Music...ahhhh. The soul-soother. Have you ever asked anyone what their favorite music is, only to have them answer vaguely and say "It depends on my mood". For the most part, we all love music. And I honestly love it when people say that it depends on their mood, because that's what music is all about...feeling it, embracing it, letting it influence and change your moods, pump you up, settle you, motivate you, cure your boredom...the list goes on and on with why we listen to music.
I can't think of very much music that I would say I "detest". Pop culture hip hop would be one of them for me, only because of the vulgarity of it. I think the true talent of the artists is lost in the fact that we can't listen to it. At least I can't. But today, I got a list together of some of the songs that, regardless of what kind of mood I am in, when it comes on, I stop everything I am doing, close my eyes and CRRRANK it. Whether it's lyrical, instrumental or vocal genius, these are the songs that came to my list. Unfortunately, Spotify doesn't allow me to share my actual playlist on my blog, but I am going to give you my list of.....
The Top TEN Songs (+ a few extra) to Never EVER interrupt me during..... (in no particular order) ...
1. How Deep the Father's Love For Us by Selah
This song starts off with acapella vocals and then comes in with delightful harmony. For me, the lyrics of this song, every single one of them, erase any negativity I may be harboring in my heart and it allows me to re-focus back on that which is so very important to me...My Father God's love and sacrifice.
2. Permanent by David Cook
I'm not too proud to tell you that when David Cook was in the Top 10 vocalists on American Idol, I voted every time for him. Sometimes, maybe even 30-40 times a night. And since he won, I haven't watched another episode of American Idol. I like him that much....This song is among one of my favorite ones he sung, mostly due to the fact of knowing the pain he felt when singing it, having his brother go through brain cancer treatments that eventually took his life. Apart from that, again, the lyrics are stellar...and his voice...pretty much melts me.
3. The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face by Leona Lewis
This one HAS to be the Leona Lewis version. A great song originally sung by Roberta Flack, but Leona Lewis nails it. This is a put-the-headphones-on kind of song and up the volume to as far as your eardrums can handle it without bursting. The purity of her voice and emotion behind her words...angelic.
4. I Have Nothing by Whitney Houston
This, my friends, is my self-proclaimed favorite song, OF ALL TIME! First of all, may she rest in peace. Whitney was my childhood idol, much to the distain of my sister who wanted me to listen to more Christian, positive music. I wanted to BE Whitney Houston. I sung many times with my hairbrush microphone to her songs, but this one is, by far, my favorite. The words to the song are great and then you add in Whitney's vocals along with a few key changes and the power of her pipes, from strong to soft...no one will ever sing like Whitney. This will always be my favorite song ever.
5. Broken Hallelujah by Mandisa
Another American Idol contestant, although I can't say I watched much of that season. I saw her in concert with Matthew West and was so impressed by her energy and authenticity. This song, while the vocals are good, I like more for the words...for being able to relate to being down in the dumps and having nothing to offer up to God, not even an eloquent prayer...just a "broken hallelujah"....give it a listen if you haven't heard it yet. Especially if your heart is a tad bit sad or empty and you need to feel like you're not alone.
6. Moonlight Sonata: Adagio Sostenuto by Beethoven
I have always been a sucker for classical music. I used to get made fun of in high school for listening to it so much. But come on! There's nothing as soothing or quieting to the soul as piano music. The first time I ever heard it, I was actually watching the movie "Seven" with Brad Pitt and Morgan Freeman...they were in it, I wasn't ACTUALLY watching the movie with them for those of you who may have been confused. :) I just remember a scene in a library and the music played and I loved it. I can listen to this song any time.
7. Gospel Medley by Destiny's Child
This song, I suppose, is more of a sentimental song for me. I remember it because I used the song in a video I made for the birth of my first child, my daughter...so when I hear the song, it takes me back to the special time in my life when I became a first-time mama. Additionally, it's Destiny's Child before it was just the Beyonce show...and their harmony and soul is spot on.
8. Imagine Me by Kirk Franklin
This is an uplifting "release me" song. He's good at songs like that. This is a toss up between this song of his and his other one "Smile" that is more recent. I chose Imagine because it's one of his first ones I heard and remembered. It reminds me, from time to time, to release the things that are holding me down or holding me back and to imagine life without those burdens.
9. Broken Girl by Matthew West
I am pretty sure I cry or tear up every time I hear this song. Matthew West is a ridiculous vocalist with one of the more clearer understandings of grace and forgiveness than any recording artist I have ever heard. With not only being able to relate to the "broken girl" in his song and also with my passion about sex trafficking prevention, this song breaks me every time I hear it. Best lyrics of the song "Let your tears touch the ground, lay all your shattered pieces down and be amazed by how grace can take a broken girl and put her back together again." I love that he doesn't leave it just talking about the issue of sex abuse in a personal way, he reminds us that it can be healed and it is!
10. Blessed Redeemer by Casting Crowns
I can't think of a single Casting Crowns song, honestly, that I don't adore. They are probably one of my favorite Christian groups out there. I suppose I chose this song because it's never-endingly delightful to listen to, but because of the tender relationship with I have with Jesus, my Redeemer. That word itself makes me choke up...to have the opportunity to be brought back in to a right relationship with God after time and time again failing....He is my Blessed Redeemer!
And with just a few add ons (bonus!!!) with little explanation but deserved to be mentioned:
Cancion del Mariachi by Antonio Banderas & Los Lobos - Enough said. Mariachi. Antonio Banderas.
Red House by Jimi Hendrix - One of my favorite guitar pieces from Hendrix. Plus it's in the movie City of Angels which is one of my favorite movies, too...
Cottonfields & Crossroads (the LIVE version) by Los Lobos - The song lasts forever, but again, I love the guitar in it.
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