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 30: A Song That Reminds You of Yourself

DAY 30: A SONG THAT REMINDS YOU OF YOURSELF

Hands Like Houses "I Am"

Hands Like Houses is a band that I discovered at my first Warped Tour in 2013. I've been hooked ever since. At my third Warped Tour, I had the pleasure of not only hearing them again, but getting to meet them. They're a great group of guys, and my signed poster is one of my prized possessions. I first heard "I Am" while I was in London, and immediately loved it. It also left me not so patiently anticipating their next album. To me, the lyrics to this song are all about taking action, especially in your life and in this world. The song talks of those people who don't try to make a difference when they easily could. Then there's the narrator, who vows to do more than just sit idly by. I've always kind of viewed myself of someone of action. I'm a big believer that if you're going to do something, do it yourself and mean it. I also strive to make an impact on others. I believe I'm a genuine person who says what I mean and tries to put action behind that. I think this song speaks on that more than anything, which, aside from the fantastic instrument play of this song, is probably why I love it so much. I hope you'll enjoy it too. 

Day 29: A Song You Remember From Your Childhood

DAY 29: A SONG YOU REMEMBER FROM YOUR CHILDHOOD

Fall Out Boy "Sugar, We're Going Down"

Since my childhood music taste was often influenced by my sister, it's no surprise that I first heard "Sugar, We're Going Down" while listening with her. Fall Out Boy was another one of those bands she saw at Warped Tour right as they started to gain fame (lucky her). "From Under the Cork Tree" was one of the albums she purchased there, and I swear she listened to it all summer. With "Sugar, We're Going Down" being their first smash hit, I got a double dose of it between that album and the radios. I didn't get tired of it though, and I can't help but think back to those times riding in the car with my sis whenever I hear this song come on. I encourage you to go ahead and jam out to this classic.

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 27: A Song That Breaks Your Heart

DAY 27: A SONG THAT BREAKS YOUR HEART

Young The Giant "Mr. Know-It-All"

Ever since I've heard this song, I've felt like it kind of describes my generation fairly well. So many of us are glued to our phones these days, or any other type of media outlet in general. We live our lives through social media and the images we've created of ourselves on there. I mean, there's a whole TV show about finding people who create fake profiles and live vicariously through them. I've seen plenty of examples where someone forgets how to actually interact with other people when there isn't some sort of screen in front of them. The lyrics of this Young The Giant song describe this scenario perfectly. The characters in the song are too distracted by their phone to generate any sort of serious connection. The line, "Even though we sit together, you feel so alone," feels like an accurate description of a lot of human interaction tends to be now. That, quite frankly, does break my heart that society has become this way, because I believe there's a lot of value in having a genuine conversation with someone. It's a lot of work to talk and get to know someone, but it's also extremely rewarding. "It's such a tragedy when people hardly speak," but I hope maybe this song will change your mind.

Day 26: A Song That Makes You Want to Fall in Love

DAY 26: A SONG THAT MAKES YOU WANT TO FALL IN LOVE

The Maine "Into Your Arms"

Yet another band that I've enjoyed for quite awhile, and also had the privelage of seeing at Warped Tour a few years back. This has always kind of been one of my personal love songs. I've always resonated because the song talks of that shy guy who is afraid to go talk to a girl he finds attractive. That quite frankly describes me in a nutshell. I've never really been outgoing when it comes to that. I think that's why this song has always stuck with me. At the same time, it of course makes me want to fall in love, because obviously the main character in the song has fallen in love with someone, even if he's too afraid to act on it. Hope you enjoy today's pick.

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.