As I was browsing, a song on Spotify shuffled its way into my ears that caused me to stop browsing and just sit back and close my eyes. Super deep stuff, I know. Do you have that one song that makes you think? I completely forget how powerful music is sometimes. It can transport you back to that perfect summer night on the beach at one in the morning or to that one time you laughed so hard you physically could not laugh anymore because it hurt so much or to that heartbreaking last goodbye with the person you loved the most. Here are some of my favorite songs to listen to when it's late and you just need to sit back and reflect on your existence. (Listen with headphones, preferably.)
10. Outro - M83
This song is just pure magic. God made M83 on the 8th day, I'm convinced.
9. Divenire - Ludovico Einaudi
Achingly beautiful piece. Makes me wish I never quit piano. Now I'm sad.
8. Come to Me - Bethel Music
The original version with Jenn Johnson's vocals is absolutely beautiful, but there's something so intimate and redemptive about this one.
7. Oceans - For a Season
I'll be the first person to tell you that I'm not a Christian music fanatic but this song is oh so powerful that I had to share it. I was going through an extremely hard time when someone sent me this and it was exactly what I needed.
6. Into the West - Annie Lennox
Ok, so now I'm just trying to make you cry. But really though, can I get an AMEN on this being the saddest movie scene of all time?!? I remember practically bawling in the movie theater and staring at the black screen realizing that life as I knew it would never be the same. This is my way of seguing into one of the greatest songs of all time that I may or may not know all the words to thanks to my nerdy obsession with LOTR:
5. Only Time - Enya
How could I not include Enya on this list? I vividly remember watching a special on 9/11 with this song playing in the background and have forever associated the two together. There's no denying the underlying sadness and sense of longing in the song, but there's a hopefulness that holds it together and perfectly captures the spirit of life.
4. Somewhere Over the Rainbow - Eva Cassidy
My mom and I used to listen to Eva Cassidy's album over and over again on car rides to school or gymnastics and belt out each song in our very below average voices. I think this is the most beautiful rendition of 'Somewhere Over the Rainbow' I've ever heard, but maybe that's just me being nostalgic. Do me a favor and listen to all her songs, specifically 'Songbird', 'Fields of Gold', and 'Autumn Leaves'.
3. Slow Dancing in a Burning Room - John Mayer
How could I not include Johnny boy? This is one of my absolute favorite songs by him. Regardless of his reputation, his music is undeniably good.
2. A Remark You Made - Weather Report
I bet none of you knew that I have a secret love affair with jazz music. I bet none of you care, either. OH WELL. This is me and my dad's song (what is the correct grammar use there? Not even going to try). Nostalgia is getting to me again, but you definitely have to listen to it. I could listen to it all day.
1. Oblivion (feat. Susanne Sundfor) - M83
As you'll notice, M83 is one of my favorite bands. It feels strange to call them a band... they're more like an intensely magical group of musicians to me. That's what I'll start calling them from now on. There's something so rare and otherworldly about their music that draws people in and they deserve every bit of success they've had. This song is just incredible. If you only have time to listen to one of the songs on this list, make it this one. You won't regret it.
Now it's way past my bedtime and I need to stop pondering the meaning of life and hit the sack. Buenos noches!
-H
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