If you ask me what my all around favorite music genre is, anyone who knows me well, know that it’s country. But if you were to ask me what my favorite “music mood” was, I think many more of you would be surprised (Or are just confused by what I just said LOL).
Making playlists is something I’ve been doing for a LONG time. From the beginning when I had an iTunes in middle school I started created playlists and mixed CDs, all revolving around different themes, events and moods. I actually still have a lot of my old mixed CDs in my car and like to pop them in every once in a while for a fun throwback. Anyway, above all, my favorite “music mood” is by far what I’ve always personally called “soul music.” I know that I should probably find a different name, because traditionally “soul music” is associated with jazz, gospel and the blues, but the label has just always stuck with me. So what I am referring to is essentially slower, laid back music, often with a single instrument. Most often, this music isn’t your really passionate love songs or really sad songs, but more of a lighter dose of either of those, or just a bit more lighthearted. And it is always best listened to on a cozy rainy day, or a relaxing, warm sunny day.
When I decided that this was going to be an upcoming feature playlist, it was way too long (hundreds of songs), so I started picking through over the past couple of weeks, and then separated that into two lists. I followed my usual rule and tried to focus on including a big variety of artists, instead of multiple songs from the same artists. Which is SO HARD, considering some of my favorites, like Vance Joy, could have whole albums on here. I’ll also say that, for the most part, I don’t really put country music on a playlist like this. In my mind, that is a different kind of playlist.
The first list that I am saving for later features my all-time favorite self-proclaimed “Soul Music,”… all songs that are permanently on repeat. But today’s post is still pretty great, and since we’ve been having quite a few warm spring rainy days where I live recently, labeling this as my “Rainy Days” playlist was perfect.
I am headed to London late next week for a long girls weekend with one of my college besties, Brandi, so I thought it would be fun to throw together a playlist that focused on British artists. Which, in hindsight, was a bit easier said than done. Other than The Beatles and The Rolling Stones, I didn’t have too many expectations of what would be included, but as I started to dive into my saved music as well as exploring other playlists on Spotify, I discovered that I should have been more specific, and just focused on one era and genre. There were so many artists and bands that I forgot or never realized originated from the UK!
So, my list is a bit eclectic, ranging from the “British Invasion” to current music. To keep the playlist from being too long, I did decide to limit it to artists and bands that were only from England, not from Ireland (sorry U2) or Scotland. However, please don’t go fact checking on me… I’m sure I messed up at least one or two 🙂
Enjoy!
Alright, let me know what obvious favorites I missed!
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. ********
1.Favorite New(ish) Album A Head Full of Dreams – Coldplay
Gosh, I love Coldplay. They’ve been a staple on my playlists for as long as I can remember and with so much music and aspiring artists I love that they are still relevant (umm Superbowl… HELLO!?) and putting out great music. The album’s single above “Adventure of a Lifetime,” is timeless, fun and SO different, and I don’t just mean the weird music video. My other favorite off of the album include “Everglow,” which reminds me of their older work, as well as the title track “A Head Full of Dreams,” and the instrumental “Colour Spectrum.”
2. Favorite New(ish) Collaboration Hollow by Tori Kelly ft. Big Sean
If you’ve read this series before than you know that Tori Kelly is a new artist that I have loved since her first EP came out. Her new collaboration might me my favorite song she’s put out thus far. When I read she was pairing up with Big Sean I was excited. I am usually pretty selective when it comes to rap, only liking one or two of each artists songs, but Big Sean is an exception, I like most of his music. So I was pretty disappointed that the official music video does not feature the collaboration version. It’s a song with a lot of meaning and a really good, progressive beat, which doesn’t always happen when the lyrics are heavy.
3. Favorite New (to me) Artist or Band LANco
This young, new country band is a fun group with a strong single above “Long Live Tonight” and an EP from last year. I don’t know all that much about them yet but they have a lot of energy and stand out to me, among a lot of new country male/band acts. My favorite song so far is “American Love Story”, and I also really like “Trouble Maker” and “We Do” off of the EP.
4. Jam I Have On Repeat
Drink You Away by Justin Timberlake
I know I already highlighted Chris Stapleton and his performance with Justin Timberlake at the 2015 CMA Awards. But recently I haven’t been able to take JT’s soulful single off of replay. Gosh he’s come along ways from his “Bye Bye Bye” days.
6. Favorite Spotify List “Young and Free Mix” – Spotify
Soulful and just a tad bit hippy. Signs of spring starting to show outside are perfect for this mix.
7. #SoulMusic I’m obsessing Over Smokestacks by Layla
This song has been featured on a few different TV shows and you know its something special, when you fall in love with a song without ever hearing the vocals. It’s a ballad, but unless you pay attention to the lyrics, it doesn’t stand out as one. The vocals are warm and textured, and I’m excited to hear more from this indie artist that reminds me of a mix of Florence + The Machines and Lana Del Ray. Definitely check out the rest of her new EP.
9. Current Beat That Makes Me Want to Dance…in the Car…Jamming With the Windows Down Bang My Head – David Guetta ft. Sia and Fetty Wap
Obviously we knew Guetta and Sia were a good match up after “Titanium,” but Fetty Wap too?
Who knew?
