Music is essential to my existence. Wherever I go, chances are I will not be seen without my earbuds in my ears. Recently, I've been listening to a lot of songs about love, which make up about 1,500 out of 3,000 songs on my iTunes Library. Furthermore, these songs are all about people being scorned. This is why I've decided to put together a list of songs in which love is either not a subject or someone is finding strength in being alone. I also threw in a couple of dance songs because, ya know, dancing is one of the most confidence building activities a person can do.
1. Animal Collective - Golden Gal
This song has been incredibly therapeutic for me these past few weeks. The message is one of reassurance, reminding the listener of their worth. My favorite lyrics are these:
"My gal, you're strong. You should hold your head above them
and you need not ask for much to get my praise."
2. M83 - Midnight City
This is just a beautiful, beautiful song. When this song comes on, dancing is REQUIRED. Nothing is more empowering than shaking your butt all over your living room.
3. Passion Pit - Better Things
For when you need a reminder that better things are coming your way.
4. MGMT - Electric Feel
This song doesn't need an explanation. Electric Feel is another song that requires dancing, so get off your butt and move your feet
5. Yael Naim - New Soul
For when you're struggling to see the beauty in the people and things around you.
6. Kate Nash - Merry Happy
For when you need a reminder that you don't need another person to complete you or make you happy.
7. Feist - I Feel It All
Because sometimes we're all just a big ball of emotion.
8. Janice Robinson - Nothing I Would Change
To the people who worry about the past far too often, this one is for you.
9. Alanis Morissette - Hand In My Pocket
For those who need to remember that you can find fulfillment and beauty in being by yourself.
10. Lauryn Hill - The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill
This is a song that really helped me make a decision about what it was that I wanted to do with my life, plus Lauryn Hill has a voice that could make doves cry.
11. Andra Day - Rise Up
It's all in the title.
12. Solange - Cranes In The Sky
This song brought me to my knees when I heard it for the first time and I had never felt so empathetic in my life. Confront your problems instead of running from them.
13. Shake It Out (Acoustic) - Florence + The Machine
For when you decide to shed what is haunting you.
14. Schoolin' Life - Beyoncé
For when you're on your grind.
For when you lose your self.
16. Superwoman - Alicia Keys
It can be so hard to remember who you are when you're constantly trying to find a balance in your life. Remember to love and respect yourself.
17. Powerful - Jussie Smollett and Alicia Keys
The state of the world can be so distressing at times, so this is a song that will let you know just how beautiful your life is.
18. Bulletproof - La Roux
For when you need to dance, but also remember your worth.
19. Cellophane - Sara Jackson-Holman
For when you're getting involved with someone who is not right for you and you need to realize it.
20. Girl - Destiny's Child
Sometimes we need to remind ourselves that our friends have our backs and will always be there for us.
21. The Big Bang (feat. Miley Cyrus) - Rock Mafia
Because we're powerful and attractive human beings, broh!
22. Knock 'Em Out - Lily Allen
Let this song remind you that you are a confident individual and you have standards!
23. Me, Myself and I - Beyoncé
Sometimes it's good to remember that we have to depend on ourselves first and foremost before we can depend on other people.
24. Touch A Touch A Touch A Touch Me - Rocky Horror Picture Show
Because there's nothing wrong with being aware of the sexual power you hold!
25. Check On It (feat. Slim Thug and Bun B) - Beyoncé
MY GO-TO SONG! Whenever I'm having a hard day, I just put in my headphones, crank the volume and dance like no one's watching, no matter where I am. This is also a great song that has a very sex positive vibe.
I wanna close out this playlist of empowerment with a quote:
"The day came when the risk it took to remain tightly closed in the bud was greater than the risk it took to bloom." - Alicia Keys
