Today, I’m going to talk about some of my favorite songs. Now this is an insanely difficult thing to do. I’ve been listening to music my entire life. I’ve gone through tons of music phases, there are artists I no longer listen to and there are artists I still listen to. But today, I’m going to list my favorite songs at this moment in time.
Step On Me by The Cardigans. I love this song because it just feels so unsettling but also it’s one that’s somehow relatable. It’s about loving someone so much that you’d literally let them step on you. This song is great because of the way that the drums are so heavy and the singer‘s voice is so high, it’s creepy. It’s just a really haunting but surprisingly catchy song.
Lullaby by The Cure. This song is haunting. Disintegration is an amazing album by The Cure but Lullaby is by far the best track off this album. The title Lullaby is incredibly misleading. It’s this plucky, spindly sounding song about a character called The Spiderman. Not the superhero but a terrifying, child eating creature. Robert Smith sings in a near whisper the entire song and this song is right at home when it’s Halloween. It’s not super sing-alongy but it’s really enjoyable to just listen to.
Sixteen Blue by The Replacements. I literally never shut up about this song. Specifically though, the Outtake – Alternative version of this song. I think that Let It Be by The Replacements is one of if not the best album ever. However this song in particular sticks out to me. It is tied with Androgynous which is a beautiful piano song that I have a really deep connection to because of how it talks about identity, however Sixteen Blue hits so much harder. It’s about growing up and feeling isolated and feeling like you’re stuck and you can’t go anywhere and Sixteen Blue encapsulates all that and more and also it has probably one of the best guitar riffs of all time.
He Doesn’t Know Why by Fleet Foxes. I really like this song because it makes me sad. It’s a song that I discovered last winter and honestly it feels like a very wintery song. It’s cold and sad. It’s about reuniting with an old family member after not seeing them for some time and seeing how they’ve degraded and it just hurts to listen to but in a weird nostalgic yet wistful kind of way and I really resonate with it.
Dark Child by Marlon Williams. This was my introduction to Marlon Williams. It was used as an end credits song for Wild Wild Country and I was hooked. Marlon Williams has this deep, soulful voice and this song is probably the best example of that. It’s another one of those sad wistful tracks. It’s this slow track and smooth track that gradually climbs as it reaches the chorus. It holds this degree of unmatched pain that lingers even as it ends. I also got the privilege of seeing this song live in concert and I sobbed the entire song through. It’s one thing to listen to it on your phone, it’s another to be there and sing along and listen to it live.
This Must Be The Place by Talking Heads. I could’ve picked a million different Talking Heads songs but this is by far my favorite. Speaking In Tongues is another one of those albums that’s near perfect. This song however has made it’s mark on me. It’s an incredibly simple song but it’s so fun. It’s upbeat, it has a super calm melody and I can’t get enough of it. The lyrics are enjoyable and easy to learn and no matter how sad I am, I can put this song on and cheer up in seconds. I literally spent an entire day listening to this song and I don’t think I could ever get sick of it.
My Name Is Carnival by Jackson C Frank. I love this song because it’s probably the best example of Jackson C Frank’s songwriting and singing. The rhyming on this song is off the charts and despite the relatively simple sounding guitar in the background, it never falters. I also prefer the version from the album American Troubadour. It’s quicker than the original version however it’s much deeper and holds much more weight to it. He also changes a few pieces towards the end of the song, during the line “And the shadow lie and waits outside your iron gates” that gives the song so much power to it and makes it an unforgettable listening experience.
Looking For You by Nino Ferrer. I hate this song. Solely because it’s only available on Youtube. I found this song completely by accident and it’s easily become one of my favorites. It starts with car noises before launching into this smooth guitar and drum with some trumpet noises in the background. With Nino Ferrer’s jazzy voice and Radiah’s complimenting vocals, this song is great. It’s the perfect song to kickback to at the end of the night or while just driving around at night. However, as much as I love this song, it’s not available on any streaming service and that’s honestly a crime because it’s one of Nino Ferrer’s best songs.
Take Five by Dave Brubeck. This is classic jazz. This song is one of my year round favorites. I especially love listening to it in the autumn. The minute I hear the opening cymbal hits, I am launched into cold weather, orange leaves and sipping cocoa. This song is a masterpiece. The drummer keeps time throughout the entire song which is especially impressive considering that this song is in a 5/4 time signature, something completely unique at the time. This is another one of those songs that I can’t get sick of no matter how much I listen to it. I especially love watching the 1964 live performance of this song. Watching the pure pride on Dave Brubeck’s face as he watches his band members is incredibly enjoyable and shows just how much he cared for music.
Dead Man’s Party by Oingo Boingo. Oingo Boingo is a band formed by composer Danny Elfman and it’s worth checking out. From ska to new wave to what I would simply dub “spooky” tracks, this band has it all. However, as we get closer and closer to Halloween, I’m reminded of how much I love the song Dead Man’s Party. As the guitar riff starts up, you know you’re in for a wild ride. Danny Elfman’s vocal talent is in full force here throughout the entire 6:21 minute song length. It’s a weird combination of ska, new wave and rock and it’s stupidly catchy. It also just makes you want to get up and dance. This song is amazing when you’re in the car, singing along with friends and just having a fun time.
Hopefully that despite my varied and strange choices for favorite songs, some of them stick out to you and prompt you to check out some songs you may have never heard before.