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!
First, it’s not Friday. But last Friday, my Wi-fi was down all day due to a crazy wind storm we had and this Friday I have a different post that I want to specifically post on that date. But hey, I definitely jam out other days of the week, so really, it works. #rebelyell
Second, I’m fully aware that it is a bit dramatic to create and share a playlist titled “Post Break Up,” but hey, unfortunately most of us need a playlist like this at point or another. You are welcome.
I’ve been adding songs to this list over the past couple of weeks and it was MUCH harder to keep it under a reasonable number than I thought it would be, which was silly to think because all artists have at least a handful of break up songs to their name. And really, I could have just made the list with only country songs… or only Taylor Swift songs.
So is this list a bit cheesy? Yes, because there was no way I was leaving Dolly out of it. And it is definitely full of angst (my teenage self would be so proud). But it is pretty well-rounded — meaning it covers every stage of a break up and quite a few different situations. So please note, I obviously don’t personally relate to every single song, quite a few are just songs that I enjoy and love to jam out to regardless of what they are about. Enjoy!
p.s. There are a few songs that are explicit, just FYI, if that’s not your thing. #sorrymom
This week’s Jam Session is all about songs that motivate me, some that are upbeat that you can workout to and others that are slow and maybe more calming and uplifting. Both typically have positive messages. I’ve said a few times lately that my attitude just hasn’t been the best and so music is definitely one of my main go-to’s to help change my mood or help me get through things. This list is fun because there is a good mix of newer songs that have been on my radar lately, and a few of them are older, and are some of my all-time favorite songs to help motivate me and change my outlook. There is also a really good mix of genres, which is just a reminder and how vast my music taste is.
A few playlist notes…
If you played high school sports in the late 2000’s you’ll probably agree with me on Eminem’s “Lose Yourself,” and I couldn’t count the amount of times that my sister and I rapped through the whole thing on the way to school. Speaking of high school, I included an early Taylor song, which really takes me back! I tried to not duplicate any of the artists, but my favorite Christian rock band, NEEDTOBREATHE, snuck in there with two songs, because to be honest, almost all of their music motivates me. There are three songs that have the word “Arrow” in the title, though they could not be more different. Ed Sheeran is one of my all-time favorite artists, but I was a bit surprised that I managed to still include him on this list. I don’t know if I’ve ever considered any of his other music to be particularly motivating, but this one definitely hits that point. I hadn’t heard Pink’s song until the Grammy’s this year and am still think back about the impact of her very simple performance. Hope you enjoy this week’s playlist!
I am SO EXCITED to bring back this series. Blogging is such a fun hobby for me and a way to both journal my life and exercise my writing skills outside of work, so in 2018 one of my goals is to blog more regularly. Friday Jam Sessions used to be some of my regular posts, but how I was doing them at the time — choosing one song to highlight for a bunch of different categories and writing a review for each — were just so time consuming so I eventually got out of the habit of doing them. But music and discovering new artists and tunes is still one of my favorite things and I missed sharing these posts. So now that I’ve become loyal to Spotify a few years ago, I am going to switch things up and share playlists I build on there around different themes. This is much easier for me to do because I listen to Spotify almost all day, everyday, regardless if I am at work, in the car or at home. And I’ve always had the habit of sorting songs into playlists based on moods or themes as I go. So right now I am aiming to get one of these posts up about every other week or so. Let me know if there is any particular theme you want me to feature!
To start us out, I decided to look back at 2017 and feature my favorite 10 full albums that were released that year. My music tastes stretch far and wide, but not surprisingly, artists that came out with full albums that I listened to over and over to, were almost all artists that I consider some of my all-time favorites. I decided to put three songs from every album on the playlist, which was NOT EASY. I should also note that Chris Stapleton technically came out with TWO new albums this year (because he’s amazing) but I counted them as one in this list…and still included three songs from each.
