Encapsulating the trials and tribulations of Lent term into a succinct playlist is no simple task: in the space of eight weeks, Cambridge transforms from frozen wasteland into fresh, green spring, while January dreams of a mid-year academic comeback seem to fade away with each supervision. But as we gear up for another long term, Varsity is here to try and alleviate some of Lent’s torment.

I’ll get Bob Dylan out of the way early – with A Complete Unknown in cinemas, it would be criminal not to celebrate one of the greatest songwriters in history. I’ve had this live version of ‘Stuck Inside of Mobile’ on repeat: it has brilliantly impenetrable lyrics, a great melody, and more than enough energy to sustain even the weariest Cambridge student for eight weeks.

“Any delusions of academic recovery you may have need a fittingly cocky soundtrack”

Any delusions of academic recovery you may have need a fittingly cocky soundtrack, and they don’t come much bolder than The Stone Roses and their song ‘She Bangs the Drums’. In case they don’t provide enough confidence, the swaggering ‘Take Five’ and ‘Timeless Melody’ should see you through. Take those three, along with a healthy dose of ‘Mambo Sun’ and ‘Wear Your Love Like Heaven’, and you’ll be walking to lectures feeling invincible.

Although, when those delusions crumble, you’ll need something warm and comforting to pick you up. Joni Mitchell’s ‘You Turn Me On, I’m A Radio’ never disappoints: her voice works miracles and is the perfect antidote to… well, anything really. Joni Mitchell pairs beautifully with Caoilfhionn Rose’s ‘Josephine’, from her criminally underrated album Constellation. She almost whispers her words, and to play this song is to put the world on pause for four minutes. That folky warmth is embellished by Boz Scaggs and Van Morrison, whose songs both build towards glorious saxophone solos. You’re almost ready to swagger round Sidge once more.

“With the new year inevitably comes the desire to spice up your playlists. As the saying goes: new year, new me, new music”

When that moment does come, Kate Bush’s ‘Cloudbusting’ is that silver lining; alongside Richie Havens’ brilliant cover of ‘Here Comes the Sun’, there are few surer signs that the clouds have parted and the end of term is in sight. To enjoy that moment and the relief, the fresh guitar of Richard Hawley’s ‘Just Like the Rain’ and the brilliant melody of Nick Drake’s ‘Time Has Told Me’ is all you need – neatly balancing those confident dreams of Lent term but warm enough to pick us up if our plans go awry.

We can’t forget that Lent is the first term of 2025, and with the new year inevitably comes the desire to spice up your playlists. As the saying goes: new year, new me, new music. If you’re yet to pick this year’s musical niche, might I suggest something fresh and funky? The Sugarcubes, an underappreciated Icelandic band best known for lead singer Björk, balance this just right with ‘Motorcrash’ and ‘Birthday’, two deliciously upbeat tunes sure to brighten up dreary walks to the faculty. If covers are more your thing, try Siouxsie and the Banshees’ version of ‘Dear Prudence’, or The Raincoats’ take on ‘Lola’. Equal parts groovy and refreshing in their fun spin on classics.

“Songs that pair perfectly with a glorious return to Cambridge’s not-so-glorious nightlife”

For those of you recovering from a Michaelmas heartbreak, it’s time to reset and refresh, and Fleet Foxes’ ‘Ragged Woodis’ the perfect antidote. This indie folk song is sunny and jubilant – the perfect call back to yourself and a new term. Any song by Waxahatchee, particularly Lilacs from their album Saint Cloud, would tie in nicely, alongside Sharon Van Etten’s ‘Let Go’ – a personal favourite of mine that you might recall from Netflix’s The Maid.

Speaking of, how can I forget Shoop? I’m hardly the first to like ‘Salt-N-Pepa’, but there’s something about that song that pairs perfectly with a glorious return to Cambridge’s not-so-glorious nightlife. It’s a pres song that works just as well while strutting through the city, as does Lily Allen’s ‘Knock ’em Out’ and Amy Winehouse’s ‘Fuck Me Pumps’. All hits that are, in my opinion, criminally underplayed.

2024 was the year of Doechii, with her album Alligator Bites and accompanying ‘Tiny Desk’ appearance safely moving her from TikTok sound to the next big name in rap. ‘DENIAL IS A RIVER’ deserves its flowers as one of the most-streamed tracks from the album. Her raw reflections on her career, heartbreak, and substance issues are paired with a catchy beat that makes this a certified earworm.

So there we have it – whether you want to jazz up your 2025 Spotify Wrapped or are looking for that one song to perfect your latest playlist, Varsity has got you covered.