A Definitive Ranking of Some of the Best Songs to Have as Your Morning Alarm

Let's face it: No one likes waking up in the morning, and most people deeply resent the sound of their alarm clocks. However, there is a better way. Since middle school, my morning alarm has been ‘Heart Out’ by The 1975. While that song has now been forever ruined for me, it has been generally easier to wake up to a song I enjoy, rather than the painful stock sounds your phone supplies you with. Below is a tried and true list of songs I recommend changing your alarm to, because it definitely beats the iPhone stock sound.

1. ‘Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go” by Wham!

https://open.spotify.com/track/0ikz6tENMONtK6qGkOrU3c?si=774e92d69e964909 

A no-brainer. A classic. Incredible. This song will make it impossible to start your morning on the wrong side of the bed. George Michael’s soothing voice will make you jitterbug all the way out the door with a smile on your face. This is an easy and happy song to wake up to, and who doesn’t want that to start their morning?

2. ‘Man! I Feel Like a Woman!’ by Shania Twain

https://open.spotify.com/track/6sxptembJVty4sNtcPMAVz?si=b3ade1e91e464304 

Fear not, you do not need to be a woman to love this song. This song is one of the catchiest I’ve ever heard, and her smiley energy is insanely contagious, even for a non-woman. The intro riff on this song could wake me from the deepest of slumbers every time. I would recognize this song even in death. This very well might be my new alarm tune in the near future. Stay tuned for updates.

3. ‘Three Little Birds’ by Bob Marley and the Wailers

https://open.spotify.com/track/7vggqxNKwd6xdRoYS0pQtM?si=cf2334c9fe6e4354 

Looking for something a bit more calm to start your day off? I’ve got you covered. Bob Marley’s iconic ‘Three Little Birds’ is exactly what you need. I mean, the main takeaway from the song is that ‘every little thing is gonna be alright.’ What more could you ask for? Give your brain a gentle awakening with Marley’s gentle voice and beautiful lyrics.

4. ‘Sissy That Walk’ by RuPaul

https://open.spotify.com/track/4KvHJkVdQQrskjVfGoYedT?si=66cf8b186b4d4c44 

Listen. Hear me out. This song begins with an alarm-esque set of tones, before jumping into a classic RuPaul pop track. I can’t say I’ve tried this as an alarm before, but honestly, I’m into it. This will have you starting your day by turning it out and strutting around your room. Do you really need anything else from an alarm? This is a one-stop-shop for alarm songs.

5. ‘Blue Monday’ by New Order

https://open.spotify.com/track/6hHc7Pks7wtBIW8Z6A0iFq?si=f21331f0cb1445f9 

I want to start by saying this is objectively one of the greatest songs of all time. No other intro needed. My only concern is that I would eventually get sick of hearing this glorious song, and it may be ruined forever for me. But that is a risk I’m willing to take if it means starting my days with New Order. You win some, you lose some. 

Honorable Mentions

-‘Gimme More’ by Britney Spears

-‘Space Song’ by Beach House

-‘Merry-go-Round Of Life’ by Joe Hitashi

-‘Dearest’ by Buddy Holly

-‘Hungry Like the Wolf’ by Duran Duran