, the song perfectly describes the majority of college students' mindset midway through a semester. Ironically, the song's dynamic is very upbeat. I like to think that, despite the hardships that academics may bring, there's an acceptance that academics will be difficult, but we may push through and strive if we choose to. — Maxwell Y., Texas State University, class of 2018

"The Queen," Lady Gaga

This song captures my excitement to take on new challenges and helps me unleash the confidence I need to take on my new classes and upcoming performances/showcases! When I'm feeling stressed out, I'll remember I can be the queen that's inside of me! — Kira M., Los Angeles College of Music, class of 2018

"2U," David Guetta feat. Justin Bieber

Above all, this song is about devotion, and if I have learned anything about college or the music industry, it is that there is truly no limit to what you can achieve if you commit fully in body, mind, passion, and honesty. — Lucky B., Musicians Institute, class of 2018

"Glorious," Macklemore feat. Skylar Grey

After a semester of studying abroad, I cannot wait to get back to school, and back to GRAMMY U! This song captures my excitement about the upcoming school year, and how motivated I'm feeling for another great year.  — Gabrielle R., George Washington University, class of 2018

"Wish (Komm Zu Mir),” Thomas D. feat. Franka Potente

The song is a soundtrack from Run Lola Run, a movie in which the protagonist runs relentlessly to subvert fate. I'm starting my final year in college, and this song helps prepare me for an extremely hectic semester. — Evie W., Agnes Scott College, class of 2018

"Molasses," Hiatus Kaiyote

The song describes a person who doesn't know their future, but they stay fearless regardless. It's something I resonate with at the beginning of a crazy last year. — Bria D., Pepperdine University, class of 2018

"Bellyache," Billie Eilish

My college experience has been rather underwhelming as far as knowledge and growth are concerned … my classes haven't pushed me much, so most of my time is spent teaching myself how to grow as an artist based upon real world experiences. I chose this song because it embodies how psychotic school makes me feel. — Butch "OddKidOut" S., Drexel University, class of 2018

"The Future," San Holo feat. James Vincent McMorrow

We all think wayyy too much about our careers and where we are headed in the future. Stop thinking so much about the future and be present in the now. — Janette B., master's student, University of Miami, class of 2018

Go Back To School With Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, Dolly Parton: College Courses With Your Favorite Artists