My Top 25 Favorite Songs of All Time

#1 - I'll Fall With Your Knife by Peter Murphy

I got a tattoo of some of the lyrics to this song: The words, "with a broken wing you sail," embedded in the wing of a red-tailed hawk. A song about unconditional love and devotion, this one still gives me chills every time the first few notes start playing. And Peter Murphy's hauntingly baritone voice is so soothing.

#2 - Fix You by Coldplay

I talked about this song in my Top 10 Favorite Coldplay Songs list, but I'll say it again: Fix You is a song that is very near and dear to my heart. Chris Martin's falsetto voice is warm and emotional, blending perfectly with the powerful organs, piano and guitars. One of the best songs of all time, in my opinion.

#3 - Take A Picture by Filter

This song always brings me back to Sacandaga Lake: A nice quiet boat ride, watching the sun set over the hills and the light disappear from the water. Makes you want to "Take A Picture."

#4 - This Is the Sea by The Waterboys

A beautiful song about renewal and new beginnings, This Is the Sea reminds us to reflect on the past while embracing for the future. "That was the river / this is the sea."

#5 - The Stairs by INXS

The lyrics of this song don't begin for the first one minute and 40 seconds, and honestly, that is my favorite part of the song. The build up, the ingenious use of the drums, bass guitar and synthesizers, all of it works beautifully.

#6 - Hurt by Johnny Cash

A powerful song about Johnny Cash's life and legacy, Hurt brings tears to my eyes every time I listen. And the music video tells a surreal, extremely touching story as Cash sings directly to us while images and b-roll of his life flash across the screen.

#7 - Radio by Lana Del Rey

Considered by many people to be one of her best songs, Radio describes Lana's experience with fame, claiming her life is "sweet like cinnamon." But cinnamon is not always sweet.

#8 - Bad by U2

The guitar in this song: Chef's kiss.

#9 - Break It Down Again by Tears for Fears

An inspiring song all about hope and embracing change, this is one of the first songs I turn to if I need a pick-me-up.

#10 - The Scientist by Coldplay

A tragic tale of regret and wishing starting over was that simple, The Scientist reminds us to appreciate what we have, as everything could change in an instant. Fun fact about the music video, while everything plays in reverse, Chris Martin singing the song in reverse is not a trick of the camera: He actually learned to sing this song backwards for the video. Now that's dedication.

#11 - Dynasties & Dystopia by Bren Joy and Denzel Curry

Spoiler alert if you do decide to check out the video I have attached for this song, it is a clip from the Netflix original show, "Arcane." This song is perfect for the scene that unfolds, super motivational and it perfectly matches the action-packed clip. A top notch song!

#12 - You Get What You Give by New Radicals

Always reminds me of Surf's Up, such a great summer song. Makes me want to go to the beach and lounge, just watching the waves roll in.

#13 - Just Like Heaven by The Cure

A family favorite, Just Like Heaven is an upbeat love song, describing the feeling of being unconditionally in love feeling "just like Heaven."

#14 - The Ghost in You by The Psychedelic Furs

Another love song by a band that I think is very similar to The Cure in style and tone. The Psychedelic Furs are awesome!

#15 - Punkrocker by Teddybears (feat. Iggy Pop)

Fell in love with this song after hearing it in the new Superman movie. Punkrocker is just a feel-good gem you should play with the window's down driving down back-country roads.

#16 - Clean by Taylor Swift

Yes, I am a Swiftie, and proud of it. Clean speaks to the challenges of moving on from a toxic relationship and the bitter-sweet feeling of finally moving on and getting "clean."

#17 - What Could Have Been by Sting (feat. Ray Chen)

Another song from "Arcane," What Could Have Been is a chilling number that plays during the season one finale. Sting's voice sounds incredible and violinist Ray Chen delivers a powerful performance, they compliment each other perfectly.

#18 - Where the Streets Have No Name by U2

This video is what U2 is all about: Breaking down walls and giving the fans what they want. Such an uplifting song and video!

#19 - The Scarlet Thing in You by Peter Murphy

Passion, intense romantic feelings and deep connection, The Scarlet Thing in You is another Peter Murphy triumph.

#20 - 1979, Remastered 2012 by The Smashing Pumpkins

A coming of age song that speaks to the complex and oftentimes confusing transition from childhood to adulthood, 1979 is a classic.

#21 - Lazy Eye by Silversun Pickups

An indie rock anthem about longing and cautious love. You can feel the intensity of the story in the lyrics, looking to overcome insecurities and hesitation to take a chance on someone and establish a connection.

#22 - Out To Get You by James

I love James and their sound, Out To Get You is one of their greatest hits in my opinion, very relatable and raw. Sometimes genuine human connection is all we really need.

#23 - State Of Grace by Taylor Swift

Falling in love for the first time can hit you like a freight train. This song does an amazing job conveying those feelings of intensity, extreme vulnerability and newfound hope that comes with falling in love with someone for the very first time.

#24 - Clay Pigeons by John Prine

A song about the little things in life, overcoming loneliness and finding one's purpose. Clay Pigeons tells a relatable tale about what the heart truly needs to feel fulfilled and whole.

#25 - If I Get High by Nothing But Thieves

A song about feeling something after intense loss, I discovered If I Get High earlier this year. The live version I've included above is even better than the recorded song you'd find on Spotify.