Being the music obsessed person that I am, I thought I'd throw together a list of my top 6 albums for the year (because 5 just wasn't quite enough), along with a list of honorable mentions that I enjoyed very much, but maybe didn't get to listen to this year as much as I would have liked. Obviously this list is merely my opinion, and I am no expert on the subject, but these are the albums that have been the most influential and important to me this year, and the albums that have excited me the most. I hope you enjoy.
6. Islands (Deluxe) -- Bear's Den
I recently wrote about Bear's Den on the blog for my latest addition of Music Monday, and because I loved Islands so much, I knew I needed to add them to this list. They are the perfect mix of folk and indie and rock all rolled into one. And lately there hasn't been a playlist I've made that hasn't included at least one of their songs. They are a great band who deserve all the success they've achieved, and I can't wait to see, and hear, what they create in the years to come.
Favorite Songs from Islands: Above The Clouds Of Pompeii, Agape, Bad Blood, Elysium, Isaac, Magdalene, When You Break
5. Know-It-All (Deluxe) -- Alessia Cara
Alessia Cara is another artist I mentioned in last month's Music Monday and since then I've enjoyed her album immensely, so much so that I knew this list wouldn't be complete without her. I love both the innocence and the depth of Know-It-All, and the way that Alessia isn't afraid to be herself and sing about things that matter to her. She makes you feel that it's okay to be you, and it's okay to be the girl at the party who just wants to go home. Or better yet the girl who doesn't even show up to the party at all, and would much rather hang out with her friends and listen to music and talk about things that matter. Alessia shows young people everywhere that you don't have to do what everyone else is doing, and most of the time life is a lot more interesting and better when you don't. And because of this I look forward to whatever these next few years have in store for her.
Favorite Songs from Know-It-All: Scars To Your Beautiful, Here, River Of Tears, Outlaws, I'm Yours, Overdose, Stars
4. Wilder Mind (Deluxe) -- Mumford & Sons
After fearing that the Mumford & Sons hiatus might last much too long, I was wonderfully surprised this year when they announced they would be releasing a new album. And being one of my favorite bands, of course I had to make sure they made this list. Though a bit different than most of their previous stuff, with much more rock and less folk, I was still very pleased after listening to Wilder Mind for the first time. The gradual change in their sound and the harder rock elements seem like a natural growth for the band, while still remaining true to who they've always been. And I only hope that the band will continue to make music together for a very long time.
Favorite Songs from Wilder Mind: Only Love, Believe, Hot Gates, Tompkins Square Park, The Wolf, Snake Eyes
3. I Swam Out To Greet You -- Slow Club
If I'm being honest, I've only just started listening to Slow Club very, very recently, but after spending some time with their music and hearing their newest album, I Swam Out To Greet You, I decided they needed to be on this list. And so here they are. I read about Slow Club in a book that both stole my heart and then destroyed it completely, so I guess to punish myself further I decided to check them out, and I was not disappointed. I hope you aren't either. And now that I know about Slow Club, I know I'll be listening to them for a long time to come.
Favorite Songs from I Swam Out To Greet You: I Couldn't Say It To Your Face, I Threw It All Away, Willow Tree, Seasons (Waiting On You), Birds, Desperado (Cover), Blue Harbour, The Prophet
2. 25 (Deluxe) -- Adele
Of course Adele's 25 is on this list, regardless of how late in the year it was released. Since I first heard that she was releasing a new album I was waiting impatiently to hear her new music and I was not disappointed. My mom and I went out and bought the album the day it was released and I've been listening and belting out the entire album ever since. After the first initial listen there were a few stand out favorites for me that I really, really loved, but after listening to it a second time I fell in love with every single song. And after listening to it on a long car ride just as the sun was setting and it became dark outside, the album became something else entirely. It's beautiful, it's haunting, it's just magic, and if my number one album wasn't so important to me the way that it is, then Adele's 25 would definitely be number one for this year and the next.
Favorite Songs from 25: When We Were Young, Million Years Ago, Hello, Sweetest Devotion, Can't Let Go, All I Ask, Remedy, Water Under The Bridge, River Lea...basically all of them.
