anthems of a 34 year old teenager (final part)

We're finally at the end of this journey. Revisiting the music that's been through one of the hardest, strangest, and dare I say eye-opening chapters of my life was interesting. From the age of 19 to the age of 32, I grew up in more ways than one. I learned that you might not have everything figured out while you're young. You might have to make questionable choices in friends, jobs, and hobbies to figure your shit out. You also might start a blog while balancing school, work, friends, family, and your own sanity in your 30s. While doing all that, you reminisce on all the things you've said and done about a decade ago. The Vines you posted, the movies you've seen, the music you listened to, and the memories you've made. As you reminisce, you start to cringe, retrospectively of course.

Song: Pillow Talk

Artist: Wild Child

Year of Release: 2011

"When you leave, I'm lonely. When you leave, I'm lonely. When you leave, I'm lonely for you. Roll around in our bed. Can't stop thoughts in my head. Screaming 'girl just get out for you'."

Once again I must say "thank you Vine" because that is how this song came on my radar. This is one of those songs I could hear in a musical. Two couples falling apart, while the man of one couple falls for the woman of the other. I know that story has been told before and in various ways, but people still eat that up! "Pillow Talk" sounds sweet musically, but lyrically it's about two perspectives of a failing relationship. The woman can't let go, while the man is already moving on. In fact, in one of the verses, he already found someone else. Don't want to breakup with your girlfriend first my guy? Cool cool cool...

Song: Her Favorite Song

Artist: Mayor Hawthorne

Year of Release: 2013

"But when she gets home, she puts her headphones on. She plays her favorite song and fades away."

Did, did I ghostwrite this one? When I heard this for the first time, I felt seen. A song about a woman who's having a rough time, until she hears her favorite song. Yeah, that's my song, my story, Mayor Hawthorne wrote my story. I finally had a song I could 100% relate to. Just like the woman in the song, I rely on music to get through the tough times. Once I plug in my headphones, nothing else matters at that moment. I tune in and shake off the bad stuff, I'm happy again. Once the song's over, the world is still spinning, life goes on, and I hit repeat.

Song: If I Could Change Your Mind

Artist: Haim

Year of Release: 2013

"But if I was to say I regret it, would it mean a thing? 'Cause every time I think (I think) think about it, memories take me back to ll of our wildest times."

An old friend during the Vine days showed me this song while I was trying (and failing) to get over a crush. Even though the song is about wanting a second chance, I couldn't help but dance to it. I've heard Haim once before, when they performed "The Wire" on Saturday Night Live, I dug their vibe and was blown away by their musicianship. So I shouldn't have been surprised when I first heard "If I Could Change Your Mind". However, I was surprised because of how bubbly it sounded, meanwhile the lyrics are about realizing that you made a mistake and you want to get back with your partner. If someone wrote this song for me, I'd fold like a lawn chair, so if anyone wants to admit they want to date me, now is the time.........is this thing on?

Song: My Type

Artist: Saint Motel

Year of Release: 2014 (I was 24)

"You-you-you're just my type. Oh, you got a pulse and you are breathing."

I think the lyric above just called me out...hmmm. Saint Motel knew what they were doing when they wrote this banger. It was everywhere, commercials, movies, tv, the internet, and my house. It's also featured in a video of Sam Rockwell dancing, which is always a good time! The second you hear the saxophone you KNOW it's going to be good. Then the chorus comes in, with the punchline saying that everyone is the man's type. Simple concept, yet so affective, that's what's fun about pop music! It can be that simple! If only dating were that easy. You got a pulse AND you're breathing? I'm in love!

Song: Gooey

Artist: Glass Animals

Year of Release: 2014

"Right, my little pooh bear, wanna take a chance? Wanna sip this smooth air, kick it in the sand. I'd say I told you so but you just gonna cry. You just wanna know those peanut butter vibes."

I first heard this track during the end credits of Magic Mike XXL, which is the best one of the trilogy. I already was in a trance thanks to the movie itself, but then the song began to play, and I was in awe. I felt euphoric, curious, and a little frightened. Every time I would play it I felt as if I was committing sin, but I couldn't stop. The song is haunting but it pulls me in every listen, as I get sucked in, I just lay back and enjoy the ride until the song ends.

Song: Brooklyn Baby

Artist: Lana Del Rey

Year of Release: 2014

"Yeah, my boyfriend's pretty cool, but he's not as cool as me. 'Cause I'm a Brooklyn baby. I'm a Brooklyn baby."

Lana Del Rey has been one of my top ten favorite artists in a little over the past decade. It was around the mid-2010s when I started listening to her, and I was hooked ever since. While it was tough to chose just one song from her album Ultraviolence, I chose "Brooklyn Baby" for an anthem. One of the highlights of the track is the male vocals toward the end, sung to perfection by Seth Kauffman (no relation to Andy Kaufman). However, Lou Reed was supposed to provide the vocals, but unfortunately he passed away right before he and Lana were supposed to meet. Yes the song is a satire of hipster culture, which is funny because I wanted to be identified as a hipster at the time. Hell, I wanted to be identified as something worth talking about. Maybe that's why I latched onto this song the second I heard it...