Ed Sheeran // Divide
Maren Morris // HERO
Chris Stapleton // From a Room Vol. 1 and 2
Logan Mize // Come Back Road
Harry Styles // Harry Styles
The Greatest Showman Soundtrack
Aaron Watson // Vaquero
Taylor Swift // reputation
Turnpike Troubadours // A Long Way From Your Heart
Halsey // hopeless fountain kingdom
A few playlist notes…
Halsey was a bit of a surprise to me because I don’t recall really liking much from her first album, but I really liked her sophomore album this year. Harry Styles’ freshman solo album solidified that his talents stretch far beyond his work with One Direction and I spent most of 2017 demanding that my friends listen to it. I was over the moon that Logan Mize finally gave us a new full album and proceeded to reminisce about all of his concerts I went to in college. My obsession with Ed Sheeran continues to know no limits and after discovering Maren Morris when her original EP came out a few years ago I have to remind myself that she’s still considered a new artist. After listening to him a bit in college, Aaron Watson shot up my list when I finally caught one of his concerts back in September and was kicking myself for having missed out on more of his music for so long. Maybe its because we’re the same age and I feel like I’ve grown up with her, but I’m still a shameless fan of Taylor, and after being a little concerned about LWYMMD as the first single off the new album, the rest of it was everything that it should be. Turnpike Troubadours has such a distinct sound, and I finally made it to one of their concerts for the first time, which only solidified my love for their music. Chris Stapleton’s sound continues to memorize me and I will never be able to wrap my mind around the fact that he spent so many years writing for other people before making it on his own. I FINALLY saw him live in concert this past year, and he is even so much better live — if that is possible. Finally, I couldn’t not mention the album that seems like everyone can’t stop talking about, and that is The Greatest Showman soundtrack. The movie was SO GOOD and the soundtrack has been on loop in my car for weeks. I think I know every word to every song by now.
I am sure that I forgot or overlooked a few albums, but I did have these others on my list when I was planning this post, so I suppose they deserve honorable mention.
Little Big Town // The Breaker
Thomas Rhett // Life Changes
Old Dominion // Happy Endings
Grace VanderWaal // Just The Beginning
Demi Lovato // Tell Me You Love Me
And these are artists with albums coming in 2018 that are on my radar so far that I am looking forward to.
{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 not-so-glam 20-something life. See past posts HERE}
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27 Years Young
My last “So There’s That” post was right before my birthday in October so we are backtracking a bit. It was a pretty low key day because it was a busy work week but those near and far made me feel pretty special… although my sister did try to make me a year older than I actually was.
What happened to this wee baby?!? Suddenly she is looking so much bigger to me! I’ve been getting lots of adorable pictures lately so trust me this is the already culled lot.
How Y’all, Youse and You Guys Talk
I’ve seen this pop up on Facebook before, but never took the quiz. It anchors around large cities in the area that you most identify with and considering how broad and ambiguous I thought some of the questions were, this is basically SPOT ON for both of the main two places I have lived. The full results give you a breakout based on all of your responses.
I really do want to get back to blogging about what I am listening to someday, but my old “Friday Jam Session” posts just take too much to put together. Until I figure out something different, you know I am over here always obsessing over Ed Sheeran. Recently stumbled across this acoustic version of “Hearts Don’t Break Around Here” off his “Divide” album that I am currently loving.
30 Years
Last week I blogged about celebrating the 30th anniversary of my family’s flower shop by writing this love letter and reminiscing a bit on why its such a special place.
An Ode To the Women Who are “Too Much”
This article was recently passed around Facebook about being “too much” as a woman and I really wanted to share it here too. I appreciate that it was written by a man and I thought that its was sweet, short and effectively direct. There are parts that I can certainly relate to, and other parts that remind me that my home team is pretty great.
{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}
Lately the girls from my young adults bible study have been making lots of plans together. Earlier in June, a few of us did the Billy Goat Trail near Great Falls, which was a bit more challenging than I expected… but such a beautiful day to be outside and chat with these girls who have added such a positive light to my life lately.
