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 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. ********
Yeah, so the past few weeks just weren’t happening on the music/blogging front. I usually work on these post throughout the week, but I kept getting to Thursday evenings with nothing started and no motivated to bust one out in one night. My sticky notes in my planner and notes in my phone were getting a bit ridiculous though so I’m back at it.
1.Favorite New (new-to-me) Artist/Band Eric Paslay
Eric Paslay isn’t actually all that new to me, he’s one of those country song writing- turned artists that I’ve listened to since his very first single, “Never Really Wanted.” I sometimes wonder how its possible to continue to find what I think are fresh, unique sounds in country music, but I’ve loved everything that this guy has put out so far. His entire debut album is worth a listen with my favorites, “Keep On Fallin” “She Don’t Love You”and “Deep As It Is Wide” ( a remake of the original song he cut with Amy Grant and Sheryl Crow.) Right now I’m obsessed with his new single above, “High Class.”
2.Jam I Have on Repeat Hello – Adele
I’m pretty sure most of the world hasn’t taken this off of repeat.
3.Favorite Collaboration, Cover, Remix or Mashup I Know Places – Vance Joy ( original by Taylor Swift)
I swear I really do try to focus on not repeating too many artists each week, but obviously my love for Vance Joy knows no end. This was my initial favorite off of T-Swift’s 1989 and Joy’s stripped down version just sounds so beautifully sad and I don’t think its meant to be a sad song.
Whatever, I’m pretty sure Vance Joy is what angels sound like…
4.Favorite Spotify List Heartland Drive – Spotify
Guys, this is a solid list. Country, rock, classic’s and new singles. Now I just need a road trip…
5.#SoulMusic I’m Obsessing Over Tiger Striped Sky – Roo Panes
This soothing indie jam popped up on my Spotify a few months ago and has become a staple on my #soulmusic playlist.
6.”Oldie, But a Goodie” I Heard This Week Srubs – TLC Listen HERE
When this popped up on my Spotify, I about choked on my coffee from laughing… I had completely forgotten about this song. The 90’s man, they were one of a kind. Chick bands just aren’t the same anymore. Of course this led me down a rabbit hole on YouTube, so while we’re at it, why not also listen to “Waterfalls.” You are so very welcome…
7.Current Beat That Makes Me Want to Dance…in the Car…Jamming With the Windows Down Getting Ready to Get Down – Josh Ritter Listen HERE
I vaguely remember listening to Josh Ritter before, but when I first heard this song, I couldn’t quite remember who this contemporary folk singer was. Well, I think it’s safe to say that I am definitely a fan right now.
8.Taking Me Down Memory Lane I’ll Be There For You – The Rembrandts
9.Work, Work it Out Fire N Gold – Bea Miller Listen HERE
I have no idea who this chick is, she looks like she’s 13 and I can’t decide whether she reminds me of early Paramore or if she’s more of a pop singer. I wouldn’t say that the song is all that brilliant but its a song beat to add to your running/workout playlist, and maybe a few jam sessions in the car.
10.Making Me Want to Fall in Love Like I’m Gonna Lose You – Meghan Trainor ft. John Legend
Not a Meghan Trainor fan? That’s fine, she’s even a bit much for me sometimes. But this song has a timeless sound, and though I never would have thought to put her voice with John Legend, it’s magic.
But then again, I also think John Legend sounds like an angel. Maybe he and Vance Joy can start a band. Anyway, moving on…
11.Guilty Listen of the Week Friend Zone – Danielle Bradbery
Friends, I really did make an effort to not like this song. I quickly skipped it the first few times I heard it and I’m sure I have a lot of friends rolling their eyes. But it’s just fun and so stinking catchy. I didn’t watch her season of The Voice, but you have to admit that the girl has got pipes.
12.Popular Song That Is Making My Ears Bleed Me & The Rhythm – Selena Gomez Listen HERE
Ugh. I swear I love her songs or I hate them. There’s no in between. This is obviously the latter. It’s just annoying.
13.Country Pick of the Week Heartbeat – Carrie Underwood
If you know me, then you might be surprised by this one because I’m typically not much of a Carrie Underwood song. It’s not that she’s not talented, I’ve just never been a huge fan of most of her songs. But I’m a sucker for a solid, simple country long song, and I shamelessly love that Sam Hunt is on the harmonies. AND its great to blast in the car, so I’m sold.
