Music Obsession Monday

Hey everyone. I've been listening to a lot of great music lately, so I've decided to share a playlist of music that I've had on repeat, which has a selection from Missy Elliot to Elton John. Hope you enjoy, and comment below with some of your own musical obsessions!

Why Out of the Woods By Taylor Swift Holds A Special Meaning to Me

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Ever have a song that when you listen to it, it just reminds you of a person or a time in your life? It's like one second you're fine, but the next minute (when the song comes on usually), you can picture that person or thing you're trying to black out. Sometimes it's a person. Sometimes, it's a memory such as nostalgia.
One song that does that for me is "Out of the Woods" by Taylor Swift. The song, when it came out, instantly reminded me of my now ex fling. When I listened to it the first time, it exactly mirrored how I felt about him at that time. We rarely talked then (and we rarely do now), and a part of me still questioned what happened. It bought back those emotions, and I thought "hey this song reminds me what I feel about this person." The song is a beautifully written song about the fragility of relationships, and how fragile the people in them are.
Lyrics such as "Remember when you hit the brakes too soon/20 stitches and a hospital room/you started crying and I did too" and "looking at it now, last December/we were built to fall apart and fall back together," both resonated to me. We had gotten closer to each other in December. We began breaking when he had a panic attack in front of me, because I freaked out due to the fact I didn't know what was happening in front of my eyes. I was scared, of his panic attacks and of falling for him. I was scared, so I began to ran. I remember what sent me in a sprint-he felt freaked out about someone.
The reason why my ex-fling and I never got together was because of fear. I was afraid to tell him I wanted to be his girlfriend. I wasn't sure how he felt, so I didn't say how I felt. We went on dates, and he did nice things for me. But, nothing ever happened. Two years later, I am content with that. I moved on to better things, and as for him, I don't know what he's doing. All I know is whenever I talk to him, I think "how did I like this person?"
But, when I listen to the song "Out of the Woods," I am taken back to a cold Dec. night, when his touch and kindness made me weak in the knees. I remember going to a movie, and wondering if he was going to kiss me (he didn't.) I guess I'll never fully get out of the woods, and that's okay. The song itself is a beautiful one, and one of my favorites. However, I will always be reminded of him, even when I'm married. And a memory is something I am content with. 

Music Monday: 37 Albums Everyone Should Listen To

For the past two years, I've showcased new artists that I was obsessed with and thought they were good. I also wrote about upcoming releases, new albums, and shared playlists with you guys. Now, I've compiled a list of some albums that I personally have fallen in love with over the years. Some are old, some are new. Here's a list of my favorites. I love albums because they are a personal period of an artist's life. I also love them because there's nothing better than putting on a new CD. (I'm still old fashioned) And no, they are not in particular order. I recommend these all to you if you're looking for some fresh new tunes.

1. Like a Virgin by Madonna
2. Born to Die by Lana Del Rey
3. No More Tears by Ozzy Osbourne
4. 1989 by Taylor Swift
5. The One by Elton John
6. Heartthrob by Tegan and Sara
7.  Strange Desire by Bleachers
8. Honeymoon by Lana Del Rey
9. Red by Taylor Swift
10. Paper Trail by T.I. 
11. Madonna by Madonna
12. Ozzmosis by Ozzy Osbourne
13. Ultraviolence by Lana Del Rey 
14. JOJO by JoJo
15. True Blue by Madonna
16. Down to Earth by Ozzy Osbourne
17. Made in England by Elton John
18. Black Rain by Ozzy Osbourne  
19. The High Road by JoJo
20. Confessions on a Dance Floor by Madonna
21. Top Gun (Soundtrack) by Various
22. Scream by Ozzy Osbourne
23. Stripped by Christina Aguilera 
24. The Stranger by Billy Joel
25. Beauty Behind the Madness by The Weekend 
26. Big Ones by Aerosmith
27. Tringle by JoJo
28. X by Ed Sheeran
29. Paradise (EP) by Lana Del Rey 
30. Going to Hell by The Pretty Reckless
31. Dirty Dancing (Soundtrack) by Various 
32. Ultimate Sin by Ozzy Osbourne
33.  Sehnsucht by Rammstein
34. Love Songs by Elton John 
35. American Life by Madonna
36. Light Me Up by The Pretty Reckless 
37. No Rest for the Wicked by Ozzy Osbourne

