35 songs that have felt like 35 so far (part 1)
...Because I love the idea of a playlist as a year's journal. Here are the first 26 songs of what 35 has felt like to date.
“Really Really Light” – The New Pornographers
Maybe it’s okay to not always discuss the deepest and heaviest of topics even during an election year when everything feels like it’s on the line?Stand out lyrics: “Now my arm is asleep, not done shaking it awake yet”
“Right Back to It” – Waxahatchee, MJ Lenderman
Maybe it’s okay to sing along at the top of your lungs about a seamless reunion and feeling normal after years of living in not-so-normal times?
Stand out lyrics: “But you just settle in like a song with no end…”
“These Are the Good Old Days” – Courtney Marie Andrews
Maybe it’s okay to reminisce and think of the mid-30s as a golden time to not let slip away?
Stand out lyrics: “When he speaks he says what he means….”“Where’d the time go?” – Kaleah Lee
Maybe it’s not crazy to think that everything including days seem to move faster lately?
Stand out lyrics: “And how the big things, they are shrinking, and the small things they’ve grown…”“Easy” – Morgan-Harper Jones
Maybe it’s okay to reflect on chaos and ask the brilliant question, “Am I asking to be found?”
Stand out lyrics: “In the meantime, it’s okay to ask for help.”“I Said What I Said” – The Softies
Maybe it’s just my sentimental nature, but does this catchy jam feels as sweet as it sounds?
Stand out lyrics: “There’s gotta be more to life than paying rent.”
“Angel” – Aretha Franklin
Maybe it’s because I’m single? I’m still waiting on that angel.
Stand out lyrics: “Gotta find me an angel to fly away with me.”
“Big Swimmer”– King Hannah, Sharon Van Etten
Maybe it’s because I respect dedication and perseverance?
Stand out lyrics: “I’m one big swimmer. I’ll swim at anything.”
“Clams Casino” – Cassandra Jenkins
Maybe it’s because I’ve never heard anyone order the clams casino at a hotel bar?Stand out lyrics: “I don’t wanna laugh alone anymore.”
“People Always Change” – Tiny Habits
Maybe it’s because I love a reflective jam with deep meaning and a catchy hook?
Stand out lyrics: “When did I become someone I’d come to hate? When did he become someone who’d walk away?”“Never Meant” – Iron & Wine (cover of American Football)
Maybe it’s because I love when a song gets the Sam Beam treatment?
Stand out lyrics: “Not to be overly dramatic, I just think it’s best ‘cause you can’t miss what you forget.”
“Hollywood” – Toro Y Moi and Benjamin Gibbard
Maybe it’s because I haven’t been to California yet and I’m a sucker for a dream pair up.
Stand out lyrics: “Every star is bound to fall and vanish into the sprawl.”
“Hot Sun” – Wilco
Maybe it’s because I love the visual of hearing the sun?
Stand out lyrics: “Hot sun I can hear it…”
“Oh I” – Estelle
Maybe it’s because I love a jam with a 70s undercurrent that reminds you to be yourself?
Stand out lyrics: “Test the waters if you want to, just don’t wait on what don’t want you.”
“Underdressed at the Symphony” – Faye Webster
Maybe it’s because I love the idea of being underdressed at the symphony?
Stand out lyrics: “Spendin’ money just to feel somethin’”“Waiting and Waiting” – Bonny Light Horseman
Maybe it’s because I’m a sap with a big sappy heart?Standout lyrics: “There’s a song in you but you can’t find the lines.”
“New order t-shirt” – The National
Maybe it’s because I’ve talked to a shark in a corner of an aquarium?Stand out lyrics: “I keep what I can of you/split-second glimpses and snapshots and sounds…”
“Keep some steady friends around” – Bill Callahan
Maybe it’s because it makes me think of friends – old and new?
Stand out lyrics: “Keep some steady friends around/best thing you can do…”“Teach Me” – Jamila Woods, oddCouple
Maybe it’s because I feel like I’m always five steps behind?
Stand out lyrics: “Where we come from soil is sacred, not a paycheck.”“Love Me Not” – Ravyn Lenae
Maybe it’s because I love a song that sounds like it should be in a romcom?
Stand out lyrics: “And, oh, it's hard to see you, but I wish you were right here
Oh, it's hard to leave you when I get you everywhere.”“Thrown Around” – James Blake
Maybe it’s because I love that song that makes me think about the first time I heard Madonna’s “Ray of Light”?
Stand out lyrics: “I’m familiar like a late train/ like the sentiment of a film I’ve seen again and again”“Patterns” – Laura Marling
Maybe it’s because I love a song that feels like a fever dream?
Stand out lyrics: “As the years go by, they’ll look upon you like a friend.”“Come on, baby! Be a good girl for the camera” – Ada Lea
Maybe it’s because I love a song with a great hook and catchy opening that sounds like it was meant for another time?
Stand out lyrics: “What I want now is different than what I wanted just a year ago.”“She checks the weather” – JOHNNYSWIM
Maybe it’s because I love the truthfulness and heart poured into the story of the song?
Stand out lyrics: “The preacher on the street screams out truth won’t betray you, the lies will.“Riding” – John Muq
Maybe because it feels like a testament to living in times like these?
Stand out lyrics: “I’ve seen the races fight themselves/I’ve seen what I chose and what I need.”“You Might be Happy Someday” – the reds, pinks and purples
Maybe it’s because I’ve got a soft spot for vulnerable lyrics?
Stand out lyrics: “You might be happy someday, but for now you’re a sad mistake…”