This last weekend we had a laid back girls night hosted at my place and then spent another afternoon at Quattro Goombas Winery for wine slushies (insert all of the heart eye emoji’s here) and awesome pizza. The location also has a brewery and a great outdoor space.
Kansas – National Festival of Breads
Earlier in June, I made a quick work trip to Kansas for the National Festival of Breads. Yes, it was a awesome as its name sounds. The festival is hosted each year by Kansas Wheat, and brings together eight finalists (that competed against hundreds!) to compete for the title. The festival also features a small trade show, a demonstration stage, a kid’s interactive section, a BBQ, live music and more. I spent the day of the festival taking pictures and enjoy a “few” samples! This event is a great way to showcase the diversity of bread and the quality of U.S. wheat.
Obviously since I was in Kansas, I made the most of my down time by catching up with friends that I don’t get to see nearly enough.
So many of my favorite things wrapped up in one. If you visit Manhattan and appreciate a good wheat beer, you NEED to try 1863 Wheat at Tallgrass Brewery!
To know me is to know my obsession with all things Ed Sheeran. So really when you combine that with my obsession with James Corden (Craig!!) then basically you know that dreams really do come true.
I have probably watched this at least 6 times now.
Happy Birthday Jancz
My sister Janci turned 23 last week!
True Friendship
Out and About
A few snippets (and Snapchats) of life lately.
Pictures from home make me happy, especially when they include my sister and my favorite little guy Wesley. (Also, super jealous she got to hang with him for the day.)
Sugarloaf Mountain Winery is so picturesque, and their wine is pretty good! Enjoyed a lazy Saturday afternoon there.
Eastern Market finds.
Missed out on getting a group picture, but my work took an afternoon for an outing and enjoyed a Nationals game together.
These adult coloring postcards are my new favorite stress reliever.
My Life in Memes
Memes that are speaking to me right now… both thought provoking and just plain funny.
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 Tangled Up – Thomas Rhett
For as much as I love music, I don’t regularly keep tabs on who has albums coming out, nor do I often count down the days until one’s release. I just figure once a single starts gaining traction and I like, then I usually check out the album. Thomas Rhett’s new sophomore album was an exception. Every new single made me more and more excited for the release, so much so, that I went ahead and featured “Crash and Burn” and “T-Shirt” already this past month. After listening to the whole album I could easily have featured every song on it in one or more of my categories.
I think the album is bold. My friends and I have an endless discussion on “bro country” and I can see why some would label it as such, but personally I almost want to call it genre-less. The album is both smooth and funky, and still has a bit of that stripped-down, very raw country sound that first got our attention with his debut. The video above for “Die A Happy Man” features Thomas and his wife, and is ADORABLE. I’m also really enjoying “Vacation,”“Playing With Fire” ft. Jordin Sparks and “Learned It From The Radio.”
2.Favorite New (new-to-me) Artist/Band Rudimental
I am a bit picky when it comes to EDM music or similar types of musical productions that only feature other artists on vocals. (Side note: Is there a separate label for that because I don’t think this band is technically labeled as EDM?) But I vaguely remember hearing and liking their collaboration with John Newman on “Feel The Love” in 2012. Then I heard this new one above featuring Ed Sheeran and looked them back up, only to learn that this group was also behind Sheeran’s hit “Bloodstream,” which I’ve been in love with since I first heard it. I also enjoyed “I Will For Love feat. Will Heard”, “Waiting All Night ft. Ella Eyre” and “Rumour Mill feat. Anne-Marie & Will Heard”. Looking forward to hearing this group’s future work.
