Live. Love. Music.

Today a friend asked me what I thought the most meaningful song is to me.  Seems like an easy question, right? Well I thought so, too. But I sat there for a few minutes, racking my brain for a song that I thought had the most profound effect on my life. Believe it or not, I was stumped! And not because music doesn't affect me. In fact, music has the ability to profoundly influence every moment of my life. There have been songs that have gotten me through the best and worst of life's moments. How is it possible to choose only one song, let alone artist or album that has had the most effect on me? Quite frankly, its not. I just love music way too much. I listen to it from the moment I wake up to the moment I fall asleep, literally. It guides me through my daily movements, providing me with a comfort that I can't really get from anything else. Whether it's the particular lyrics to a song or the melody, music has a way of soothing my soul.

Now I wonder if I am the only one like this? I've grown up in a musical world; I sung and danced my way through my adolescent years. Most of friends did the same, we're all musically inclined. But my question is, is the rest of the world just like us? Music has the ability to deeply transform one's life. It has enabled be to make the tough decisions, provided me with comfort, reminded me that there is more to life than what is just in front of my face, all the while offering me with an escape in the most needed of times. Music really is my everything. Do other people out there feel the same things when it comes to music? Do people feel the need to cling to music to provide a soundtrack to their lives?

So upon these thoughts I want to offer not just one song that has changed me, but give you the music that is providing the soundtrack to my life right now. And a few of my greatest hits too.

Sara Bareilles - Kaleidoscope Heart

Sara Bareilles - The Light

Lets begin with my latest purchase. I honestly didn't know how Ms. Bareilles was going to top her debut album, Little Voice, because it was so epically amazing. Yet, here she is and every song on the album is like its own little gift to my life. These songs fit so well into my life right now, I find myself asking if Sara took a little sneak peek into my life and wrote the lyrics. Sometimes, you just need a good song to belt to in the morning to get you ready for the day.

John Mayer - Continuum

John Mayer - Belief

Truly Extraordinary. These words come to mind whenever I think of John Mayer's music. I choose the song Belief because for some reason this is the song that sticks to me the most off of the entire album, though Slow Dancing In A Burning Room comes in very close. John always amazes me with his music, their is something about his songs that have the uncanny ability to put me in a better mood. For some unknown reason, I find that his music can be applied to any part of my life. Whether it's a rainy or sunny day, hot or cold, I find that his music applies. Despite his personal misgivings, John Mayer just keeps getting better with time. 

O.A.R. - Any Time Now

O.A.R. - Black Rock


This is one of those songs that make me instantly happy just thinking about it. Not just because the song is just plain amazing, but because of the awesome times that I associate with it. I also think the message the song conveys is a great one. As my favorite lyrics in the song go "i said the world is run by love and absolutely nothing more"
It was so hard for me to choose just one O.A.R. song, I've decided to share my other all-time favorites. 
Crazy Game of Poker (My favorite version is the live Madison Square from 2009)
Love and Memories

Mumford & Sons - Sigh No More

Mumford & Sons - White Blank Page


This band is another recent discovery whom I absolutely love. A friend recommended them to me a few months ago and I've been obsessed ever since. Lately they've been growing in popularity due to a lot of exposure through internet music sites like Pandora and Grooveshark and a lot of placement on tv promos and shows. Their music is something I imagine iTunes would categorize as rock folk music.....click on the link and you'll see what I mean. Another of my favorites is Little Lion Man. It is an epic jam song...especially in those moments when you need an energy pick-me-up.  

Frank Sinatra

Frank Sinatra - My Way


If I were to forget ol' Blue Eyes on  the list of inspiring music, I could never forgive myself. I am a major fan of the classics. Give me some Frank, Ella Fitzgerald, Bing Crosby, and Nat King Cole any day. My Way is by far my favorite Frank Sinatra song. If there is one song I want played at my funeral (as morbid as it may be), it is this one right here. While there are many classic Frank tunes, nothing can compare to standing in your room and belting this tune or as I have done many a time, singing it with your friends before you get ready to go on stage. 




I want to leave you with one of my favorite songs of all time, of course it's a love song. A song that has been performed countless times. Anytime I hear it being played, I get the chills. It's hard to decided which version is my absolute favorite. I will never forget the first time I heard My Funny Valentine (Frank Sinatra link) being played. It was one of those rare, monumental life changing moments. There is something so haunting and yet, lovely about this song that I cannot get over. I know it is the hopeless romantic in me but I think the entire world needs to appreciate what My Funny Valentine  (Chet Baker link) has to offer, no matter who is performing it. It is with this song that I ask you, do you remember where you were the first time you heard a life changing song?