I am notoriously bad at picking my favourite of something. Ask me what my favourite film is, or even my favourite chocolate bar, and I’ll take a good few weeks to get back to you. When it came to music, I was sure I had things figured out, and I always find it interesting hearing about others and their favourite songs, because it’s so interesting how different everyone’s are, and the meanings behind why certain songs come to mean so much to people. When curating my list, I realised I have A LOT of favourites, so I’m gonna do this in two parts, hoping that my more musically inclined readers will be interested by my picks, and perhaps discover some new tunes to add to their fave list.
Wild Horses - The Rolling Stones
The Rolling Stones are a band I only ever binge listen to and then leave for months on end before returning to binge again. I have no idea why this happens, but one song that never leaves my playlists even amongst the dry periods is ‘Wild Horses’. This song is just SO beautiful, and when I see it live later this year, I know I’m going to ball my eyes out. The song tells such a strong love story, the lyrics suggesting that no matter what obstacles get in the way, there is always room to persevere. It’s not that I particularly relate to the lyrics, but the emotion that is clearly behind the words as Mick sings them, never fail to choke me up. This song is just perfect and I’ll never tire of it.
A Good Night’s Sleep and a cab Fare Home - The Strypes
When thinking of what songs I wanted to include, without even going through my Apple Music library, this was one of the first songs I wrote down. I’ve talked about The Strypes frequently on my blog, and though I’ve never really disliked any of the music they’ve produced, this is definitely one of the standouts. This song combines everything I love about this band; all of their crazy talent comes together into one great piece. Ross’ powerful vocals, combined with Josh’s unmistakable guitar skills, and the rest of the members alike. Starting in the industry so young has clearly payed off for this band, because at a young age still, they are producing such a high level of music; this song being the pinnacle of that in my eyes.
Goodbye Blue Sky - Pink Floyd
Pink Floyd always seem to divide opinions. Of course there are so many fans of this band, but their unique and often unconventional style can often be difficult to get into. However, ‘Goodbye Blue Sky’ encapsulates everything I love about this band. What Floyd have always been able to do in my eyes, is create peaceful music, that still has a bit of an edge - this tune perfectly represents that. The gentleness of the guitar playing in this slowly escalates as the song progresses, as well as the singing. This is the perfect song to chill out to because the tweeting of birds and other sound effects that Floyd incorporate, simulates being outside on a breezy spring day in the sun. Simpy a lovely tune.
Power Over Men - Jamie T
Jamie T has written many a banger, and though all of the older classics like ‘Shelia’ and ‘Sticks N Stones’ could have easily made my list too, ‘Power Over Men’ has been played by me A LOT since his latest album Trick was released. I lowkey wish this song was written about me, because Jamie is clearly describing a no-nonsense, bad ass woman that I really wish I was. This has definitely become my favourite song of his recently - it’s a dreamy bop that’s catchy from the first listen.
Blew - Nirvana
I’ve always loved Nirvana’s first album Bleach above all of the others, and I put this down to this track being the opener - it’s a great start to an all-round iconic and well crafted album. ‘Blew’ is nostalgic of the young band, new on the scene, with Kurt full of angst and talent that he was clearly itching to set free. The band’s sound definitely changed a little as their success increased and their music was appreciated in a more mainstream audience, so this, for me, exhibits the band in a fresh, new light, before the crazy pressure and fame that ultimately led to Cobain’s demise had kicked in - this song makes it evident that at this moment in time, the music was all that mattered.
Looking For Something - Paolo Nutini
A little different from the typical genres I’m into, Nutini is certainly not the type to produce music with heavy rock vocals or electric guitar - my usual preference. However, album Caustic Love, his most recent album release, is full of delicate and emotional songs that never fail to touch me. This song in particular sticks out to me the most from the track list, as it is a lovely homage to his mother, and all of the messages he was taught by her. The song is very gentle and slow in tempo, and the lyrics are real cute.
Meet Me In The Morning - Bob Dylan
While I’m on the subject of slow, emotional tunes, it would be impossible for me not to include a track from the heart-wrenching album Blood On The Tracks. This is the pinnacle of break-up albums, every song revealing more about Dylan’s tragic heartache. ‘Meet Me In The Morning’ makes me feel so summery and relaxed, because even though the sad nature of the entire album is very evident, this is possibly more positive than the others, with Bob’s sweet nature and tender words on love enchanting anyone who listens. Lyrics such as ‘every day’s been darkness seen you’ve been gone’ and ‘honey, you know I’ve earned your love’ make me feel so warm and so cold at the same time. Shame on whoever broke Bob’s heart like this - but also thank god it inspired him to write this song, and indeed this entire album; it creates a confliction of emotions for me every single time.
