Soundtrack of 2018

This is the part of the show where Meaghan shows up and actually writes a more personal (kind-of?) blog post for a change. I did a similar post to this one last year where I highlighted the music albums I added to my collection over the previous twelve months (If I get any for Christmas, I usually just count it in the new year because who has time to fully appreciate an album in one week?). I still haven't succumbed to subscribing to any music streaming service, and I still don't think I'm missing out. This year, in fact, I went back to buying real CDs, too, instead of just MP3 albums (I don't ahve great reasoning behind it, though. I'm not stingy, but like, if you can buy the physical CD for less than an MP3 album, why not? The fact it's true doesn't make much sense either). So, here we have it -- Meaghan's soundtrack of 2018.

1.

The Desired Effect - Brandon Flowers

"And all my life, I've been told, "Follow your dreams", but the trail went cold."

This is the one album I've returned to most throughout the year, despite two ballad songs that I enjoy skipping and a skimpy ten songs. Brandon Flowers is the lead singer of The Killers, and I've always liked his voice so when I found out that he did solo work, I looked it up. My brother made fun of The Killers because he thought they had a '70s' sound to them, and I suppose Brandon Flowers generally keeps the same sound in his solo work. Last year I had Sleeping at Last in this position because of his lyrics, but Desired Effect doesn't exactly win in the brilliant lyrical department. I am drawn more to the energy in his music and his voice. There's also an aching quality to most of the songs on this album which is something that always draws me in.

Favorites:

Between Me and You 

Dreams Come True

Never Get You Right 

2.

Run Wild. Live Free. Love Strong (Deluxe Edition) - For King and Country

"If we only could see what we're becoming"

My parents got me this one for my Birthday, but it's been on my wishlist since it came out (I forgot that I wanted it, though). For King and Country is probably my favorite Christian band these days. When I listen to this album, I feel hope, and for me, hope doesn't usually come through most of the Christian music I hear. I appreciate the honesty, the courage, and that hope in each of their songs. They recognize where we're at, our hurts, our weaknesses, but also that there's so much more ahead. One thing that makes a big difference on whether I like Christian music or not is whether I can take the words and use them as prayers I would offer. Encouragement is great, but if I can sing the songs and direct them toward God, then I am going to be more aware of God throughout the day.

Favorites: 

To the Dreamers

Wholehearted

Matter 

3.

Evolve - Imagine Dragons

"'Cause honey, it's been a hard year.

It seems like we're going nowhere."

Last year, I had Imagine Dragon's first two albums on this list, and they're still staying on my top favorite list, even though there's always a few songs on their albums that I borderline am annoyed with/but still kinda like? I enjoy the energy and feeling in their songs which works really well for when I'm listening to music while working (which is...mostly all the time). That's one of the main reasons why some of the other albums didn't make it up this far -- If I'm working, most of the time I need a pick-me-up. You just can't listen to sunny Sunday afternoon music when you're stuck in someone's house for six hours. There's also a poetry to their lyrics that I rather like. And just the sound of their songs -- the beats, even the instrumentation when I'm aware of all the parts being played.

Favorites:

Rise Up

Start Over

I'll Make It Up to You

4.

Burn the Ships - For King and Country

"We can dance upon the heartache"

I just barely got this album in the mail as a belated 'bought with Birthday money' gift so I haven't listened to it a whole lot, but already it's meant a lot to me because of the hope within the lyrics. Also, as someone who struggles with a lack of self-compassion, it's good to listen to music that reminds me of the compassion God has for me, and the compassion other people can have for me, too, because of God. So again, hope and relatability. I also like how they featured their wives on the Pioneer song. So awesome.

Favorites:

Burn the Ships

Fight On, Fighter

Hold Her

5.

Just the Beginning - Grace Vanderwaal

"Just close your eyes
And create yourself a better life.
Let the wind blow through you hair.
Let the music take you there
And make a better life."

When I first heard Grace Vanderwaal's 'Clay' on...whichever talent show she won, I really liked her voice and simple ukulele arrangement, and that style continues on this CD. I definitely wasn't disappointed. Although, I hadn't quite realized exactly what songs were on her EP and not on this CD, but that means I'll just have to get the EP later on. There's a dreamlike quality to some of her songs that I love, and the way she sings certain songs. Pretty much her whole style. I wonder how much her style/voice will change as she grows older (she's currently 14 which is awesome!).

Favorites: 

Florets

Darkness Keeps Chasing Me

Insane Sometimes

6.

Nation of Two - Vance Joy 

"And is it hard to see me go
Doing things the wrong way?
If you're here when I fall,
I know that I won't fall a long way,
A long way."

