I use music to navigate my days, get through uncomfortable emotions, motivate myself, calm down, or help me focus on the tasks at hand.
The first time I remember feeling a connection to music was when “Chewing Gum” by Annie used to play on my car radio. If you don’t know this song, it’s the ultimate pop song. It’s bubbly and exciting, with a meaning I definitely didn’t understand as a kid.
I see music as a way to relate to the world around me. I don’t always focus on the message or lyricism, but rather the feeling the music exudes. The raw emotion and energy of music evoke some of the most beautiful expressions of humanity. From artist to audience and audience to other listeners, I see the ever-growing conversation of art, history, emotion, and personhood. Coming from a family that prides itself on its connection to music in all forms, I sometimes face the challenge of sharing an artist others may not know or understand. These are songs, artists, and albums that have inspired me and may prompt you to try something new.
- A List of Songs That I Sang and Danced to As a Kid (They’re Still Fabulous):
-
“Chewing Gum” – Annie
“Raspberry Beret” – Prince
“Girls Just Want to Have Fun” – Cyndi Lauper
“Royals” – Lorde
“Sorry” – Justin Bieber
“Hungry Like the Wolf” – Duran Duran
“No Sleep Till Brooklyn” – Beastie Boys
“Low” – Flo Roda
“Dancing On My Own” – Robyn
These songs bring me back to a younger version of myself, and a time when I had fun, forgot the burdens of young adulthood, and was carefree.
Some of the first songs that I took from my parents that really struck me included “Thirteen” by Big Star. I think this song is so beautiful. When I listen to it, I am always brought back to listening to their album in my room — the sun shining through my window, highlighting the warm colors of my bedroom. Even though I was still a child, I immediately felt nostalgic for adolescence. I believe this song can invoke such a bittersweet feeling, and I recommend it to those who like slow, soft, and thoughtful lyrics.
- Other Songs That Invoked My Love for Music Exploration:
-
“Mirror of Time” – Twin Peaks
“Manhattan” – Cat Power
“Jesus, Etc.” – Wilco
“Modern Girl” – Sleater Kinney
“Inside And Out” – Feist
“Wigman” – Bob Dylan
“If We Wait” – Guided By Voices
“This Mess Were In” – PJ Harvey
“Angeles” – Elliott Smith
“Twin Falls” – Built To Spill
“Valentine” – Fiona Apple
“These Days” – Nico
“Rapp Snitch Knishes” – MF DOOM, Mr. Fantastik
“Little Trouble Girl” – Sonic Youth, Kim Deal
- Songs That I Find Undeniably Beautiful, Even if They Aren’t “Beautiful” Songs:
-
“Angels Eye” – This is Lorelei
“How Lucky” – Kurt Vile
“Certainty” – Big Thief
“Sycamore” – Bill Callahan
“Madeline” – Yo La Tengo
“Love U Better” – Brad stank, Freak Slug
“The Beachland Ballroom” – IDLES
“Harbour” – Cate Le Bon
“Pale Blue Eyes” – The Velvet Underground
“I Don’t Want to Get Over You” – The Magnetic Fields
“I CARE: FAYE WEBSTER VERSION” – Turnstile, Faye Webster
“Twin Falls” – Built To Spill
“House Pool” – MJ Lenderman, Wednesday
“Love Takes Miles” – Cameron Winter
“No Woman” – Whitney
“Pale Horse” – Truman Sinclair
“On the Beach” – Neil Young
These songs, among many more, are ones that I cherish. I cherish them not only because I find them enjoyable, but because I think they can uniquely balance the delicacy of music with a certain individuality that separates them from other songs of similar meaning. These songs can warm your soul and remind you of the beauty we see, hear, and possess.
- I Think We Should All Dance More:
-
“Love Song” – Madonna
“I Do” – Sophia Stel
“Best to You” – Blood Orange
“Year of the Dragon” – Bassvictim, worldpeace DMT
“On Hold” – The xx
“Rill Rill” – Sleigh Bells
“Lights Out” – Santigold
“L.U.C.K.Y” – Fcukers
“Losing You” – Solange
“JAM!” – BETWEEN FRIENDS
“Baddy On The Floor” – Jamie xx, Honey Dijon
“What I Like” – Charli xcx
Two summers ago, I went to a Pitchfork music festival with my best friend and parents. My friend and I stood in the back of the crowd, not expecting anything life-changing but wanting to dance. As we watched the set begin, the screen panned to other people in the crowd with chill-inducing, choreographed dances, and you could see in the faces of the audience light up with the consuming power of music and performance. I have never danced so hard in my life. The environment was contagious.
This list may be jam-packed with many different things, some or many of which you may not know. They are a collection of memories, experiences, and stories I have accumulated in my life. Music is so important, even if you completely disagree with what I find to be good music.
There are infinite songs and artists that may communicate to you the same way they communicate to me.Â
Want to keep up with HCBU? Make sure to like us on Facebook, follow us on Instagram, check out our Pinterest board, watch us on TikTok, and read our latest Tweets!Â