1. Blurryface -- Twenty One Pilots
Over the course of a few short months this band that I have loved for more than two years has worked their way up the list of my top ten favorite bands to take their place at the very top, at number one. And with the release of their newest album Blurryface earlier this year they have also gained the number one spot on my list of top albums of 2015. This album holds an incredible significance for me and it came into my life at exactly the right time when I needed it most. It's gotten me through these past few crazy, confusing, stressful months after graduating college and trying to find my way in the world and I love every single song. There isn't one thing I would change about this album, or one song I'd want to lose. In my opinion, it's perfect. And come August of next year I will be standing in an arena with thousands of other people who love this band and this album almost as much as me and singing along to every song at the top of my lungs as Tyler and Josh do their thing on stage. It's going to be incredible, and I can't freaking wait. Blurryface isn't just my number one album for the year, it's my number one album for me, and for this strange time in my life when nothing seems to make much sense, but Twenty One Pilots and their music, they always do.
Favorite Songs from Blurryface: All of them. Every single one.
Honorable Mentions
7. BADLANDS -- Halsey
8. Beauty Behind The Madness -- The Weeknd
9. Every Open Eye -- CHVRCHES
10. Made In The A.M. -- One Direction
11. Grand Romantic -- Nate Ruess
12. HAIZ (EP) -- Hailee Steinfeld
13. Pentatonix -- Pentatonix
14. Emotion -- Carly Rae Jepsen
15. Communion -- Years & Years
So those are my top albums for 2015. Hopefully there are a few albums and artists here that you haven't heard before, and hopefully in the coming year you'll give them a listen, along with all of your favorites. Here's to a new year full of good music, good friends, good stories, and lots of love.
Happy New Year, loves.
Love & Chaos,
Sam
Wednesday, December 30, 2015
Tuesday, December 22, 2015
23
For the last two years I've made a list (21 and 22) on my birthday of all the things the past year has taught me. And though it has often felt more difficult than most, this year is no exception. So below is a list of things I have learned this year that I will carry with me into 23.
23. You spent a large part of this year being afraid. Afraid of what the future holds. Afraid of your own mind. Afraid of being alone. Afraid of your tears. Afraid of strangers, and afraid of the people in your life that you love the most, and the fact that you might disappoint them, or already have. But this next year you must not allow your fears to make the decisions for you. It's okay to cry. And it's okay to be afraid sometimes. But it's not okay to let it stop you from living your life. You have grown far too comfortable with your surroundings, but now you must learn to embrace the uncomfortable. Go out into the world alone and allow yourself to feel the fear that comes along with it. But do not allow your fear to hold you prisoner within the walls of your own room. There is a great big world out there waiting for you. Go see it while you still can. It is time to start holding yourself accountable for your own life.
23 Things I Have Learned Upon Turning 23
1. Being in your twenties is just as exciting as everyone says, but don't let the books and movies and television shows fool you. It's also confusing and terrifying and stressful as hell, and it's easy to get overwhelmed by it all, but don't give up. This time in our lives is meant to be crazy and scary and wonderfully, horribly weird. Embrace it. Learn from it. Never take it for granted.
2. No matter how old you get, as far as I can tell, that whole "not quite having your life together" feeling never really goes away. It just changes right along with you and you just keep on living your life. And whether you have it together or not, your life is still yours, in all its messy glory, so own it.
3. The right shade of red lipstick really can work wonders.
4. People always say that college is the place where you find yourself, where you become who you're supposed to be, but it's okay to not know who you are yet, even after college has ended. You have your whole life to figure out who you are. Don't rush it.
5. Not everything can be fixed by a laugh, or Adele, or the perfect combination of frozen yogurt flavors, but they sure can help.
6. One of the best things to come out of this year is the amount of writing you've done, but you haven't read nearly as much as you wanted to. Make an effort in the coming year to read more, as much as you used to. More than you used to. Reading is your first love and without it you don't really feel like yourself. Pick up a book.