This is one of those lazy, sunny afternoon albums (at least, that's the mood I envision for this set of songs). I've enjoyed Vance Joy's music since Riptide, but I listened to this one on repeat at work one day and ended up buying it soon afterwards. I like how the acoustic guitar gets center-stage for most of his songs with distinct melodies, and bits of his lyrics come through to me. Sometimes it seems his love songs have a more realistic and natural foundation. All of the album flows together well which also means some of the songs lack in great distinction. Because of that, it can turn into just 'extra noise' if I'm not in the right mood, but it's still a good album (and only one song gets consistently skipped).

Favorites:

Take Your Time

Alone with Me

Bonnie & Clyde

7. 

Bigger Than Your Box - Joy Ike

"It's not what you want, but your hope is coming,
Like an oak tree underneath the ground,
a small seed waiting to come out."

Joy Ike is one of my Noisetrade finds. She consistently puts her albums on Noisetrade for free or however much of a tip you feel like giving. Also this album was fully funded through Kickstarter which is awesome. I really love all the different influences that come through in her music. Her parents were immigrants from Nigeria so that influences her musical style some, and then also there's a song on this album that seems to borrow some aspects from French folk music; so it's a variety. I never quite know what to expect, but I do enjoy it. I like her voice and the cozy, simpleness of the musical arrangements on her songs, and how her faith weaves in and out through her lyrics. 

Favorites:

Hold On

Give a Little (Neither of these last songs are on Youtube, but you can find the entire CD on Spotify.)

Last Time 

8.

Beneath the Skin (Deluxe Edition) - Of Monsters and Men 

"But I never changed a single color that I breathe
So you could have tried to take a closer look at me."

I got this CD from my brother last Christmas, and I haven't listened to it as much as I thought I would, mostly because it isn't quite the kind of music I need for house cleaning. It's difficult to anticipate what CDs you'll actually return to time and again. Last year I got their previous CD, and though they might have diverted some from their original slightly folk sound, I still enjoy them. Their instrumentation and lyrics are haunting and aching and sad, and their voices fit well, too. Like I said about their first CD, I...haven't really followed all the lyrics? They're of a type of poetry that isn't easy to follow when multi-tasking (but now I'm listening to this CD through and reading the lyrics. I think even though I wasn't paying attention to them, I did gather the gist and feel of them). I would say mostly modern poetry, but also, this band is Icelandic so that might influence their lyrics. Sometimes I think this kind-of music is perfect for walks or star-gazing or just lying in bed at night and listening to it. Perhaps just too haunting for house cleaning.


Favorites:

Hunger

I of the Storm

Organ 

9.

Sugar - Robin Schulz

"Your love is like a summer rain,
That brought me back to life again,
On the dry lands of my heart. You washed away the pain."

I went out on a limb with this album since I only knew I liked 4 out of the 15, but I needed some fresh sounds in my collection. I've enjoyed the genre (Dance/DJ) for many years, mostly listening to Dash Berlin, Kygo, Atb, etc., but this was my first buy. It might sound harsh, but for me, there isn't a whole lot of significance from one artist in this genre to another. Their lyrical format is similar and the fact that they all use various singers to sing their songs doesn't help, but uniqueness isn't exactly what I'm expecting anyway. There's a lot of easy-listening/catchy songs on this album, and that's one of the reasons why I like this type of music. This album just didn't come with many stand-outs. 

Favorites:

For Life 

Headlights

Show Me Love

10. 

Vice Verses - Switchfoot

"Until the sea of glass we meet,
At last completed and complete.
The tide of tear and pain subside.
Laughter drinks them dry."

I've been wanting to get a Switchfoot CD for awhile now so my friend picked this one out as a Christmas present. I haven't had the time to give it many listens, but I've really grown to appreciate Switchfoot more the last couple of months (I even saw them in concert a couple years ago!). They're another group whose lyrical honesty I appreciate. In some ways, they remind me of Imagine Dragons, or at least, I like both for similar reasons. They have a similar rock sound and flow of lyric, and there's that ache of being stuck on earth and being human and knowing there's something else for us. With Switchfoot, though, they have the hope. Lately I need music that doesn't feel like burning coals but still reminds me of that hope in the end. I'll definitely be looking into getting other CDs of theirs later on.

Favorites:

Restless

Thrive

Souvenirs

-&-

Have you heard of any of these artists or listened to these albums? What do you think? What music was staple for you during 2018? Any recommendations for me? I'm always on the lookout for new music.

