If you can't tell by now, I love music. I try to listen to it as much as possible. In the car, at work, at home. Not a day goes by where there's not a song stuck in my head. One thing in particular I like doing, is matching songs and playlists to moods and occasions. Nothing amplifies a moment or a feeling like the perfectly selected song, or a meticulously crafted playlist. I have go-to playlists for when I'm elated, dejected, angry, or just plain chill. There's such a thing as perfect music for when I'm driving or cooking on the line. There's work out music, make-out music, pump up music, and cool down music. If I could have music playing without ceasing, I would likely choose to do so. So the real question is: how would I soundtrack my life? Well, since you're still here, I'm going to assume you desperately need to know, so I'll tell you on one condition: you must promise to share back!
Pump Up Soundtrack
Let's start with the easiest. Getting me pumped up. Pre-sports, busy lunch rush, gym work-out type music. I like something not just with a beat, but with drive to it. Songs that set a pace I can work towards. Rap and rock do this the best, and there is so much to choose from, but I got to stay with what's true. Nothing gets me hyped like Eminem. "Lose Yourself" is the obvious one, and of course I crush it at karaoke. However, my go to for getting myself hyped is "Till I Collapse". The BPM might not be at the speed of your typical pump up songs, but it's the lyrics that play a big part for me. Lines like " But you gotta search within you, you gotta find that inner strength" or "Til the roof comes off, till the lights go out, Til my legs give out, can't shut my mouth" help to feel exactly what Eminem trying to put down. There's just something about the mantra "Til I Collapse" that just makes me take that extra 5 on the treadmill, to sling those poutines that much faster, or put me in the right mindset to go out and dominate that rec soccer field.
Melancholy or Blue
For most of people this one goes one of two ways: first, you listen to not sad songs to try and pull you out, or, if you're like me, you take a few minutes to play a sad song and wallow in it for a bit. To be honest, it was quite the life changing thing for me when I started doing this. Take some time, allow yourself to be sad, listen to sad songs, and then when you're ready, find out how to step out of it. I'll give you two songs for this one as I have lots of go-to tracks. Enough tracks that my 322 song playlist called "Oak & Ash" tell you all you need to know. While there's some timeless songs for me because I like to stick with what I know (The National, Bon Iver, SYML), I also want to seem relevant, so I'll give you something new as well - "Breathe Me" by Sia. I'm not even sure how to talk about this one. Themes of loss and heartbreak and brokenness to me makes this the ultimate sad song.
"Be my friend, hold me Wrap me up, enfold me I am small and needy Warm me up and breathe me"
I want to try to describe this more. But I can't. Just go listen to it, if not for the the first time, then with a fresh perspective and see what you feel.
Also found on the "sad" playlist is "Worship" by Amber Run. Sad songs about love are maybe the most obvious choice, the best ones are songs that cause you to feel the emotion of the song. Having cracked my top albums of 2019, Amber Run is well on their way to becoming one of my favourite bands. Joe Keoghs voice and passion is the main reason, and "Worship" is a prime showcase.
Cruisin'
This might be the hardest to pin down. Theres happy driving, angry driving, and the need for the calmest music in existence to quell my rage driving. All these emotions need accompanying songs. I might go with my favourite. This one is top 5 all time for me because I listen to it in a variety of different situations. "Reckoner" by Radiohead is, in my humble opinion, is the perfect Radiohead song. It's melodic and atonal, it's haunting and relaxing. It was my gateway Radiohead song. Thom Yorke's voice is everything and the guitar is smooth and warm and with everything woven together, this song just takes me away. If Radiohead really isn't your thing (I'll maybe forgive you), the more vibey song, "Chicago" by Sufjan Stevens was essentially written for road trips.
Smooch Away
And now for something completely different. Make-out song. I don't want to embarrass anyone (hello, wife). So just go listen to "RedBone." You (and your partner of choice) are welcome.
Well, on any given day there's numerous songs playing and replaying in my head, and these are just a few of those that frequently make return trips. I want to know your songs! Hit me up in the comments for your soundtrack!
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