Music has always been a refuge for me. There is a song for absolutely any situation you find yourself in. I love that about music, how we can feel understood just by the way the lyrics touch us. Here's a couple of my favorite songs to listen to:
When you're in party mode and just want to dance it out:
Bailar-Radio Edit // Deorro
This song is one of my absolute favorites. I remember freaking out the first time I heard it. Immediately, I got up and started dancing in my suitemate's dorm. She thought I had gone crazy. This song keeps me in touch with my Latin heritage, but gives me the EDM vibes that I crave on the daily.
When you need a confidence boost in the middle of a long week:
The Greatest // Sia
Sia is my spirit animal. She is my absolute favorite artist. Her lyrics always have a way of touching my soul and making me feel every emotion that she is singing about. This song was dedicated to those affected by the 2016 Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando, FL. Listening to this song gives me hope that anyone, including myself, can rise from the ashes and start again.
When you need a song that will describe the exact reason why you aren't letting go of that one person:
Million Reasons // Lady Gaga
I feel like this is a story that I hear too much. People who stay in situations that hurt them either physically or emotionally due to how much they love and care for a certain someone. Heartbreak is an especially hard emotion to cope with. This song puts into words how damaging having hope can be sometimes. For a person in love, any good thing, no matter how small, is a reason to stay. Lady Gaga sounds achingly vulnerable in this beautiful piece.
When you don't know where you stand with someone:
Heartbeat // Childish Gambino
This song hits you hard. With an unbelievable beat drop, that is. The lyrics are brutally honest and the music adds to the frustration he's talking about throughout the song. Definitely a good jam.
When you just want to rock out to a solid jam:
Renegade // Styx
Blast this in your car on the highway. Trust me, it's great. For all you rockers out there, this is for you. Amazing classic rock vibes that will leave you feeling like a renegade.
When you are slowly beginning to heal:
Song For Someone // U2
I sincerely believe that music has the ability to heal even the most fragile of hearts. The music in this song touched me deeply with lyrics crying out "there is a light, don't let it go out".
When you're tired of dealing with cheating boyfriends:
Bust Your Windows // Jazmine Sullivan
Let's face it, at one point or another, we have wanted to do some damage because of how angry a guy has made us. It's part of being a girl unfortunately. You can live vicariously through Jazmine Sullivan as she belts out how she is destroying her man's car.
When you are just feeling extremely proud to be Hispanic:
Suavemente // Elvis Crespo
Okay, if you're Hispanic, you've listened to this song at least 200 billion times by now. You can't help but dance to the rhythmic music and catchy lyrics. Even if you don't know Spanish, you'll have a blast jamming to this.
When you can't stop thinking about those beautiful eyes:
Crayola Doesn't Make a Color for Your Eyes // Kristin Andreassen
This quite possibly might be the cutest song I've ever heard. I stumbled across it while I was sifting through random playlists on my Spotify. Its catchy rhythm and quirky lyrics will surely make you smile.
When you start to feel hopeful after a long struggle:
Marchin On // OneRepublic
The first time I heard this song was my freshman year of high school. We had to dance to this song for our dance team tryouts, so I have very fond memories of this song. It's just a feel-good jam that leaves you feeling better about any hardships that you're facing.
When you're having a good day and absolutely no one can bring you down:
Take A Walk // Passion Pit
Every time I see this show up on my Spotify, I smile to myself. It's an anthem just yelling out to the world "Yeah all this bad stuff is happening, but it can't mess me up. I got this." Plus, it's just amazing.
When you think you're starting to fall for someone, but you're terrified of getting hurt:
Between The Bars // Elliott Smith
My absolute favorite song. Ever. The first time I heard this song was in the movie "Stuck In Love". Lily Collins and Logan Lerman filmed an especially vulnerable scene with this song in the background. I immediately fell in love with it.
If you're nearing the end of an important chapter in your life, like graduation:
See You Again (feat. Charlie Puth) // Wiz Khalifa
Is it weird that this song makes me tear up? I remember hearing it for the first time when I was a junior in high school. One of my most beloved dance teachers had just announced that she was leaving us and it hit pretty hard. Listening to this makes me sad, but also gives me hope. We may say goodbye to a lot of people in our lifetime, but they may pop back in when we least expect it.
