pop/contemporary
Blank Space by Taylor Swift. It was a toss up between this and Bad Blood, but I’m going to share this song because one of the lyrics. “Got a long list of ex-lovers, they’ll tell you I’m insane, cause you know I love the players and you love the game.” Taylor Swift is one of the first pop stars I’ve heard to actually address both sides of chaotic relationships. People always focus on how girls fall for players, and yet no one ever points out how much guys love playing the game too.
soundtrack
Battle Training from Hero Acadamia. This sounds much more like crazy romp through the countryside then superhero battling, thanks to the incredible banjo and tempo! This is such an amazing blend of instruments, from the horns, electric guitar, modern percussion, banjo and electro sounds!
classical
Beautiful Memories by Adrian Von Ziegler. UGH THE PURE EMOTION IN THIS SONG. It’s so delicate and wistful and full of longing. To me this song is the embodiment of the emotions of love and long distance, which is no surprise as the composer wrote this for his long distance girlfriend (now beautiful wife. <3) Knowing the joys and aches of long distance love myself, I can hear and feel this song’s emotions within myself. It hurts so badly yet is worth every moment for the sheer beauty of knowing and waiting for true love.
independent
Bushido by Adrian von Ziegler. A world music piece, also by Adrian von Ziegler. I LOVE the percussion work in this piece. It’s one of my work out songs because the tempo and beat is perfection.
alternative
Begin Again by Purity Ring. I have a soft spot for electropop. I love haunting, angsty songs in general, especially if they can loop brilliantly like this.
musicals
Be Our Guest from Beauty and the Beast. Alongside The Lion King, Beauty and the Beast is a personal favorite Disney film for me. I love every moment of this film, but amongst all the perfection, this is truly one of the most magical songs (and animated spectacles) of the film. ❤
~Jamie