Music Monday: Strange Desire

Source
https://open.spotify.com/album/0cnNCK2xpudXjB8pzsrYy9 
Well, look whose back with a vengeance! None other than one of my favorite features-Music Monday. For the first Music Monday since God knows when, I am featuring the awesome Bleachers. Bleachers, which is an one man band featuring Jack Antonoff of the band Fun.
Strange Desire was released last summer, and I've recently bought the album thanks to the iTunes alternative sale. Seriously, bought so many albums on impulse and I don't even care.
The album is a mixture of alternative and reminded me of the 80s. If you like Taylor Swift's '1989,' then you will like this album.
'Strange Desire' has the hit single, 'I Wanna Get Better.' 'I Wanna Get Better' is a catchy song which talks about one's desire to do just that-get better at whatever. It also features the single 'Rollercoaster', which is one of my jams. Another favorite of mine is 'Wild Heart,' which is the first track of the album. 'Shadow', 'Wake Me' and 'Like a River Runs' are also some of my favorites.
Overall, if you're looking for some new, awesome and fresh music than you're in luck-'Strange Desire' has got your back.
Songs I am Obsessed With: 'Wild Heart,' Rollercoaster,' 'I Wanna Get Better,' 'Shadow' and 'Reckless Love.' 

"I Don't Know About You.."

Music is something that takes us to a different realm. Sometimes, a song is something that takes us to a certain place and time. There's some music and songs that once you hear them, you go back to that certain place in time. The memory is something that can either put a tear in your eye, or a smile on your face.
Here's my songs that bring me back to a certain place.
 
Alessia and I-July 2013
22 by Taylor Swift This song brings me back to last summer with Alessia. We danced to this song at the Fourth of July fireworks in my town and it was amazing. Whenever I hear this song, I am instantly transported to the Fourth of July with Alessia. It also makes me sad because I really miss seeing Alessia.
Super Bass by Nicki Minaj This song reminds me of homecoming 2011, when I was dancing with my friends. I also got really sick that night, and Griffin was really nice to take care of me. Whenever I listen to this song, I often get flashbacks from that night.
Dance With My Father by Celine Dion This song reminds me of my grandfather, because I considered him to be my father figure. If he were alive, than I would be dancing to it with him when I got married.
Some Nights by fun. Whenever I listen to this song, I think about my senior year in high school. It was really popular back then, so it would constantly be on the radio. I loved this song before it was popular, because I liked fun. before they were a big hit.
 
Gabriel and I-August 2014 
I Wanna Get Better by Bleachers This song reminds me of Gabriel and I. Gabriel was the one who introduced me to this band, so naturally I would think of them as I'd listen to them. 

Music Monday: The Pretty Reckless

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Rock and roll and I seem to go together like peanut butter and jelly. Some of my favorite songs are rock anthems, such as "Sweet Emotion." So, when I found out Jenny Humphrey (Taylor Momsen) was in a rock band, I was curious to see what it was like.
And I wasn't disappointed.
I first downloaded the song 'Heaven Knows'. It was one of the more popular songs, and it came on iTunes radio. I was blown away, and so I also bought an old favorite called 'Make Me Wanna Die.' Which then started an obsession.
Long story short, I bought both of their albums. And I'm in love with them.
Their first album 'Light Me Up' was their debut. Taylor is an amazing vocalist, and their lyrics were fresh, and original. Songs like 'Miss Nothing', 'Make Me Wanna Die', and 'Zombie' are rock anthems, while 'You' and 'Just Tonight' are ballad-based.
Their sophomore album 'Going to Hell' was released earlier this year. Their album reminded me of the hair metal albums of the 80s, and has been on repeat ever since I got it a few days ago. I literally can't pick a bad song out of the entire album, and it's amazing.
Overall, if you're interested into a fresh new rock and roll band, like the music of Bon Jovi and Motley Crue, then give the Pretty Reckless a listen.
Favorites:
Light Me Up:

• My Medicine
• Since You're Gone
• Make Me Wanna Die 
• Just Tonight 
• Zombie 
• Miss Nothing 

Going to Hell:

• Follow Me Down 
• Going to Hell 
• Heaven Knows 
• House on a Hill 
• Absolution 
• Why'd You Bring a Shotgun to a Party

Music Monday-Summer Love Songs.