BONUS: My Voice Picks, Week 3 – 6
The main problem with slacking on these posts is that now I’m behind on my weekly picks for The Voice and wish I had the space to add some commentary. But obviously that is not happening so here is just a catch-all list of my favorite performances.
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 1989 (Cover Album) – Ryan Adams
The internet about had a heart attack last week when T-Swift herself started promoting the release of Ryan Adams’ full cover album of 1989. I’ve listened to the guy a few times before and I like his sound, but with the craze this cover album started, I found myself just as anxious to hear it.
It’s weird and wonderful all at once, and I think regardless if you are a Taylor Swift fan or not, I’d say that is a testament to her writing. Most of the upbeat songs were slowed down and the slow ones sound more haunting. I was somewhat surprised that my favorites were the exact opposite from my favorites on the original album. His cover of “Style” above was probably my overall pick followed closely by “This Love.” I also really enjoyed “All You Had to Do Was Stay”“Bad Blood” and “Clean.”
2.Favorite New (new-to-me) Artist/Band Hideaway – Daya Listen HERE
If you had told me the first few time I heard this song that this girl is only 16, I wouldn’t have believed. Her voice definitely sounds more mature. This is her first single off of her upcoming debut album. I actually haven’t had a chance to really check out any of her other music, but I fear it might be that I just like this particular song. We’ll have to see.
3.Jam I Have on Repeat T-Shirt – Thomas Rhett
I kept telling myself that I was going to wait to feature Thomas Rhett again until his full new album came out today. But I CAN’T stopping putting this song on repeat. It’s becoming unhealthy. That said, don’t be surprised when I feature the album next weekend…
4.Favorite Collaboration, Cover, Remix or Mashup XO – John Mayer Listen HERE
I love Queen Bey, but I definitely like John Mayer’s version better.
5.Favorite Spotify List “All Out 90’s” by Spotify
My early childhood was pretty awesome.
6.#SoulMusic I’m Obsessing Over Burning House – Cam Listen HERE
This song has such a sad and haunting, but beautiful sound. It actually reminds me a bit of the Dixie Chicks.
7.”Oldie, But a Goodie” I Heard This Week Holiday in the Sun – Weezer Listen HERE
So this is where I admit that the straight-to-video Mary-Kate and Ashley movie “Holiday in the Sun” is one of my most watched movies… EVER. Yepp, I am from the Olsen twins generation and for some reason my friend Kari and I were obsessed with that movie. This song always reminds me of our friendship, and of course, how ridiculous that movie is.
8.Current Beat That Makes Me Want to Dance…in the Car…Jamming With the Windows Down Tear in My Heart – Twenty One Pilots
I’m warning you, this band is weird, and what’s even stranger is how oddly addictive their music is. When they opened for a Imagine Dragons concert I went to a few years ago, that’s all took for me to become a fan. Sure they’re weird but they’re talented and have an energy that is contagious. I’m loving this song off of their new album, but my favorite will always be “Holding Onto You.”
9.Taking Me Down Memory Lane Vogue – Madonna
This week is another trip down memory lane to my dance days. This was the competition performance song the first year I was a competitive team in 5th grade and after dozens of routines since then, this is the one that I still remember the most of.
10.Work, Work it Out Move Along – All-American Rejects
Ahh the band of my high school days, I miss you guys. This song still gets played at least once every run I go on.
11.Making Me Want to Fall in Love Fire and The Flood – Vance Joy
You know, if I’m just going to feature Vance Joy every single week anyway, maybe he should just get his own category?
Seriously though, this song… swoon.
12.Guilty Listen of the Week Same Old Love – Selena Gomez Listen HERE
Don’t know about the rest of the song, but I’m a sucker for a catchy and quirky chorus.
13.Song That I Originally Loved, But Is Now Overplayed Jason Derulo
This week I’m talking about an artist, not a song. I really liked Jason Derulo when he first came out when I was in college. The song above was probably one of the most played songs on my iPod for a few months straight. I even saw him in concert when he came to K-State. But lately I just find myself annoyed by his music. Sure a lot of it is catchy, and he’s obviously talented, but it just seems all the same and too much. And don’t get me started on his #bromance with Florida Georgia Line…. Just no. I need a break from his music.
