Growing up, I lived in a house where music was constantly playing, and the selection varied on a spectrum from Scorpion to Supertramp, Boney. M to Eminem, Pink Floyd to Pink. Music has been a driving force throughout much of my life and it is one of my first loves. It has become a shelter away from the chaotic world outside, but also a reminder to enjoy every single day and just live.
Although my music taste is constantly flip-flopping between different genres, these songs are the ones that have either impacted me the most or are, for some reason or another, simply unforgettable.
1. “Girl On the Moon” - Foreigner
Not only the perfect song for driving around aimlessly at night, “Girl On the Moon” details one man’s elusive yet enchanting lover and illustrates the excitement of a little mystery in a relationship through the perfect classic rock form.
2. "Will He" - Joji
Peaceful yet haunting, this YouTube star turned rising star musician’s song about a failed relationship and his own neuroticism is unlike anything on the radio today. The lo-fi sound makes it sound strangely intimate, as the lyrics are poetic while simultaneously reminiscent of a drunk call from your ex.
3. “Circus” - Eric Clapton
The tragic story behind this moving song only adds to its beauty. Clapton penned “Circus” after his four-year-old son fell out of an open window in his high rise New York apartment to his death the day after Clapton took him to a carnival. Even though the recorded song sounds upbeat, the lyrics are sadly poignant, and the softness of his voice when performed live blankets the heartache that lies beneath.
4. "Black Magic Woman" - Santana
Sometimes the melody of a song is enough to propel it into a legendary status of greatness. Iconic guitarist Santana displays his talent in full force in “Black Magic Woman,” also fusing certain Latin elements throughout to create a smooth and sexy tune that remains timeless.
5. "Everlong" - Foo Fighters
Both the acoustic and the original version of this song are just as meaningful, powerful, and melodically amazing. “Everlong” describes a love like no other and how it feels when you meet someone you connect with on every level you could think of, even if it does hold a twinge of sadness.
6. "Losing My Religion" - R.E.M.
“Losing My Religion” recounts the feeling of hopelessness when the person you love isn’t interested. Even if the account seems slightly dramatic, it’s a breath-taking portrayal of someone falling into self-doubt and despondency due to unrequited love.
7. “Dust in the Wind” - Kansas
“Dust in the Wind” is the one song that I could never grow tired or bored of. Not only is it a beautifully written and reflective song about human mortality and one’s role in the bigger picture in life.
Every time I hear it I think of my father, who taught me everything I know about music and then some. With every listen, cherished memories all come flooding back, and although the song is meant to be melancholy, I always have a huge smile plastered on my face every time it’s played.