Lift - Radiohead
Here comes the band that is the real reason this post is gonna be in two parts lol. I’ve already spoken about how much I love the tracks that Radiohead released as part of their OK Computer anniversary in 2017; this song being one of the main reasons I have so much love for it. ‘Lift’ is brilliant for reasons I’m not sure I can coherently explain. It’s just one of those songs that, when the chorus kicks in, I’m filled with joy, as I’m sure everyone has experienced with a song at some point. Therefore, all I have to say is, go and listen to this! If you hate it, fair enough, and if you love it, you’re welcome.
Roundabout - Yes
It’s pretty sad when one of your favourite songs becomes a meme (if you listen to the intro of this, you’ll definitely know what I mean). But that aside, what a banger. I’ve always loved songs that tell stories, surpassing the usual 3 minute song-duration that modernity has pushed onto the music scene, into nothing short of an epic piece of music - which this certainly is. There just isnt’t a better album opener than this one, with the ups and downs of tempo, and the range from delicate acoustic guitar to heavier electric guitar and bass, this song really does have it all. When listening, you really can’t tell that 8 minutes has passed, because the constant twists and turns the music makes keeps it exciting and stimulating for the ears every single time.
Meet Me In The Hallway - Harry Styles
Here he is, my one true love. Harry’s album was definitely one of my favourite releases of 2017. Yes, I had been a One Direction fan in the past, as everyone sadly knows, but I was certain that his solo stuff would stray far from the mainstream pop of his boyband days; and I’m so happy I was right. Styles’ self titled debut is filled with back-to-back bangers, but it is opener ‘Meet me In The Hallway’ that still captures me after hundreds of listens to the album. What I admire most about Harry (minus his entire appearance, obviously), is how much emotion he can convey simply through singing, this track being a primary example of that; especially in the repeated lyrics ‘I’ve gotta get better’. I love this man dearly and I’m so happy he produces such great music, because it certainly makes it easier for me to love him even more.
Baby Ain’t Made In China - Wolf Alice
Ah Ellie Rowsell, capturing all the angsty teen feelings I’ve ever felt in her and her band’s music. Whilst every single Wolf Alice song holds some resonance for me, and I could talk about their meaning to me all day, I chose this one on the basis that it’s just a lovely tune. The best thing about this band, in my opinion, is how talented Ellie is as a singer, and the stripped back instruments in this song really help to showcase how great her voice really is. The emotion she feels is so evident in lyrics like ‘give me a reason to die for’ and ‘give me a reason to care’. And, even though this is one of the gentler songs Wolf Alice have released, the little hints of heavier, angstier singing and playing seep through, which only escalates the emotion behind it even more.
Cruel World - Lana Del Rey
Ending part 1 on the queen herself, Lana Del Rey has never failed me, especially when it comes to the iconic album Ultraviolence, which opens with this incredible song. The longer a Lana song, the better in my eyes, because I can listen to her ethereal voice all day, and this is a whole 6 minutes of bliss. The guitar in this song is just great and I just want to lie in a field of daisies or sway around when I listen to this. When I heard this live last summer I definitely let out a little weep of disbelief; hearing one of your favourite songs live is after all one of the greatest feelings ever. This encapsulates everything that Lana’s music stands for; incredible singing, coupled with an equally amazing backing, all rounded off with lyrics that assure to all of us peasants, that Lana is the greatest woman alive (‘everybody knows that I’m the best’). She makes me feel inadequate in every way but I couldn’t be more fine with that - especially when it comes to wonderful songs like this.
That was so much fun to write - I have a new found love and respect for every musician and every song I’ve discovered in my twenty years, and my god this is only part 1 lol. I know everybody’s taste is different and a song I love will simply be mediocre to some, but if I’ve enabled even one of my readers to get onto a new song and love it like I do, then this was worth it. Next week comes part 2 with even more lovely tunes that mean the world to me. Hope you’re hyped.
Lylyly
H x
Goodbye Blue Sky - Pink Floyd
Power Over Men - Jamie T
Jamie T has written many a banger, and though all of the older classics like ‘Shelia’ and ‘Sticks N Stones’ could have easily made my list too, ‘Power Over Men’ has been played by me A LOT since his latest album Trick was released. I lowkey wish this song was written about me, because Jamie is clearly describing a no-nonsense, bad ass woman that I really wish I was. This has definitely become my favourite song of his recently - it’s a dreamy bop that’s catchy from the first listen.
Blew - Nirvana
I’ve always loved Nirvana’s first album Bleach above all of the others, and I put this down to this track being the opener - it’s a great start to an all-round iconic and well crafted album. ‘Blew’ is nostalgic of the young band, new on the scene, with Kurt full of angst and talent that he was clearly itching to set free. The band’s sound definitely changed a little as their success increased and their music was appreciated in a more mainstream audience, so this, for me, exhibits the band in a fresh, new light, before the crazy pressure and fame that ultimately led to Cobain’s demise had kicked in - this song makes it evident that at this moment in time, the music was all that mattered.
