Structure has felt unobtainable with all of the change suddenly sweeping me off of my feet.
More on that later though.…
Music is my happy place, my center. It helps that I appreciate a wide variety of genres across a multitude of decades. Makes it easier to find a song for any and all feelings. Which in this moment feels more than necessary.
2022 has been quite the year and it isn’t even June yet.
Aside from my own personal whirlwinds, the world as a whole has been through such collective grief and pain (for more than just this year…)
And with all of that being said… here are a few songs to add to your playlist to help get you through:
True to Myself – Ziggy Marley
If there was ever a time to revisit my admiration for this song – there is no time like the present. Lately I have been feeling a sense of becoming myself again. It’s been awhile since I have felt that genuine sense of who I am and who I am becoming.
Asking for a Friend – CHVRCHES
This band has followed me through my twenties into my thirties and honestly their music still finds a way to impact my day to day. It’s one of my favorite songs off of their latest album. Highly recommend their first album The Bones of What You Believe if this song leaves you wanting more. That album is one I always feel necessary to listen in its entirety all of the way through.
It’s Gonna Be, Okay – MUNA
I have had this song on repeat, but only in times when I have the space for it lately. There’s something about some songs that hit too close to home or can only be played at just the right time – but when it is just the right time…I play this song over and over again.
Be Me – VINCINT
I adore VINCINT and this song in itself has felt, to me, like a big ol’ Queer hug of self acceptance.
My Love – Florence & The Machine
Florence & The Machine has a special special place in my heart and reminds me of some of my favorite people in my life. Listening to their latest album and this song came on..I have to say…the lyrics really got me which is why its on the list.
Maria Maria – Santana ft. The Product G&B
My love for Carlos Santana runs deep – mostly because I don’t think he gets the credit he deserves amongst ‘the so called usual listed talented guitarists’ of all time. This song particularly though is a feel good one and has been a personal favorite for a long time.
Dire Wolf – Grateful Dead
Feeling like I am becoming myself again means embracing the Dead Head in me and this is one of my favorites. You’re welcome. Maybe.
Try (Just a Little Bit Harder) – Janis Joplin
It’s hard to pick one Janis song, but this is a record I play often and one of my favorites.
Like a Prayer (live) – Miley Cyrus
Hear me out if you feel hesitant about the fact that this song is on the list, for whatever reason you may have to pre-judge because I recognize there could be many. Just listen to it first. Go ahead. Seriously, press play. I’m not much of a Madonna fan, I have a few favorite songs – but my heart and soul belong to Cher (and yes you can’t truly love both..you must choose). Anyway, this is a live version and I don’t know what power Miley Cyrus has but it had me having a solo dance party in my apartment that I didn’t know I needed. So like I said, press play.
New Person, Old Place – Madi Diaz
As much as I know a variety of music, my ultimate favorite thing is always discovering new artists whether they are “new” or from the past. The beauty of music is it feels like there’s always something new out there to discover and fall in love with. Anyway, all of that to say, I found this song and artist through a Spotify rabbit hole.
Bonus track: My Body – Young the Giant
I never look through Facebook memories much anymore, but I happened to for today and a photo post memory from 10 years ago of my dear friend who passed away back in January came up. What does that have to do with this track? Well, it is tied to one of my favorite photos ever taken (pictured below) with Jamie because it showed the joy that we both brought into each other’s lives – but it is more than that. It was our mutual connection to a childhood best friend of mine and someone Jamie was also deeply connected to. The grieving process of losing someone that meant so much to me becoming me hasn’t been easy this year – but it did reunite me with an old dear friend and for that I share this bonus track.
Happy listening and happy almost Friday.
Some words of advice that I’ll leave you all with- you never know what someone else is going through, so be kind to each other dammit.
Traci Tay 