Song: Together

Artist: Selah Sue featuring Childish Gambino

Year of Release: 2014

"I know we're far apart. I don't know where to start. And I know what the people say, but I choose your love anyway."

Oh love, a beautiful and frightening feeling, so I've heard. I got into Selah Sue during my Walk Off the Earth phase when they covered "Can't Take My Eyes Off You" together. So obviously I started checking out more of her music, and that's when I discovered "Together" featuring Childish Gambino. Her pleading that she and this man should be together because if not, they'll disappear. "We can reach the sun, if we're one, that's easy", simple yet so complex, which is what love can often be at times. Songs about love and knowing that you aren't complete without the one person can sound cheesy and a little dated, but there's a reason those kind of songs do well, most people can relate to them. Like a rom-com or a sappy poem, people eat it up, even if they don't want to. I'm a sucker for a good love song now and then, just like this one.

Song: Same Mistakes

Artist: The Echo Friendly

Year of Release: 2014

"I never did grow up. Feels like I never will. My friends are all adults. I'm still a teenage girl."

Yes, we are back to Girls because the soundtrack is just that good. This song hit me like a ton of bricks, for I almost cried after hearing it for the first time. At times I feel as if I'm falling behind while all of my friends are heading for the finish line. I always felt in competition with everyone I meet, as I scroll through their social media pages. I assume everyone has their shit together, when in reality, they are probably feeling the same as me. Maybe I just need to be better at hiding my struggles? How does that phrase go, "fake it until you make it", well trust me I am trying!

Song: Bombastic

Artist: Bonnie McKee

Year of Release: 2015

"I came to win, win, win, betta show me what you got. I came to bring the fire 'cause you know I like it hot. Gonna win, win, win 'cause I'm full of tiger blood. I'm vicious like a viper and I'm ready to turn it on."

An old friend showed me the music video to this song and I became obsessed! The video is a fun tribute to 80s workout videos (you know the ones I'm talking about). Bonnie McKee has been an important part of pop music for over a decade, for she has written songs for artists such as Katy Perry, Kesha, and Cher just to name a couple! So it makes perfect sense that she would have some bangers of her own. "Bombastic" is a fun track that motivates you to release your inner badass. It helps especially if you just played a downer like "The Same Mistakes" and you need an immediate pick me up...

Song: Peanut Butter Jelly

Artist: Galantis

Year of Release: 2015

"Spread it like peanut butter jelly. Do it like I owe you some money. Spread it like peanut butter jelly. Do it like I owe you some money."

This song, along with it's music video, hit me like a ton of bricks! You're immediately pulled in and dancing as if no one is watching. The video's premise is simple yet extremely effective, for it will make you want to dance in the middle of a grocery store! Trust me, it has happened to me, so be careful when you hit play. Also, sampling "Kiss My Love Goodbye" by Bettye Swan was a smart move from Galantis. If you need a little pick me up or you want to start an impromptu dance party, this is the song to get it started.

Song: Carter & Cash

Artist: Tor Miller

Year of Release: 2016 (I was 26)

"And all the while the world, it hit me with the speed of sound. And don't you worry girl, I'm always going to be around. Won't bat a lash, just like Carter & Cash."

I've been a fan of Tor Miller for years and I finally saw him perform. Let me tell you, he's the coolest guy I have ever seen, and with incredible stage presence and talent. "Carter & Cash" popped up in my radar via YouTube one day and the rest was history. I immediately hit subscribe and became a fan. His songs are stories with catchy melodies and lyrics that can take you on a journey. This track is just one example of his artistry, for it only sratches the surface. Artists like him can be a dime a dozen, so when they come into your life, hold on, and enjoy the ride.

Song: Green Light

Artist: Lorde

Year of Release: 2016

"'Cause honey, I'll come get my things, but I can't let go. Oh, honey, I'll come get my things, but I can't let go. Yes, honey, I'll come get my things, but I can't let go. Oh, I wish I could get my things and just let go."

With receiving somewhat of a resurgence via TikTok for it's use in the Tony nominated play John Proctor is the Villain, "Green Light" has become an anthem. This track became my anthem when I first heard it, for I belted it out at a bar & grill during karaoke night. Even though I don't relate to the song per say, I still felt as if Lorde dug into my brain and let out my frustrations. She truly lets her guard down on this track and doesn't hold back her anger, with lyrics like "I know about what you did and I wanna scream the truth". Not only do the lyrics tell a story that many people, especially women, can relate to, it also makes one want to dance and scream it out. I sure did, and after your first listen, you too will be waiting for it, that green light, you'll want it.

part 1, part 2, full playlist!