The Year We Needed Music The Most

I hate when people ask my favorite song or artist. I don't even have a favorite genre. I have always been a big believer in the healing power of music. More and more people are realizing this and they are becoming practitioners of sound therapy. There is no better way to relieve stress and regulate your emotions than with another persons artistic expressions. With the dark cloud that was 2020, here are some rays of sunshine that shown through in my world.

I will be the first one to say that I am not always up on the newest songs and artists. That will show in my picks that got me through the year. I have decided to separate my list by the mood or emotions that led me to them. In the immortal words of P!nk, Korn and many other artists "let's get this party started".

Music that gets me moving

I am the type of person who cannot sit still. Some days though I need a fast beat with strong lyrics to get me motivated.

Life - Jelly Roll featuring Brix

This song hit me deeply. 2020 was the year that I realized I could no longer run from my problems. Jelly Roll features some methods that I loved to use to forget about life. My older brother has been to many of his performances and I have been around his music for a long time. This year though his music resonated.

Buzzer Beater - G-Hollow featuring Jonathon Sharpio and 2ICEY

Not just one but two of my picks are by a local rapper out of Lansing Michigan. G-Hollow started putting out music in May of 2019 and has done nothing but grow. I stumbled onto this artist completely by accident and since then I have listened to all of his songs and I am excited for what he has for the future.

5 Stars - G-Hollow

Survival - Eminem

I will admit to listening to some mainstream artist. I have listened to Eminem since middle school and honestly a lot of his music has gotten me through some of the hardest times of my life. So when the toughest year ever hit - you bet I turned to my main squeeze Marshall Mathers. The beats in this song hit hard and 2020 was most definitely "survival of the fittest"

Take What You Want - Post Malone featuring Ozzy Osbourne and Travis Scott

This was a mix for me. It was the first time I had heard of Travis Scott outside of the combo on the McDonalds menu. Growing up in the 90s with a mother like mine, I heard a lot of Ozzy Osbourne as well so it was nice hearing his vocals.

Rhythms that help me rage

Let It Burn - ZZ Ward

Another artist that I had not heard of before but I couldn't imagine my life with her. Her genre is described as many things - blues, soul, alternative, and even pop rock but I would only use one word - DEEP.

Heathens - Twenty One Pilots

This song is amazing but the cherry on the sundae is the use of it in the Suicide Squad movie. I am a huge comic book nerd (another reason I love Eminem). I thought this song and the music video were a perfect fit for the comic book series. Not only do I have anger issues, but all my friends do too. The lyrics of this made me feel right at home with my motely crew of misfits.

Cold - Crossfade

Definitely one of the oldest songs on my list. It is another timeless anthem for my anger and rage. It resonates with how I shut down instead of communicating. I have also noticed as 2020 comes to an end that I have a co-dependent personality. I have found my cycle is addicting. Like they say, the first step is admitting you have a problem.

Rx (Medicate) - Theory of a Deadman

"Why can't you just fix me" I am guilty of looking for a quick fix in the past. This one has a more mellow tune but when I am truly full of rage - I get quiet. That is the most dangerous time.

Words as Weapons - Seether

Another old song but 2020 brought these lyrics to life. Even outside the pandemic, the past year was full of hate. All kinds of relationships were broken up due to words and opinions. Words are a catalyst to all types of situations. We have seen this year how they can bring us together or rip us apart.

Jams that inspire joy

No Roots - Alice Merton

Not only does this have a catchy tune but the simple lyrics resonate with my soul. I have always been a nomad and moved a lot as a child and as an adult. This year I have decided to further my journey by working remotely and traveling this great country.

Better When I'm Dancin' - Meghan Trainor

When I am truly down this jam will always get me up. It is so upbeat and cheerful. No wonder why they used it in the Peanuts movie.

Boombayah - Blackpink

This one was another surprise anthem. My goddaughter is huge into BTS and her love for K-Pop knows no bounds. I always let her express herself with music and when she played me this song I couldn't help but fall in love with it. These girls are fierce and the lyrics are even fiercer. "Don't dare to stop me".

Golden - Ruth B

This song is uplifting and inspirational. The lyrics are perfect for a mantra. Ruth B has a lot of good songs and all of them inspire joy for me. This one, however, sticks out to me the most. "Watch me take on my bright future"

Gravity - Sara Bareilles

I was fortunate enough to see this song performed live at the end of 2019. It was my very first concert and it was an amazing experience. I have always felt a sense of joy from this song but now it is so much stronger. That surge of energy and emotion I got from being in the crowd that night, I relive over and over. Nothing could have been a better feeling to tap into during the darkest of 2020.

Melodies for meditation

These are all classical melodies. No lyrics to connect with but that does not mean they are void of emotion. These gorgeous tunes help me get into a healing mindset.

Walk With Us - Alexis Ffrench

This song was actually released in 2020. The music video pays homage to the black lives matter movement. Both the song and the video are beautiful

Nostalgie - Vaja Azarashvili

Nocturne in D-Flat Major - Frederic Chopin

One of my all time favorites. This piece has always calmed me down so it is no wonder that I turned to it when I needed to meditate the most.

These Memories - Hollow Cove

One of the few that have words on my playlist but I find the signers voice so enchanting

The Fellowship Reunited - Howard Shore

I have a deep love for Lord of the Rings so it is no surprise that this musical number brings me great peace.

These songs could not be more different from each other but they are a honest expression of my souls journey through 2020. This year was full of doubt, fear, heartbreak, and loss. For those of us lucky to have made it through, we are now bonded by our shared experiences. The music we listen to helps show that. Thank you for "listening" to my journey, I can only hope that it has brought you some joy or inspiration.