Sometimes, the right song is all it takes to overcome a case of writer’s block. It’s not always productive to listen to music while you write, and some think we shouldn’t at all, but how else can you get those creative juices flowing? Writing for Odyssey is so much fun, but I’d be lying if I said I didn’t need a little kick to get those pieces in every week. That said, here’s a nowhere-near-complete playlist that I turn to when I need to feel extra creative:
1. Anything by The Lumineers
"Dead Sea" is a serious favourite of mine.
2. Lady Gaga’s Joanne (full album)
It's all good - I can't pick just one track. But here's a cool video for when your eyes need a break.
3. Frank Ocean's Channel Orange (full album)
It'll always be a classic.
4. Tongue Tied - Grouplove
Pro tip: listen to the song, finish your article, and then actually go to your best friend's house.
5. Brandy (You're A Fine Girl) - Looking Glass
Warning: you may experience a sudden urge to stop everything and rewatch both parts of Guardians of the Galaxy.
6. Lovely - Twenty One Pilots
I can always use the extra compliments, you know?
7. Galway Girl - Ed Sheeran
(Listen to Perfect only at your own risk. If you’re not careful, you’ll play it over 500 times and never get anything done. I may or may not be speaking from experience.)
8. Home - Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros
No words for this one.
9. No. 1 Party Anthem - Arctic Monkeys
Warning #2: Alex Turner's voice has the same effect as a sweet lullaby. Proceed with caution.
10. 505 - Arctic Monkeys
Repeat the above.
11. Unforgettable - French Montana
(For when you need a short dance break.)
12. Come Together - The Beatles
Okay, dance break is over.
13. XO - Beyoncé
By now, your article is done, and you can focus all your energy on how Beyoncé can manage to look so photogenic on a rollercoaster. (Because I don't have the answer, either.)