Workout Playlist Song #7: The Dean's List "La Vie (The Life)"

The Dean's List "La Vie (The Life)"

If you've been paying attention to the extra songs at the end of each of this month's posts, you may have noticed The Dean's List pop up a few times. It's a group that was recommended to me by a friend way back in high school. "The Drive In" mixtape was one that I considered "hot fire" back in those days, and would still argue for the same description today. This mixtape was available on Datpiff, but I don't see it available there anymore. This rap group that was based out of Boston put out some great beats with solid flows to go with it. "La Vie" follows that pattern, and creates something that's easy to workout to if you need something to get yourself going. I highly recommend it to you if you can find it (maybe on Spotify or iTunes) as well as many other songs off this mixtape.

Lyrics to "La Vie (The Life)"

End of Workout

I See Stars "Ten Thousand Feet"

Transition

Desiigner "Panda"

Cooldown

Wolfgang Gartner ft. Jim Jones & Cam'ron "Circus Freaks"

Workout Playlist Song #6: Deadmau5 ft. Rob Swire "Ghosts 'N Stuff"

Deadmau5 ft. Rob Swire "Ghosts 'N Stuff"

EDM is the focus today, as longtime DJ Deadmau5 is in the spotlight. Sometimes you just need some solid beats to help you get through a workout, and this particular song can provide that for you. Mix in some easy vocals that you can sing along to, and you've got an excellent workout song. There are no deep meanings or particularly motivating lyrics that can relate to pushing yourself. This has the feel of a song that's perfect to pop up right in the middle of your set to keep you going. I have personally loved this song for over 6 years, and it doesn't get old. If you're looking for something to keep you upbeat, then try adding this Deadmau5 classic to your playlist.

Lyrics to "Ghosts 'N Stuff"

End of Workout

Martin Solveig "Intoxicated"

Transition

The Dean's List ft. Oncue "All Systems Go"

Cooldown

Tiesto & Oliver Heldens ft. Natalie La Rose "The Right Song" 

Day 31: My Favorite Song of 2018 So Far

DAY 31: MY FAVORITE SONG OF 2018 SO FAR

The Chainsmokers "Sick Boy"

Here is a bonus day not included in the actual challenge list. And, I think it's fitting as a bridge for the direction of this blog, as I plan to turn it into a music blog at this point. You'll just have to check in tomorrow to see what February's theme will be! I heard "Sick Boy," and have liked it ever since. The group has definitely changed up their sound a bit since their first few hits that made them famous. I don't think it makes this song any less likable. From what I researched (I use genius.com for most of my lyric searches and meanings, BTW), this song is about the differences between the east coast and west coast of America. However, based on the lyrics, no matter which side you pick, it seems that you'll never be enough for either coast. Each side has its own pros and cons, especially when it comes to lifestyle. With fame only comes a bigger audience, as The Chainsmokers have experienced in their climb to the top of the charts. So, with one month already gone in 2018, here is a good song to end the month on. 

Day 28: A Song By an Artist with a Voice That You Love

DAY 28: A SONG BY AN ARTIST WITH A VOICE THAT YOU LOVE

Salt Cathedral "Holy Soul"

In keeping with the spirit of this challenge, I will not double post an artist. However, at the very top of my list for this kind of category is Bishop Briggs. I absolutely love her voice. Salt Cathedral has their own strong, soulful voice though. This is a duo from Colombia, and I also saw them perform at Firefly last summer. That's truthfully the first time I had heard of them. But, after watching them perform, I was hooked. "Holy Soul" has a smooth rhythm to it, which immediately kind of makes you want to relax. The actual music video was not shareable here, but I recommend watching it if you have the chance, as the story it tells is pretty powerful in my opinion. So, here is the wonderful voice of Juliana Ronderos singing "Holy Soul" for today's selection. 

