Ultimate playlist
I often channel my emotions through music. Whether I am elated or pensive, music somehow makes me composed and much more positive in general. So I decided to create the Ultimate Playlist, composed of 10 different English songs that instantly make me feel better regardless of the mood I am in.
1) It's You - Pictures and Sound
The song's upbeat rhythm and bright melody make this a perfect song for a nice walk on a sunny day (which is basically every day here in Abu Dhabi). Its love-filled lyrics give me instant happiness when I listen to the song. I swear - I feel love-struck even when I am not in real life. Not to mention, the vocal's voice is quite enchanting.
2) November Rain - Guns N' Roses
November Rain is a classic. I grew up listening to a lot of Nirvana, Guns N' Roses, Queen, and other old rock bands (you get the idea). But this song really stuck out to me, and I still listen to it on a daily basis. I probably don't need to how amazing the famous guitar riff is and how inspiring the lyrics are. Worth 9 minutes!
3) Hallucinations - dvsn
I recently discovered this song through my suitemate, and he often regrets introducing me to dvsn because that is all I listen to nowadays. A Canadian electro R&B duo, dvsn are pretty new, but their album attests to their talent. Hallucinations is my favorite track, so give it a try. This song is perfect when you put it on speakers in a pretty dark room - let the song take care of the rest.
4) Starlight - Muse
My mother and my oldest brother had a great influence on my music taste. Since Muse are one of their favorite bands, I listened to this British rock band a lot growing up. This is my go-to shower song because it pumps me up. Every time I listen to it, I am reminded of the amazing experience I had watching Muse sing Starlight live while the crowd clapped along the famous drum beat. But to be fair, this entire album Black Holes and Revelations is amazing in general, so you can't go wrong with any of their songs.
5) Last Flowers - Radiohead
I love, absolutely love Radiohead, but this song is by far my favorite. Other more well-known songs like Creep or Fake Plastic Trees are also good, but I particularly enjoy this song because I first heard it in a Japanese movie called Confessions (which you should watch). The song is quite grave and serious, so when I need to just release any of my stress or negative emotions, I listen to this song. Sometimes I cry; sometimes I don't. But regardless, I feel infinitely better afterwards.
6) Daydreamer - Adele
Everyone might know Adele, but not everyone knows this song. Daydreamer is the opening track of her first album 19, and this is the only Adele song that I listen to on a regular basis. Although I do not relate to the lyrics that much, her soothing voice particular to this song makes me feel very relaxed, whether I was very hyperactive or melancholy before listening to the song.
7) Canned Heat - Jamiroquai
This song is a nice break from some of the earlier mellow songs. Jamiroquai are a British funk-jazz band, known for their song Virtual Insanity. But I like Canned Heat more because I think it encapsulates what Jamiroquai are about, from the funky rhythm to John Kay's jazzy voice. Plus, the lyrics of this song says: "Screw all my worries; let's just dance!" So when you are a bit stressed out, have a mini dance party to this song in your room.
8) If I Believe You - The 1975
Ever since they released their debut album a couple of years ago, I've loved The 1975. If I Believe You is in their most recent (2nd) album, which I think is more mature than their first. As a person who struggles with his religious identity, I love the song's lyrics, which question why and how should one believe in God. My favorite part of the song is the saxophone solo in the middle. Definitely listen to other songs in this album (other songs include Somebody Else or Paris or UGH!).
9) Cancer - My Chemical Romance
Throughout last year as I was studying in Italy, I put on my headphones every time I came back to my room and listened to this song. Earlier in the year, I was struggling academically, socially, and emotionally. I wished to go back to the United States where my friends were or back to Korea where my family was. But I listened to this song and my racing thoughts cleared away. What I love about this song is the combination of the powerful vocal and the solemn lyrics about coping with death, which makes you really appreciate what you have. Give this song a shot and perhaps your worries will fade away.
10) Champagne Supernova - Oasis
"Best for last" is my way of describing this song, the closing track of the famous album (What's The Story) Morning Glory? by Oasis. Captured by the ocean-like intro, the gentle lyrics and melody, and the high-quality guitar riff throughout the song, you will wonder how 7 minutes could go that fast. This song is what really got me hooked to this British rock band and definitely my favorite track from this playlist (as of now). No wonder I saved it for last!