It’s also a great song for my running playlist.
Also, also… I have no idea what this music video is about, but it looks pretty cool.
10. An Oldie, But a Goodie Brighter Than Sunshine by Aqualung
Back in January my friend Jancey was visiting and got snowed in at my apartment with me during Winter Storm Jonas. With not much else to do we obviously we watched a lot of movies, and I introduced her to “A Lot Like Love” with Ashton Kutcher and Amanda Peet. This 2005 movie is virtually unknown, but it is my favorite rom-com. Yes, even over classics like How To Lose a Guy in 10 Days and Sweet Home Alabama. This song was the movie’s theme and after watching the movie for the first time in a couple of years, the song went back on my current playlist.
11. Work, Work It Out Irresistible by Fall Out Boy ft. Demi Lovato
I’m sure I’ve already said this before, but I am SO happy that Fall Out Boy got back to together making music full-time. Honestly, overall I think I like their comeback music better than their original stuff. Patrick Stump was fine as a solo act, but the sound the guys have as a band, is still pretty unique after all this time. They are always a solid choiceon my workout playlists, and I love this feature with Demi.
12. Making Me Want To Fall In Love Suitcase by Steven Moakler
This is such a simple, sweet song, and I love this live version above. I’ve discovered this guy back in college, and am kind of disappointed that he is still pretty unknown, because for me his voice and sound rank up there with some of my favorite staple artists in country music. Maybe this single and new music to come will be his turning point.
I really, really tried to not like this, and I’m pretty sure it will be a phase that will pass quickly
Nevertheless, sorry Mom.
14. Favorite New(ish) Cover/Remix Fast Car – Jonas Blue Dakota
I’m really picky about remixes, and even more so when it’s also a cover of an older song. Tracy Chapman’s 1988 “Fast Car” is a classic, but I am loving this new remix. It still captures the trademark tone of the original, but gives it more of a modern beat.
I’m usually a big Rihanna fan but this song is so annoying. What is she even saying?!? One day at the gym I forgot my headphones and the girl on the elliptical next to me must have too… except she decided it was OK just to play the music off her phone anyways, and had this song on repeat THE WHOLE 30 MINUTES. It took everything I had not to scratch at my eyeballs ask her to change the song.
16. Country Pick Red Fire Night – Green River Ordinance
I just want it to be summer, and to have endless amounts of cheap, bar concerts to go to where half the crowd has never heard of the band.
I recently discovered this band, though in true country fashion, it looks like they’ve been around for a while.
{Sort of like a “Friday Five” or a “Life Lately” except it’s probably not Friday, and I gave up on the idea of a catchy alliteration. These are some bits and pieces of my glam #postgradlife. See past posts HERE}
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I still haven’t been really motivated to blog lately, but I realized yesterday that I have not done a So There’s That post since LAST SEPTEMBER. That’s pretty bad considering they are the easiest type of post that I do, AND my random word document that I keep a running list of things I see and might want to share later was four pages long.
“This quote really resonates with me lately. I think recognizing fear is important because it reminds us we are human. But I also think fear helps shine a light on the things we are passionate about — the things that move us enough that find a way to be fearless in our pursuit.”
2. Happy Anniversary
Earlier this week on Feb. 22, my Grammy and Grampy celebrated 48 years together! My sister shared this cute picture that made me laugh and my caption on social media was, “The question is, are these look of love, or are they in the middle of a sassy conversation?”
These were the comments… (Gloria – Grammy; David – Grampy; Lisa – Cousin; Susan – Great Aunt)
3. Happy FFA Week
At my senior FFA banquet 2009
With my coach.
This is Fred, one of my high school best friends and probably the best person I ever met through FFA.
Every year, this week makes me a bit nostalgic. That blue jacket and my experiences in it account for so much of who I am today. A few years ago I wrote about “After Unzipping the Blue Jacket” and this year my friend Nicole wrote a great blog post on “If My FFA Jacket Could Talk…” She makes a reference to rat stomping…don’t worry, its just this weird thing that apparently only kids in Hermiston, OR do.
4. Bill Gates’ Book Reviews
I am always interested in what different leaders are reading, and thought this blog of book lists and reviews was really interesting.
This is hysterical, and now I want to be friends with this ladies.
6. Kacey Musgraves Covers Yellow
I am usually really skeptical when people cover one of my all-time favorite songs. But not this time. Kacey Musgraves cover of Coldplay’s “Yellow” was beautiful.
7. Gems Found on The Timehop App
I think this in response to however I wished my uncle a Happy Birthday while he was studying abroad in Spain. Who knows, I’m weird because he is really weird.
But his advice for broccoli is still pretty spot on.
8. Because I Just Can’t Let ‘The Hunger Games’ Go Yet
This Huffington Post article is being passed around this week on Facebook, and to be honest, I actually teared up a little bit (and that doesn’t happen often.) Having lived in three different time zones now, I realize more and more how important my close girlfriends are to me.
14. According to Leo
I recently sent this to my little sister who is a senior in her last semester of college.
She wasn’t very amused.
15. And Then I’ll Leave You With This
This was a Snapchat picture from the passenger seat of a moving car, so you can imagine how pretty it was in person.
The Good Stuff 