July 25, 2020
My iPod Summer Playlist/
Yes, I still have an iPod nano. Why? Because even though I got it in middle school, it still works, and it has hundreds of great throwback songs. Despite not having any big major plans this summer due to COVID-19 cancelling everything, the songs on my iPod nano still hype me up and make me feel like I’m dancing on the beach even when I’m in my bedroom.
“Whine Up” - Kat DeLuna ft Elephant Man
I would hear this song over and over again in the WWE Summer Slam commercials when I was in middle school. I don’t remember when, but at some point, I found the song on YouTube. I immediately got hooked to the music video, the dance, the lyrics, everything and now it’s one of my favorite songs.
“Coffee Shop” – BAP
BAP is one of my favorite K-pop groups. This is one of their softer, more relaxing songs that I really love. The beat makes me feel like I’m sitting in a cafe, sipping on coffee, which is funny because I’m not a big fan of coffee.
“Build me up Buttercup” - The Foundations
I don’t remember how I found this song since its an old classic, but I’m glad that I did. This song is interesting because it has a cheerful beat with sad lyrics about a guy being let down by a girl who won’t keep her promises. The lyrics are something I can relate to and since the rhythm is upbeat, the song is memorable and enjoyable to listen to. I really need to make a note to myself to listen to more of their songs.
“Groove is in the Heart” - Deee-Lite
This is definitely not a song that I can sit down and listen to; I have to get it up when I put it on, especially when I’m in a really good mood. I’ve never heard a song like this before which makes it very charming and special to me. I love the singing, but the rap is my favorite part.
“Chu” - f(x)
Just like BAP, f(x) is one of my favorite K-pop groups. Also, they were one of the first girl groups that got me interested in the genre. This song is one of their older songs that I listen to a lot since it makes me nostalgic by reminding me of the middle school days. It’s really catchy and has a fun dance to it. I would argue that they’re a very underrated, talented group that deserved more recognition. Rest in peace Sulli.
“If I Had You” - Adam Lambert
In middle school, my friend and I would dance to this song in the living room as we screamed the lyrics. To this day, it’s still a great song to put on if I really want to dance. Adam Lambert’s voice is amazing; he snatches my edges with his high notes every time.
“Mr. Taxi” - Girls' Generation
This song makes me want to travel and explore new places. Something about it is very adventurous. When I listen to it, I imagine jumping from plane to plane, then of course hopping into taxis to take me to a bunch of different parts of the world where I make great memories.
“NA NA NA” - My Chemical Romance
This is the perfect high energy song that is needed in the summer; it’s even good to listen to in the morning to wake myself up. This was actually the first song of theirs that I’ve heard since it was playing constantly when I was in high school. I don’t know why, but I didn’t start listening to their other albums until I got to college and I’m very happy that I did because now they are one of my favorite bands. I hope I get to see them in concert one day.
“Bloom” - Paper Kites
In high school, my graphic design teacher would play music as we worked. This song would be played a lot and it always relaxed me, so one day I asked her what it was. Though my iPod was outdated by this time, I still brought the song and added it to my playlist. It’s a great song to listen to when I’m feeling anxious or even when I want to take a walk. Paper Kites has a lot of other great songs too that are very well written; I highly recommend them.
“Touch my Body” – Sistar
Based on the music video of this song, I’m pretty sure it was meant to be summer themed. It gives me “I’m going to a pool party” vibe. I really wish my friends and I knew how to speak Korean so we could sing the whole thing together. I also need to listen to more of Sistar’s songs; they all have great voices.
“Waking up in Vegas” - Katy Perry
I was actually supposed to go to Vegas with my two best friends this year because we were accepted to present at a conference. I think we all know how that went. Regardless, I still love the song and maybe one day when I actually go to Vegas, I’ll force my friends to listen to it with me on the way to the airport.
“Yoga” - Janelle Monae ft Jidenna
Last but not least, this song has been great for building my confidence due its positive lyrics. This is fun to listen to when I’m getting ready to go out. My favorite lyric is “Even when I'm sleeping, I got one eye open, you cannot police me, so get off my areola.” Only Janelle Monae can make the word “areola” fit perfectly in a song without making it sound awkward.
Edited by Liz Eike