7. Sometimes there is no right answer. Sometimes things just happen, no matter how much you wish they wouldn't. And when they happen, sometimes all you can do is be there for the people you love. Even when being there is hard or scary. Even when you aren't sure they want you there at all. Just be there.
8. Eye shadow isn't quite as intimidating as it may seem. You might even be getting the hang of it. Eyeliner, however, is another story.
9. Don't let fear or embarrassment keep you from telling people what you really want or don't want. Even if it may hurt them a little, it's better than ignoring them. You're not a teenager anymore, and you can't always get away with passive aggressive silence. Tell people how you feel.
10. Mental health is just as important as physical health, but not everyone is going to understand this. Try and help them understand, but don't force it. Focus on making yourself a healthier, happier person.
11. Music can and will save your life. Don't let anyone tell you different.
12. Remember that your sisters are watching. Remember this every time you look in the mirror at yourself and want to say something negative. It doesn't matter how old they get, you are still their example, so try to be a good one. Teach them to love themselves by learning to love yourself more. You will all be better for it.
13. The books and the films always seem to romanticize heartbreak, but there's nothing romantic about breaking your own heart.
14. Sometimes the negativity in your life can come from the most unexpected places, and the most unexpected people, even by accident. And though it may be hard to do, it's okay to take a step back from it all. Even if it's just for a little while. But don't allow your fears to turn a little while into forever. Some relationships are too important to walk away from. And sometimes people need you most when it feels as if they don't need you at all. And even if they don't know it, you need them too.
15. Dry shampoo is a girl's best friend.
18. Accept the fact that people change; sometimes slowly over time, and sometimes seemingly overnight. Accept that there isn't really anything you can do about this. Remember that they are on their own path, and though it may be parallel to yours, it is not the same path. Don't forget that you are changing too.
19. The cover of "Come Pick Me Up" by Ryan Adams is a fucking great song. And occasional profanity can be very cathartic.
20. Throughout life you will encounter people who will try to make you feel like what you believe, or what you care about, is wrong, or doesn't matter. Don't let them. You believe what you believe. But always remember that just because they believe something different, doesn't mean they are any worse or any better than you. The world isn't full of only good or only bad people and nothing is ever completely one thing or the other. Everyone is made up of gray areas. And neither you nor anyone else is ever always right or always wrong. But that doesn't mean you should compromise your own beliefs for someone else's. Stand up for yourself and what matters to you. But always remember to listen to what other people have to say. Show them the respect you want to be shown in return.
21. Always, always do your best to be kind. There is already too much negativity in the world and it won't ever do you any good to add to it. And no matter how much you may disagree with someone, or how angry they make you, you can never truly know what they're going through. So even when your instincts are pushing you toward anger, choose kindness instead.
22. Sometimes you seem to forget what it was like when you were 14 and believed you knew everything about the world. Or when you were 18 and just wanted to go, go, go and never look back. Try to remember for them. Try to be more patient. Try to show them that you are all so different, but so similar at the same time. Try to be more open about how much they mean to you. That without them your life would be unrecognizable. That they are so much better than you will ever be. Help them to avoid making the same mistakes you made, but know that they will make mistakes that are all their own. Be there for them when they do. And even though it scares the crap out of you every time they leave the house, remember that you are not their mother. You are their sister, and that's all they need you to be. So be a better one.
2. No matter how old you get, as far as I can tell, that whole "not quite having your life together" feeling never really goes away. It just changes right along with you and you just keep on living your life. And whether you have it together or not, your life is still yours, in all its messy glory, so own it.
3. The right shade of red lipstick really can work wonders.
4. People always say that college is the place where you find yourself, where you become who you're supposed to be, but it's okay to not know who you are yet, even after college has ended. You have your whole life to figure out who you are. Don't rush it.
5. Not everything can be fixed by a laugh, or Adele, or the perfect combination of frozen yogurt flavors, but they sure can help.
6. One of the best things to come out of this year is the amount of writing you've done, but you haven't read nearly as much as you wanted to. Make an effort in the coming year to read more, as much as you used to. More than you used to. Reading is your first love and without it you don't really feel like yourself. Pick up a book.