14.Popular Song That Is Making My Ears Bleed Tulips – Christopher Listen HERE
I have so many mean comments, but lets just talk about what’s really bothering me…Christopher?? Man, have a single stage name is supposed to be cool like Beyoncé, Lorde, Bono, Madonna or heck even Kanye. But Christopher? I just don’t get it.
15.Country Pick of the Week Before You Drive Me Crazy – Wes Mack
Really loving this song from another new country kid on the block that look’s like the Weasley’s had yet another son that we didn’t know about. The music video is a bit overdramatic but its a solid debut song.
BONUS: My Voice Picks, Week 1
I missed The Voice last season because of my move to DC. By the time I was settled in I was just too behind to even attempt to catch up. I am glad to see that they have Gwen back instead Christina, she’s by far my favorite female coach they’ve had. I’m currently still trying to decide if I am going to stay committed. Let’s be honest, the main reason I watch is for the banter between Adam and Blake. And why do they show SO MANY of the no-turn performances? I felt like that was most of what Tuesday night’s show featured. With that said these are few that really stood out to me during the first week of blind auditions. Seems like a lot of country right now, which is my favorite genre, but I’m hoping and assuming that will eventually balance out. These were my top 5 favorite performances from Week 1. There were a few others who could see myself potentially liking more later on but this is my picks for this week.
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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Everyone, I want you to Meet Megan (and her pup Luna)! Megan is my best friend from college. We met at the Women’s Smurthwaite Scholarship House our freshman year at Kansas State and went on to live together for 4.5 years. Our friendship began over sharing and talking about music, and after dozens of road trips, concerts and late night jams to get through studying, music continues to be at the center of that friendship. Megan is now a food scientist, working for a spice and ingredient company in Wichita, Kan. I’ve been traveling for work in Guatemala this week and since I mention her in almost every Friday Jam Session post anyway, I decided she was the perfect choice to fill in for me!
1.Favorite New(ish) Album How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful – Florence + the Machine
I’ve always been a Florence + The Machine fan, but this new album takes it to a whole new level. Right now I’m struggle to pick a favorite. Seriously though, Listen to ALL OF THE SONGS.
2.Favorite New(ish) Collaboration Heavy Crown – Iggy Azalea ft. Ellie Goulding (Explicit) Listen HERE
This is my new favorite song to rap along with in the car…or in my apartment…or when walking my dog in public. It’s cool, my neighbors already think I’m crazy anyway.
3.Favorite New (new-to-me) Artist/Band The Score
I can’t actually figure out how I discovered this band. I think it was one of those late night YouTube searches for one thing which led me to another then another until suddenly I was in a completely different genre of music and falling in love with a new band. My favorites by them are the song above, “Oh My Love,” as well as “This Beating Heart” and “Don’t Wanna Wake Up.”
4. Jam I Have on Repeat Jackie and Wilson – Hozier Listen HERE
After the radio played “Take Me to Church” about every half hour for a solid few weeks, I was definitely an anti-Hozier type of person. However, on a whim, I got the CD from the library to listen to in the car. Oh my gosh, I’m so glad I did!! The rest of the album is so much better than the one obnoxious song the radio community chose to play.
5. Favorite Cover, Remix or Mashup Radioactive/Pumped Up Kicks – Megan Davies
I always get worried when I first see two songs that I really, really love being put together in a mashup because it always has the potential of ruining one of the songs for me. But THIS.This is pure genius. This girl and I think her sister do a lot of different mashups and covers. So while you’re at it, definitely listen to more of their stuff.
6. Favorite Spotify List Acoustic Afternoons This has become my go-to playlist for afternoons at work. It’s the perfect mix of acoustic versions of songs, covers and new artists.
7. #SoulMusic I’m Obsessing Over Georgia – Vance Joy Listen HERE I know Amanda recently featured Vance Joy’s album, but later this month I’m going to a Taylor Swift Concert in Kansas City and Vance Joy is currently on tour with her, and I’ve been going through spurts where I listen to Vance Joy and Taylor Swift songs over and over and over. Every time this song comes on I stop what I’m doing and close my eyes and wish that I could inject this song into my bloodstream. Like Amanda says, it is the definition of #soulmusic.
