2010 has been an excellent year for music — well, for me, personally, I guess I should say. I’d like to share, and document for my rather sketchy memory, the particular songs that provided a soundtrack to my life this year. (Rather than dwell on the details of whether or not a song or album was released actually in 2010, I’m going to focus on the music that spoke directly to me during the timeframe of 2010- rather it was released during this 12 month period or not. )
1. Adele
Although I’ve been familiar with Adele for some time, this is the year that I opened up my ears to her fabulosity. Her much anticipated album “21” is set to be released 2.22.11- and I already have a “listen party” in the works. Here are two songs that will be on her upcoming album.
“Someone Like You” – favorite line: “…I couldn’t stay away, I couldn’t fight it. I’d hoped you’d see my face and be reminded, that for me, it isn’t over yet.”
“Don’t You Remember”- favorite line: “When was the last time you thought of me? Oh, have you completely erased me from your memory? I often think about where I went wrong. The more I do, the less I know.”
2. OneRepublic
1R’s music entered through my ears, trickled their way through to my heart, and emerged through my hands — through which I pushed this album onto absolutely everyone I could. If forced to pick the artist that personally defined 2010 , they would be it. This particular song pulled me from many a difficult time this year — my husband’s unemployment, my mother’s accident and surgeries, financial struggles, etc., and reminded me that it’s okay to be broken sometimes. No one’s perfect.
“Marchin’ On” – favorite line: “We’ll have the days we break, we’ll have the scars to prove it….we’ll have the heart not to lose it. For all the times we’ve stopped, for all the things I’m not.”
[I have tried and tried to find this on youtube to repost here, but they are ALL on lockdown. Da*n copyright laws! Please check it out…it’s so worth your time.]
3. Sara Bareilles
Really…I think it would be physically impossible for me to compile any type of music list and not include SaraB. To me, she is quintessential perfection, no more – no less. After many years of waiting, SaraB’s album Kaleidoscope Heart dropped this year. This particular track is the one that I wore out so badly that I had to buy a second disc.
“Hold My Heart” – favorite line: “Never meant to be the one to let you down, if anything, I saw myself going first.”
4. Alpha Rev
AR is an Austin based band that I discovered around March of this year. The violin. The harmonies. The lyrics. All the things that knocked me upside the head with their poignancy. I listened to nothing else for a good two weeks after purchasing their album. Even my daughter learned the words to their brilliant songs. This song, in particular, touched me this year. 2010 marked the 10 year anniversary of the death of my best friend, and Colder Months helped me work through that grief, which many days, felt just as fresh as it did a decade ago when we lost him. [Bonus side note: Christmas gift from my bestie — tickets to see Alpha Rev in Tulsa in January. YES!]
“Colder Months” – favorite line: “We keep with us these fallen faces.”
5. Laura Izibor
I love Monday mornings. Only because AOL has two music sites that they update with the new releases that will be coming out that week, and you’re able to listen to the albums in their entirety for free, for a week. I recall listening to Laura’s album when it was up for play, but on that particular day, it just wasn’t what my heart needed to hear. Fast forward a few months, until I stumbled across the album again, and it was an entirely different story. Laura closed out my 2010 by reminding me of how fortunate we are to have each other….even if we have nothing else.
“If Tonight is My Last” – favorite line: “If tonight is my last…I wanna spend it with you. And if the sky falls down, it’s gonna be alright, cause I’ve got you here tonight.”
[Just a side note: I much prefer the live recording of this from a Tokyo show, but unfortunately, I can’t link it on here properly. Once again…..stupid copyright laws! I suggest searching youtube for it – It’s killer.]
I’ve had such fun putting this post together, and hope you enjoy reading/listening as well. My musicwhore soul feels a little lighter now:)
Overflowing Bookshelf 