Today, I have another featured ‘Five Songs’ post for you! Interested in participating? Send me an e-mail at: mliss024@gmail.com

Previous Posts:
- Melissa’s Five Songs                    – Elle’s Five Songs
- Liz’s Five Songs                             - Lauren’s Five Songs
- Sara’s Five Songs                          - Jessica’s Five Songs
- Allyson’s Five Songs                   - Lisa’s Five Songs

Hi, everyone! My name is Maria and I blog at I Believe In Story, an eccentric literary/lifestyle blog. I absolutely love music and I was really happy when Melissa asked me to participate in this feature. I have a regular series on my blog called Music Notes that features some of my favourite songs and artists.

I have an Etsy store where I sell literature inspired prints and vintage books. Feel free to follow me on Twitter or send me an email (hello [at] ibelieveinstory [dot] com). I love meeting new people and would love to start up a conversation!

 

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“Weird” – Hanson

YouTube Link: http://youtu.be/32nlxQOe3tw

sitting on the side, waiting for a sign

hoping that my luck will change

reaching for a hand that will understand

someone who feels the same

Hanson has been (and remains to be) my favourite band since I was nine years old. I’m in awe of how they have been able to continue making music the way that is important to them. They are an amazing example of the power and intellect of independent business.

“Weird” had a great impact on me when I was younger. At a time when most of my music taste revolved around upbeat and happy pop songs, “Weird” went in a different direction and showed me how honest and troubling music can be. The lyrics are simple, but they are undeniably relatable to every single one of us. Hanson is one of the best bands at balancing happy tunes with soul searching lyrics.

For the Hanson doubters: To paraphrase Darren Criss, “What were you doing at nine years old when Hanson was making an award winning Motown-inspired album?”

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“Clumsy” – Our Lady Peace

YouTube Link: http://youtu.be/xp2P6JKc1QE

maybe you should sleep

and maybe you just need a friend

This song contributed to one of my first – and one of the best – concert experiences. I was at a large outdoor concert to see Our Lady Peace, one of my favourite bands, and this was the final song of the night. During the opening chords of the song, the entire crowd was silent – until the chorus began and everyone started to sing along.

It was my first time experiencing the energy that goes along with attending a concert. I love the feeling of being surrounded by strangers who all have a love for a band, an album, a song. There’s no other feeling like it. Hearing the voices echoing around me as we made our way through the comforting words of the chorus, I knew that I had discovered a new passion. Attending concerts are now my favourite way to spend time (and money haha).

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“Song For A Friend” – Jason Mraz

YouTube Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EsC7nq7wIvk

climb up over the top

survey the state of the soul

you’ve got to find out for yourself

whether or not you’re truly trying

I listened to Jason Mraz more than any other artist when I was in high school. At a time when I still purchased actual CDs, Mr. A-Z by Mraz was my most played album. It was always at the top of my pile of CDs and I would listen all the way through without skipping a track.

“Song For A Friend” is the perfect ending track to a solid album. It remains one of my most inspiring songs: if I ever need a little motivation, this is the first song that I turn to.

The true gem of this song happens after the musical interlude, about six and a half minutes in. A choir backs up Jason’s vocals and they repeat the same few lines over and over again. Paired with the powerful music, it’s sure to inspire anyone who listens.

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“Jealousy” – Darren Criss

YouTube Link: http://youtu.be/J6QJ-yO_dBI

I can’t stand what I’m feeling

it’s just like poison in my veins

I know that I’m speaking

but I don’t know what I’m saying

This song found its way into my life at a time where I was starting to better appreciate independent music (and other independent, creative types). I’m a huge supporter of people who work hard at their goals and refuse to give up until they are able to share their dedication with the world.

Darren Criss is now widely known for his role on Glee and a brief appearance on Broadway, but before any of that success, he was a creative independent like many of us. His time was devoted to his theatre company, Starkid, and writing and performing his original music.

“Jealousy” is part of Darren Criss’ only recorded EP, Human, and I love how simple the song is. Darren’s vocals are only paired with his guitar, but I don’t think the song would work any other way. He has a unique sound and the lyrics are so personal that I feel like I’m not supposed to be listening. The song is honest and speaks to something that is inherent in all of us, as much as we try to repress it.

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“Some Nights” – fun.

YouTube Link: http://youtu.be/qQkBeOisNM0

five minutes in and I’m bored again

ten years of this, I’m not sure if anybody understands

The most recent song to make its way into my “songs that have altered my life in almost inexplicable ways” is “Some Nights” by fun. While the entire Some Nights album has had a profound impact on my life, this particular song is the icing on the cake.

Every word in this song speaks to me. You know when you read your horoscope for a week and it’s eerily accurate? That’s what this song is to me. I had no idea that I needed to hear everything in this song, but I was so glad when I did. I’m certain I could play this song nonstop and never get sick of it.

Sometimes I’m scared to admit how much I connect to this song, since a lot of it has to do with my fears and bad qualities. However, the song also reminds me that I’m not alone and that these crazy things called emotions (either good or bad) are a part of life, whether or not we have everything put together.