Do you ever have those special songs that are so impactful that they never, ever leave you? They're the ones that you find yourself singing all day long and when you do, you can't help but feel a smile spreading across your face. They're the ones that you even remember the very first time you heard them. They may even be the ones that you can't help but introduce your friends to, and that's exactly what I'll be doing here. Except, for me, it is nearly impossible to narrow down the infinite list of 'favorite songs,' but I can share my favorite artists.
1. Pentatonix
YouTube
When I was younger, I never really appreciated a cappella music. That all changed when my friend sat me down on her couch two summers ago and introduced me to the magical melodies of Pentatonix. From the first song I ever heard (their cover of Problem by Arianna Grande), I have been hooked ever since. I'm actually listening to their newest Christmas album as I'm writing this, and it's just . . . it's just . . . *insert fangirl squeals and screams*. This new album and all of their music just makes me happy! I am constantly spellbound by their amazing talent and their enchanting personalities. Let the AMAZING music of Scott, Mitch, Kirstie, Kevin, and Matt (and, of course, OG member, Avi) brigthen up your day!
Top Five Favorites:
1. What Christmas Means to Me
2. Say Something
3. Halelujah
4. New Rules x Are You That Somebody
5. Sing
And, in my opinion, every single one of their songs is fantastic, but if you're looking to start becoming an avid fan, I would have to suggest you start with these.
2. Hamilton: An American Musical
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VhinPd5RRJw
Okay, okay. I know this doesn't necessarily classify as an "artist," per se. I know, technically, I should have listed Lin-Manuel Miranda; while I love all of his work, none has impacted me like Hamilton has. Once, before I was pulled into the Hamilton craze, I wasn't very confident with singing in public. Sure, I'd sing loud and proud at home, but outside, I was definitely much more reserved. Then my friends introduced me to Hamilton, and because they knew the songs, I had to know the songs too! I slowly started learing each song one by one. If you have never heard a song from Hamilton, let me sumarize by saying that they have a very powerful energy to them; as I began to learn the songs and sing them with my friends, that same powerful energy seemed to transfer over and embody me. As I became able to rap or sing along with Lin's spectacular lyrics, it slowly didn't matter where I was! I had found music that I loved and I suddenly didn't care if I was by myself or surrounded by people, I was going to sing my heart out!
Top Five Favorites:
1. My Shot
2. Yorktown
3. Non-Stop
4. What'd I Miss
5. You'll Be Back
If you're into musicals, I highkey recommend Hamilton (even if you're not, I still suggest that you give this a try). Bit of a discloser, though: there are explitives woven throughout all the songs. If this is something you're sensitive towards, there are clean edits of the songs on YouTube!
3. For King and Country
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jThYchneZvw
I love most all contemporary Christian artists, but these blokes from Down Under hold a special place in my heart. I remember listening to the radio one day and hearing a song that just sounded . . . Different. Ecclectic. Unique. If you've listened to contemporary Christian radio before, you may notice that, while the songs are wonderful, they can all start to sound similar after a while. No? Eh, maybe it's just me. My point being, to me, when I heard Not Over Yet, I knew I had found my favorite Christian artists! And they've only gotten better throughout the years; their newest album, Burn the Ships, is pure awesomeness!!!
Top Five Favorites:
1. Burn the Ships
2. Amen
3. Joy
4. Run Wild
5. To the Dreamers
4. Owl City
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=psuRGfAaju4
Last, but not least, Owl City. Contrary to the popular belief amongst my friends, Owl City is not a band, but one talented individual, Adam Young. Long ago, I did not care for Owl City's music at all, not becasue of the music itself, but because of the hard memories attatched to one song in particular, Fireflies. For a year or so of my young childhood, there were some unfortunate events that I linked with Fireflies; from that time on, hearing that song or anything Owl City in general triggered some unpleasant flashbacks. Two years ago, my opinion changed. I was having lunch with a friend of mine and he asked if I had ever listened to Adam's music. I said yes, but went on to explain what I felt was my justified bias against Owl City. However, he persuaded me to give Owl City another chance and I'm so, so glad I did. The peaceful melodies and poetic lyrics have helped me through some recent challenging times. If you're wanting some great synth-pop in your life, I highly recommend Owl City.
Top Five Favorites:
1. Lucid Dreams
2. New York City
3. Beautiful Times
4. When Can I See You Again
5. Silhouette
So that's all, folks! If you've been looking for new music to listen to, I hope these suggestions may be of some value to you.
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