Ahh, summer love. It's that one time of year when the weather is as hot as your hormones. When you have enough free time to devote to spreading it with someone else. As Boys Like Girls said "your voice is the sound of my summer", and you just need a summer love playlist to play to your beloved on a hot summer night. Out of ideas? Well here's some of my faves, bought to you by Spotify!
What are some of your favorite summer love songs? I would like to hear them. Tell me in the comments section below!

Young and Beautiful, by Lana Del Rey
Drunk on You by Luke Bryan
Teenage Dream by Katy Perry
Made in the USA by Demi Lovato
National Anthem by Lana Del Rey
You Sound Good to Me by Lucy Hale
I Love You by Martina McBride
Kids in Love by Mayday Parade
When I Look At You by Miley Cyrus
Thunder by Boys Like Girls

Music Monday-What Have I Been Listening To?

Lately, my taste in music has been pretty much all over the place. I've recently liked Beyonce, and I'm also currently listening to my old faves, Aerosmith . And of course, Lana's new album has been on repeat since it came out. So, I've devised a playlist with some of my current awesome music that you all should plug into your Spotify. (But I'm old fashioned according to Gabriel. I actually still download MP3 and purchase CDs.)

1. Rocky Mountain Way by Ozzy Osbourne
2. I Wanna Get Better by Bleachers 
3. Afraid by Neighborhood
4. Sad Girl by Lana Del Rey 
5. You Sound Good to Me by Lucy Hale
6. Drunk in Love by Beyonce 
7. Ultraviolence by Lana Del Rey 
8. Sing by Ed Sheeran 
9. Rollercoaster by Bleachers
10. Fancy by Iggy Azelia
11. Fallinlove2nite by Prince featuring Zooey Deschanel
12. Lose Yourself by Eminem
13. Naughty Girl by Beyonce 
14. Never Know Why by Ozzy Osbournc
15. Independent Women by Destiny's Child
16. Independence Day by Martina Mcbride 
17. The Way We Were by Barbra Streisand 
18. Cruel World by Lana Del Rey 

What are you listening to? Let me know, I want to see what's on your playlist. 

Music Monday-Favorite Songs Lryics

Okay, so you can't have a song without lyrics, am I right? Some lyrics manage to stick with you, and make your life a tad bit more awesome when you listen to them. Some are powerful, and are inspiring to you as you conquer the world. Some lyrics just make you feel like a badass, and at the end of the day that's all that matters. Here's some of my favorites.

Dream on, dream on til your dreams come true. (Aerosmith, Dream On)

You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one. I hope some day you join us, and the world will be as one. (John Lennon, Imagine)

I won't apologize for being different. (Sleeping With Sirens, Feel)
Maybe it's not too late to learn how to love and forget how to hate. (Ozzy Osbourne, Crazy Train) 

Those are my favorite lyrics, well some of them anyways. What are yours?

