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: Why Taylor Swift's 1989 Is Still a Hit

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When thinking about one of the most iconic musicians of our generation, one name in particular comes to mind. And that is Taylor Swift.
A year ago, Swift released the album "1989," which contains music from Swift's birth year. Since then, "1989" has had five number one hits-"Style," "Blank Space," "Shake it Off," "Wildest Dreams," and "Bad Blood." Several other of her songs have charted, such as "Welcome To New York." "1989" has spent pretty much every week in the charts, and has sold over 8.6 million copies according to its' Wikipedia page.
However, a year later, Swifties all around the world, myself included still have the album on repeat. I've listened to "Style" over 200 times, and know the lyrics to most of the songs pretty much by heart. Her songs are still being played on the radio, and pretty regularly too I might add. Therefore, the album "1989" is an album that is one of the greatest of our generation, the same way "Thriller" was for our parents'.
What I liked about "1989" is that it's different than anything else out there in today's music market. I'm a huge fan of the '80's so I credit that to being the reason why I'm so obsessed with it. And the songs are just amazing. From "Welcome to New York" to "Wonderland," the album offers music that is both lyrically and musically mature, which is the reason why I love the album so much And, on the artistic end of things, it's just a great release.
As Swift's first non-country album, I can honestly say that there's not a single bad song that I don't like on the album. While I often put other albums aside, I still manage to listen to Swift's album pretty regularly.
What also is unique about "1989" is the the lyrics. From "Cause darling I'm a nightmare dressed like a daydream," to "red lip classic thing that you like," Swift's lyrics are amazing. Songs like "Out of the Woods" and "Clean" are songs that are both emotional and honest. Swift has always managed to maintain a sense of reliability with her listeners, however, this album shows off her song-writing talents.
Even as I find more music that I'm obsessed with at the moment, I still can't help but have "Style," "Blank Space," or "Out of the Woods" still playing. The album itself is a modern-day classic, despite the fact it's a bit overplayed on the radio in my opinion. Therefore, in my opinion as a music enthusiast, I can honestly say it's a must listen to listeners going through their twenties (which is Swift's target audience), and beyond.

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: Favorite Love Songs

Hey everyone! Summer is in the air, and I'm sure so is love. And what better than an intense love affair than having a playlist to fuel the nights when you're with that special someone. Then when you're apart, than when the song comes on you think of that special person. Here's some of my favorite love songs, perfect for those in love. Warning: I can't guarantee you're not going to be able to stop thinking about you're significant other while listening to these hot tracks.

1. Take My Breath Away by Berlin
2. Photograph by Def Leppard
3. Closer by Tegan and Sara
4. The One by Elton John
5. Make Me Lose Control by Eric Carmen
6. Crazy for You by Madonna
7. Close to You by Neon Trees
8. Deuces are Wild by Aerosmith
9. Love They Say by Tegan and Sara
10. Turning Page by Sleeping At Last 
11. You Are in Love by Taylor Swift
12. So Far Away by Rod Stewert 
13. Tiny Dancer by Elton John 

Music Monday: May Music Obsessions

The title of this post has such alliteration! Anyways, for those of you who know me, I love a good playlist. During my time as the Opinions Editor for the Southern News, I had to make a playlist every week and I was in heaven. Lately, I've been adding music to my iTunes library like crazy! From Lil Wayne, to Lindsay Lohan my iTunes and iPod have been gratefully accepting my new music choices to jam to. So, I decided to share a playlist with you...enjoy! (Some of these songs are a bit older, so #throwback!)

1. Born to Die by Lana Del Rey 
2. What Makes You Beautiful by One Direction 
3. Love Me Like You Do by Ellie Goulding (from 50 Shades of Grey)
4. One by Ed Sheeran
5. Perry Mason by Ozzy Osbourne
6. Closer by Tegan and Sara 
7. Hold on We're Going Home by Drake 
8. Summertime Sadness by Lana Del Rey 
9. Don't by Ed Sheeran 
10. Dangerous by Roxette
11. Style by Taylor Swift 
12. Heaven Knows by the Pretty Reckless 
13. American by Lana Del Rey 
14. Miracle Man by Ozzy Osbourne
15. West Coast by Lana Del Rey 

Currently.

Currently, my life is a mix of writing a lot of final papers and getting ready to finally enjoy the summer. (It's going to be weird not having a bunch of things going on, but that I can get used to.) I also plan to spend the summer interning at the College Fashionista website, which is something that I am so excited to announce with you all! I start May 18th, and I'm so excited to have this opportunity. I've never written for a blog before (other than my own) so this experience will be so great. (Plus it's something that I can learn a lot from!)

So here's what's up with me lately:

I'm currently listening to: Forever by Drake, Sechnsuct by Rammstein, and Style by Taylor Swift on repeat. 

I'm currently reading "The Lucy Variations." I love Sara Zarr, however I wish I had more time to read it! 

I'm currently obsessed with the color blue. Particially Tiffany Blue. 