7. Sometimes there is no right answer. Sometimes things just happen, no matter how much you wish they wouldn't. And when they happen, sometimes all you can do is be there for the people you love. Even when being there is hard or scary. Even when you aren't sure they want you there at all. Just be there.
8. Eye shadow isn't quite as intimidating as it may seem. You might even be getting the hang of it. Eyeliner, however, is another story.
9. Don't let fear or embarrassment keep you from telling people what you really want or don't want. Even if it may hurt them a little, it's better than ignoring them. You're not a teenager anymore, and you can't always get away with passive aggressive silence. Tell people how you feel.
10. Mental health is just as important as physical health, but not everyone is going to understand this. Try and help them understand, but don't force it. Focus on making yourself a healthier, happier person.
11. Music can and will save your life. Don't let anyone tell you different.
12. Remember that your sisters are watching. Remember this every time you look in the mirror at yourself and want to say something negative. It doesn't matter how old they get, you are still their example, so try to be a good one. Teach them to love themselves by learning to love yourself more. You will all be better for it.
13. The books and the films always seem to romanticize heartbreak, but there's nothing romantic about breaking your own heart.
14. Sometimes the negativity in your life can come from the most unexpected places, and the most unexpected people, even by accident. And though it may be hard to do, it's okay to take a step back from it all. Even if it's just for a little while. But don't allow your fears to turn a little while into forever. Some relationships are too important to walk away from. And sometimes people need you most when it feels as if they don't need you at all. And even if they don't know it, you need them too.
15. Dry shampoo is a girl's best friend.
16. The way you feel right now makes it hard to maintain the relationships in your life, but please don't give up. Keep reaching out, even if it's hard. Keep trying. Don't lose the people you care most about just because they seem to be moving on without you. They aren't leaving you behind, but they aren't going to sit around waiting for you either. Show them that they matter to you. Make an effort.
17. One of the bravest things you can do in life is ask for help.
17. One of the bravest things you can do in life is ask for help.
18. Accept the fact that people change; sometimes slowly over time, and sometimes seemingly overnight. Accept that there isn't really anything you can do about this. Remember that they are on their own path, and though it may be parallel to yours, it is not the same path. Don't forget that you are changing too.
19. The cover of "Come Pick Me Up" by Ryan Adams is a fucking great song. And occasional profanity can be very cathartic.
20. Throughout life you will encounter people who will try to make you feel like what you believe, or what you care about, is wrong, or doesn't matter. Don't let them. You believe what you believe. But always remember that just because they believe something different, doesn't mean they are any worse or any better than you. The world isn't full of only good or only bad people and nothing is ever completely one thing or the other. Everyone is made up of gray areas. And neither you nor anyone else is ever always right or always wrong. But that doesn't mean you should compromise your own beliefs for someone else's. Stand up for yourself and what matters to you. But always remember to listen to what other people have to say. Show them the respect you want to be shown in return.
21. Always, always do your best to be kind. There is already too much negativity in the world and it won't ever do you any good to add to it. And no matter how much you may disagree with someone, or how angry they make you, you can never truly know what they're going through. So even when your instincts are pushing you toward anger, choose kindness instead.
23. You spent a large part of this year being afraid. Afraid of what the future holds. Afraid of your own mind. Afraid of being alone. Afraid of your tears. Afraid of strangers, and afraid of the people in your life that you love the most, and the fact that you might disappoint them, or already have. But this next year you must not allow your fears to make the decisions for you. It's okay to cry. And it's okay to be afraid sometimes. But it's not okay to let it stop you from living your life. You have grown far too comfortable with your surroundings, but now you must learn to embrace the uncomfortable. Go out into the world alone and allow yourself to feel the fear that comes along with it. But do not allow your fear to hold you prisoner within the walls of your own room. There is a great big world out there waiting for you. Go see it while you still can. It is time to start holding yourself accountable for your own life.
