Hear ye! Hear ye! There is no such thing as good music taste, because music is personal and highly subjective. If you like a “weird” song by “normal” standards, so what? Thanks for coming to my TED Talk.
When I find a song I vibe with, I can’t stop listening. I hit replay over and over again until I have an internal talk with myself.
Sarah, it’s time to stop. The guy beside you at Starbucks definitely knows you keep hitting repeat on that Carly Rae Jepsen song. Seriously, this is starting to get embarrassing. Stop.
Hopefully, you will discover something you like from my list, something that might even surprise you. I’ve been compiling this list for the past couple months, and like Thanksgiving, I didn’t know when to quit and put down the extra serving of squash casserole. Each week I tell myself I’m going to publish it, but then I discover another song and the cycle continues. I’m officially cutting it off today, mostly because I will be listening to Christmas music nonstop for the next month. And no one wants my top Christmas songs list…or do you?*
Here are my top songs of the moment:
1. “Dance with Me” — Shockley
I like to start my day with this song. I’m not a dancer — my long limbs don’t know what to do with themselves — but this song makes me want to run to the nearest dance floor. This is an instant mood booster.
2. “Can’t Help Myself” — Lou and Matthew
This song is weird in the best way. It has a sexy, “Stranger Things” vibe to it. It’s like the demogorgon is coming for me, but I’m OK with it because for some odd reason it’s…hot? Before you judge me for that sentence, listen to it and tell me you don’t feel the same way.
3. “Bad” — Lennon Stella
Eliot Hazel, Billboard
This song details an unfaithful relationship that was all rainbows and butterflies until the truth came out. “Forgot to tell me you were seeing someone else for six years.” Scuse me, sir?! Six years?! WUT. Leave. Get out. Right now. If Lennon Stella sounds familiar, you may know her and her sister Maisy from “Nashville,” who were discovered on YouTube.
4. “Eye for an Eye” — The Strike
I listened to this on repeat an absurd amount of times without noticing it’s all about revenge. “If it’s an eye for an eye, I’ll be justified when I tear out your heart.” Oops. It’s still a bop regardless.
5. “Night Visions” — AJ McLean
CMT
Most boy bands eventually go their separate ways. Some members end up with successful solo careers. Some disappear never to be heard from again (speaking of, where is Why Don’t We?). While the Backstreet Boys are still going strong, AJ has ventured out on his own to release a country album next spring… Admittedly, I’ve heard weirder things, but this is something I would expect from Howie not AJ. The BB aren’t strangers to the country music genre. They recorded “God, Your Mama and Me” with Florida Georgia Line. “Night Visions” isn’t nearly as country as that. I’m intrigued, AJ. Hit me with your best shot.
6. “Waiting for You” — Alexander Jean
Here are a few of the recent Thought Catalog headlines: “The Next Time You Fall for Someone, Take a Risk,” “50 Things I Would Rather do than Settle in My 20s” and “I’m Not a Cuffing Season Kind of Girl.” Internet writers have a lot to say about what relationships are like in your 20s. You can skip the advice articles and listen to this song. It’s an angsty, gritty happy love song?
7. “Wasted” — Jesse McCartney
Remember when Jesse McCartney made a guest appearance on “Hannah Montana?” ~swoon~ This isn’t the same swoopy hair and blonde highlights Jesse McCartney who wooed Hannah with his smooth pickup line on a gondola. He’s wooing me in a different way now with this dance-y beat. The whistling got me, mainly because I wasn’t born with the ability to whistle, and the lyrics are essentially the same as the Smith Jerrod wanting more from Samantha scenario from Season 6 of “Sex and the City.” What’s not to love? I fully support this new era of Jesse McCartney.
8. “Party for One” — Carly Rae Jepsen
Like Jesse McCartney, Carly Rae Jepsen sounds different from her earlier “Call Me Maybe” days. I’m a little naïve when it comes to knowing the true meaning of songs. “Party for One” went right over my head until I watched the music video. There’s no second guessing what this song means when the grandma starts pulling items out of her bag. If you’re happy/sad/indifferent/feeling any emotion whatsoever, listen to this song right now.
9. “Ladies in the ‘90s” — Lauren Alaina
The 90s were a time of blunt bangs, leopard print, slap bracelets and denim hats. I reminisce and listen to 90s music constantly, so it’s no wonder this song landed on the list. Like c’mon, if you mix some “Fancy” with numerous Britney Spears references, I’m in. Lauren Alaina highlighted some of the top 90s female artists across numerous genres, and I’m always a sucker for songs that weave together other song references (ie. “Song for Another Time” by Old Dominion).