8.Song That is Currently Cracking Me Up Girls in Bikinis – Lee Brice Listen HERE
I realize that this isn’t one Amanda’s normal categories, but I really felt the need to share. I went to a Lee Brice concert last week and he sadly did not play this song, but it would have been hilarious if he had. I heard it the first time in my car and proceeded to play it 3 more times in a row because I was laughing so hard.
9. Current Beat That Makes Me Want to Dance…in the Car…Jamming With the Windows Down Roots – Imagine Dragons
I love everything about this song. I love the piano, the singing, but I especially love the drums and the beat. This song makes me want to jump around and dance and just go crazy! (Let’s just pretend that I am NOT turning 25 soon)
10.Taking Me Down Memory Lane Our Song – Taylor Swift Listen HERE
This song is from back when T-Swift was singing country and her first album had just come out. She had curly long hair and a twangy singing voice. And now she’s all grown up and I still really love her songs.
11. Work, Work it Out Lean On – Major Lazer feat. MØ & DJ Snake Listen HERE
I haven’t actually worked out to this song yet…but I feel like it would be a very good workout song. Plus I really wanted it to be on this list and couldn’t figure out the best place for it. So this’ll do.
12.Making Me Want to Fall in Love Riser – Dierks Bentley
Amanda said it best last week…everything about Dierks Bentley makes me want to fall in love. #amen
13. Guilty Listen of the Week Anything Goes – Florida Georgia Line
I denounced Florida Georgia Line. Really, I did! Once they started getting just too bro country for me, I said goodbye. Their first song or two on the radio I liked. But soon they were overplayed and annoying, and ever since then everything they have come out with drives me absolutely crazy…except this song. I CANNOT tell you why I like this song. Every fiber of my being says I shouldn’t (especially with a video like this). But the song starts up on the radio and I find myself turning up my volume and singing along #sorrynotsorry
14.Song That I Originally Loved, But Is Now Overplayed Cheerleader – OMI (Felix Jaehn Remix) Listen HERE
The first time I heard this song I thought it was catchy and fun. The 800th time I heard it, I yelled and turned the radio off. I’m very done with this song.
15.Popular Song That Is Making My Ears Bleed Watch me Whip (Nae Nae) – Silento Listen HERE
I can’t even. That’s the only unintelligent thing I can muster up to say, #ijustcanteven.
16.Country Pick of the Week Blue Bandana – Jerrod Niemann
Since I’ve got several different concerts coming up, this song has terrible timing. It’s all about being a gypsy and following bands across the country and going to all the wonderful music festivals. It makes me want to quit my job and live out of a van, which isn’t feasible and would not end well. But it makes me seriously consider it.
Bonus 5: Over the next couple of months I will be going to several different concerts which I am freakishly excited for. So my Bonus 5 are songs from the different artists I’m going to see.
Thank you so much Megan for sharing your jams this week and helping me out while I was traveling! There are a few new ones to add to my playlists, and a few that I was planning on featuring soon myself! I only wish we could have been jamming to these in the car together!
One of the main things to know about me is how much 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, so I am starting a new version of my Friday Jam Sessions that I hope will become a weekly series. Please join in and share your own picks! Also, you can read my past Friday Jam Session posts HERE.
1.Favorite New(ish) Album Dream Your Life Away – Vance Joy
So this album came out almost a year ago (September 2014) but it is still the default CD in my car. I bought it on a whim because it was $8, after only hearing “Riptide.” But when I accidently found that debut song that summer I remember texting my best friend Megan and saying something to the effect of “this guy’s sound is one that we are going to be obsessed over for a LONG time.” Just an FYI though, his music videos are really weird. I also really like “Georgia,” but really you should check out the whole album
2.Favorite New(ish) Collaboration Locked Away – R.City ft. Adam Levine Listen HERE.
I was sold at Adam Levine.
3.Favorite New (new-to-me) Artist/Band Tori Kelly
I always say there is something special going on when I LOVE someone’s whole album, especially if it is their debut. Great lyrics, an unique sound and I. LOVE. HER. HAIR! #curlyhairdontcare. And on top of that she has a song featuring Ed Sheeran…but we’ll get to that obsession another time. Her album is called “Unbreakable Smile” and besides the song above I’m also digging “Nobody Love,” “First Heartbreak” and “I Was Made For Loving You.”
