This month was a whirlwind of different emotions and experiences, just as every other eleven months of the year is. Yet, each month I find myself discovering new personal anthems that either help give me the comfort I needed that day, or make me want to put the volume all the way up in my car with the windows down, screaming the lyrics. Music is a form of therapy in my life. Whether I'm experiencing my highest highs or my lowest lows, I always listen to music to help express what I am feeling at the moment. Some may be songs I listened to as I was growing up that bring me comfort through nostalgia, and some are new songs I can't get enough of. No matter what I am doing in life, music is always a part of it and helps shape the person I am, even if it's just for a month, a day, or even an hour. Here are a few songs that kept me going this month.
Bowling Alley - Audrey Hobert
This song was on constant repeat for me this month. I love it when artists can tell stories through their music, and that is exactly what Audrey Hobert did. While the song itself is super catchy and upbeat, there were strong and very familiar feelings that also caught my attention. "Bowling Alley" shines a light on those not-so-fun times where you feel out of place or just lacking self-confidence, but makes it humorous, while also being honest about all the thoughts that cross my mind when I find myself in similar situations. I am a person who deals with an unfortunate amount of self-doubt and being awkward at times, so to have a song that I can very much relate to so much in my life, to help shake off these insecurities, made this song one of my favorites this month.
Old Recliners - ROLE MODEL (Tucker Pillsbury)
The feeling of a summer sunset drive with all the windows down and your hair blowing in your face is exactly how I would describe this song. Tucker released the perfect summer anthem, one that balances the feeling of holding onto the memories of a past love and mourning the relationship you once had. Though, lyrically, this song expresses the pain of reminiscing about someone and losing that feeling, it has still been a song that brings me peace and warmth when I needed it this month. "Old Recliners" became that song that I would queue up in times when I was finding myself reflecting on the past, whether it was in my car or writing, or even just lying in my bed.
The Hudson - The Favors
This song, I feel, can be interpreted in many different ways, whether you're longing for a person, a place, or even a version of yourself that doesn't exist anymore. "The Hudson" is the perfect anthem to connect with during those times, and that is exactly what I did. I went to New York recently and biked along the Hudson River, and it made me realize how perfect the track name was. I felt at peace as I was biking and found myself dazing off and remembering moments where I was comfortable and at peace in life, and that's exactly how I feel when listening to this song. In emotional moments that I experienced this month, the song was there to help keep me grounded and keep that peace.
Cool Cat - Queen
As a long-time Queen fan, this song has always been one of my favorites. However, especially this month, I have noticed that I play this song in times when I need quietness to be filled. The song is incredibly smooth and strong, yet not too loud, so when I needed a moment of serenity amidst the chaos, this is the perfect anthem to play. "Cool Cat" gives me the escape from reality that I need sometimes.
Infinity - One Direction
Listening to "Infinity" is not something new to me, but this month specifically, I found myself having it on constant replay. One Direction was the core of my life as I was growing up, and I remember the feeling of being so excited to listen and watch them. It was comfort and something that truly changed who I am as a person today. This month, I needed moments of that flash to the past to feel the comfort of nostalgia and have the reminder of the fangirl I was, and who I still am.