10. “Moving Along” – 5SOS
Imagine this: The year is 2014. I’m a junior in college, drinking wine out of a large McDonald’s cup in a parking lot with four of my friends. We were pregaming for the event of the summer — the One Direction concert. Five Seconds of Summer was the opener and “She Looks so Perfect” was dominating the airwaves. I spent most of the concert bonding with moms over “Friends” and wine — two things their tween daughters knew nothing about — and singing at the top of my lungs. “Moving Along” is off of the Australian band’s third album “Youngblood.” As the title suggests, this song is about moving on after a breakup. This entire album ventured in a new direction for 5SOS, but it is still just as catchy as their debut album. These guys have grown up a lot over the past four years and so have I — no more Franzia out of a McDonald’s cups for me.
11. “Let Me Be Your Man” — Hootie and the Blowfish
I grew up listening to Hootie CDs on repeat while driving to Chapel Hill for basketball games. Hootie has a special place in my heart, and I have at least one Hootie song in my music rotation year-round. This is my song of the moment — it is the ultimate declaration of love. Sadly, I’ve never seen Hootie in concert, but I have seen Darius Rucker a few times, and the crowd goes wild when he sings “Time.”
12. “Truthfully” — DNCE
F. Scott Schafer, Billboard
Circa 2007, I sang karaoke in a Verizon Wireless parking lot. The middle of summer heat was permeating off the asphalt. I was dressed in an aqua Rue 21 halter top I got from Plato’s closet and was desperate for Jonas Brothers concert tickets. So desperate, that I sang their hit “Burning Up” to hundreds of teens and their parents waiting in line to meet Demi Lovato. While I didn’t win tickets, I saw them when they came to town the next year. Just like my fashion sense, the Jonas Brothers have transformed, and Joe is forging a name for himself with his band DNCE. I rediscover “Truthfully” every few months. It’s reminiscent of Joe’s Jo Bro days but is more mature than “Lovebug.” This song is juxtaposed with the rest of DNCE’s self-titled 2016 album, which is a funky pop collection of songs that are the epitome of fun. Highly recommend.
13. “Telephone” — The Shadowboxers
ALL ABOARD! I’m a little late to the Shadowboxers train, but I made it just in time. “Telephone” has a funky 70s sound, making it one of those songs you and your mom will both love.
14. “Born to Love You” — LANCO
Full disclosure, I have never listened to this song on repeat, but it still deserves to be on this list. Every time I hear it on the radio, I have a weird moment of clarity like, “Wait, I really like this song. These lyrics. These feelings. WOW, LANCO is really good.” That exact thought process goes through my head every *clap* single *clap* time *clap*. It’s one of those songs that sneaks up on you. You don’t realize how much you love it until it’s over. There’s also something to be said about how a band is live compared to on the radio. I saw LANCO for the first time circa 2014 when they opened up for Old Dominion in Raleigh at City Limits. LANCO’s lead singer ventured into the crowd with a huge drum. If this sounds like it’s up your alley, I saw them at CMA Fest this year and it’s still part of their set. Aside from the big drum number, their guitarist is mesmerizing. He has the coolest, weirdest aesthetic, and I can’t look away.
15. “Cool with It” — Josie Dunne
Marc McAndrews, Billboard
In August, Taylor Swift played an acoustic version of “Hands Tied” at her concert in Music City and said a great song should be just as good stripped down as the final version. I agree, and I actually like the acoustic version of this song more than the original. Contrary to popular belief, Nashville is home to a lot of talented musicians who aren’t country, Josie Dunne being one of them. She has a cool, pop vibe, and her voice is like a quirkier version of Alessia Cara.
16. “(There’s Gotta Be) More to Life” — Stacie Orrico
You better believe I’ve been singing this 2003 hit at the top of my lungs, pretending I’m cruising around in a blue convertible Volkswagen bug. I wouldn’t be surprised if Spotify made my listening habits into one of their ads in Times Square. “To the girl who has been listening to ‘More to Life’ on repeat for the past 127 minutes, maybe switch it up. Add in some Kelly Clarkson or Christina Aguilera? SOMETHING. ANYTHING. Oh no, not aga— THERE’S GOTTA BE MORE TO LIFEEEE.” If you’re wondering where Stacie Orrico ended up, she spent time volunteering in Africa, going back to school for literature, acting in NYC and living in Denver. You’re welcome.
17. “Without Me” — Halsey
OBSESSED. Actually, obsessed doesn’t even adequately describe how much I love this song. I was a fan of G-Eazy and Halsey, but I think the breakup could propel Halsey to super stardom.
18. “It’s You” — Maggie Rose
As a child, you’re subjected to your parents’ music. You don’t have a choice. My mom was a big Bonnie Raitt fan, and now there’s a modern equivalent. Maggie Rose brings an old-school sound to her music with the soulfulness of Bonnie Raitt. She’s so damn good and deserves way more recognition.
