Music. Where would we be without it? Chances are you hear it everyday no matter the location and if you're like me chances are just as likely you will be found jamming to it. It can help you focus or it can get you on your feet dancing (FYI, this article took some time to write because I was distracting myself listening to Drake's new album, it's pretty fire). Music is a universal outlet that connects people to one another which is one of the reasons why it is loved by so many. I mean, truly, I could sit down and talk about it for hours (nevermind listen to it for hours, which I have done before ... like I have literally designated three hours during my finals week to simply listen to music and watch music videos).
So, I decided to compile a list of songs, old and new, that I thought fitting for 10 moods we all find ourselves in. Now get your Spotify ready for some new additions (or your Tidal if you're about that $25.99/month life).
Feel-Good Songs:
"CANT STOP THE FEELING!" by Justin Timberlake — off of the "Trolls" Soundtrack, JT has done it again. You biologically cannot not dance to this new masterpiece of a song.
"Catch & Release" by Matt Simons ("Deepend" Remix) — Another remix that just crushes the original. I haven't yet listened to this song without feeling lighter and happier afterwards.
"Walking On A Dream" by Empire of the Sun — Yeah, it's in that Honda commercial but it sounds like it should be in at least a Porsche one. Perfect song for bobbing the head side to side.
Throwback Songs:
"Hey Ya!" by OutKast (Radio Mix/Club Mix) — I think I've burned a solid 100 calories just from hardcore, maniac dancing to this song once.
"Bye Bye Bye" by NSYNC — Is it a throwback playlist without at least one NSYNC song in it? A song both you and your mom can jam to and fan girl over. I'm still waiting for a reunited tour boys ...
"Ignition" by R.Kelly (Remix Version) - R.Kelly, we know you've made your fair share of mistakes in life. Ignition is NOT one of them. Perfect song for the club or the Wendy's drive thru.
Sad Songs:
"Skinny Love" by Birdy — I just recently started loving this song. (yeah, I'm about two years late on the bandwagon) This song also will never stop having covers made of it but the Birdy version will always be #1.
"Move Together" by James Bay — James Bae. That's about it.
"Love in the Dark" by Adele — Off of her new album "25", this is a song that just throws the feels right in your face. Like I don't even have a boyfriend but I feel like I just went through the most heart-wrenching breakup after listening to this ballad.
Dance Songs:
"Canned Heat" by Jamiroquai - You've probably heard it from the "Napoleon Dynamite" movie, and for me it was the only good part of the film. You can catch me boogie'ing on the dancefloor when this comes on.
"Hips Don't Lie" by Shakira ˘— Not only does she make a man want to speak Spanish, but Shakira gets everyone off their butts and their hips shaking to this tune.
"Cake By The Ocean" by DNCE — Hello, the band name is one letter off from DANCE so obviously this song made the list. Joe Jonas circa 2007 or 2016 still has a place in our hearts.
Turn-Up Songs
"Lush Life" by Zara Larrson —This chick seriously came out of nowhere and her songs are everywhere now. I don't have a problem with it because each one ends up being played at a party.
"Ayo" by Chris Brown — Amazing pregame song. Not just because we share the same nickname, but ever since the boy turned 16 he's released hit after hit.
"Desire" by Years and Years feat. Tove Lo — I discovered this band the day I designated three hours to music during finals week. From the songs to the music videos, Years and Years is new and poppin'. Wow, did I just sound like everyone's dad just then? Feat. ya girl Tove Love, this song takes control of me from beginning to end.
Musical Songs
"I Don't Dance" from "High School Musical 2" — Underrated song from the second movie of the trilogy that's number one in our hearts. It gets everyone dancing, even if you don't.
"Overture/All That Jazz" from "Chicago" — Sassy and sexy, not sure if this songs makes people want to be on Broadway or the Ruby Lounge.
"Climbing Uphill" from "The Last Five Years" — Sung by Anna Kendrick, you'll soon be climbing uphill to New York, New York with this one.
Deep Sleep Songs:
"Signals" by Brian Eno - Zzzz
"Spiegel I'm Spiegel" by Avro Part -Zzzzz
"Rain Sounds" on YouTube -Zzzz
Fierce Songs
"6 INCH" by Beyoncé feat. The Weeknd — Off her new album "Lemonade." Beyoncé is at her fiercest like nobody's business. The Weeknd is also always a good time when featuring or on their own.
"Needed Me" by Rihanna — Wow. Whoever is wronging Rihanna low-key needs to keep doing it because her songs in response are always right.
"Drunk in Love" by Beyoncé (The Weeknd Remix) — Just as good as the original. For some reason I can only find it on YouTube but it is well worth the listen.
"Die A Happy Man" by Thomas Rhett — Listen, I'm not a huge country fan but one of my neighbors in my college dorm played this song at least once a day everyday second semester. At first I hated it but now I know all the lyrics and found myself looking it up on Spotify...
"Tennessee Whiskey" by Chris Stapleton — Beginning with an almost jazzy instrumental, this song has a more contemporary country sound.
"Pictures" by Kid Rock feat. Sheryl Crow — Throwback but also an amazing country duet ballad.
"Mess is Mine" by Vance Joy — Australian native Vance Joy gets the girls with his curls and notorious ukulele skills.
"Chasing Cars" by Snow Patrol — An all time classic. Probably featured in every other movie and TV Drama but nonetheless it gets you contemplating life and all that.
"Why Do You Love Me" by Adele — Another off her new album (if you have not bought the CD just do it), this song is bonus track emphasis on the bonus. No flaws in the album or the song. With an upbeat tempo, it will have your foot tapping and heart heavy.
Breezy Billboard Recommendations
"Lemonade" Album by Beyoncé: Just download Tidal for the free trial, it's worth the listen (Top Songs: Formation, "HOLD UP," "SORRY," "6 INCH," "DADDY LESSONS")
"Views" Album by Drake: Also found on Tidal but also flawless. (Top Songs: "Too Good," "Controlla," "One Dance," "Fire and Desire")
"Anti" Album by Rihanna: (Top Songs: "Needed Me," "Desperado," "Consideration," "Higher")
"The Life of Pablo" by Kanye West (Top Songs: "Famous," "Pt. 2," "I Love Kanye")
"I Like it When You Sleep, For You Are So Beautiful Yet So Unaware of It" by The 1975 (Top Songs: "A Change of Heart," "She's American," "Paris, Nana")
"Mind of Mine" by Zayne (Top Songs: "Like I Would," "TIO," "dRuNk," "BeFouR")
ALSO...Anything Michael Jackson, Childish Gambino, Lana del Rey, Kanye, Rihanna, 1975, Arctic Monkey, Jack Johnson, Frank Sinatra, One Direction, Jay-Z, Nelly, Springsteen, LANY, Frank Ocean, Kendrick, John Mayer, Queen, Sam Smith and Chris Brown. I mean the list could become a novel.
If you've made it this far into the article then you have some serious jamming to attend to. Now get to listening!