~
22 has been a big year for me, but it's also been one of the hardest years, emotionally and mentally, that I've ever experienced. From graduating college and the ensuing panic of not knowing what to do next, to the realization that my anxiety had gotten worse rather than better and spending almost all of the past few months afraid to leave the house alone, it's been a whirlwind of emotions and pretending that they don't exist. I've had some amazing highs this year and some catastrophically low lows, and still the world has gone on spinning and now here I am, turning 23. In some ways I am very glad to say goodbye to 22, if only because it wasn't at all how I wished it could have been. But then again that's one of the reasons why I am also so very sad to see it go. I had so many hopes and expectations for this year, my golden year, and now all I want is to be able to go back and live it all (or almost all) over again, only this time I'd want to do things differently. But of course I can't go back, and maybe that's a good thing, because if there's one thing this year has taught me it's that looking back too much can keep you from moving forward. So instead I will try to look ahead, to look forward to what 23 has in store for me and hope that this year I will be strong enough to do things a little differently. During my 22nd year I spent far too much time waiting for life to happen to me, as if life can happen to anyone who spends five days out of seven in her pajamas. So this year, my 23rd year, I'm going to do everything I can to try and live my life more purposefully, using each day to it's full potential. And I'm going to do my best to become a healthier person; physically, mentally, and emotionally. And I'm going to try my best to make this next year as amazing as the past year could have been, so that by this time next December I'll be making a new list, all about the wonderful things I've learned. And I'll be able to tell you all about what the people I've met and the places I've been have taught me about what it means to live a life in motion, rather than one spent standing still.
There is a song that says, nobody likes you when you're 23, but this year the only person I really want to like me, is me. This past year is the year I got a little lost, the year I tripped up, so I'm going to spend this next year doing everything I can to find myself again. Here's hoping I find someone better than before.
Love & Chaos,
Sam
There is a song that says, nobody likes you when you're 23, but this year the only person I really want to like me, is me. This past year is the year I got a little lost, the year I tripped up, so I'm going to spend this next year doing everything I can to find myself again. Here's hoping I find someone better than before.
Love & Chaos,
Sam
Wednesday, December 16, 2015
A Better Way
One of the biggest issues I have when I write is the constant thought that I could do better. And that someone else already has done it better, much better, than me. When I write I am always trying to find the perfect way to phrase something. To put just the right words together to get the sentence to sound the way that I want it to sound. I'm always wondering if there is a better way. Is there a better way to put this? Is there a better way to get my point across? Is there a better storyline hidden in here somewhere? So I write and I write and I write and sometimes I think I get it right, or at least very close. But most of the time I am still always wondering if there is a better way.
I'm not sure if everyone who writes feels this way, but I do know that most people never get it right the first time, or the first draft. It's the trying that matters. The desire to not only say something, but to say it right. And I think there is merit in that. After all, we who love words know the power that they can hold. We know how amazing they can be when lined up in just the right order on a page. And we know that when someone gets it right, I mean really, really right, words can have the power to change the world. To shape history. And while I know that what I write would never and could never be quite as powerful as this, that doesn't mean that I'm going to stop trying to at least write the best thing that I can write. And no matter where my writing takes me, or how many drafts I start and restart, I hope I will never stop trying to get it right. I will never stop trying to find a better way, until I've found the best way to say whatever it is that needs to be said. Or write what needs to be written.
"One day I will find the right words, and they will be simple."
-- Jack Kerouac, The Dharma Bums
Love & Chaos,
Sam
I'm not sure if everyone who writes feels this way, but I do know that most people never get it right the first time, or the first draft. It's the trying that matters. The desire to not only say something, but to say it right. And I think there is merit in that. After all, we who love words know the power that they can hold. We know how amazing they can be when lined up in just the right order on a page. And we know that when someone gets it right, I mean really, really right, words can have the power to change the world. To shape history. And while I know that what I write would never and could never be quite as powerful as this, that doesn't mean that I'm going to stop trying to at least write the best thing that I can write. And no matter where my writing takes me, or how many drafts I start and restart, I hope I will never stop trying to get it right. I will never stop trying to find a better way, until I've found the best way to say whatever it is that needs to be said. Or write what needs to be written.
"One day I will find the right words, and they will be simple."
-- Jack Kerouac, The Dharma Bums
Love & Chaos,
Sam
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