19. “Mockingbird” — Ruston Kelly
Alexa King, Rolling Stone
As soon as the harmonica started, I was hooked. “Mockingbird” is a dark, yet beautiful, candid love song of sorts. I love Ruston Kelly, because he isn’t afraid to be brutally honest. If you’re new to his music, I recommend “Trying to Let Her” too. Fun fact, he’s also Kacey Musgraves’ other half. They set a Johnny Cash poem to music, and trust me, you need to listen to it. It’s a little nauseating how talented and beautiful they are. Go look at their wedding pictures. Do it. This tab will be here when you get back.
20. “Velvet Elvis” — Kacey Musgraves
Speaking of Kacey Musgraves, I’ve been listening to this song since the day “Golden Hour” came out. Every song on the album is great, but you already knew that. It won Best Album at the CMA Awards this year, and as much as it pains me to choose a favorite song from this masterpiece, it had to be done. Choices were made, and “Velvet Elvis” came out on top. Kacey Musgraves leans into other genres and decades of music, and she does it well. This nostalgic song is refreshing in a world where artists are constantly comparing their love interest to a drug or glass of whiskey. We get it. You’re intoxicated by their strong presence and it has you weak in the knees.
21. “To a T” — Ryan Hurd feat. Maren Morris
Mawwage is what brings us together…and apart. I thought love was doomed, over, kaput, never to be had again after Chris Pratt and Anna Farris got a divorce. Then, Channing Tatum and Jenna Dewan called it quits. But wait! Ryan Hurd and Maren Morris tied the knot. There’s hope! They are tremendous songwriters and performers separately, but they are really something together. Like Kacey Musgraves, they put a new spin on common themes — something country music needs right now.
22. “My Dreams Have All Come True” — John Paul White
Confession: I never loved the Civil Wars as much as everyone else. *ducks for cover* But John Paul White, one half of the Grammy award winning band, ventured out on his own in 2016 after the split. Now, he has graced us with this haunting yet romantic song. It sounds like it should be playing during the credits of a Nicholas Sparks movie where something tragic happens (I mean this in the best way possible). It’s worth being subjected to the sadness.
23. “I Don’t Remember Me Before You” — Brothers Osborne
Billboard
Brothers Osbourne deserves numerous spots on this list (honorable mention goes to “Burning Man” with Dierks Bentley), but this song is my ultimate favorite of the moment. TJ Osborne’s low, sultry voice is everything you could ever want from a country music artist. This song was destined to be great — it was written by TJ, John (the other half of the duo), Matt Dragstrem and Shane McAnally, and produced by Jay Joyce. Being the hopeless romantic that I am, I like to imagine John molded these lyrics after his love for Lucie Silvas.
24. “Cheating on U” — Lacy Cavalier
BRB searching for a magic genie to grant my wish of being able to sing like Lacy Cavalier. While I wish I had her vocal chords, I’ll skip the heartbreak that inspired this song. The lyrics detail a former flame cheating on her, but she still feels like a part of her belongs to him, and in turn, feels like she’s cheating on him. Oh, the irony.
25. “Break Up with Your Best Friend” — Jilian Linklater
Simplicity goes a long way, and this song is straight to the point with a captivating rhythm.
26. “More” — Clare Dunn
Clare Dunn’s country music career has been on my radar since she released “Tuxedo,” but “More” blows that one out of the water. She was named one of CMT’s Next Women of Country for a reason. Once again, I recommend the acoustic version.
27. “If I Were You” — Jillian Jacqueline feat. Keith Urban
Patrick Tracy, Sounds Like Nashville
My wardrobe keeps venturing further into the 70s. I’m happiest in a pair of bell bottoms, and if you follow me on Instagram, you might have noticed that I am constantly lusting after Jillian Jacqueline’s wardrobe. If time travel was a thing, her style would fit right in. But more important than her style is her voice. Her vocals on this duet with Keith Urban are unbelievable. Mark my words, Jillian Jacqueline is on her way to becoming a top name in country.
28. “Enemies” — Lauv
Everyone watch out. Lauv is taking over. He feels like a dark horse, but he shouldn’t. He’s everywhere. “I Like Me Better” is still just as catchy as it was the first time I heard it, which is rare, and “Getting Over You” is another favorite of mine.
Want to listen to my picks? Here’s a Spotify playlist of all the songs mentioned above. Click it. You know you want to.
Have music recommendations for me? Shoot them my way in the comments or on Twitter (@sarah_headley).
*If you’re curious, my favorite Christmas song of all time is “Last Christmas” by WHAM!
Finding my Place in the Southern Part of Heaven 