All Time Favorite Songs and Why

I figured the best type of post for my first one would be to dig deep into my favorite songs and why. These are not necessarily in order but are definitely my all time favorites.

Into the Mystic - Van Morrison

Into the Mystic has been one of my top favorite songs for over a decade now and I still can’t seem to get enough of it. For starters, this song begins so light and breezy with the little tapping of the high hat symbol. Then Van Morison starts leading into these lyrics mentioning different elements of the earth. Just that alone puts me in a good mood. When the song then builds up into the chorus I just start to feel more uplifted as the song starts to. The combination of Van Morrison’s voice and the introduction of the saxophone makes for an amazing feeling. The lyrics “I want to rock your gypsy soul, just like way back in the days of old, then magnificently we will float, into the mystic” just bring me to a head space of feeling free and in love. It makes you enjoy those moments when you’re in them knowing that they will eventually float into the mystic as well. The melody of the base, saxophone and piano create such a lovely sound you can’t help but be in a better mood. And to top it all off, this song was mine and my husband’s first dance song at our wedding.

Maybe - Janis Joplin

One thing to know about my music taste is that I am a HUGE Janis Joplin fan. That being said, her song Maybe is my favorite one of hers and one of her most underrated ones at that. Although Janis is already an intense singer, I am obsessed with how she starts out a bit softer and just gets more and more intense with her increase in emotion. This song is basically her begging for someone back and she just puts so much emotion into it. There is a point in the song when she hits a high note while singing “come back to me” and that part of the song absolutely wrecks me. The combination of Janis’ singing style and the vulnerable lyrics makes for a song that you can’t help but feel like you are going though the same, even if you’re not. A constant for favorite songs of mine, are songs that makes you F E E L.

My Lover’s Prayer - Otis Redding

To me, this song is the definition of bold and soulful. The lyrics are raw and honest and Otis doesn’t even try to sugar coat his feelings. He just lays it on out there for his lover to hear. The saxophones in this song make me want to just close my eyes and sway along to their rhythm. I also just simply adore Otis Redding’s voice and how he puts his emotions into these lyrics. You can fully sit there and imagine him shamelessly pleading for his love. Although this song seems like a sad one, it still puts me in a great mood and it never gets old. I know this is one of his more popular songs, but it is the one that lead me to discover the music and story of Otis Redding.

Silver Springs - Fleetwood Mac (Stevie Nicks)

Now I want to clarify that even though I love all versions of this song, The Dance live version is unmatched (a whole post for another day). Another major thing to note about my music taste is that I am completely obsessed with Fleetwood Mac/Stevie Nicks. The thing that makes Silver Springs so special in my opinion is that it highlights Stevie’s song writing so well, it provides such amazing context into her and Lindsey Buckingham’s relationship, and has actually aged very well considering their long history and add to the fact that this song was written before Rumors. They way Stevie describes all the could have beens about their relationship and then builds into the “never get away from the sound of the woman that loves you” lyrics just shows a love that will never die despite everything. We get a glimpse into her heartbreak and then she ends the song with an upfront, yet haunting, reminder to Lindsey that it’s never going away. Everything about this song is just beautiful in my opinion and I could analyze everything about it for hours.

Dream A Little Dream of Me - The Mamas & The Papas

Now I am very aware that there are many well know versions of this song, but this one just hits all the marks for me. From the late 60’s vibe to Cass Elliot’s heavenly voice, this song probably brings me the most peace out of any song out there and I listen to it at least once a week. I don’t have as in depth of a reason as some of the others I have listed but man, I just love this song.

No Rain - Blind Melon

Probably the most obvious reason as to why this song is one of my favorites is nostalgia, due to me being a 90’s baby. This song was also one that I listened to quite a bit when I moved off to college and it just brings me back to that first taste of full freedom and truly being away from home. I also would describe this song as a perfect car ride song. It makes me want to just cruise around at night and just reflect on any and everything. With its’ mellow sound, it’s another one that brings me peace.

Feel It All Around - Washed Out

Okay, let me set the scene for you: You wake up to a day with no actual plans. You and your friends change into swimsuits and get ready to head to the beach. You grab a coffee, snacks and some booze while heading out to find the perfect spot on the beach. You spend all day laughing, enjoying the sun, waves and salty air all while being the perfect amount of “under the influence”. Once you spend hours out at the beach you head back home to shower and get ready for dinner with your closest friends. You have no worries, a nice tan and a hell of a buzz. That whole feeling is exactly what this song transports me to. Even though this song came out in 2009, I didn’t discover it until I was in college. I went to college in a beach town so this song easily gives me that perfect beach day vibe. Talk about an instant mood booster!

Thanks for reading!