3.Jam I Have on Repeat Backbeat – Dagny
I found a lot of new artists this past week, which is always a refreshing change. I sometimes wonder if people think I’m exaggerating when I say that I put songs on repeat… Friends, I recognize that its a bit strange, but I’m the kind of person who will re-read and watch my favorite books and movies over and over, so its not uncommon at all for me to have one song on loop, especially if I’m working on a project. There is so much going on in this song, its great in the car and has a great beat for my workout playlist. It almost makes me think of a less soulful, pop-infused Florence + The Machines.
4.Favorite Collaboration, Cover, Remix or Mashup The Driver – Charles Kelley, ft. Dierks Bentley and Eric Paslay
With these three voices and lyrics, I’m not sure I need to explain why I fell in love with this one. I did panic though… why is Kelley singing with Lady Antebellum? I’ve read that he’s doing a solo album, but that it doesn’t mean the band is breaking up. Just the fact that people are talking about it makes me nervous, but for now I’ll just hope that its all talk and enjoy this unique collaboration.
5.Favorite Spotify List “Weekend Buzz” by Spotify
6.#SoulMusic I’m Obsessing Over Dynasty – MIIA
This song and artist fits perfectly into my “#SoulMusic” obsession. I could totally see this song featured at the end of a TV show… ahem, Shonda Rhimes? I’ll just hold onto my “I told you so” for now…
7.”Oldie, But a Goodie” I Heard This Week Go Your Own Way – Fleetwood Mac Listen HERE
I’ve often thought about if I could go back to past decades and pick a few concerts that I would have loved to see live. If we’re talking about the 70s, I think Fleetwood Mac would probably be pretty high on that list.
8.Current Beat That Makes Me Want to Dance…in the Car…Jamming With the Windows Down Alive – Sia Listen HERE
Another week and yet another Sia feature. #notsorry. People, this song sounds awesome in my car.
9.Taking Me Down Memory Lane Don’t Look – Kyle Park
This past week we have been talking about Periscope at work, and I figure that the best way to learn about new social media is to jump right in. I haven’t “scoped” myself yet, but I’ve started to follow accounts that I already follow on the Twitter. The very first live video that popped up for me was one by this artist. There is a special place in my heart for Texas country music, but sometimes they get lost in the mix of all of the different music that I listen to. I don’t want to commit but Kyle Park might be my favorite in this niche and was a large part of what made me fall in love with the live music scene. I think I’ve seen him twice, maybe three times… I can’t remember!
10.Work, Work it Out On My Mind – Ellie Goulding
As usual, I’m a bit confused by the music video, but it’s a fun addition to my workout playlist.
11.Making Me Want to Fall in Love Met A Girl – William Michael Morgan
When I first heard this I had to double check that it wasn’t an older one-hit-wonder that I had somehow never heard. But no, this guy is new and only 21,( umm what!?) He has a George Strait sound and Lord knows I’m a sucker for a smooth baritone singing a warm, country love song.
12.Guilty Listen of the Week Hands of Love – Miley Cyrus Listen HERE
Here’s the thing. Yes, she’s tends to cause a lot of ruckus and there are a lot of songs of hers that I flat out hate, but I do actually think she is pretty talented. And I actually really like this song.
13.Popular Song That Is Making My Ears Bleed Hotline Bling – Drake Listen HERE
I like some of Drake’s stuff, but this? NOPE. I almost didn’t even bother with linking it.
14.Country Pick of the Week Hit the Road – Waterloo Revival
This song has popped on a few different Spotify playlists over the past few weeks. It’s subtle and doesn’t make a big splash at first, but it has continued to stick with me. It is the band’s first single and I am going to be checking out their album when it comes out. The live version above is a little raw, but I really like it. Listen to the original cut HERE.
BONUS: My Voice Picks, Week 2 There were definitely a few I could myself liking later after some different song choices and coaches, but these were my top 8 favorite performances from Week 5. I couldn’t settle on just 5 like I did last week, and I’m a sucker for a couple of the songs, oops. I’m always blown away by the fact that so many of the acts are only 15 and 16 years old, and sound much more mature.
The Good Stuff 