Day 25: A Song by an Artist No Longer Living

DAY 25: A SONG BY AN ARTIST NO LONGER LIVING

Michael Jackson "Thriller"

I don't think there's a lot of explanation needed with today's selection. "Thriller" is an all time classic, especially around Halloween. You've heard it time and time again, and you've probably even attempted to do the iconic dances that came out of the music video. Michael Jackson is one of those pop music icons that will certainly live on well past his time. He provided so many great hits even when he was just a child. I believe he is still one of the top grossing artists year in and year out. That tells you everything you need to know about his legacy and the popularity of his music. I think he's the perfect choice for today, and "Thriller" is a great song to listen to on his behalf. 

Day 24: A Song By a Band You Wish Was Still Together

DAY 24: A SONG BY A BAND YOU WISH WAS STILL TOGETHER

Vampire Weekend "A-Punk"

I'm trying not to post the same artist twice, otherwise Yellowcard would've probably been here again today. However, from what I researched, the original group of Vampire Weekend split up a year ago. While I still believe they are making music, I think that at least counts here. First of all, I didn't know Vampire Weekend had been around for approximately ten years now. Maybe I'm just getting older and losing track of time. This was the first song I ever heard from them. If the catchy tune doesn't pull you in, perhaps the music video will. The group is shown in some version of a fast forward playing along to the song, with some synced choreography that makes it a pretty cool one to watch. Hope you'll give this song and this group a listen.

Day 22: A Song That Moves You Forward

DAY 22: A SONG THAT MOVES YOU FORWARD

Timeflies "Once In A While"

This is a song I stumbled upon while building up my dance music playlist. It's been a great addition to my music library ever since. The reason I chose this song as a moving forward song is very much for the message it sends. The crux of the song talks about always being so busy. Typically, that business comes from having to do things for others, whether that's at work, in your personal life or with any other things that pop up. Then, the song talks about taking that moment for yourself. To me, that point where you take time for yourself is how you move yourself forward. By taking a deep breath and relaxing, you're allowing yourself to move forward. Without rest and relaxation, we're only dragging ourselves down mentally, physically and emotionally. So, take a listen and remind yourself that sometimes you just need to have some fun!

Day 21: One Of Your Favorite Songs That Has a Person's Name

DAY 21: ONE OF YOUR FAVORITE SONGS THAT HAS A PERSON'S NAME

OutKast "Ms. Jackson"

"Ms. Jackson" is arguably one of the best songs of the 2000s. It never gets old to listen to, and you can't help but sing along when you hear it. This is another song that I grew up listening to through my sister. It was one she played on repeat quite a bit. I encourage you to watch the music video, as I think it is also really well done. I love the periods where the animals get in on the singing action. I could honestly sit here and rave all day about how much I love this song. But, to keep it simple, this is a classic song, from a group that gave us a few great early 2000s songs. Enjoy!

Day 20: A Song That Has Many Meanings For You

DAY 20: A SONG THAT HAS MANY MEANINGS FOR YOU

Forever The Sickest Kids "Coffee Break"

Forever The Sickest Kids has always been one of my all time favorite bands. I can listen to their albums on repeat for weeks at a time. I got to meet them at Warped Tour 4 years ago, and they are just as cool as their music. I chose "Coffee Break" as today's song because it has meant different things to me over the years. I remember listening to this song in high school and foolishly thinking that my life would never get this busy. Naivety is pretty common at that age, so I'm not surprised that I had that mindset. Now, as I focus on the fact that I rarely get a breather from life, between work and being an adult, I've not sure I've ever resonated with a song more. I've found the value in these tiny breaks you get to take, just for a small breather. You can feel the emotion in the lyrics, as the character in this song feels the stress that the weight of the world throws on him. It's a song that I enjoy listening to, and I hope you do as well.

Day 19: A Song That Makes You Think About Life

DAY 19: A SONG THAT MAKES YOU THINK ABOUT LIFE

Empire of the Sun "Walking on a Dream"

First of all, this is another one of those catchy, upbeat songs that's hard not to move along to. However, if you listen to the lyrics and do a little digging, this song in a sense is talking about life. You can interpret the lyrics in many different ways. I've always liked to analyze "Walking on a Dream" as a song about how we sometimes get caught going through the motions in life. Then, we find something, in this case, love, that makes us step back and get out of the rut. I think the line "is it real when two become one" is that question we all ask ourselves when we love someone. This is especially true when we think we may have found "the one." As human beings, we all have times where we doubt ourselves, especially the ability for another human being to love us. It seems only natural then to question when we really have found someone that contradicts that. As you can see, after you stop nodding your head to this song, you start to actually break down and consider the lyrics. That's why "Walking on a Dream" is a great choice for today's topic.

