The Ave is more than just a stretch of shops and restaurants next to the University of Washington campus (and the relatively new U District Station).
No album captures that student energy quite like the 2004/2005 debut of Seattle hip-hop duo Blue Scholars. Their music speaks to classroom struggles, late-night conversations, and neighborhood pride — making it the perfect back-to-school playlist.
Here’s how the album maps onto The Ave:
"Solstice Intro" - Inner Visions Posters
Every great album starts with an intro. For The Ave, that’s Inner Visions Posters — walls stacked with prints, posters, and designs to set the vibe of your new year.
"Blue School" - Cafe Allegro
A track about lessons inside and outside the classroom. Café Allegro is the study soundtrack in physical form — Seattle’s oldest espresso bar fueling late nights and big ideas.
"Bruise Brothers" - Seattle Bouldering Project
Pushing yourself, testing limits, and rising to the challenge — SBP is all about movement, grit, and friendly competition, just like this track.
"Motion Movement" - Thai Tom
Fast, fiery, and unforgettable. Thai Tom is the culinary equivalent of a beat that won’t stop moving.
"selfPortrait" - Vintage shops
Finding your style and showing who you are. Vintage shops are where self-expression becomes wearable art.
"Freewheelin" - Sweet Alchemy
Light, breezy, and a little playful. Sweet Alchemy’s house-made scoops are the dessert track of The Ave.
"The Inkwell "- Magus Books
A song about ideas spilling onto the page. Magus is where you get lost in stacks of philosophy, poetry, and rare finds.
"Burnt Offering" - Neptune Theatre
The heat rises on this track — and the Neptune is where the neighborhood gathers for big nights and lasting memories.
"The Ave" - The Ave itself
The national release added this anthem, and it says it all. Every meal, show, coffee, and study session here is part of your own tracklist.
Blue Scholars’ debut album mirrors the U District — raw, creative, and unforgettable.
In the mood for more transit tunes? Check out our other album journeys:
- Pioneer Square Station and "Nevermind"
- Roosevelt Station and "Fleet Foxes"
- Seattle waterfront via Westlake Station and "Carnavas"
What did we miss? Tag us on social media @SoundTransit or email lifestyle@soundtransit.org.