I typically have one headphone in. And yes, it’s usually a wired one. No, I’m not trying to be performative — at least not intentionally — despite what some people in my life may say (you know exactly who you are).
Point being: I’m almost addicted to listening to music. It doesn’t matter what genre, style, or era — I love discovering new sounds and finding staple artists. I wake up each morning and immediately open my Spotify. I put on some sort of rap while I stretch, play rock music while I shower, and listen to house while walking to class.
People often ask me what my favorite genre of music is, or even if I have a preferred artist. My answer is always the same: I listen to everything, so I don’t really have one. My taste rotates, fresh artists come into my life, and I find myself genuinely content with never sticking around with one type of music. Some could say I have commitment issues. I’d rather the term “adventurous” be used.
That being said, I love when other members of HCCU share their favorite artists and songs, so I wanted to do something similar. Here is my curated list of music I *currently* can’t seem to get enough of:
“While My Guitar Gently Weeps – Live from Madison Square Garden, New York, U.S.A, 1971 / 2009 Remaster” • George Harrison
I’ll start by saying that I believe George Harrison to be a genius. There’s no wonder why the Beatles never let him write or perform songs often; he blows even his renowned band members out of the water.
While I like the studio recorded version of this song, the definition, soul, and character in Harrison’s voice gives me chills each time. Paired beautifully with his famous guitar solo, the listening experience is top-tier.
“AYCHEK / “عيشك • Saint Levant, NORDO
No, I don’t speak Arabic (maybe I should start learning). Yes, even if you can’t understand the lyrics of this song, Saint Levant and NORDO’s voices speak to me in a way nothing else can compare to. I find that with most songs I adore, an artist’s voice is the contributing factor in how it makes you feel. You can hear the passion and fire, and experience how much effort they’ve put into their music. In a way, you experience how much they love you.
“Innerbloom” • RÜFÜS DU SOL
I simply can’t say enough about this song. My roommates probably hear me singing to it once a day.
Seeing RÜFÜS DU SOL live was incredible. But feeling “Innerbloom” was even better. I highly recommend giving it a listen, and if you can, seeing it live. Few songs stay with me the way this one has.
“Bella” • GIMS
Six years of French. Four of those six have been spent listening to this song. Because GIMS is a Congolese rapper, his French accent is unique, deep and moving, and I can’t imagine the world of rap without him in it.
“Lemon Glow” • Beach House
For me, this is a new but very much appreciated song. Each time I listen, I feel renewed and fresh. Additionally, I think about how fabulous it would sound over an Instagram photo dump. You might be saying: That’s a shallow reason for liking something. To that I say: My life revolves around social media for my career, so why not get good at it?
“Beverly Laurel” • Tame Impala
One of my favorite things about music is its ability to bring us back to certain moments or memories in our lives. The first time I heard “Beverly Laurel”, I was driving to Newport Beach from North Hollywood. It was during my first major internship, and being a 19-year-old girl, I was a nervous wreck. To me and my memories, this song brings back feelings of confidence, and visions of Los Angeles.
“Nicole Kidman” • ADÉLA
Hot. This song is simply hot. No notes. It’s just hot.
Music feels like a constant in my life, yet also something that’s ever-changing. If you had played me these songs a few years ago, I’m doubtful I would’ve appreciated them to the level I do now. You come to understand songs better, and forget tunes that don’t fit who you are anymore. That’s why I love music; it moves with your life.