Musical Thoughts
Being an avid reader, I love discovering new writers. Every writer has his or her own style, imagination, and eloquence. Each one conveys a story and its essence differently. I suppose the same could be said about songwriters, lyricists, and even composers. They weave a mystery and magic that is entirely their own.
In her novel, “More Than Maybe,” Erin Hahn wrote:
Lyrics do that sometimes. They find their home at just the right time. Like a secret message in a bottle, floating on a current for decades, only to wash up at someone’s feet when the words are needed.
All I can say is — she knew what she was talking about.
Right before this blog came to life and as the first half of the year was drawing to a close, I went through a crazy two months. The latter half of May was no less than an emotional whirlwind (read: nightmare), followed by going through my first major car accident on the first week of June, which meant having to recover from trauma and a minor back injury — all while still dealing with aforementioned nightmare and keeping a job.
Working on “Where She Writes” gave me something to focus on and put me back on some semblance of personal direction. That, and going through my Spotify playlists like mad.
Anyone who knows me well know that I have an affinity for music. Happy, sad, melancholy, frustrated, mellow — there will always be one track (or, set of tracks) that can perfectly define the emotion that I would be feeling at any given time. Sometimes, the right music has also helped me process my thoughts.
That said, this post is dedicated to some of the music that has taken me through this tumultuous time of 2021. These tracks have been there for my tears, moments of frustration, days when my spirits needed uplifting, and times when watching the rain fall was more than enough.
You know what? They still are. And maybe they can be there for you, too.
“One Foot In Front Of The Other” by Griff
I had never heard of Griff until her new album launched last June. Amazingly, I felt that it came at the right time. Like one of those stories that resonates with just anybody, this album takes you through the journey of heartache and grief, picking up where you left off, maybe taking one step forward and two steps back; and eventually, hopefully, finding inspiration again, one moment at a time.
Seven songs, twenty minutes. It’s that extended, hot shower that you didn’t know you needed.
“Last Train Home” by John Mayer
When it comes to soft rock / pop, John Mayer will always have a special place. His latest album, “Last Train Home” has all of four songs that carry that signature soulful sound, with just the right choice of words to tug at whatever kinds of feels that you may be having.
Best served with a cold drink while overlooking a gorgeous horizon. Preferably with a puppy cuddled up next to you.
Piano Solos and Instrumentals
Someone recently introduced me to how instrumental tracks can be the perfect background for when you need something to cut through the silence. More than that, these are also great for when you want to further immerse (or, wallow) yourself further in your emotions or stare off aimlessly into dystopia.
My sets of choice would be the soundtrack of Already Tomorrow In Hong Kong, the piano solos by Rachel Currea, and the instrumental tracks from the album of Guardian: The Lonely and Great God.
This singer-songwriter is a Filipino based in New York, who comes from a family of talents. His Spotify album is composed of originals and cover songs. This set is perfect for quiet, stormy nights, long drives, and for when you want some alone time.
Personal picks are If I Could, I’ll Find You, Take My Hand, and Porch Swing.
Perhaps it’s because I grew up with having at least one or two songs by The Moffats on repeat. You’ve got to admit that the Moffat twins, Bob and Clint have come an extremely long way with Music Travel Love.
This playlist is filled with flawless covers and originals, mostly as acoustic performances. Each track also has a complementing scenic music video that shows where the song was first performed. What is unique about this playlist is that there will always be a number of songs that will be familiar to almost every kind of listener.
*All links lead to Spotify.
