No. 1- Shower Your Love

Song: Shower Your Love


Artist: Kula Shaker

My favorite thing about this song has been consistent since the first time I heard it. I tend to introduce this song to people by stating it too- there is no other song that makes me feel so happy when I listen to it.
It's such a beautiful combination of sounds throughout. The guitar picking of the intro, the full harmonies of the chorus, the grandeur that the orchestra brings in.
But most of all, as with most any song, the message has the greatest effect. Is there anything better to sing about that declaring one's love?
I love this song. It is my all-time favorite.

No. 2- Hallelujah

Song: Hallelujah


Artist: Jeff Buckley

Over the last few years, I've noticed more and more people loving this song. Understandably so. It's a gorgeous track that is universally appealing. Of the many versions out there- most of which are solid performances- Jeff Buckley's delivers above them all.
Starting with his deep sigh, it's instantly engaging.
The sound of his guitar, Buckley's haunting voice, even the reverb of it all- they all work so well together. The mood is that much more emphasized with Buckley's death less than 3 years later.
It might be the most beautiful piece of music ever recorded.

No. 3- Across The Sea

Song: Across The Sea


Artist: Weezer

My favorite ballad. Easily one of the most honest and raw songs I've ever heard, this song is so upfront you can't help but open your own heart to it.
This song is significant to me equally for sentimental value and just pure enjoyment. But I think the nostalgia came from a place that has never really left me. That same vulnerability that Rivers sings of got me through junior high the same way it inspires me today.

No. 4- Let Down

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Song: Let Down


Artist: Radiohead

"Let Down", to me, is all about breaking through the monotony and plastic coldness of the world to rise above it all and be who you choose to be rather than what is expected of you.
The guitar part that leads you into the song really sets the mood. And I love the steady build of each verse, slowly moving you along and engaging you. Then Thom Yorke takes you over the edge, singing his heart out. That last verse will get anyone's heart racing.

No. 5- Baseball

Song: Baseball


Artist: Ozma

No matter how old I get, Ozma will always have a way of appealing to the emo teen inside of me. And no other track does it better than this one.
If you're not really listening, it sounds like an emo band playing a song. No biggie. But when you really listen- to the empty space of that first verse, to the key change of the bridge, to the way singers Ryen and Daniel scream out the words- you get why I love this song so much.
This is Ozma at their best, doing what they do.

No. 6- Glory! Glory!

Song: Glory! Glory!


Artist: Novi Split

This song is simple. I like that about it. There is no fluff, there is no noise- just raw sound with raw emotion.
This song more than any other is very much built on nostalgia for me. I first discovered it the summer after high school. When everything was changing, friends were going in different directions, and I was figuring out who I really wanted to be in life.
It's a gorgeous piece of music. I get goosebumps every time still.

No. 7- Airbag

Song: Airbag


Artist: Radiohead

From the start of that heavy guitar riff, this song is exhilarating. Highlights include amazing drum loops, classic Johnny Greenwood guitar playing, and some of my favorite lyrics of Thom Yorke's.
I understand when people don't get too into Radiohead for their tendency to be a little more somber or simply because they don't get into their sound. But I can't imagine why anyone wouldn't enjoy this song. It's a powerful track.

No. 8- The Boxer

Song: The Boxer


Artist: Simon & Garfunkel

It's a song that is so personal, it's inspiring.
It's everything you love about Simon & Garfunkel- lyrics that cut deep into the soul, haunting melodies and harmonies, with beautifully plucked acoustic guitars gliding it along. And I have to express my appreciation for the bass harmonica on this track.
I love this song because you feel like Paul Simon wrote this about the challenges you've faced in your life- the doubt of your ability to succeed, the loneliness, and the urge to be a fighter when things get hard.

No. 9- Romeo & Juliet

Song: Romeo & Juliet


Artist: Dire Straits

I don't know what it is about breakup songs, but they can be so relate-able. We've all had heartbreak and disappointment in relationships. And honestly, this song tops them all. It's the dynamics of the chorus, it's the honesty in the lyrics, and the emotion in singer Mark Knopfler's voice.
And that last verse gets me every time:
"All I do is miss you, and the way we used to be..."

Every. Time.

No. 10- Here Comes The Sun

Song: Here Comes The Sun


Artist: The Beatles

I probably heard this song first when I was very young, but it wasn't until I was an adult that it really meant so much to me. That time in my life was a big transition and had been really difficult to get through. But this song overflows with optimism and positive energy. That's why I still love it- no matter what's going on with me when I listen to it, it always brings me up. 

Musically speaking- the guitar part is beautiful, the melody soothing, and I'm always a sucker for well placed hand clapping.

And you'll notice I chose the version from the 2006 release "Love". I personally feel that it accentuates the mood and message of the song with the few changes George Martin made.

It's a gorgeous piece of music that I feel anyone can love.

No. 11- Grey Room

Song: Damien Rice


Artist: Grey Room

No. 12- El Scorcho

Song: El Scorcho


Artist: Weezer

No. 13- Eponine

Song: Eponine


Artist: Ozma

No. 14- Love Lost

Song: Love Lost


Artist: The Temper Trap