There are a few songs that I define myself by. Songs that I could listen to over and over and never get sick of. I think the true wonder of music is its ability to just completely cover up whatever you're feeling internally and kind of provide a sort of artistic form of Novocaine. Here's my prescription of choice:
1. Dave Matthews Band's "Crash Into Me"
This may be the best love song I've ever heard. It's pleading and simple; "lost for you, i'm so lost for you" is about as raw as you can get. There's something so simple in the delivery too; Dave doesn't scream or yell or show anger towards his unrequited love... he just oozes out sensuality. The vulnerability and honesty of this song makes you feel human to want to want someone so bad.
2. James Taylor's "Carolina in my Mind"
On long car rides home from summer vacations in the Adirondacks, James Taylor was right up there next to gas on must-haves for my family. Whenever I hear this I almost always feel a little homesick and nostalgic; like James Taylor is singing about a place we've all been, whether it's the Carolina's or not.
3. John Mayer's "Slow Dancing in a Burning Room"
The melody of this ballad from Mr. Meyer tugs at your heartstrings. It's so downcast and pulls you down into the dull drums, yet at the same time John sounds sort of sexy in his "we're going down together" attitude. it's the perfect tune to fall into after a huge fight with a significant other... when you know you've hit a wall and the relationship ending is inevitable. Your world might be ending, but it's a little better when you let John declare it.
4. Weezer's "Island in the Sun"
How can you NOT love this song?? It's sunny, bright, mellow, and radiates carefree love. One round of Weezer's uuber-chill tune and "we'll never feel bad anymore."
5. Neil Young "Heart of Gold"
Listening to this song makes me feel wiser than my 18 years. Neil has been around the block a few more times than me, but there's something strangely familiar when he sings "i want a heart of gold, and I'm getting old." When you feel like you've had your chances at love and start to worry about finding the one, Neil Young does a pretty good job lamenting for you. *Added bonus: the melancholy harmonica riffs = instant lamenting
