It is the beginning of the year, and it is also the beginning of a new quarter. Sometimes it can be hard to get back into the swing of things, but some inspiring music can help! Music can be motivating in its lyrics and in the instrumentals as well. These are just a few songs that are bound to make the soul feel good, even on tougher days.
- “It Runs Through Me” by Tom Misch & De La Soul
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I love the way that this song slowly layers the instruments in throughout, and they have a fun jazz feel to them. This song is literally about how music can make you feel lifted and give a sense of clarity. No one can take that away from you! I think listening to the music that makes you feel good is one of the best things you can do for yourself. Do more of that in 2020!
- “Good Day” by Surfaces
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In my mind, I am instantly taken to a warm sunny beach whenever I listen to this song. The steel drums give a tropical element to it, and the timbre of the singer’s voice is so soothing. One of my goals this year is to go outside more, and this song certainly makes me want to.
- “Don’t Go Changing” by Aly & AJ
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Thank goodness Aly & AJ have come out with more music. One of my favorite parts in this song is when they sing, “Just don’t go changing on me, babe/ Typical feeling/ Who ever told you you’re not good enough?” Sometimes we can all get wrapped up in our own uncertainties and doubts but I feel like Aly & AJ are rooting for me whenever I listen to this. No one said I am not good enough. I am good enough!
- “I’m Okay” by Honest Men
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I love the ’80s-inspired synth and upbeat nature of this tune. This is the type of song that you have dance party alone in your room to. As the title implies, it makes you feel like you are okay!
- Disco Medley – Live from the Astrodome by Selena
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Selena is incredible and such a talent that was gone far too soon. She was a girl boss in every respect, and that is wildly inspiring. This has always been one of my favorite medleys with it featuring “I Will Survive,” “Funkytown,” “Last Dance,” “The Hustle” and “On the Radio.” Her voice has such a fun yet powerful quality, and that alone can make listeners feel like they can accomplish their goals.
- “Golden” by Harry Styles
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Harry Styles has my heart with this album. “Golden” has elements of an ‘80s song, and the instrumentals could easily fit in an old rom-com, which makes me love them even more. This song is upbeat and makes me want to get up and take on the world!
- “Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence” by Ryuichi Sakamoto
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This song soley features instrumentals from a piano and strings, and it can be the perfect study song for the 2020 school year. It starts slow and gentle, but it builds up to make listeners feel ready to do anything.
- “Fiji Water” by Owl City
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Owl City has such a positive vibe, and his songs hold such a special place in my heart. I really love how dreamy the music is, and it just makes me feel encouraged to go after anything I want. The song basically talks about Owl City’s career, and how he was doubted, but he went after his dreams anyway. Such inspiring lyrics! “There’s more to me than meets the eye/ Let me be who I wanna be!”
- “Good as Hell” by Lizzo
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I cannot make a motivational playlist and not include Lizzo. She is a female powerhouse, and I admire her so much. This song can make anyone feel like a strong independent woman in 2020!
- “In Bloom” by Hand Made House
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This was my most played song in my 2019 Spotify Wrapped, and it is for good reason. It is pretty mellow, but it makes me feel pretty inspired with the lyric, “It’s never too soon to be in bloom.” It makes me want to accomplish my goals and bloom into whatever I want to be!
These songs are great for keeping anyone going in the new year! I think music can change moods for the better, and it can bring people into a positive mindset. Here’s a link to the Spotify playlist to keep you going this year! Happy 2020! Accomplish those goals!