In a normal month, I’d have a nice, tidy list of songs prepared. They would be songs I’d listened to regularly throughout September. Songs I’d made a strong connection to. Maybe even a few that might qualify for the Best Of list at the end of the year. This month, however, has been anything but normal. I’ve been traveling through three countries, busy being a tourist, and my time to ‘properly’ listen to music has been at an all-time low. So, instead of canceling or making a lower quality list, I’ve decided to dedicate this month to the music that has surrounded me. Even if I’m not purposely seeking them out, songs have still found me, and I’ve listened. Now, I’m hoping cataloging them like this will cement those memories in my brain.
Our rules haven’t gone anywhere: no more than 20 songs per month, no more than 1 song per artist (not counting features), and no more than 3 songs per compilation album. At the end of the year, only songs from each of these monthly lists will be eligible for the Best Of list. Songs marked with an asterisk* are old favorites, and won’t qualify for my annual list.
Which songs am I internationally recognizing this September?
- “Gold on the Ceiling” by The Black Keys ~ Ain’t no blood in my eye
- “Yellow” by Coldplay* ~ Look how they shine for you
- “Kiss Me More” by Doja Cat feat. SZA* ~ We could kiss and just cut the rubbish
- “Bumblebee” by Dora Jar ~ Blow me away, ultraviolet tanqueray
- “Dance with Everybody” by Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors with The National Parks ~ Throw your hips and your heart into everything
- “The Ballad of Jane Doe” by Emily Rohm and Ensemble from Ride the Cyclone ~ And I’m askin’ why Lord / If this is how I die, Lord / Why be left with no family / And no friends?
- “Holiday” by FLETCHER ~ I’m lеarnin’ lessons, not missin’ exes or stressin’
- “Choreomania” by Florence + The Machine ~ You said that rock and roll is dead / But is that just because it has not been resurrected in your image?
- “Shotgun” by George Ezra* ~ Deep sea diving ’round the clock, bikini bottoms, lager tops
- “Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Haley Reinhart* ~ Take my hand / Take my whole life, too
- “Matilda” by Harry Styles* ~ You don’t have to be sorry for leaving and growing up
- “From Eden” by Hozier* ~ Honey, you’re familiar like my mirror years ago
- “PATTERNS” by Josie Dunne ~ We keep moving backwards (just to move forward)
- “Ho Hey” by The Lumineers* ~ I belong with you, you belong with me
- “You Are Gold” by The National Parks* ~ You are aurum scarce and meant for kings
- “Every Beginning Ends” by Noah Cyrus and Benjamin Gibbard ~ You used to kiss me without a reason
- “Bloom” by The Paper Kites* ~ Can I be close to you?
- “Cruel Summer” by Taylor Swift* ~ I don’t wanna keep secrets just to keep you
- “Boardwalk” by Vance Joy ~ For me, it’s so instinctive just to be good to you
- “23” by Wilfred ~ You thought it would be easier decidin’ what to eat
Rather than singles, this was a month of albums. I listened to multiple albums, rediscovering old favorites and finding new flavors. Some made this list, and some didn’t. FLETCHER’s Girl of My Dreams covered a bus ride through Victoria. Noah Cyrus’ The Hardest Part provided background for an afternoon of cooking in Brisbane. The Black Keys’ El Camino and many other records were part of our morning ritual in Auckland. Harry Styles, Florence + The Machine, Doja Cat, and more kept me sane through plane ascents and descents. This month, more than any other, has made me appreciate the full-length album, especially a well-made one. A few of these might make that particular end of year list.
I can’t predict what October will bring musically. I’ll have more time to peruse the way I usually do, and I’m sure horror movies will help me find new tracks. Perhaps autumn will finally sink into my brain with multi-colored leaves, pumpkin spice, and warm cardigans. Until then, this has been the trip of a lifetime with a random playlist to prove it.
If you’re interested in listening, you can find the ongoing What I’m Listened To in 2022 playlist here.
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Some nice choices – particularly the Black Keys and Coldplay tracks!