Looking For Something - Paolo Nutini
A little different from the typical genres I’m into, Nutini is certainly not the type to produce music with heavy rock vocals or electric guitar - my usual preference. However, album Caustic Love, his most recent album release, is full of delicate and emotional songs that never fail to touch me. This song in particular sticks out to me the most from the track list, as it is a lovely homage to his mother, and all of the messages he was taught by her. The song is very gentle and slow in tempo, and the lyrics are real cute.
Meet Me In The Morning - Bob Dylan
While I’m on the subject of slow, emotional tunes, it would be impossible for me not to include a track from the heart-wrenching album Blood On The Tracks. This is the pinnacle of break-up albums, every song revealing more about Dylan’s tragic heartache. ‘Meet Me In The Morning’ makes me feel so summery and relaxed, because even though the sad nature of the entire album is very evident, this is possibly more positive than the others, with Bob’s sweet nature and tender words on love enchanting anyone who listens. Lyrics such as ‘every day’s been darkness seen you’ve been gone’ and ‘honey, you know I’ve earned your love’ make me feel so warm and so cold at the same time. Shame on whoever broke Bob’s heart like this - but also thank god it inspired him to write this song, and indeed this entire album; it creates a confliction of emotions for me every single time.
Lift - Radiohead
Here comes the band that is the real reason this post is gonna be in two parts lol. I’ve already spoken about how much I love the tracks that Radiohead released as part of their OK Computer anniversary in 2017; this song being one of the main reasons I have so much love for it. ‘Lift’ is brilliant for reasons I’m not sure I can coherently explain. It’s just one of those songs that, when the chorus kicks in, I’m filled with joy, as I’m sure everyone has experienced with a song at some point. Therefore, all I have to say is, go and listen to this! If you hate it, fair enough, and if you love it, you’re welcome.
Roundabout - Yes
It’s pretty sad when one of your favourite songs becomes a meme (if you listen to the intro of this, you’ll definitely know what I mean). But that aside, what a banger. I’ve always loved songs that tell stories, surpassing the usual 3 minute song-duration that modernity has pushed onto the music scene, into nothing short of an epic piece of music - which this certainly is. There just isnt’t a better album opener than this one, with the ups and downs of tempo, and the range from delicate acoustic guitar to heavier electric guitar and bass, this song really does have it all. When listening, you really can’t tell that 8 minutes has passed, because the constant twists and turns the music makes keeps it exciting and stimulating for the ears every single time.
Meet Me In The Hallway - Harry Styles
Here he is, my one true love. Harry’s album was definitely one of my favourite releases of 2017. Yes, I had been a One Direction fan in the past, as everyone sadly knows, but I was certain that his solo stuff would stray far from the mainstream pop of his boyband days; and I’m so happy I was right. Styles’ self titled debut is filled with back-to-back bangers, but it is opener ‘Meet me In The Hallway’ that still captures me after hundreds of listens to the album. What I admire most about Harry (minus his entire appearance, obviously), is how much emotion he can convey simply through singing, this track being a primary example of that; especially in the repeated lyrics ‘I’ve gotta get better’. I love this man dearly and I’m so happy he produces such great music, because it certainly makes it easier for me to love him even more.
Baby Ain’t Made In China - Wolf Alice
Ah Ellie Rowsell, capturing all the angsty teen feelings I’ve ever felt in her and her band’s music. Whilst every single Wolf Alice song holds some resonance for me, and I could talk about their meaning to me all day, I chose this one on the basis that it’s just a lovely tune. The best thing about this band, in my opinion, is how talented Ellie is as a singer, and the stripped back instruments in this song really help to showcase how great her voice really is. The emotion she feels is so evident in lyrics like ‘give me a reason to die for’ and ‘give me a reason to care’. And, even though this is one of the gentler songs Wolf Alice have released, the little hints of heavier, angstier singing and playing seep through, which only escalates the emotion behind it even more.
Cruel World - Lana Del Rey
Ending part 1 on the queen herself, Lana Del Rey has never failed me, especially when it comes to the iconic album Ultraviolence, which opens with this incredible song. The longer a Lana song, the better in my eyes, because I can listen to her ethereal voice all day, and this is a whole 6 minutes of bliss. The guitar in this song is just great and I just want to lie in a field of daisies or sway around when I listen to this. When I heard this live last summer I definitely let out a little weep of disbelief; hearing one of your favourite songs live is after all one of the greatest feelings ever. This encapsulates everything that Lana’s music stands for; incredible singing, coupled with an equally amazing backing, all rounded off with lyrics that assure to all of us peasants, that Lana is the greatest woman alive (‘everybody knows that I’m the best’). She makes me feel inadequate in every way but I couldn’t be more fine with that - especially when it comes to wonderful songs like this.
That was so much fun to write - I have a new found love and respect for every musician and every song I’ve discovered in my twenty years, and my god this is only part 1 lol. I know everybody’s taste is different and a song I love will simply be mediocre to some, but if I’ve enabled even one of my readers to get onto a new song and love it like I do, then this was worth it. Next week comes part 2 with even more lovely tunes that mean the world to me. Hope you’re hyped.
Lylyly
H x
Comments
Post a Comment