I’ve said many times before that my taste in music stretches far and wide. But if I had to listen to only on genre of music for the rest of my life, it would be country music. And if I had to be more specific, I would choose 90’s country music (followed closely by outlaw country and Texas/red dirt country).
I can’t help it. It is what I was raised on, and honestly, I think it played a large part in why I love good storytelling.
This was by far the hardest playlist so far to keep under a certain number. I could have easily created this long of a playlist with just a small handful of my favorite 90’s country artists, but there were also quite a few single hits that I could not overlook. So I limited myself to 1-2 songs per artists and for the most part, kept it to upbeat songs, though there were a few slow songs that snuck in. I also did quite a bit of double checking to make sure that the songs featured really were from albums that came out between 1990 to 1999. I had so much fun picking through these albums, since so many of them we had a home growing up.
And just so no one yells at me… I am well aware that there is no Garth Brooks on this list, but his music is not on Spotify.
I hope you enjoy this one as much as I enjoyed putting it together! Happy Friday!
I love music. My taste is very diverse — continually being shaped by an unique combination of people, places and experiences. I never try to pawn myself off as someone who “knows music,” because I have too much respect for those who do. I did dance and took piano lessons growing up, but trust me, you do NOT want to hear me sing. But music is a topic that I never tire of and I love swapping recommendations. Please join in and share your own picks! View past posts HERE. ********
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1.Favorite New(ish) Album Wild Ones – Kip Moore
When I read that this was only his sophomore full album, I had to remind myself that Kip Moore hasn’t actually been around that long. He has a lot of my favorite songs from college and is one of the artists that I have been listening to since the very start of his career. He’s a songwriter, which I respect even more, with a gritty blue-collar country rock sound. Right now “Lipstick” above is my favorite off of the new album, but the title track, “Wild Ones,” is close second. I am also really like “Comeback Kid”, “I’m to Blame”,“Backseat” and “Girl of the Summer.”
2.Favorite New(ish) Collaboration Where It All Begins – Hunter Hayes ft, Lady Antebellum Listen HERE
You know, I didn’t start out a bit Hunter Hayes fan, but he’s really grown on me with his new album. And the vocals from Lady Antebellum in this song blend well with his voice. New band member for Lady A?
3.Favorite New (new-to-me) Artist/Band James Bay
I’m loving this guy’s voice, which you will probably recognize most from “Hold Back the River.” I kept trying to put different songs of his in other categories before I decided it made more sense for this one. “Let It Go” featured above is practically the definition of #SoulMusic to me, but then again so is “Move Together” and “Need the Sun to Break,” which I’ve also had on repeat lately. Then just this week I discovered his 2015 Spotify Session where he covered Alicia Key’s “If I Ain’t Got You.” Ummm… #swoon
4. Jam I Have on Repeat Elastic Heart – Sia (Piano Version) Listen HERE
5. Favorite Cover, Remix or Mashup Smelly Cat – Lisa Kudrow with Taylor Swift
I know I referenced Friends last week, but seriously though, this might be one of the best things EVER. Taylor Swift has been inviting celebrity guests to all of the stops on her 1989 tour, so I mean, why not? Personally I think it was brilliant and hilarious. If you have NEVER watched Friends, then just skip this one because you won’t get it. (If this is true then we also need to chat about your priorities in life.)
6. Favorite Spotify List “Piano Ballads” by Spotify
Friends is was a bit of a long and trying week, and I kept returning to this playlist for just a bit of a break from all of the chaos. The playlist’s description says it all: “Pop unplugged. Only the best piano ballads – vocals and keys front and center.”
7. #SoulMusic I’m Obsessing Over Smile – Mikky Ekko
I first heard this song in the trailer for the movie “Paper Towns,” and it’s continued to stick with me. It’s a simple, light hearted song, providing lots of room for nostalgia and memories, much like the book and movie did for me. I thought it fit really well so I was surprised not to see it on the final soundtrack.
8.”Oldie, But a Goodie” I Heard This Week Her Life’s A Song – Alan Jackson Listen HERE
This throwback came up on my Timehop this week and made me smile. There are a lot of different definitions of what country is, but for me it starts with guys like Alan Jackson.
9. Current Beat That Makes Me Want to Dance…in the Car…Jamming With the Windows Down Freedom – Pharrell Williams
I haven’t completely decided if I actually like this song, I just really like singing it in my car and screaming the “freedom” part.
10.Taking Me Down Memory Lane Get This Party Started – Pink Listen HERE
So I may or may not have done a jazz dance duet to this song with my best friend Kayla, when we where 5th graders (?) one summer at the county fair. I swear I would share a picture, but I don’t have one. I do remember we wore matching tie-dye pink tank tops and our black Nike basketball shorts. I also distinctly remember that is how I got my left split down because we had to be opposite and Kay called dibs. LOL, if only I could still do that at all!
