Ten Songs (2019 Version)

I listen to a lot of music. However, most people will probably tell you that my tastes are quite eclectic. I have a bit of everything in my Spotify library. I have the cheesiest pop you can imagine, some classic rock songs and some modern day chart stuff, and that’s just the tip of the iceberg. I’ve been thinking recently about my all time favourites though. If I had to pick my definitive list of top ten songs, what would they be?

I won’t lie, it’s taken me a while to come up with my favourite songs playlist. Mainly because I was trying to rule out the obvious choices to make it more unique. You know the ones – eliminating the obvious bangers like All the Small Things by Blink 182, Teenage Dirtbag by Wheatus and of course, Mr Brightside by The Killers. Then there was Taylor Swift. While I love her music and she would be my obvious choice if I could only ever listen to one artist for the rest of my life, I made the conscious effort to branch out with this playlist – with one obvious exception.

This post has recently been updated, and you can read it here.

Shake It Off – Taylor Swift

Let’s get this one of the way. You knew it was coming. This, without a doubt is my favourite song of all time. The memories I have attached to this song are of me and my best friend drunk out of our minds dancing to this on various nights out, and every time I hear it I think of her. The phrase “shake it off” is also something I’ve been using as a mantra recently too – I apply it to everything: anxiety and rage especially.

Hey Soul Sister – Train

A friend introduced me to this years ago when we were at school and ever since I’ve been a fan of Train. It’s such an uplifting song and it always puts me in a good mood when I hear it. My goal is to one day be able to play it on the ukulele – I’m still yet to master Lava, but the thought is still there.

Sober – Kelly Clarkson

This song had been around for a while when I first heard it 2 years ago. Everyone interprets a song differently, and for me this is a song that fits in with my recovery and reminds me of how far I’ve come. I love the line “picked all my weeds, but kept the flowers,” because when things are difficult, you realise who your real friends are and who isn’t – sometimes you have to get rid of ‘dem weeds!

The Edge of Glory – Lady Gaga

I adore Gaga. She’s released so many amazing, meaningful songs over the years, but this, without a doubt is my favourite. It’s uplifting, empowering and it gets me pumped up and feeling as though I’m ready for anything.

Barcelona – Ed Sheeran

Yes, Ed has released some absolute belters over the years, but you may only have heard of this one if you’ve got the deluxe version of his Divide album. This is such a happy song and it’s great for getting you in the mood for a night out, a holiday, or just generally anything you’re looking forward to.

The Greatest Show – Hugh Jackman & The Greatest Showman Cast

NGL, The Greatest Showman soundtrack is repeatedly played in my car and it never gets old. It took me ages to pick my favourite song from the whole soundtrack, but ultimately I decided to go for this one because it’s a great song to get yourself psyched up to, and it reminds me of that first moment in the cinema when the movie started and I just knew I would fall in love with it.

Keep Breathing – Ingrid Michaelson

I discovered this song watching Grey’s Anatomy. It’s one of my go to songs when I’m having an anxiety attack because it’s so soothing and the line “all we can do is keep breathing” is so apt when you’re having a complete meltdown.

One Week – Barenaked Ladies

This just reminds me of all the good times I had with my friends back in sixth form. It was a song I listened to a lot because it was upbeat and it would always put me in a good mood. My aim was to learn all of the verses and smash it during a game of Singstar. Unfortunately, you only ever play Singstar when you’re hammered – something which makes singing the verses to this song word for word virtually impossible. It’s still a banger though.

Shallow – Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper

There’s a reason why this fairly recent song has made it to my list – because A Star is Born is a freaking masterpiece. I thought it was a good song when I first heard it, but getting some context by watching the movie a few months later caused me to become obsessed with it. That scene where Gaga’s character performs this for the first time is just incredible – it’s so emotional and you’re 100% rooting for her.

Call Me Maybe – Carly Rae Jepsen

No playlist is complete without a little sugary pop. This is one of those songs that reminds me of driving with the windows down in the summer or getting ready for a night out. It’s cute, boppy, and I remember it being played at my wedding, so it brings back some really good memories.

What would be on your ultimate list of ten songs? Let me know in the comments!