Here are some songs I recommend you listen to right now:
- “Driven” by Rush — This is, in my humble opinion, Rush’s best song. (Sorry 2112 fans). The time signature varies, the lyrics are interesting, and it has a strong melody and well-constructed instrumental layers.
- “Karn Evil 9” by Emerson, Lake & Palmer — My favorite song. It is split up into three “impressions,” the first one being split into two parts. If you have heard any part of this song, it’s Part II of the first impression. That’s because the whole thing is barely under 30 minutes long. If you do not think you have that kind of time, at least listen the Part II of the first impression. Only 4:48; much easier.
- “Invention No. 8 in F Major” by Johann Sebastian Bach — Invention No. 8 is a short ditty, but still impressive. It is a nice beginner’s piece for people learning to play or listen to Bach. Advanced pianists can look back and work on this piece for hours and hours. It gives you an idea of how Bach intertwines two different melodies between hands on the piano.
- “High Life” by I See MONSTAS, Valentino Khan — I will mention I See MONSTAS again. They are a sort of EDM group that has jazz influences and are one of my favorite EDM artists. “High Life” is a great pump-up jam. High energy and relatively interesting for EDM.
- “Race You” by Elizabeth & the Catapult — This is a happy and sweet song about a mother racing her child back home for supper. It is a lot of people’s favorite, and I can see why. It is hard to be in a bad mood when you listen to it.
- “Jusfayu (feat. No Wyld)” by KAMAU — Another random discovery, at the time I thought this song would be number one on Billboard’s Hot 100 within a week. Over a year later, it boasts a respectable 4.5 million listens on Spotify. It is a fun approach to the rejected-lover genre. If you have ever been friend-zoned, trust me that you will relate.
Here is an album that you need to listen through at least once this month:
- Hot Spring – Gunnuhver — Thank you to Jenna Gustafson for playing these great Icelandic songs for me a few years ago!
Finally, this is an artist you should check out when you get the chance:
- Lecrae — A buddy at college suggested we play Lecrae during a workout. He described him as a “Christian rapper.” In my head I said, “Oh, please no,” but out loud it was more like, “Sure, why not?” I was pleasantly surprised. Lecrae is a Grammy-award-winning artist, and yes, he is a Christian rapper. He’s part of the recent mainstream Christian music movement that’s arisen the past few years. Long before Chance the Rapper released Coloring Book, – regarded as a gospel album in many ways – Lecrae was rising up through the ranks with his volumes of Church Clothes. Even if you’re not Christian, you’ll find his style and content interesting.
I update this list every two weeks. Keep coming back for new suggestions. Also, please leave your suggestions in the comments. I’d love to hear the music you all listen to. If I pick your song, artist, or album, I’ll be sure to give you credit for it up above.