Day 18: A Song From the Year that you Were Born

DAY 18: A SONG FROM THE YEAR THAT YOU WERE BORN

Ace of Base "All That She Wants"

For as many times as I had heard this song in my lifetime, I never realized that this song was released in 1993. It's rather catchy in an odd sort of way. "All That She Wants" certainly has all the sounds of a 90s song, and the music video screams 90s as well. This song is written as a warning to guys out there of a girl supposedly only looking for another casual boyfriend. She's not looking for anything serious. From what I could research, this song hit the top of the charts in a few countries, including the U.S. It's a song that certainly lives on well past the 90s, and it's today's choice for the blog.

Day 17: A Song That You Would Sing a Duet With for Karaoke

DAY 17: A SONG THAT YOU WOULD SING A DUET WITH FOR KARAOKE 

Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell "Ain't No Mountain High Enough"

Another classic song appears for today's selection. I think it's almost impossible not to sing along to this song when it comes on. I don't think "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" needed it's cameo in "Remember the Titans" to become even more popular than it already is. However, it certainly reminded us just how great of a song this is. There's nothing quite like an extremely upbeat song that professes your love for your significant other. Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell provide us with fantastic voices to fit this song. So, whether you're having a duet with your love or not, this is a great pick for karaoke. Enjoy!

Day 16: One of Your Favorite Classical Songs

DAY 16: ONE OF YOUR FAVORITE CLASSICAL SONGS

George Gershwin "Rhapsody in Blue"

I'll be honest, I'm not really a big classical music listener. I enjoy it when I hear it, but I can't say I would go searching for it. I appreciate the genre, and learned a little about it in college with my music course. For today's selection, I picked a longer song. "Rhapsody in Blue" is a pretty well known song within this genre. You've probably heard it before, even if you never actually knew the title or the composer. It is enjoyable to just sit back, close your eyes, and take a listen. So, if you've got 20 minutes to kill, go ahead and give "Rhapsody in Blue" a listen.

Day 15: A Song That is a Cover by Another Artist

DAY 15: A SONG THAT IS A COVER BY ANOTHER ARTIST

Palisades "Happy"

While I don't listen to as much hardcore stuff as I used to, there are still a few bands that I like from that genre. Palisades is one of those bands, and their cover of "Happy" by Pharrell is one of my all time favorites. The Punk Goes Pop series that releases every few years or so is pretty fantastic in its own right. Some of the covers done by those bands are just as solid as the originals. This particular cover is one that I turn the speakers all the way up to in the car, just to enjoy the instrumental aspect of this song. Even if you aren't into hard rock, I think you just may enjoy this cover by Palisades.

Day 13: One Of Your Favorite 70s Songs

DAY 13: ONE OF YOUR FAVORITE 70s SONGS

Earth, Wind, and Fire "September" 

When it comes to stereotyping music in the 70s, disco and groovy jams is what most people tend to think about. A lot of the bands and music that my dad tends to like falls in the range of the late 70s and most of the 80s. That's basically when he was my age. Earth, Wind, and Fire is one of those bands, so I've heard quite a bit of them throughout my lifetime. I enjoy their sound, and many of their songs certainly make me want to groove. "September" is one of those classic songs that most people will recognize when they hear it. And, in my opinion, it's a song you can't help but start to move to when you hear it. I can also appreciate a band that uses some musical instruments besides guitars and drums. The combination of the brass instruments as well as the saxophone make this a great song for the ears. Hope you get to remember "September" and enjoy today's selection. 

