Songs that inspire me - a playlist.

Here are a few songs that I find inspiring; I'll refer to 5 songs, but this is by no means exhaustive. I mean, I have way more songs in my external HD that probably should've made it on this list, but didn't. Anyway, you do get to sample like, 7 songs (including the bonuses) this week! Woo!

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1. "The Masterplan" - Oasis

(here)

For me, Oasis could always harness every thought I had of looking to the future; just musing. My mind would run rampant in the ever present haze of a daydream, and Oasis was my soundtrack. Yet another classic B-side that should have been an A-side.

2. "Common People" - Pulp

(here)

Lyrically, it's a satire on rich people who want to "act" common, when they have no idea how it's really like. I just get "inspired" more by the rhythm behind it. The song just has this pulsing driving force through it. The lyrics bolster the urgency of the song. If you ever come upon the Pulp website, it'll tell you to read the lyrics without the music. Trust me, it makes all the difference. Anyway. I'd also recommend William Shatner's version.

BONUS: "Common People" - William Shatner's version (it's quite good)

(here)

3. Luciano Pavarotti's version of "Nessun Dorma" from Turandot

(here)

I once asked one of my voice teachers if Italian operas were overdramatic. Out of the arias I was learning, one was like "Oh let me die" in a minor key; the other one was "You wound me" but it was in this happy triplet thing. He said I was right Italian operas are emotional both ways. Which brings me to Nessun Dorma. Great song in itself; even AWESOMER when Pavarotti sings it. Can't help BUT be inspired. Even if he is singing about dying the next day.

4. "The Scientist" - Coldplay

(here)

In my opinion, the best Coldplay song out there. Fix You and Yellow are nice, but this is it. Achingly beautiful.

5. "Hawaii '78" - Israel Kamakawiwo'ole

(here)

Israel is pretty much the voice of Hawaii. He has long since passed on, but his music will live forever. Hawaii '78 is a lament; it's very much Hawaiian in the blood sense. Israel wonders how the old Kings and Queens of the Sovereignty would react to the commercialization of Hawaii today. Inspiring because -- jeez. Just listen to the guy.

BONUS: "Hawaii Aloha" - Israel Kamakawiwo'ole

(here)

This is the state song/anthem of Hawaii.


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NEXT WEEK: I'll pick a handful of songs that make me happy! (and maybe in the middle, i'll review an album. Yeah, if we're lucky)