Relient K - At Least We Made it This Far

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Relient K is one of my favorite artists. They have that perfect Alternative Rock sound that's great to sing and jam to. Most of their albums are pretty similar in style, but the album The Bird and the Bee Sides has a more acoustic style to it with a bigger focus on acoustic guitar and piano instrumentation. If you enjoy the song I chose today, you may like the rest of the album as well. Some other great tracks are "There Was Another Time in My Life", "Up and Up", and "You'll Always Be My Best Friend".

For today, I chose "At Least We Made it This far". It was one of the first songs I heard by Relient K and was probably the song that convinced me to listen to all their albums. This song is really perfect for one of those times in your life where you've worked really hard to accomplish something, but you haven't reached your goal just yet. It's a great reminder that you're almost there, and it will be worth it in the end. The song's upbeat sound and happy melody are very motivating. Another instance where the song lyrics work well is for a road trip. The words mention that despite being tired of the road, at least you've made it this far and the skies have never looked so clear. On some of the road trips I've been on, I've enjoyed listening to this song while looking up through the sunroof of the car and admiring the blue skies. It truly brightens my mood helps keep me excited not just for the destination, but the journey itself. Though I believe the original meaning behind the song has to do with a relationship, I think it can be applied to those situations that I mentioned and be just as great a song!

I relate this song to fall not only because of its acoustic sound, but also because of its road trip vibes. Each season brings a time for vacation, and while fall doesn't have any official breaks in the school calendar, many people like to take a trip anyways. The weather is cooler, the skies are bluer, and the trees are brighter—why wouldn't you want to take a drive!

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REMINDER: In honor of the start of October, this week will be all fall-themed songs. More specifically, I will be choosing songs that I most associate with the season of autumn. These songs will be added to their own Spotify playlist called Songs of Autumn, as well as the pre-existing A Song a Day playlist. Below is the link to the new playlist.

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5Ih1oLJC1hfq7wCWJObmSz

Train - Feels Good At First

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I believe Train is most famous for their song "50 Ways to Say Goodbye" and "Drive By". Both of those songs are from the album California 37. The song I chose today is also from that album and is, in my opinion, just as good. Instead of the usual upbeat alternative rock style Train is known for, the song "Feels Good At First" takes a more acoustic route. The gentle strumming of the guitar accompanies the melancholy lyrics perfectly. Besides the song's acoustic sound that I associate with fall, the lyrics also relate to autumn because they describe each season of the year in the two choruses:

Oh, every spring there's a honey bee that stings
So things can change
Oh, every fire get too close and it reminds you
Things can change in love
But it sure feels good at first

Ooh, every autumn colors come, that you've forgotten
So things can change
Ooh every frost some live on and some are lost
So things can change in love
But it sure feels good at first

While the lyrics are a bit sad, as it deals with heartbreak, the melody is very pleasant and it instead cheers me up while I listen. Sometimes I think a chill, mellow song can really make your day by taking your mind off the busyness of life and encouraging you to sit back and take a break. I hope this song does that for you today. Happy fall!

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John Mayer - Wildfire

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I am a big John Mayer fan. I have loved his music since his old blues albums. When I first heard he was coming out with a country album, I did not know what to say. I'm not against country or anything, but this was the last thing I expected from a blues artist. I was mostly hesitant because I wasn't sure he could pull it off. Yet sure enough, when I heard that first song "Queen of California" on his new album Born and Raised, I was immediately a fan of this new style. It was not necessarily country, but more like a modern, folk music style with hints of country and lots of guitar strumming and harmonicas. It was a masterpiece! The next album, Paradise Valley, was just as good, if not better.

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In 2015, I visited Sedona, Arizona for the first time. I was amazed by what I saw. The desert environment was unlike anything I had ever seen. A vast scene of arid rocks and large mountains of red sandstone painted the horizon. I will never forget those incredible views. When I traveled to Pheonix, the scenery was not as impressive, but the landscape was still so unique. I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to horseback ride in that environment and visit a western-themed town. That Arizona trip was really special to me, and the two albums I listened to the entire time were Paradise Valley and Born and Raised. Adding John Mayer's wonderful folk music to the mix made the experience all the more magical. Now whenever I listen to the two albums, I can't help but be mentally transported to that arid red landscape under those crisp blue western skies. Below I've placed two of my favorite pictures I took while on that trip.