Day 12: A Song From Your Preteen Years

DAY 12: A SONG FROM YOUR PRETEEN YEARS

Gwen Stefani "Hollaback Girl"

"THIS SHIT IS BANANAS, B-A-N-A-N-A-S!" Everyone knows those lyrics right there, and that may be partly why this was one of the most popular songs of 2005. And, in 2005, that makes me 11 years old. This was another one of those songs that my sister played on repeat quite a few times. It's easy to sing along to, and the beat is extremely catchy. This is one of those classic songs that, having to actually reflect on the year it came out, I can't believe is over ten years old now. As a side note, Gwen Stefani was the first live concert I ever went to. I won tickets on the radio to her Sweet Escape tour, which had Akon touring alongside her. Enjoy "Hollaback Girl," and don't go too bananas while you're listening! 

Day 11: A Song That You Never Get Tired Of

DAY 11: A SONG THAT YOU NEVER GET TIRED OF

Bishop Briggs "Pray (Empty Gun)"

This was another pretty tough topic for me. If a song is on one of my playlists, there's a good chance that I don't get tired of it anyway. However, I've been playing Bishop Briggs on repeat quite a bit, especially "Pray." She's got an extremely soulful voice, and, when paired with her lyrics, she's got some pretty amazing songs in my opinion. I had the pleasure of seeing her perform at the Firefly Music Festival in Dover, DE last summer. Even her live performance didn't disappoint, and she was practically a ball of energy the whole time. She's fairly new on the scene, but I definitely recommend giving her songs a listen. You can start here, with "Pray."

Day 10: A Song That Makes You Sad

DAY 10: A SONG THAT MAKES YOU SAD

Twenty One Pilots "Stressed Out"

Now, just because the topic says sad, doesn't mean I shed a tear when I hear this song. I think it's a fantastic song. The sad part about this song is the truth that it speaks to. As we start to get older, especially in high school and beyond, life just continues to get more stressful. At 17 or 18 years old, we often get forced to try and essentially figure out what we have to do for the rest of our lives. It only gets worse from there as you start to have bills to pay etc. We all have plenty of moments where, as "Stressed Out," indicates, we'd rather go back to the innocence of childhood. We only had to worry about the next time we might play with a friend, or when your parents would tuck you into bed. This song is sad in the sense that it reminds you that you're no longer just some young kid who has virtually no responsibility. Hopefully you haven't grown tired of this song and the excessive amounts of time it was played on the radio, and can enjoy it for today's sad song.

Day 9: A Song That Makes You Happy

DAY 9: A SONG THAT MAKES YOU HAPPY

MGMT "Electric Feel"

I discovered this song during the summer of 2010, and it has constantly remained my "happy" song ever since then. Every single time I hear this song, I can't help but smile and be put in a good mood. The beat is just so damn catchy, and the words are easy to sing along to. When "Electric Feel" comes on, you just feel the radiant vibes that are coming through the speakers. MGMT tends to be known for these smooth, melodic songs. "Electric Feel" is the icing on the cake of their style of music. Personally, this ranks in the top 10 of my all time favorite songs. I recommend this song for anyone who is having a bad day, as I think you'll cheer up pretty quickly. As the lyrics go, "do what you feel now," and give this fantastic song a listen.

Day 8: A Song About Drugs or Alcohol

DAY 8: A SONG ABOUT DRUGS OR ALCOHOL

Arctic Monkeys "Why'd You Only Call Me When You're High?"

This album by Arctic Monkeys had a few pretty big hits back in 2013, including this song here. Whether or not you use alcohol or drugs, this song is pretty catchy. I'd venture to say that most people can relate to being a situation like this as well. Drunk texting is a pretty common occurrence. And, while I personally have never used drugs, I imagine it's a similar situation when you're high. Most of the time, the outcome that you're looking for in this situation is not the one you're hoping for. If you get the chance, look up the actual music video to this song, as it's a pretty accurate depiction of the events that occur when you drunk/high text. This is a song that never gets old in my opinion, and I can play it on repeat for awhile. Hope you enjoy the track, and hopefully you aren't the person who's getting contacted when someone is high.