i’m not in the mood for most music these days
except for these:
Now, usually I would just use my “current favs” playlist.
But lately, I don’t just want the music I like. I can only stomach the music that makes me feel something.
Most music these days has left me completely empty, and I can’t seem to explain it.
I used to build worlds with music. I used to fantasize about love and heartbreak. I used to feel comforted in angst or fueled for success.
To be honest, I can’t simply blame modern music for this. It could be me. It could be my own disinterest. Or maybe I’ve heard enough music for my lifetime. Some songs, albums, and artists matter enough to me to carry me through. There might be a reason why adults keep listening to the music from the 50’s-80’s. Maybe it can be chalked up to nostalgia. Those old songs are all they need.
Maybe I don’t know what to fantasize about right now.
In love, I’m a bit discouraged.
In success, I’m either afraid, or doubtful.
In life, I feel lost and unsure.
And that old teen angst, it’s all healed up. It takes more than a sad song to treat my adult pain. For that, I search for inner peace or something boring like that haha. Reason with myself that I can use strength to stand back up. Swallow it and don’t fall apart because that won’t fix my problems. Pray to God, and use a podcast.
So with music, I just want something that inspires me in new ways.
Give me something that makes me say, “oh wow,” “oooooh,” “YEES.” You know?
A fresh sound, a sick, hot vocal, or a sweet, vulnerable vocal. A deep bass that shakes me in a new way. Gets in my gut. Peaks my interest.
So that being said, I’m gonna tell you about a few of the songs that have brought some meaning and feeling to my life recently. A top 10 if you will. (In no particular order except for the order that they appear on the playlist)
Full playlist: not in the mood for most music these days
1 . “Lemon Tree” - Post Malone :
My favorite song right now is “Lemon Tree” by Post Malone. It’s off of his most recent album Twelve Carat Toothache, and on the first listen, I no joke said “oh wow… wow, wow, wowww.” It had to get the repeat treatment after that.
I don’t even know how to explain it, but the song left me shocked in the best of ways. The emo vibe; the guitar at the beginning; the country roots; the movie lyric. I love it. Love it love it love it.
2 . “People disappear here” - Halsey :
THIS SONG.
“People Disappear Here” by Halsey. It’s a bonus track on the deluxe version of If I Can’t Have Love, I Want Power.
First of all, if you haven’t heard that album yet, you need to go do that now. Now. Definitely my favorite album of the last - I don’t know how long. Favorite Halsey album, perfect sound and inspiration for me personally. And this song should have been on the album in my opinion. It’s me in a song. (I have many song forms, but this is one).
Rock song with a funky Jazz sound at the end like Bowie's “Lazarus”. Like I said… me in a song.
3 . “Crush” - Ethel Cain :
Oof what a find this was. “Crush” by Ethel Cain. I’ve been listening to this for months and I’m nowhere near tired yet.
This is the sound I miss from 2013. Rough, moody hot girl music.
Oh, and the song being about toxic crushes on bad boys just adds to my love for it. The boys I’ve liked haven’t been as bad as this one, but I understand that desire. Crushes…. the best of times, and the worst. This song… ooh the best.
4 . “Fly Me To The Moon” - Tony Bennett :
A sweet one here.
This is another song I’ve been listening to for months. Somehow I came across this version of “Fly Me To The Moon” by Tony Bennett, and it’s the sweetest song I never knew existed. The popular Frank Sinatra version is so upbeat that the romance is lost. I’d never listened to the lyrics so closely as I have with this beautiful rendition.
For the romantics, you need this for your crush too.
5 . “Graceland Too” - Phoebe Bridgers :
“Doesn’t know what she wants, or what she’s gonna do. A rebel without a clue.”
I remember the post-Christmas drive home after my winter graduation, genuinely not knowing what I was gonna do. That’s when I found this song. Also resonating with the deep desire to “do anything” for the person that I wanted, I had my eyes on the trees and rivers beside the highway. Just me, the road, and the song (my family was in the car, but I was outside in my mind).
I always say that I don’t know what I want to do. That’s a lie. I know what I want. The only reason I hesitate to say it is because I fear it won’t happen. That nothing I want will ever happen. So this song, for me, is that feeling.
6 . “If I Ever Lose My Faith In You” - Sting :
This is a fun one. “If I Ever Lose My Faith In You” by Sting.
It’s one of my summer songs this year. Great for driving around with the windows down and singing along. The best part is near the end when “If I ever lose my faith” is repeated four times. The note changes are addicting to me lol it’s so fun to sing.
7 . “Scarlett” - Holly Humberstone :
Holly Humberstone has become one of my favorite artists from this past year. Her ability to write a catchy pop chorus is pretty genius and she keeps coming out with hit after hit. They’re indie/alternative hits, but still hits.
Best lyrics in this song:
“And you said ‘Scarlett, I don’t need to be responsible for everything you’re feeling. You’re emotional grim reaper, I feel bad for you, I can’t entertain these games, hate to rain on your parade. It’s just the way I’m feeling. It’s just the way I’m feeling.”
Hits me every time.
8 . “Melancolia” - Jacob Gurevitsch, Buika :
Baby, this song’s a lot. I found it last year, and it still haunts me.
Jacob Gurevitsch is a guitar player who makes the most beautiful music. His most recent album Yellow Spaceship is one to check out if you’re looking for classical-style instrumental music.
This song “Melancolia” features the singer Buika, whose vocals are PERFECT and gorgeous and they almost float on the air like the whole world is heavy over some kind of sadness.
9 . “Let Me Roll It” - Paul McCartney & Wings :
So, this song comes with a movie recommendation.
Licorice Pizza!!!
Watch it watch it watch it!
This song “Let Me Roll It” by Paul McCartney & Wings gets stuck in my head all the time because of this movie. There’s a great scene with the song playing, and all I can say is that you need to watch the movie. That’s it. When I listen to this song, I feel like I’m in LA in the 1970’s. It also feels sexy af.
10 . “I’ve Been Here Before” - Matthew Halsall :
Now for the final song.
I keep saying “my favorite song blah blah” and that’s because a lot of these are on my top favorites list now lol.
This song is my favorite jazz song currently. It’s the perfect jazz song for me. Slow and smooth. Sounds like winter to me. So yummy. So classy. I took a nap while I was sad and anxious once, with this song on repeat, and it comforted me. Add it to your winter playlist and don’t ask any questions. You will understand when you hear it.
Now that’s it lol good night <3
