DylanGonna give the #30DaySongChallenge a try… at least until my ADHD brain completely forgets about it.
Edit: Replaced original image with higher-res version
Day 1: A song you like with a color in the title
“South California Purples” by Chicago off of their first album, Chicago Transit Authority
Originally named “Southern California Purples,” this song clocks in at 6m12s and features some killer guitar soloing. There’s even a lyrical excerpt from “I Am The Walrus.”
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/album/south-california-purples-remastered/1109409662?i=1109410010
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/5NyZhrOV4Nh3Ws9ctGtX2j?si=GUQ0sZqPQXWSoB2Z_1cdrA
YouTube: https://youtu.be/CM_3KrNOZxM
Day 2: A song you like with a number in the title
“1901” by Phoenix.
A vibrant blend of synth and pop that catapulted this French indie band to the mainstream. It's a timeless tune about the exhilaration of change and nostalgia for times past. Perfect for those reflective summer days.
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/album/1901/1450828963?i=1450829103
YouTube: https://youtu.be/cFElidiwxYU
Day 3: A song that reminds you of summertime
“Us” by Regina Spektor
“Us” is summer distilled into a song. The blend of heartfelt lyrics and sun-soaked piano makes me think of long, lazy afternoons and warm twilight hours with my partner. It captures the essence of summer connection. Oh, and it doesn’t hurt that it was featured during the opening credits of the movie, “500 Days Of Summer.”
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/album/us/20006406?i=20006472
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/6zJms3MX11Qu1IKF44LoRW?si=nW7mo1iyR569wRiQAxfA2Q
YouTube: https://youtu.be/fczPlmz-Vug
Day 4: A song that reminds you of someone you'd rather forget
“XO” as covered by John Mayer (originally written & performed by Beyoncé)
I always want to look back at past friendships & relationships with fondness. Sometimes I’d just rather forget.
I don’t think about this person often, but I share some painful memories with them. There’s guilt, shame, etc. We weren’t as kind to each other as we should’ve been, and that’s sad.
All platforms: https://songwhip.com/john-mayer/xo
Day 5: A song that needs to be played loud
“Xo” by Fall Out Boy
To follow up my previous choice of “XO,” today I’m choosing another song called “Xo.”
These lyrics are quintessential Fall Out Boy. They feature a complex, fast-paced relationship, which is paired perfectly with the energetic instrumentation. After the intimate vocals during the intro, Patrick Stump unleashes his powerful and theatrical voice.
All streaming platforms: https://songwhip.com/fall-out-boy/xo
Day 6: A song that makes you want to dance
“CUFF IT” by Beyoncé
Just give it a listen and you’ll see that the groove is undeniable. The transition into the next song, Energy, is SO clean.
All streaming platforms: https://songwhip.com/beyonce/cuffit
Day 7: A song to drive to
“Bellbottoms” by The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion
If you’ve seen the movie Baby Driver, you already know what you’re in for. Need to get somewhere fast? Throw this on.
2m20s is when the song fully ramps up. It’s the perfect time to rev your engine and then let it rip right as the guitar comes back in. Makes for a very theatrical burnout in my experience.
All streaming platforms: https://songwhip.com/the-jon-spencer-blues-explosion/bellbottoms1994
Day 8: A song about drugs or alcohol
Benzo! By KISH!
Take a dive into “Benzo!” It cleverly tackles themes of drugs & alcohol without making them the main focus. Benzo employs metaphors that hint at substance misuse, which capture a gritty reality of interpersonal struggles.
“Smoke up high so the stress goes… they snort me down like a Benzo.”
Love the beat. It stays tight and the bass is seriously powerful without becoming bloated.
All streaming platforms: https://songwhip.com/kish-2/benzo
Day 9: A song that makes you happy
“Kate” by Ben Folds Five
The joy in “Kate’s” piano-driven pop sound is absolutely contagious. It’s impressive when a song can capture so much energy and happiness. This gem from the ’90s never fails to brighten my day and put a spring in my step.
“And you can see the daisies in her footsteps…
Dandelions,
Butterflies,
I wanna be Kate!”
All streaming platforms: https://songwhip.com/ben-folds-five/kate
Day 10: A song that makes you sad
“White Ferrari” by Frank Ocean
A journey through a relationship’s beginning and end. The lyrics suggest that one person has some mental hangups that make the relationship impossible.
“You dream of walls that hold us in prison
It’s just a skull, least that’s what they call it
And we’re free to roam”
All streaming platforms: https://songwhip.com/frank-ocean/white-ferrari
Day 11: A song you never get tired of
“Nights” by Frank Ocean
Following up White Ferrari, here’s another song off of Blonde. This shit rocks and the beat switch is so cool.
“My every day shit
Every night shit”
All streaming platforms: https://songwhip.com/frank-ocean/nights