I'm also currently obsessed with LC Lauren Conrad. I recently bought some costume jewelry pieces as well as some from her Cinderella collection! (Maybe I'll do a fashion post about her upcoming Minnie Mouse collection; what do you think?) 

I'm currently obsessed with iced coffee. I used to hate it, and now I can't get enough! (Especially the cookie dough kind)

What are you up to currently? 

2014 Albums of the Year

2014 was a great year of music in my opinion. Between Taylor Swift to The Pretty Reckless, it was swarming with new releases. Here's my favorites from this year.

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Ultraviolence by Lana Del Rey 
Of course, the queen gets the top spot. Ultraviolence came out in June, yet it's still on repeat. Lana is amazing with her dark music that sounds so smooth that you're constantly wanting more. My faves are 'Cruel World', 'Ultraviolence', and "West Coast', yet the entire album is amazing in itself. I love Lana, and this album.
Going to Hell by The Pretty Reckless 
The Pretty Reckless is one of my favorite modern bands. "Going to Hell" didn't disappoint. I'm a huge fan of rock, and Taylor Momsen is a brilliant singer. "Heaven Knows" has quickly become my anthem through out the year, and the music video is simply brilliant. "Follow Me Down", "Going to Hell", "Heaven Knows", "Absolution", "Sweet Things", and "Why'd You Bring A Shotgun to the Party" are some of my favorites. If you like it, also check out their debut "Light Me Up". It's amazing.

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1989 by Taylor Swift 
Taylor Swift is amazing. 1989 was simply epic. Since it has an eighties tone to it, I fell in love with it. Her creativeness showed in "Out of the Woods", and the music video "Blank Space" was really well done. All of the songs are classics but my faves are "Welcome to New York", "Blank Space", "Style", Out of the Woods", "Shake it Off", and "Bad Blood." If you haven't listened to at least one of these songs before, then you've simply been living under a rock. Go listen to them now.
Classics by She & Him
At the time of writing this, the album didn't come out. However, I am such a huge fan of this charming duo that I'm going to have so much faith that it's amazing. In the mean time, check out 'Stars Fall On Alabama" and 'Stay Awhile". Zooey's voice is amazing and I'm so excited about this release.

Music Monday: 1989

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Taylor Swift is my not so guilty pleasure because she's awesome and I'm not afraid to own it. After all, her music is actually pretty good. When I first heard 'Shake It Off' back in August, I became obsessed and I constantly listen to it. (I thank my good friend Gabriel's father. He decided to show us the video, and then the song just grew on me. #hatersgonnahate)
Between the singles 'Shake it Off', 'Out of the Woods', and 'Welcome to New York', I became obsessed with her songs and her new style, since she's no longer a country star.
1989 reminded me of the eighties era that I am obsessed with and I couldn't wait until October 27th came so I can see what else she had in store. And when it came last week, I was impressed. I think I've had it on repeat ever since, and I really don't care.
She's just really awesome, and she writes in a way that is raw and authentic, which is something that only Taylor Swift can do. She's known for her breakup songs, (ahem 'We Are Never Ever Ever Getting Back Together'), and her songs that make you wonder whose it about. Although 1989 has some of those components, it's an album that has lyrics that anyone can relate.
All of the songs on her CD are really good, however, my favorite is 'Style.' It's amazing, and I've had that song on repeat two or three times. It's such an amazing song, and you all have to listen it. Like stop reading this review and listen to it right now. It's that good.
Overall, listen to 1989. Just do it. It's that good.
Favorite Songs: Welcome to New York, Out of the Woods, Style, Shake it Off, Bad Blood, How You Get The Girl, Wildest Dreams, I Wish You Would, & This 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. 

Current Obessions

Hey everyone! So it's been a while since I properly blogged. So I figured I'd give you a bit of an update of my current happenings! 

On repeat: Taylor Swift's song "Shake It Off." I'm not sure why but that song makes me really happy and therefore, it's something that happens to be on repeat on my iTunes. I think that I listened to it three times in a row once..okay I have a problem. But it's so catchy! 

Bingewatching: "Gossip Girl". I'm obsessed with this show ever since I watched the first episode. It can be so intense, especially watching frenemies Serena and Blair have it out and make up. Also Serena and Dan are the cutest couple ever. 

Eating; Quesadillas. I'm obsessed with them, especially ones with grilled chicken and guacamole. It's beyond amazing. #foodporn

Constantly On; Instagram. I constantly have to take a picture for the 'gram. Usually it's a picture of a beach, food, or friends. Whatever the case may be, I am constantly on the 'gram because it's one of the best apps out there. Plus, taking photos all of the time is fun! 

Wearing; Skirts and dresses! I have mostly been a skinny jeans kind of girl, but lately I've been seen wearing skirts and dresses. Mostly it's because they are so soft, but I love stepping out of my fashion comfort zone a bit. Plus, they make me feel like Jess Day. 

Reading; Gayle Forman.  I read 'If I Stay', 'Where She Went', and 'Just One Day' in a matter of a few weeks! Her books are so good, and I want to read "Just One Year" so badly! I am currently reading 'The Maze Runner,' but with school and stuff it's been hard to sit down and read a book. 

