“Run Boy Run” by Woodkid: I just heard this song for the first time the other day, and it struck me as extremely cinematic. It has very dense, soaring music, but the words are simple and easy to understand. I automatically imagine a scene of someone running through a forest when I listen to it.
“This Means War” by Marianas Trench: I love the tune of this song. It’s upbeat and super catchy. I find it uplifting not only of the music, but also because it’s about coming back to a relationship after not seeing someone for a while (and not necessarily a particularly healthy relationship).
“Heaven is A Place on Earth” by Belinda Carlisle: Not going to lie, I put this here because it was in that one Black Mirror episode “San Junipero.” Forevermore my mind will associate this song with queer women in love, and I think that’s beautiful. If you haven’t seen any episodes of Black Mirror, it’s on Netflix (though maybe read up on it before you watch; It’s definitely not for everyone).
“Bent” by Matchbox Twenty: I reconnected with this song a couple days ago when I heard it on the radio in a Lyft car. I honestly had no idea how many Matchbox Twenty/Rob Thomas songs I knew, but it feels like I’m always coming across another one that I remember hearing years ago. I like the chorus the most, and I tolerate the rest (who else has songs that make them feel like that?).
“M.I.N.E (End This Way)” by Five Finger Death Punch: I don’t think I’ve put many metal songs on my lists, but it’s a genre I unironically love. There’s something about the hardcore guitar and angsty (or just plain angry) lyrics that I appreciate no matter what my mood. I understand it’s a genre that’s not for everyone, but I actually just found this song yesterday, and I’ve listened to it a lot since then, so I felt compelled to add it.
“Wop” by J. Dash: I recently watched the film Bande de Filles (directed by Céline Sciamma... I recommend checking it out), and a couple of characters dance to this song at one point. When I heard it I thought it sounded familiar, so I naturally had to look it up. I feel like it was a thing, once, a while ago, very briefly — so here it is again, I guess!
“Sleazy” by Ke$ha: This is just a really fun party song. I feel like we could all use some Ke$ha in our lives every once in a while, right? It’s one I listened to for the first a long time ago but recently rediscovered, and I actually kind of like it more now than I did then.
“Somewhere Only We Know” by Keane: I’m sure you all know this song. I figured it was a nice, gentle way to round out this list. It’s sort of slow, sentimental and almost comforting. I also like the Lily Allen version, if you’re interested in different covers. In fact, it’s possible that I’ve put that one on a playlist before.