Music Monday-Bright Eyes

(Source)
One of my favorite bands throughout my high school career was Bright Eyes. I discovered them when I was a freshman, ironically when I was interested in someone who liked them. Naturally, I began listening to them, and then I just liked them.
Bright Eyes began as a solo music band by folk music star Conor Oberst. Conor is one of the most talented human beings on the planet, in my opinion because he plays multiple instruments, in addition to just being musically gifted. He's been active since the 90s, and has multiple bands including Conor Oberst and the Mystic Valley Band, and Monsters of Folk.
Bright Eyes to date has 10 albums-9 studio and 1 live. The members primarily consist of Oberst, Mike Mogis, and Nate Wolcott. However, the rest of the lineup is made up from musicans on Omaha's music scene. Bright Eyes is considered to be Indie Folk, however there are elements of rock.
One of my favorite albums of all time is actually by them, which is their 2007 release Cassadaga.There's not a song on this album that I really can't say that I don't like.
I picked Bright Eyes as a Music Monday because I've recently gotten back into them, and I feel like everyone in the world should listen to Cassadaga. And the People's Key. And them in general.
Some songs you should check out; 

• Four Winds 
• No One Would Riot For Less
• Clairaudients (Kill or Be Killed) 
• Hot Knives
• Make a Plan to Love Me
• Soul Singer in a Session Band
• Coat Check Dream Song
• Easy/Lucky/Free
• A Perfect Sonnet
• Reinvent the Wheel
• First Day of my Life
• Lua 
• Lover I Don't Have to Love
• Don't Know When But a Day's Gonna Come
• True Blue 
• Firewall
• Shell Games
• Singularity 
• One for You; One for Me
• When the President Talks to God
• Coyote Song

Last Minute Gift Ideas

So, Valentine's Day is well tomorrow, and you didn't get your significant other some sort of gift to show how much you love them. Oops. Well, have no fear! Here's some ideas for the men to get their ladies (and vice versa!) And yes, let's keep it a secret that you almost forgot about Valentine's Day.

• This idea is totally perfect for both sexes. Making a mix tape, or a CD with some of your favorite love songs. (Need some ideas? Here's my faves) Or put some songs that you probably talked about with that other person, or has some meaning for the two of you. This is perhaps one of my signature gifts for people because I believe that music is one of the best gifts ever. I put a lot of thought in my CDs, so therefore if you're trying to impress someone with your music skills, give this a shot. 

• For the gentlemen out there, you should give your women Alex and Ani! It's perfect, because they have a lot of meaning behind the bracelet. If you're stuck on what to get your girl, consider the Skeleton Key one. (You know cause you hold the key to my heart kind of thing.)
• On the subject of jewelry, basically getting anything heart shaped on some kind of metal is always a thumbs up. A personal idea of something I would love is a locket with a picture of the two of you. How romantic!
• A movie with a coupon for a movie night. I don't know why, but this screams romance for me. 

Source; my Pinterest

• Candy. Cupcakes. Cookies. Yeah, anything sweet would apply. I've heard that the way to a person's heart is their stomach. That's kind of true, especially with me, cause I love food. Brownie points if you made it for them yourself. 
• Last but certainly not least, is to channel your inner Shakespeare by writing a poem for them. That's the way to woo your sweetheart fo shure. 

There, now go hit the mall, your computer, your oven, whatever. You got this. 

Music Monday; Valentine's Edition

Hey there, everyone. Following the tradition of love themed posts this week, first up is some awesome tunes. After all, music is the language of love. Have no valentine? Have no fear, we have a playlist for you as well! So, get your iPod ready for that special night, here's some of my favorite songs for you to play, whether you're riding solo or not!

For the Lovebirds;

• I've Had the Time of My Life by Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes (From Dirty Dancing)
• Check Yes Juliet by We the Kings 
• Hold onto Me by Mayday Parade 
• Crazy by Aerosmith 
• Deuces are Wild by Aerosmith 
• I Don't Want to Miss a Thing by Aerosmith 
• Candyman by Christina Aguilera
• Ain't No Other Man by Christina Aguilera 
• You're the Inspiration by Chicago
• Crazy for You by Madonna
• Young and Beautiful by Lana Del Rey 
• Teenage Dream by Katy Perry 

For the Singles;

• 1 2 Step by Ciara 
• Single by Natasha Bedingfield 
• Ladies Night by Kool and the Gang 
• Get Down Tonight by KC and the Sunshine Band
• Walk this Way by Aerosmith 
• Prima Donna by Christina Aguilera 
• Venus by Lady Gaga 
• Blurred Lines by Robin Thicke

Here's to a rocking Valentine's Day! 

