Keep Calm and Jam On

Every day of the week, I am always finding and enjoying new songs. Whether they are songs that are unknown or songs that have been constantly played in the media, there’s always something to enjoy in the song department!

I regularly watch YouTube videos, movies, Instagram videos and commercials, so I am always hearing something new for me to enjoy! Of course, just like with every song, there will be the odd one that I favour more than others. However, I still have the opportunity to hear some songs for once!

Before, during and after the pandemic, music will always be my primary source of therapy. It helps me relax, move around, and gives me inspiration on new writing and art projects! Like I said before, I always have my headphones on when I am doing some form of physical activity or therapeutic hobby like doing a puzzle.

Take a look at this fantastic playlist of songs that I have frequently listened to and enjoyed for the last few months and weeks!

1. Retro Today- Alexandra Woodward

During a Shein commercial for a Valentines Day clothing sale on YouTube, this funky, retro-style instrumental song was discovered. I enjoyed hearing my favourite instruments such as the organ, which is one of my favourite sounds of all time. It brought me back to listening to similar songs such as The Funky Turkey by The Jive Turkeys and Something Tells Me by Hammond Organ. After successfully finding this song on YouTube and SoundCloud, I could not stop listening to this song for a day! That's how much I loved the song.

2. Coffee to Go- Alexandra Woodward

Unlike the tune Retro Today, Coffee to Go is another retro-style instrumental song that uses similar instruments like the organ. I loved Alexandra Woodwards music so much that I had the motivation to see what other songs she has created. Many of the songs that I discovered did not have the classic organ sound and retro style that I favour, so Coffee to Go and Retro Today are my top two favourites by her so far! This tune is available on both YouTube and SoundCloud.

3. Ponty-Timati (Russian rap song)

The slang term "ponty" in Russian means to "show off". This Russian rap hit was played in one of Bald and Bankrupt's Russia vlogs. In many of his Russia vlogs, he incorporates many Russian hits that were from the 80's, 90's and 2000's. I have heard of Timati from other Russian schoolmates in middle school, but had no interest in listening to his music at the time. Until I heard this song in the vlog and one of Bald and Bankrupts Instagram stories, I began to really enjoy listening to Russian rap music. This specific song is one of my new favourites from the pandemic, because it would give me some good energy whenever I would feel tired, down and sometimes despondent. In my opinion, rap music is "good medicine" for bad mental health.

4. What I Need This Time- Moiez and Alina Renae (Electric Joy Ride remix)

The first song by Electric Joy Ride that I ever listened to was Origin, which was played in one of Venus Angelics makeup tutorials on YouTube. This particular song was randomly played on YouTube, after listening to one of my favourite Electric Joy Ride songs called Coco. Electric Joy Ride makes fantastic, uplifting, melodic, joyful and creative hits that I keep adding to multiple song playlists on my phone. Many of their songs are released in gaming vidoes and the vlogs that I regularly watch. I could not stop listening to this song for a whole day, and then I ended up getting sick of it a day after. That is how good their music is. It becomes addictive to the point where you become sick of it within at least half a day. I mainly listened to this song when I would complete household chores.

5. Sana Kun (Yakut song) - Aina Efimova

The term "sana kun" means "new day" in Yakut. It is very similar to the phrase "yeni gun" which means "new day" in Turkish. Although I have not listened to many Yakut songs over the years, this song really touched me. This song was played in a couple of LifeinYakutia's vlogs, such as the one where she makes homemade jam using fresh grown lingonberries from her garden. Many of the songs that she plays on her vlogs are Yakut songs from various genres like pop. I would not consider this an ordinary "favourite" of mine, but it is definitely a "favourite" of mine for whenever I want to listen to something slow rather than upbeat.

6. Hen Efshar (Hebrew Song)- Michal Tal

The phrase "hen efshar" means "yes, it's possible" in Hebrew. This classic Israeli song by Michal Tal has always provided me comfort, care, and relaxation in times of distress and darkness. The soothing sounds of her voice and the piano helps me to calm down and I recommend giving this a listen. You can find many of her songs on Apple Music and YouTube. Whether I am resting in my living room, lounging around in my bedroom, walking outdoors, doing light household chores or cooking, I am always down to listen to this soothing, calming and classic Hebrew song that I have been listening to since 2013.

7. Davi na Gaz (Russian Song)- Svetlana Vladimirskaya

The term "davi na gaz" means "to press on the gas" in Russian. This was one of the Russian dance-pop songs that I heard in another one of Bald and Bankrupts Russia vlogs. When I first listened to this song on the vlog, Shazam was unable to detect the name of the song, and then one day it successfully found the song which made me so happy. Once I knew the name of the song and the artist, I successfully found it on Apple Music and YouTube. As soon as I got immersed in the song and her amazing singing voice, I became addicted to this song. I listened to it for two days and then eventually got sick of it. I would mainly listen to this song during my home workout sessions, walks outdoors, and when I would complete different household chores like mopping the floors, cooking (not so much of a chore for me), and disinfecting my apartment.

8. Belyi Tanez (Russian Song)- Svetlana Vladimirskaya

The phrase "belyi tanez" means "white dance" in Russian. This is another great dance hit by Svetlana Vladimirskaya. It has the same style as the song "Davi na Gaz", which is why I became interested in this remixed song of "Belyi Tanez". I could not stop dancing and exercising to this song. This song can be found and downloaded on YouTube and Apple Music.

9. Brutal Love- Green Day

I am so grateful to get into another one of Green Days classic hits, "Brutal Love". After repetitively listening to Green Day's songs such as "Nuclear Family", "Stay the Night", "Oh Love", "Missing You", and "Sweet 16" for the last few years and months, I became addicted to this song and would constantly listen to it on my nature walks, when I would be completing household tasks and when I would exercise in my living room. The passion in Green Day's music has always given me further inspiration to get moving, live life and keep creating.

10. Itro- Elves

If you are a huge dance or D and B music enthusiast, check out this whimsical, upbeat and powerful dance hit by Itro. Itro's natural talent for beat making and creating awesome musical pieces got me to continue liking more of his songs, including this particular song. I would constantly listen to this song while I was exercising, resting in my bed, completing household tasks, walking outdoors and would sometimes dance to this song in my living room or kitchen. It has also given me further motivation to create more music of my own, which I will release as soon as I make them.