4.Jam I Have on Repeat Crash and Burn – Thomas Rhett
The day I made the connection that Thomas Rhett was Rhett Atkins’ son my mind was blown. Though he has already followed his Dad’s footsteps into some successful songwriting, he has definitely created his own successful behind the mic. This song and video continue to crack me up.
5.Favorite Cover, Remix or Mashup Trap Queen – Ed Sheeran (original by Fetty Wap)
I am pretty sure Ed Sheeran could sing a chemistry equation and I would love it. I have been a fan since his first EP came out and some of my favorites are covers that he flips, which lead me to this one. I am not really a fan of the song itself, so I would not advise scrutinizing the lyrics too closely, but I bookmarked the video on my browser so I could get to it easily…
6.Favorite Spotify List “Better Off Without You” by Spotify
I don’t even have anyone do be angry at but this playlist almost makes me wish I did.
7.#SoulMusic I’m Obsessing Over Bright – Echosmith
In college my roommate and I started referring to certain songs as #SoulMusic. To me is usually refers to something that moved me a bit with its lyrics or sometimes just its sound, and it’s usually something that gets a spot on one of my permanent playlists. But I think the main point is it kind of different for everyone.
8.”Oldie, But a Goodie” I Heard This Week Lip Gloss – Lil Mama Listen HERE
PEOPLE, do you remember this song!? I was out last weekend and this song came on in the bar, and this guy could sing it, in rhythm, word for word. I was so impressed! Now I don’t know if this was ever considered a “good” song by anyone, but I’ve been laughing about it all week so I decided it was worth a shout out and a shared laugh or two.
9. Current Beat That Makes Me Want to Dance…in the Car…Jamming With the Windows Down I Can’t Feel My Face – The Weeknd
10.Taking Me Down Memory Lane The Future Freaks Me Out – Motion City Soundtrack
Video
As I was writing each of the categories for this new version of Friday Jam Session I kept thinking of all the songs usually trigger certain memories or represent certain times in my life. Yeah, I am one of those cheesy people. Then, conveniently this very song came on later that day on my iTunes. When I met my best friend in Megan college (you’ll hear that name a lot in this series) we bonded quickly over our love for music. She introduced me to this really weird band, basically by saying, “don’t actually ever try to figure out how they come up with this stuff, just accept the fact that you are going to love it.” Well, six years later I can say cheers to friends and weird music that make the best road trip jams.
11. Work, Work it Out Don’t Look Down – Martin Garrix ft. Usher Listen HERE
Get this on your running playlist stat!
12.Making Me Want to Fall in Love What I Love About You – Logan Mize
I have legitimately lost count of the amount of times I have seen Logan Mize perform. I know every word, to every song. His music is everything I love about Kansas and it has been fun to watch him over the past few years grow from Aggieville’s stages to his growing success in Nashville. I think his fans in Kansas can be selfish, we love his music, but sometimes what to keep him as our undiscovered, best kept secret. But no, his music should definitely be listened to.
13.Guilty Listen of the Week Drag Me Down – One Direction
Don’t even start to judge me. Every generation has its boy bands that you pretend “oh I only know this one song because it’s always on,” but most of us are liars. I listen to a lot of music, most of it objectively really good, but my theory is that boy bands should go into their own shame-free, this-is-wonderful-but-terrible category to every now and then listen to, guilt free. And honestly, I was extremely amused the hysteria created by the one member leaving, so I just really wanted to see if they could hold it together with their new stuff.
14.Song That I Originally Loved, But Is Now Overplayed See You Again – Wiz Khalifa ft. Charlie Puth
When my sister (who is abnormally obsessed with the movie series) texted me this song immediately loved it. And then in the theater at the end of the movie?! Cue the tears again. But then hear it everywhere I went and on EVERY Spotify playlist and it just started to get old. On another note…Charlie Puth is extremely awkward to watch, both in this video and live TV performances.
15.Popular Song That Is Making My Ears Bleed Cool For The Summer – Demi Lavato Listen HERE
Ummm NO.
16.Country Pick of the Week Save it for a Rainy Day – Kenny Chesney
Growing up Kenny was my favorite country act, so he will always have a special place. Years later, I think I’m just really impressed that he continues to find/write songs that fit his beach bum country persona.
The Good Stuff 