Playlist 5: Listen Up
/April showers bring great music!
Released: June 12, 2015
(c) Walk Off The Earth
Monday
“Rule The World”
Walk Off The Earth
While ravaging the clearance racks at the mall, a song came on the loudspeaker that I recognized as Walk Off The Earth, a huge morale boost on my all-day shopping expedition. They’ve become pretty well known for their YouTube covers (recently, a mash-up of “Shape Of You,” “No Scrubs,” and “No Diggity” using plastic tubes and a toy piano), but they also have some incredible music of their own. They’re so unique and inventive, and their musicianship is kind of unreal. All-in-all, this is a seriously talented crew of people; I’d highly recommend checking out this video as well as their entire channel.
I love all three lead singers' voices, especially the female (whose name I now know is Sarah). It’s pure, powerful and gritty all at once, and I wish I had her range. “Rule The World” is so anthemic and exciting, it makes me feel like I need to get off my butt and move mountains or something. Sadly, there are no mountains on Long Island, but I was motivated to have an almost three-hour long cooking session once I got home. My food prep for the week is complete, and to me, that’s a big accomplishment!
Tuesday
“Best Days”
Graham Colton
I walked around internship like a zombie today, like I was going through all of the motions of the day but feeling really disconnected. I wasn’t all that tired, or stressed, or worried…I really have no idea what’s been clouding my mind but it’s been a weird day!
I was extremely close to doing the drive home in silence, but I still needed to pick a song. I reluctantly put my iPod on for the drive and skipped through nearly every song besides this one. The lyrics are actually lovely, speaking about making the most of every day and embracing everything that comes your way. While I understood the sentiment and may appreciate it more tomorrow, none of it really sunk in. All I was aware of was the soothing sound of the guitar and vocals to get me through the drive. That was enough for me.
Copyright (c) – Atlantic Recording CorporationPhonographic Copyright (p) – WEA International Inc.
Wednesday
“Human”
Christina Perri
This morning picked up where yesterday left off and I still felt a little cloudy, but by the end of the night, I felt pretty energized. Somewhere in the middle of the day, I landed on this song. I want to utilize music in conjunction with my art therapy groups at my internship and am always brainstorming new ideas or songs that I could use.
“Human” encompasses the concept of wanting to be emotionally, mentally and physically tough, but also recognizing that everyone has a breaking point. I think it could have a serious impact on my clients, but I also realized that it’s something I need to keep in mind for myself. I’ve been putting extra pressure on myself over the last two weeks as I’ve taken on more responsibilities at my site, and I’ve really been quite self-critical about how I’m doing.
I want to be effective. I want to have a positive impact and I want to have the skills to say and do things that will benefit my patients. But I’m still a student and I’m still learning, and I often need to be reminded of that. As much as I’d like to be able to jump through hoops for people and be “perfect,” at the end of the day, I can only do so much.
℗ 2006 Aware Records LLC
Thursday
“The Heart Of Life”
John Mayer
If yesterday was my realization that it’s okay for things not to be perfect, today is my reassurance that even when things don’t go the way you think they should, or the way you wanted them to, everything will be okay. It’s a message that I’ve touched on before and likely will continue to with different songs, but one that’s so important for me at this point in my life. Maybe it is for you, too.
I like the idea of personifying Life as if it has its own heart. Yes, our lives belong to each of us and yes we have the power to do with them what we please, but it’s kind of cool to think of Life as this being that is always there for us. Life will throw you curveballs, bring you joy, and make things feel really difficult sometimes, but it ultimately has good intentions for you and where you are going down its path. It’s like a friend or relative or someone you care about, except it’s looking out for you and only you. “I know the heart of life is good.”
(c) 2017 AJR Productions LLC
Friday
“Weak”
AJR
I typically know almost immediately after starting a song whether or not I like it. Sometimes I can get through it, recognize that I don’t like it but admit that I’ll probably come around to it at some point. Usually, though, it’s a clear decision. If I don’t like it, I turn it off, if I do like it, I download it on the spot. Twenty seconds into this song and it made its way into my music library.
I had never heard of AJR before today, but a recommendation from The Whatismyhealth Community page inspired me to listen. They've got a bit of a Jon Bellion vibe (who will be featured soon I’m sure because I am borderline obsessed with his music), which probably why I was instantly grabbed. The combination of the laid-back techno beat and unusual electronic background sounds is really interesting, and it has a melodic flow that reminds me of Justin Timberlake’s “My Love.” And just like that, I’m listening to it on loop and already know half of the words.
This, my friends, is what I love about sharing music.
Weekly Wrap-Up
Quite the variety within this group! I think I was fueled more by music than lyrics this week, which was actually pretty refreshing.
Stand-Out Song of the Week: “The Heart Of Life”
I listened to this 6 or 7 times on Thursday, then again on Friday and am genuinely contemplating a tattoo with some of the lyrics. It was a serious connection.
What are your favorite song lyrics?
Share your comments at the bottom of the page.
© Copyright Whatismyhealth, April 9th 2017