"Don't You Worry Your Pretty Little Mind; People Throw Rocks at Things That Shine"

Have you ever had something happen to you that completely changes you? You can't help it but it does. It changes the way that you think, and what you expect out of other people. We begin to overgeneralize how every single person or thing is going to be based on something that happened long ago. Something that happened to you and now that you think it's going to happen again.
It's safe to say that all of my reactions are a consequence of something that happened to me. We've come to expect things based on a cycle of things that have happened to us previously? But, to overcome them, we often wonder what the hell did we do to deserve them? We have to wonder why something happened to us. Sometimes, it's enough to keep us awake at night, and our stomachs turning and tying themselves in knots. Worry can consume us, and turn us into crazy people.
The million dollar question is why do we worry?
Well, there's no concrete clear answer to that. However, I can say honestly that we worry because we expect some sort of abstract consequence or experience some sort of pain. We worry because we think that somethings going to happen and there's no probability that it actually will. The source is unknown, but the answer is clear. There is no way to prevent it. It's a part of life. The only answer to all of this is to not worry at all.
If only it were that simple. Of course you can't tell someone not to worry. That makes them worry more!
What I've found out to be is that the more you worry, the only thing that gets hurt is yourself. I believe that God has created a story for me, written in stone, and his path to be clear. If it's meant to be, then it would be. Therefore, there's no sense worrying about it.
Okay, so I'm offically Yoda.

Music Monday-Taylor Swift.

Okay so before you all judge me let me just say that Taylor Swift is one of my guilty pleasures. I own that, and that's okay. I mean come on, everyone has a guilty pleasure. She's mine.

Listening to Taylor Swift music makes me really happy. It's music that uplifts me whenever I am in a bad mood. It's the type of music that you can listen to when you're in your bedroom and singing along to it with your hairbrush. Her music is so relatable, because it deals with things that girls, teenagers, and young adults deal with all of the time. Breakups, hookups, and all other things. It was said somewhere that if your girlfriend is quoting Taylor Swift as her status you either did something wrong or something right. And you have got to admit, there's some truth to that. 

I also like how Taylor's music is relatable for everyone. Her story, is just a girl that made it big. Her passion for music is undeniable. Some people say that it's awful, and that's okay. It's your opinion and you're entitled to it. 

Some Music that I like by Taylor Swift:

Our Song
Fifteen

Tim McGraw

I'm Only Me When I'm With You

Teardrops on My Guitar

Love Story 

Jump than Fall

You Belong With Me

Enchanted

Mine

Never Grow Up

Story of Us

Ours

22
All Too Well

I Knew You Were Trouble

State of Grace

Red

Stay Stay Stay

We Will Never Ever Get Back Together

Safe and Sound
Crazier
Sweeter Than Fiction

So Taylor Swift is my guilty pleasure. And that's okay because everyone needs one. What's your guilty pleasure artist? 

Have a suggestion for a Music Monday? Comment below, tweet me, or email me! 

Why sir, I must confess!

I saw a post about someone's confessions recently, and thought 'hey I have confessions too!' I know that you all want to know them. Come on, admit it. Anyways, without further a due, here are my confessions. I must confess:

• I've seen every episode of Gilmore Girls. It's my favorite television show ever. 

• I love coffee way too much. I typically have one to two cups a day. However, I realize that all of the coffee that I enjoy is flavored coffee.

• My favorite hobby is singing. I always wanted to be a singer, but I'm extremely self conscious about my voice. 
• I happen to enjoy Taylor Swift music. 

• I've also have seen every holiday Peanuts special. 

Those are my confessions. What are yours?

Image creds go to google image search.

The Guilty Pleasure Playlist.

Everyone has that guilty pleasure that they don't want to talk  about. Often times, it's because they have some sort of fear of being judged. So, after thinking about this, I made a playlist called "The Guilty Pleasure Playlist," with all music that I can't help but enjoy..

1. Red by Taylor Swift. Although, I'm into hard, classic rock that probably makes people who really into this sort of music want to scream, I still like her. I like it because it's the kind of music that you can relate to and sing out loud like you own it. 
2. What Makes You Beautiful by One Direction. I love this song because it makes me feel good about myself. The end.
3. Super Bass by Nicki Minaj. I used to like Nicki Minaj way back when. Therefore, whenever this song (or any other song from Pink Friday for that matter) I can't help but wanting to sing along.
4. Come Clean by Hilary Duff. Okay, so what 90s kid didn't enjoy her?
5. My Heart Will Go On by Celine Dion. Okay, so it's not a guilty pleasure, but this song is so pretty. I'm such a chick.
6. Call Me Maybe by Carly Rae Jepson. Okay, who doesn't know all of the words to this song? Seriously, it gets into your head. Plus, it's so true!

I think that we shouldn't be ashamed about our guilty pleasures, and we should just own them. After all, it's all just something that we like, and we shouldn't have to hide it!