I hope all of you had a lovely Christmas! One of my brothers managed to make it home for a whole week, and that can be tiring. I think this time the good far outweighed the busy tiredness of it all. Everyone was present as much as possible so we did a lot of stuff together, and there were still things we didn't fit in a whole week. It was just good. Sometimes I miss the family part of life as people grow up and move on. I have some other 'wrapping up 2018' posts coming along that I will endeavor to actually finish and post, but for now, Happy New Year! 

Music (February 2018 Edition)

This is a continuation of a series I started last month. Because of my love of music and discovering new songs, I thought I'd do a post a month highlighting five different songs for any of those in need of new music! Hope you enjoy!

1. The Throwback.

I don't even remember actually hearing this song when I was younger. Maybe my dad sang it. All I know is when I was older, I started singing it at random and wondered where on earth it came from and what inspired a singer to write a song like this???

'You Can't Rollerskate in a Buffalo Herd' - Roger Mill

2. The Instrumental.

I don't play computer games, but my brother does, and he showed me this song. My favorite part is around the 1:55 mark. The string instruments. So achingly beautiful. But also the vocals in the background. That always gives music a haunting quality. 

'Arkham City Main Theme' - Nick Arundel

3. The International.

Loreena McKennitt is Canadian (which isn't terribly international), but the greater part of her music is influenced by Celtic and Middle-Eastern themes. If you haven't heard of her, you need to listen to this. Her music stands apart from pretty much all of my music (except maybe Enya). The poetry, instrumentation, her voice. All of it is perfect <3

'Dante's Prayer' - Loreena McKennitt

4. The Newest Addition.

I was listening to a daily mix on Spotify and heard this song a couple weeks ago. I didn't realize it was by Relient K at first, but that's mostly because I think of 'Sady Hawkins' Dance' and 'I Must Have Done Something Right'  when I think of Relient K. As a writer trying to build a social media platform, I do have a hard time detaching entirely from electronics, and it leaves me feeling frustrated and trapped. And as an introvert who prefers written communication, it's easy to settle only for distant relationships.

'Look On Up' - Relient K

5. Top Favorite. 

I actually bought Emeli Sande's first full album on Amazon when it was one of the $5 dollar albums, and she has a lot of good songs on it, but this is one of the many that stuck out. 

'River' - Emeli Sande

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Have you heard of any of these artists or songs? What did you think of them? What kind of music did you grow up with? Any new finds? Please share in the comments! 

Music (January 2018 Edition)

A couple years back I wrote a music column for a local Christian Newspaper. I had a blast highlighting different Indie artists who also happened to be Christians. After doing it for a year, I stopped, but my love of music hasn't changed nor my joy in discovering new artists. Because of that love (And the fact a couple of you appreciated my last post on music!!), I decided I'd try a new series on music, highlighting 5 different songs each month. Tell me what you think of this idea in the comments!

1. The Throwback 

Once in awhile a song will pop out of nowhere taking me back to when all my siblings lived at home. Being the youngest, I was subject to everyone else's music for the longest amount of time, and little bits of songs ended up stored inside of my mind (for ever and ever and ever). Songs I didn't even know were there until years later.

This one was played by my eldest brother in his oldies phase, and I actually kinda like it. 

'Don't Sleep in the Subway' - Petula Clark

2. The Instrumental 

You can never have too many instrumentals for your novel writing, right? I don't think I could successfully make any music list without putting Sleeping at Last on it. This instrumental is one in an album he created to go alongside a non-profit organization's tenth anniversary video. The buildup. Those strings and background vocalizations make it haunting <3

'One in Ten' - Sleeping at Last

3. The International

Wasn't sure how to word this category perfectly, but here is where I highlight musicians I've discovered from different countries or who are strongly influenced by different countries' musical styles.

Joy Ike was born to Nigerian immigrants, and she says a lot of her music has Nigerian influences.

'Don't Ever Die' - Joy Ike

4. The Newest Addition

I have Rachel Platten's first two CDs but didn't realize she had another one out till recently. This song to her grandma was one of the songs that stuck out when I gave the CD a listen. 

'Hands' - Rachel Platten

5. Just Another Song to Make it #5 (Sorta)

This will just be where I put songs that don't fit in the other categories, but you should listen to anyway =)

I discovered Katie Herzig via Noisetrade.com and have fallen more in love with her music ever since. 

'Lost and Found' - Katie Herzig 

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Have you heard any of these songs? Know these artists? If not, what did you think? What are some of your new song discoveries/old favorites? What do you think of a regular music-themed post? 