Music Monday: Fall Out Boy.

Back in middle school, an emo band played on the radio. Their song? Thanks for the Memories. I immediately fell in love with that song, and still play it loudly today. However, my knowledge of the band now is greater, especially since I've actually had the chance to listen to most of their music.
Infinity on High, and From Under the Cork Tree are some of the albums that have gotten me through my awkward teen years. However, nostalgia isn't the reason why I'm featuring this band. It's because after almost five years, they released another astounding album. That would be called Save Rock and Roll, which is currently one of my favorite albums of 2013. One of the perks? It features Elton John, who is one of my favorite singers.
Whenever I listen to their music, I immediately feel like a bad ass. The difference between this sort of rock and roll, and the classic rock and roll is that their music has the tendency to get stuck in my head. Seriously, it's annoying. But if it's a good song, like most of Fall Out Boy's music is, then it's quite alright.
Favorite Fall Out Boy Songs:

• Alpha Dog
• Our Lawyer Made us Change The Name of the Song so We Couldn't Get Sued
• Dance, Dance
• Sugar We're Going Down
• Nobody Puts Baby in a Corner
• I Don't Care
• Thanks for the Memories 
• The Carpal Tunnel of Love
• I'm Like A Lawyer With the Way I'm Trying to Get You Off
• The Pheonix
• Where Did The Party Go?
• The Mighty Fall 
• Save Rock and Roll
• This Ain't A Scene; It's an Arms Race
• My Songs Know What You Did In the Dark

Fall Out Boy is our  generation's Aerosmith, in my opinion. So, pull on your skinny jeans, and save rock and roll kids!

Have an idea as to what Music Monday should be next? Comment and contact me! I'm open to hearing suggestions! 

The Power Of Music.

Sometimes we have really bad days. On those days we want to cry, watch a bunch of movies, and eat a lot of things that taste good however they are not good for your actual body. It's the kind of thing you do things to make you feel good.
But then, on the radio we hear a song. A song that sparks us on the inside that causes some kind of strong feeling. Only music can do it. Music makes us feel. Music makes us feel inspired. Music makes us want to get up and want to dance around the room and not care what the world thinks. Music has this weird motivator that makes us want to do things. Music can make us feel like we are able to do anything. It makes us feel not alone.
The power of music is simple. For the past week, I've been feeling kind of down. However, with the help of music, it causes me to feel completely and totally happy. I feel like I'm a part of something that is bigger than myself. I'm in a world where I feel like I belong. Whether I'm listening to music, singing along to it, or listening to it when I'm running, I automatically feel better.
It's plain and simple. Music is powerful.

And for those who may be wondering what I'm listening to lately:

1. Blurred Lines by Robin Thicke. I think it's overplayed, but I kind of have this song stuck in my head. 
2. Demi Lovato. I've always liked her, and she's super inspiring. Whenever I listen to Skyscraper I can't help but be inspired to great. 
3. Lana Del Ray. I just started getting into her when the Great Gatsby came out. (Young and Beautiful is simply beautiful.) I highly reccomend her music, so if you haven't heard her before, go onto some music radio thing such as Spotify, or Pandora and listen to her. 

It's Amazing.

It's amazing how one song can have so much power. It can put you in a different mood. It can take you to a different time or place. It can stop you dead in your tracks, and make you wanna dance. It can make you cry. It can make you laugh. It can make you want to get on top of a table and begin to dance. It can even motivate us to the point of being able to do something that you never thought that you would be able to do.  It's all the power of one single song.
It's amazing how music can do this. Music is something that will always be there, because it always was here. How we listen to it may change over time, but music is still there. I'm currently listening to music by my favorite band at the moment, Aerosmith. Music has power, one can assume. Its presence is like the wind, one can never see it, one can hear and feel it. Music is the one thread that unites us, because everyone in some way or another, likes music.
Music is this power that is there for us. The songs we listen to, well some of them anyways can cause amazing things. Therefore, one can say one thing:
Music makes the people come together, yeah..
Thanks Madonna!