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As I've explained before, I associate country and folk music with the fall, so these two albums are just some of the many that put me in the autumn mood. "Wildfire" is especially my favorite for its happy, upbeat tempo that leads the whole song. I can't help but tap my foot or clap along to that catchy rhythm and tempo. If you listen closely, the song actually has claps and taps recorded in the background, so maybe that explains why it's so hard to resist the beat. The electric guitar playing the main melody is very classic country. It stands out a lot and helps keep the melody in your head the rest of the day. Whenever the first day of fall comes around each year, I really love to kick off the season with this song. I hope it also brings you joy as you prepare for the season of autumn! Happy fall to you all :)

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John Denver - Rocky Mountain High

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When autumn comes around, I have a particular CD I always pull out that gets me in the fall mood. That CD is a mix of country songs sung by various artists that my parents put together when I was young. Growing up hearing this album every fall, I learned to associate country music with fall time. But in recent years, I started to question if there was another explanation as to why country music sounded so perfect from September to November. I finally concluded that the season of autumn is a time of harvest, a time for working a farm, for preparing for a Thanksgiving feast. Often farms and rural areas go hand in hand with country music because many country singers grew up in that sort of environment. Therefore, it seems fitting to hear music that relates to a farming environment during a season of harvest. If my logic is correct, it would also explain why I like to wear plaid during the fall and other country-inspired articles of clothing.

I also like to go beyond country and hear folk and acoustic music during fall as well. So perhaps another explanation for my music choice could be that country, folk, and acoustic songs tend to be about nature and the great outdoors. During the fall time, the weather makes it easier to spend time outside and enjoy the wonders of nature, so why wouldn't you want to complement your surroundings with fitting music? Maybe it's just me, and it's only a nice little tradition I like to carry on with my family. If that's the case, I'm okay with that. I will continue listening to country music at the start of the fall season. When the temperature starts to drop and the sky becomes a crisp blue, or when the trees turn all shades of reds, browns, and yellows and the air smells of pumpkin pie and apple cider, I will be there playing my mix of acoustic, country, and folk music. If you also share this tradition or would like to begin this year, you will definitely appreciate my playlist for this fall. If not, then I hope you enjoy these songs regardless of the season and still enjoy this time of harvest in your own way.

The song I chose today is called "Rocky Mountain High" and it is written and performed by famous country singer John Denver. This is the first track on that CD I mentioned earlier, and it is also the song most dedicated to talking about nature on that CD. Therefore, I thought it would be appropriate to pick to this week's fall music. I don't know too much about John Denver, but I can tell by the lyrics of this song that nature held a special place in his heart. From what I gathered, the song tells the story of a man who found his way in life by connecting with nature. Denver really emphasizes the power of the mountains as well as the serenity you feel when you are surrounded by them.

The particular video I posted for you to hear the song shows multiple images of landscapes and scenery to match the lyrics. I thought it would be most enjoyable to see beautiful views while listening to beautiful lyrics. In the description of the Youtube video, I noticed that the channel put a quote from John Muir. If you have never heard of Muir, you should definitely look him up. He has wonderful quotes about nature; the National Parks often use his quotes in their visitor's centers because of this. My personal favorite quote of his is "In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks". I hope everyone can experience the truth behind that statement at least once in their lives. As I'm sure John Denver would agree, nature is a very beautiful and powerful thing. It is worth giving a chance, and in the end you may receive more than what you seek. May you enjoy the John Denver song today and have the opportunity to spend some time outdoors. Happy fall to you!

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REMINDER: In honor of the start of October, this week will be all fall-themed songs. More specifically, I will be choosing songs that I most associate with the season of autumn. These songs will be added to their own Spotify playlist called Songs of Autumn, as well as the pre-existing A Song a Day playlist. Below is the link to the new playlist.

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5Ih1oLJC1hfq7wCWJObmSz

Owl City - The Real World

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Owl City is the king of lyrical imagery. Every one of his songs paints a vivid picture in the minds of the listener. Hearing his music is a wonderful experience, as each song is a work of art. Some are confused by Adam Young's use of seemingly random nouns and adjectives, but others appreciate the opportunity to creatively interpret the meaning behind each word. Regardless of your thoughts towards Young's music, you can't deny his style is unique!

To start off my fall playlist, I chose the song "The Real World" by Owl City due to its very appropriate theme. The lyrics colorfully describe scenes of autumn and the great outdoors. Each verse is wonderfully written, creating a mental picture of a picturesque world. I considered quoting parts of the song in my post today, but when I looked up the lyrics, I realized the entire song is worth quoting. When it is read without the music, it actually sounds poetic. Therefore, please enjoy reading and/or listening to the masterpiece that is Owl City's "The Real World".