I would also like to thank my newest followers for the follow! I always try to visit your blogs, but it's hard sometimes for me to even know whether you have blogs, let alone find them. So please, put your blog links down in the comments! I'd love to go visit your corner of the universe =)

Soundtrack of 2017

I listen to a lot of music every year (I haven't dared look at my Spotify stats, though). I use Spotify quite a bit, but since I don't really like music subscriptions, I also do a lot of listening on my phone where all my personal collection is uploaded. My job currently is cleaning different people's houses, and with that sort of job, music truly is my sanity (and definitely one of the perks - at least if you get sick of the music, you're getting sick of your own). I decided I'd do a collection of the musical albums I've added this year, why I bought them, whether they lived up to my hope, and my favorite songs on them.

1. 

 Atlas: Year 2 - Sleeping At Last 

Sleeping at Last is one of my favorite musicians. Ever. He releases music a little different than other artists. He puts out several EPs per year, and in about a year and a half, it makes up a twenty-four song album (about). People can subscribe on his website so that they'll get his music as he releases it. I decided to do that, and it's been really fun. He's brilliant, guys, with his ideas, his lyrics, and his instrumentation. I can't wait to listen to each new song, and it's been awhile since I've been that enthusiastic about a musician. One of the reasons I like him is because of how hopeful he makes his songs, even the sadder ones, and that always rub off on me. With this album, he decided to do an EP with songs inspired by the eneagram. I hadn't heard read much on that personality categorization, but I did after hearing about these songs, and I've learned a lot about myself through it. I also love the songs he has written based on my personality type combination. If you were my best friend, I'd make you sit down a listen to every single one of his songs and read the lyrics (which is like...90, maybe?), but I think my favorites (picking my favorites hurts) might be 'Sight', 'Heart', 'One', and 'Two'. 

2.

Perception - NF

This is NF's third album (And my go-to on days when I'm just frustrated with life). Each time another releases, it takes a few listens for it to grow on me, but the depth of passion in his songs win me over, and I end up not disappointed. My favorite kind of music is the kind that makes me feel something, not just for the first few listens, but every single time. NF's music does that for me. This album is no different. Granted, there are two songs I tend to skip which is a first when it comes to his albums. My favorites are 'Intro III', 'Dreams', 'If You want Love', and 'Remember This'. Definitely, definitely worth it. 

3.

Night Visions - Imagine Dragons

(Also my go-to on frustrated days) I picked up these two Imagine Dragon albums back in the beginning of the year when they were featured $5 dollar albums on Amazon (for the good of my bank account, I stopped looking every month after that). So I'll start with saying that these were very much worth the price. Once again, I was drawn to the passion of their music and their lyrics, and, I guess, the bittersweetness of each song. They all seem very personal which has made them become personal to me, if that makes sense. I don't know. - These albums are also both a bit more energetic which makes them good for slow days and work. My favorites on this album are 'It's Time', 'Bleeding Out,' 'Nothing Left to Say', and 'Hear Me', and 'Demons', and 'On Top of the World', 'Every Night'...well, folks, this is why I bought it. 

4. 

Smoke & Mirrors - Imagine Dragon

Favorites on this are 'Shots', 'I Bet My Life', 'Dream', and 'The Fall'. Not as many favorites as the first one, but I like the ones I like enough to make the buy worthwhile. 

5.

To Be Alive - Akw

This artist is one of those obscure ones I stumbled across on accident. I'll admit that not all their songs are obviously distinct, but I really like the overarching sound. This album is one of those you listen to in the dark when you can't sleep or on a rainy day. It's simple and haunting and bittersweet. I also like how they have a buildup to their bridges. My favorites, I guess, are 'Desperate', 'The Hunt', 'Walk Home', and 'To Be Alive' (...might as well have just said every song). 

6.

Yearbook - Sleeping at Last

Another more recent addition, and since it has about 30+ songs on it, I haven't grown as familiar with it as Sleeping at Last's other stuff (which is why it's #6 on this list). This is the first album where he began to change his song-writing format. I believe he released three songs per month on this project (did I mention he has someone create artwork for each of his EPs? It's so creative, too). The different songs might not pop out quite as clear as his newer work, but I also think I need to give it a few more listens. Sometimes you have to pay attention to the lyrics before the songs become something. I guess I need to go on another roadtrip, but so far my favorites on this are 'Noble Aim', 'Emphasis', 'Snow', and 'Hourglass'. 

7.