11. Work, Work it Out The Walker – Fitz and The Tantrums
This is great to workout to but this is also my FAVORITE song to walk to work to in the morning, it always puts me in a good mood. I promise though, I really do walk like normal person.
12.Making Me Want to Fall in Love Say You Do – Dierks Bentley
Basically everything Dierks sings makes me want to fall in love.
13. Guilty Listen of the Week Dirrty – Christina Aguilera Listen HERE So my co-worker definitely caught me jamming to this on a Throwback Thursday playlist. Oops. #sorryimnotsorry
However I will say about the music video… I had forgotten how well, “dirty” it was LOL. My question is, did she let her parents watch that?! #coveryoureyes
14.Song That I Originally Loved, But Is Now Overplayed Honey, I’m Good – Andy Grammer
I love this song, I just need a break. Anyone agree?
15.Popular Song That Is Making My Ears Bleed I Really Like You – Carly Rae Jepsen
Just make it stop, ok?
However, listen just ONCE while watching the video because two words: TOM HANKS.
16.Country Pick of the Week That Don’t Sound Like You – Lee Brice
Lee Brice was my first college concert and the first of countless concerts that I have been to with my best friend Megan. We weren’t 21 yet so when we got to Longhorns (the country dance hall in Manhattan, KS at the time) we camped out front and center. It was AMAZING and still one of my favorite college memories. His first single “Love Like Crazy” had just peaked on the country music charts, eventually to become the longest-charting song in the chart’s history. He was another new guy that I had followed since the beginning so I knew a lot of his songs, but he also sang a lot of songs that he had written for other people (ahem, remember Garth Brooks’ “More Than A Memory”?) Four years later he was back in Manhattan on a bigger stage, with a much bigger audience and a LOT more hit songs. Last night, Megan saw Lee Brice again in Wichita and every Snapchat she sent made me super nostalgic. I wish I could have been there again!
Can’t believe this was 5 years ago!! (2010)
BONUS: My Top 7 Favorite Lee Brice Songs (sorry I couldn’t pick 5)
It is definitely my favorite holiday. I like it better than Christmas.
When I tell people that, I find that I get two different responses. Most people kind of look at me strange and add a “oh that’s nice.” But those who do understand, usually REALLY understand. I love the 4th of July because it’s in some ways a laid back, low maintenance holiday. It’s about celebrating hard work, perseverance, sacrifice, and our past, present and future. Regardless of what is going on in the world around us or even on our home turf, it seems to put everything on pause, even if it is just for a day, and reminds us of how lucky we are to live here. And we celebrate with some of my favorite things, like family and friends, summertime, grilling, being outside, music and of course – fireworks.
Let’s be honest, it really all comes down to my love for watching fireworks. I’m only kind of slightly obsessed.
Anyways…you get the picture. I might be a tad bit patriotic and therefore I also have a long list of tunes to with it. What are some of your patriotic tunes? Enjoy!
Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue by Toby Keith Okay I’ll make this simple. No, I’m not going to ask you to like Toby Keith. I know enough people who don’t that its not worth the arguement. However, opinions aside you have to have at least a little bit of respect for his patriotism and time he takes to honor our service men and women. Plus this song and these others, Made in America and American Soldier, make me smile.
Independence Day by Martina McBride
This song has an indirect, more metaphorical connection to the holiday, that focuses on some of the human themes we associate with this day. Plus, I just think its beautiful.
Chicken Fried by Zac Brown Band The debut single for the Zac Brown Band is another one that has even less of a connection to the holiday. But it encompasses many of the favorite things that I enjoy about the holiday, as well as the way of life and simple things that I value about being an American. But seriously, what is there not to love about these guys?
This Ragged Old Flag – Johnny Cash
This one has had my heart since I was little. I’ve always had a special place for Johnny Cash and this one would play almost every Sunday on the AM station that my dad would have on in the mornings. It’s technically not music, but when Cash is the narrator, you don’t need music.
Amazing Grace – Alan Jackson It wasn’t a question of whether or not I was going to include this song. Amazing Grace is one of my favorite songs and I tear up almost every time I hear it. But I struggled a bit with what version I was going to share. Someone from almost every genre has recorded it, and my favorite is actually with bagpipes and no vocalist. But Jackson just recently recorded his version, and because I enjoyed it so much, I wanted to share.
Here are some other suggestions that were on my mind: America Saturday Night – Brad Paisley, Only in Ameria – Brooks & Dunn, God Bless the U.S.A. – Lee Greenwood, America the Beautiful – Ray Charles, Have You Forgotten-Darryl Worley, Letters From Home-John Michael Montgomery, Arlington-Trace Adkins, Born Country-Alabama, American Child-Phil Vassar, My Town-Montgomery Gentry, Back Where I Come From-Kenny Chesney, American Beautiful- The Henningsens
The Good Stuff 