March happens to be an exciting month for the city of Boston and college students. This past week, BU students, soaked up some sun down South or scurried home to our lovely families for spring break. Even though a week goes by so fast, that does not mean the fun is over, in Boston anyway. If you were in South Boston on Sunday, you might have witnessed the annual Saint Patrick’s Day Parade—or at least saw a lot of green “Kiss Me, I’m Irish” shirts or decorative party people somewhere on the streets of Boston. As Bostonians honored the Irish culture, tonight Boston University will honor neighboring music by welcoming English singer Ellie Goulding to Agganis Arena! How lucky are we?
Coming across the pond, Goulding has made a name for herself as a pop music sensation. As you start listening to her songs, it is hard not to dance or belt out the chorus lines. Goulding’s voice is quite unique and she has an impressive range, which she exhibits in her two albums, “Lights” (2011) and “Halcyon” (2013). In her songs, Goulding tends to open with a light, breathy tone and her voice gradually builds in an emotional crescendo, producing a vibrant rhythm. In addition to the vocals, the melody itself is striking. Some of her songs include a touch of techno and fast-paced beats. Goulding is respected as a pop artist favorite—so much so that her songs have been chosen as the background music for popular television shows and movies such as New Girl, MTV’s Awkward and The Hunger Games. Ultimately, Goulding’s upbeat songs drill right into your brain to the point where you can immediately recognize the strong melodies from a mile away. Whether I am in a crowded mall, Whole Foods or a hair salon, the young pop star’s songs never cease to entertain me.
In honor of the spring concert tonight, I have decided to praise the beautiful blonde and talented Ellie Goulding by listing a few of my personal favorite songs from the “Lights” and “Halcyon” albums. Most of the songs I replay on iTunes or give a “thumbs up” on Pandora are on the latter album. Goulding will most likely debut her latest album at the concert, but her past album is equally enjoyable. All in all, the five specific songs below put me in a positive mood whether I am studying, working out, or vegging in my dorm room.
“Lights” Album
1. “Lights”
When I first heard this song, I Shazamed it so fast! It is a cool song to dance to because the song builds, winds down, and then picks back up again. It definitely keeps you on your toes. Even if I am lounging on my bed, it is hard to resist air drumming when I listen to the beat. The song has a nice tune that is not too soft or too noisy. It is a great mood-booster and a perfect study song. Ellie Goulding released this song three years ago, and it still generates good vibes every time I hear it.
2. “Starry Eyed”
Thank you, Awkward! I was exposed to “Starry Eyed” when the season two finale of Awkward aired last year. SPOILER ALERT: It played when Jake and Jenna exchanged a romantic kiss on the dance floor at Prom. It was magical just like the song. The chorus line of “Starry Eyed” is memorizing to the ears. The song has the same rhythm as “Lights,” yet the music has a whole different feeling. I would say that this song is good to listen to between classes—an energy-booster for sure!
“Halcyon” album
1. “Anything Can Happen”
I was so happy to hear this song play in New Girl. If you watch the show, I bet you loved that epic scene too (hint: Nick and Jess). In my opinion, this song is one of the best dance songs of 2013. I can never stop jumping or fist pumping whenever this song comes on. It is one of my top ten workout songs. If I slow down on the treadmill, this song gives me an adrenaline rush and pushes me to increase the speed. If you are feeling down at any point, tune in to this song and think happy thoughts like “Anything can happen!”
2. “I Need Your Love” (Calvin Harris ft. Ellie Goulding)
This is where the electronic music comes into play. The best part about this song is the techno solo in between verses. The song slowly builds and then explodes with funky beats. I would consider this track as a workout song. If I am lifting weights or doing the elliptical, this song is a confidence booster. You power through the techno part and then take a minute break while listening to Goulding’s sweet voice.
3. “Burn”
This song topped the charts in the UK and can be found playing daily on radio stations across the United States. When Ellie Goulding teased the song on her Facebook page, I was hooked as soon as I heard the chorus. The “Burn” music video has over two hundred million views on YouTube! That number basically sums up the popularity of this song. I really love this one because the lyrics are positive, the rhythm is smooth and the song makes great study music. It is a great sports practice song, and a “dance when no one is watching” kind of song as well. Whether it is gym or dance floor, you just burn, burn and burn.
I have no doubt that Ellie Goulding will open her SOLD OUT show with bright lights and then burn up Agganis Arena with a brilliant closing performance by the end. Then again, anything can happen!
Fun Fact:
Ellie Goulding is premiering four songs on the “Divergent” soundtrack, which you can check out on iTunes. Listen to the full version of the lovely “Beating Heart” here!