My Head is an Animal - Of Monsters and Men

This band is from Iceland, and their lyrics are very interesting (+ strange - a little? To be honest, I haven't read every single lyric. Bits and pieces filter through, and I'm like, 'huh?'), but I enjoy their sound (accordions, yes). My favorites are 'Little Talks', 'King and Lionhearted',  'Love Love Love', and 'Yellow Light'.

8.

Fear & Fable - Fleurie

I discovered Fleurie when she was featured on NF's first album and really liked her voice so I came across this collection of songs. There's specifically two songs on this that made buying this EP worthwhile - 'Hymn' and 'Chasing All the Stars'. Those two are so good, and if you look her up, listen to them. But since this is another newer album, I imagine it'd be easy for the other tracks to grow on me. Her style is very calm and melancholy which works great for background music (not so much for upbeat housecleaning, though). 

9.

Covers, Vol. 1 - Sleeping at Last

Okay, so I just barely got this album. I've given it three listens and know most of the songs. It wouldn't have been my top pick, but there's this music subscription called Emusic (it's only worth it if you know of some really obscure artists or the early stuff of less obscure artists), and I ended up having a lot of music credits to use; so I bought this. I have to say I like 'I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)' the best (it's my go-to 'annoy everyone song'...well, not intentionally. It's just catchy and good for when you're walking long distances), and that was heavily influenced because it was featured in a very sweet Budlight (Budweiser?) ad a few Superbowls ago. I'll probably just add this one up to supporting a favorite artist.



Have you heard of any of these artists? Do like them? Meh? What has has 2017 been in music for you? New albums? New Artists? Let me know in the comments! I'm always looking for new music?

10 Songs To Brighten Your Day

Long, long ago when I first started in the blogging world, I used to post music I enjoyed listening to, but early on, I found out that people generally don't listen to recommended music, unless they specifically ask for recommendations. That stunk for me because I loved sharing new artists with people. In spite of that discovery (and mostly tailoring my posts to forego music), I decided I'd share a few of my favorites today. Because I've been feeling out of it (and honestly didn't have the heart to post anything real this week), I decided I'd specifically pick some tunes that fill me with hope (even though it'd be a lot easier to find the sad ones). I hope you listen to a couple and tell me what to think in the comments! 

1.

"You Don't Know How Beautiful You Are" - Jon Foreman

"Future gardens from all this rain.

Future flowers from present pain"

2.

"Farther Along" - Josh Garrels

"There's much more to life than we've been told.
It's full of beauty that will unfold
And shine like you struck gold, my wayward son.
That deadweight burden weighs a ton.
Go down to the river and let it run
And wash away all the things you've done.
Forgiveness, alright"

3.

"Holy (Wedding Day)" - The City Harmonics

"This is the story of a bride in white,
Waiting on her wedding day,
Anticipation welling up inside
While the groom is crowned as king.
O death, where is your sting?
Cause we'll be there singing,
'Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord'."

4.

"I'll Keep You Safe" - Sleeping at Last

"You are an artist,

And your heart is your masterpiece,
And I’ll keep it safe."

5. 

"Light" - Sleeping At Last

"I will soften every edge.

I'll hold the world to its best,
And I'll do better.
With every heartbeat I have left,
I will defend your every breath,
And I'll do better."

6.

"Better Place" - Rachel Platten

"But it feels like I've opened my eyes again,

And the colors are golden and bright again.
There's a song in my heart, I feel like I belong.
It's a better place since you came along.
It's a better place since you came along."

7.

"Lion" - Rebecca St. James

"This is not a dream that I'm living.

This is just a world of Your own.
You took me from all that I knew,
Shown me how it feels to hope.
With You with me facing tomorrow together,
I can learn to fly.
Feels like I'm living in a lion's mouth, but the lion is an angel."

8.

"Lifetime" - Emeli Sande

"But you last a lifetime.

You last a lifetime.

Hey, love, can we dance together?
Since I found you feels like time don't matter.
Hey, love, I feel much better.
You show me forever."

9.

"Don't Give Up" - Shawn McDonald

"I've come too far.
I've seen so much.
I've heard the call and felt the touch.
I've tasted love that I cannot deny.

Don't give up.
Don't give up.
Hold on for one more day."

10.

"Best Day of Your Life" - Katie Herzig

"Come on, jump out the door.

You can't hold it down no more.
I'll show you how the birds learned how to fly.
Don't mind leaving your nest.
Don't mind making a mess.
This might be the best day of your life."

What are your go-to songs when you're feeling blue? Do you find you gravitate to songs that reflect your mood or do you try to listen to more upbeat ones? Have you heard any of these songs? Like them? Meh? Don't have time to listen to that many songs?