To a certain extent, I am an unabashedly eclectic music lover. I take great pride in knowing all the lyrics to “Forgot about Dre” and have no problem admitting my undying (and slightly creepy) love for Raine Maida (Our Lady Peace). However, for whatever reason, there are a few listening preferences that I prefer to keep under wraps in Private Sessions. I thought it was time I gave you a glimpse into the recesses of my music-loving heart.
Rock Gods forgive me for I have sinned. It's been seven (incredibly) embarrassing songs since my last confession.
Moves like Jagger (Christina Aguilera and Adam Levine) and Stereo Hearts (Gym Class Heroes and Adam Levine)
I know, I know. I made that crude comment about his balls dropping in our year-end wrap-up. The thing is, Adam Levine knows a good hook when he hears/writes one. ‘Moves Like Jagger’ is the very epitome of a Pop song. It’s catchy, completely pointless and very, very fun. Meanwhile, ‘Stereo Hearts’ is a pop song that’s far from pointless. Gym Class Heroes’ efforts to stretch the Heart/Stereo metaphor through an entire song are impressive. The first time I caught the part about the “old school fifty pound boombox,” I was hooked.
Dancin’ Away with My Heart-Lady Antebellum
I hated Lady A when they kept winning awards for “Need You Now.” It was rather hypocritical, too, considering how much I loved that song when the album first released. There comes a point, though, where I feel like musicians should just say, “That’s enough” and stop accepting nominations. As Lady Antebellum continued to “rob” my favorite musicians of awards, my hatred manifested. Then they released, “Dancin’ Away with My Heart,” and all was forgiven. It’s completely overplayed. But I think anyone who was “in love” in high school can appreciate the sentiment. (Even if they’ve come to realize the error of their ways.)
Fake It-Seether (or really any Seether song)
I can vaguely remember a time in high school when it was okay to like Seether. Is it cool to like them, again? Even if it is cool, I have way too many friends who will judge me for this. Whatever. Now they know. I love Seether. They’re like the Adam Levine of Rock, honestly. They know how to write catchy songs. One or two listens and I’ve got Shaun Morgan’s voice screaming the chorus in my head. After that, it’s only a matter of time before yet another Seether song is filed away in my “Good Shit-Rock” folder.
S&M-Rihanna
Full confession time: I own three Rihanna albums. Judge me all you want. Her voice is awesome and she writes a lot of the twisted, messed up stuff we think about and never say (“Breakin’ Dishes,” anyone?). Much like “Stereo Hearts,” Rihanna does a great job of keeping with the “S&M” theme. It’s noticeable in the lyrics, but also in the presentation. She almost growls throughout the chorus. How you tend to like you sex is really irrelevant. Once “S&M” starts there’s no denying that it “feels so good bein’ bad.”
5 O’clock in the Morning-T-Pain, Wiz Khalifa, and Lily Allen
I have a minor girl crush on Lilly Allen. Oh, that voice…with that accent. While the tone of her voice is sweet, her accent is a bit chavvy (the English version of “trashy.”), which adds quite nicely to the not-so-innocent lyrics of this song. The lyrics paint a pretty vivid picture, too. I can’t imagine that anyone listens to this song without picturing almost the exact same music video in their head. I’ve got a soft spot for T-Pain, too. I’m freakishly amused by his cadence “Apple Bottom Jeans.” Though, there was also that incident where he collaborated with Taylor Swift...
Mean-Taylor Swift
I can’t believe I’m admitting this. Absolutely everything about Taylor Swift makes me cringe. However, I love this song. The lyrics are childish and immature, the concept is trite and T-Swift’s voice usually grates on my nerves. But, I’ve dated mean boys and been pushed around by jerk faces. Then, one day I left because I knew I could do better, that I was better. I’m sick of hearing about boys who ignored her or how she’s in her twenties and still thinks fairy tales happen in real life. But this song…this isn’t just a break-up song, it’s a movin’ on song. Those, no matter who sings them, are my favorite.