I saw the autumn leaves peel up off the street,
Take wing on the balmy breeze and sweep you off your feet.
And you blushed as they scooped you up on sugar maple wings,
To gaze down on the city below, ablaze with wondrous things.
Downy feathers kiss your face and flutter everywhere.
Reality is a lovely place but I wouldn't want to live there.
I wouldn't wanna live there.

Weighed down by heavy lids and lunar lullabies,
I knew you were wide awake because you smile with your eyes.
Downy feathers kiss your face and flutter everywhere.
Reality is a lovely place but I wouldn't want to live there.
From the green belt balcony, the wildfires look so pretty.
Ponderosa canopy, I'd never leave if it were up to me.
To the ruby redwood tree, and to the velvet climbing ivy:
Painted all mahogany, I'd never leave if it were up to me.

With a starry brush, paint the dusk Venetian blue,
Because in the evening hush, you'll never believe the view.
And when the leaves return and their whisperings fill the night,
They'll freeze and burn where fire and ice collide.
Where fire and ice collide.

Can you feel a silk embrace in the satin air?
If we dissolve without a trace, will the real world even care?
Downy feathers kiss your face and flutter everywhere.
Reality is a lovely place but I wouldn't want to live there.
I wouldn't want to live there.

I saw the autumn leaves peel up off the street,
Take wing on the balmy breeze and sweep you off your feet

In each verse, I bolded the lyrics that stood out to me the most. I especially love when he uses alliteration, such as ruby redwood and lunar lullabies. The rest of the words I bolded were either nature related or just beautifully vivid. Hope you enjoyed and happy fall!

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REMINDER: In honor of the start of October, this week will be all fall-themed songs. More specifically, I will be choosing songs that I most associate with the season of autumn. These songs will be added to their own Spotify playlist called Songs of Autumn, as well as the pre-existing A Song a Day playlist. Below is the link to the new playlist.

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5Ih1oLJC1hfq7wCWJObmSz

Will Glahé - Liechtensteiner Polka

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Happy first day of October!! While not all of us are experiencing fall right now, there's no reason we can't start celebrating the season with a little music from the festival named after this month. That festival is Oktoberfest, and while not everyone enjoys the music of Oktoberfest, a good polka is always appreciated. Today's song, "Liechtensteiner Polka", was composed by German composer Will Glahé.

I've never been to an Oktoberfest festival myself, but I was introduced to the music through my cable provider's music channel, Sounds of the Season. Every year at the beginning of October, this channel would play everything Oktoberfest from classic Polka to traditional songs sung in German. As the music would play, there would be fun facts about the event. I learned all the music and information about Oktoberfest through there. I'm not sure if I ever will attend a festival of that kind, but I definitely enjoy the upbeat spirit that the music has. And while I don't know how to dance to polka, I still love that style of music, as it always leaves me in a good mood.

When I was in high school, we had an exchange student one year from Germany. It was really interesting to hear stories of what her country was like (I would love to visit some time). One day in conversation, I spoke with her about Oktoberfest. I confessed to her that I liked listening to the music myself, and I'll never forget the look on her face as I said that. She thought it was so strange that I actually liked the music and explained to me that it's not liked by the general German population. I'm not sure if she was right about that, but I'll definitely think twice before saying that again to someone from Germany. Perhaps she was thinking more of the lyrical songs? That would be more understandable. But for polka, I can't imagine anyone really hating polka. It's just so happy! Anyways, whatever your preference, I hope you at least enjoy the polka song I have provided for you today. And once again, happy October to you!

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ANNOUNCEMENT: In honor of the start of October, this week will be all fall-themed songs. More specifically, I will be choosing songs that I most associate with the season of autumn. These songs will be added to their own Spotify playlist called Songs of Autumn, as well as the pre-existing A Song a Day playlist. Below is the link to the new playlist.

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5Ih1oLJC1hfq7wCWJObmSz

Lindsey Stirling - Electric Daisy

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My mother first introduced me to Lindsey Stirling a while back. She had seen her album advertised in a store and decided to give it a try. When she brought it home to the family, we were all surprised to hear this new style of instrumental music. While it was shocking to hear the violin in this context, the talent of Lindsey Stirling was outstanding and the melodies and rhythms of the songs were extremely catchy. Before we knew it, we were hooked on her music. Now we own all her albums and enjoy seeing her videos and dancing along to her songs.

The song I chose today, "Electric Daisy", is one of my two favorites from the album Lindsey Stirling. The other song I'll be posting on a later date. I find "Electric Daisy" to have the perfect balance of background vocals, drums, and synthesizers accompanying the violin. The beat is perfect to jam to, and it seems impossible not to dance to it. If you like this song, definitely check out her whole album!

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