Apparently, music helps improve memory and cognitive function. Although this may not always be the case, music can be great for mood, energy, and stress. For some it’s just a way to relieve boredom, while others connect and find deep meaning in lyrics and melodies. Watching or following singers and performers is also a way to stay entertained during quarantine.
However, finding enjoyable songs and discovering a personal niche in music can be a gruelling chore because everyone’s tastes differ. Some also say music taste can reflect personality. Thus, Alvin and I (Amy) decided to put together song playlists for each other to rate so we could find new songs outside of our comfort zone, while possibly also seeing the different sides of our personalities that our music tastes reflect. We’ve also listened to some songs recommended by other people. Hopefully, we provide a few new songs that peak your interest. 🙂
*All blurbs and ratings are by the other person. All Genre/short comments are by the person who created the playlist.
AMY’S (CONDENSED) PLAYLIST + ALVIN’S RATINGS
One summer – Yang Da II, WENDY
Rating: 8.2/10
Soft, romantic, sweet, doesn’t really have a climax, great if you want to relax a bit. A feel good song, and a slight bit sad. I can imagine it being some Korean romance show’s intro, or a romance movie’s credit scene song.
astroboy. – suggi
Rating: 8.6/10
This somehow manages to remind me of multiple different songs. Sort of like a mellow pop song. The overall beat is pretty slow, but it does contain some “rap”. The lyrics are pretty encouraging, and it sounds like a “cool kid” song
STAY – BLACKPINK
Rating: 8.3/10
At the start (and the first verse), it sounded a bit like a female Korean version of an Ed Sheeran song. then into the chorus, it sounded a bit like a cheerleader joined the squad, and it turned from an acoustic romance song to a bit of an upbeat schoolgirl song. The verse after all the lalala includes a bit of rap too, so if you’re interested in that, there’s some of that. Overall, it’s quite a nice song.
La La Lost You – NIKI, 88rising
Rating: 7.3/10
Genre/short comment: (The acoustic version is superior), a slow but not sad song with great vocals .
Dolphin – OH MY GIRL
Rating: 7.6/10
Genre/short comment: An upbeat, summery song with a minimal backing track, never trust a k-pop fan who doesn’t know this song.
Tomboy – Destiny Rogers
Rating: 7.5/10
Genre/short comment: An “edgy” pop song with good lyrics, an amazing beat, and an addictive bass beat.
MIROH – Stray Kids
Rating: 7.8/10
Genre/short comment: Fast, energizing electro-kpop with addictive rap.
Clouds – Before You Exit
Rating: 7.6/10
Genre/short comment: A slow, sad song with meaningful lyrics.
Blueming – IU
Rating: 8.1/10
Genre/short comment: Upbeat pop, with a backing track that’s primarily guitar and addictive vocals.
lowkey – NIKI
Rating: 7.4/10
Genre/short comment: Chill but not sad pop, great vocals over a minimal backing track.
Some – BOL4
Rating: 7.6/10
Genre/short comment: A calm but upbeat song with unique vocals (in korean).
CHECKMATE – THE BOYZ
Rating: 8.2/10
Genre/short comment: A slightly “creepy” feel, but with a highly addicting beat, interesting melody, and rap.
ALVIN’S (CONDENSED) PLAYLIST + AMY’S RATINGS
Sad Song – We The Kings, Elena Coats
Rating: 8.9/10
This used to be one of my favourite songs a few years ago, and all I’m gonna say is that it still slaps. I haven’t heard it in a while, it’s sad but not too slow and it has a very nice beat. Also, the part with the harmony is so nice to listen to, honestly my favourite part of the song. I highly recommend it to anyone who hasn’t heard it before.
Talking to the Moon – Bruno Mars
Rating: 8.6/10
I remember this song from so long ago and I used to (and still do) really like it. The chorus is the absolute best part, there’s nothing super special that I like about the verses but I remember the chorus being stuck in my head for weeks on end back when I listened to this often. The chorus hits hard period.
History – One Direction
Rating: 8.5/10
I did not realize this was a One Direction song at first but I mean that in a good way (good towards both the group and the song please don’t be angry). I actually really like the part with the clapping beat, it’s really different from the other One Direction songs I know. I also like the somewhat minimal backing track.
Everlasting – Take That
Rating: 8.5/10
I actually really like this song and I 100% did not expect to like it at first, I wasn’t a big fan of the verse but the buildup in the pre-chorus actually sounded super nice – the part when the guitar strumming becomes more muted and then the beat drops into the chorus is really satisfying so I highly recommend.
Short comment: thank you to Rain for telling me about this – Alvin
Home To You – Sigrid
Rating: 7.9/10
Genre/short comment: part of the soundtrack for the movie The Aeronauts, very sweet romance song with a high voice
The Nights – Avicii
Rating: 8/10
Genre/short comment: electronic dance music, with some rap-like verses, very upbeat. Avicii talks a bit about his childhood .
Victory – Two Steps from Hell (Thomas Bergerson)
Rating: 7.6/10
Genre/short comment: Epic battle music, Two Steps From Hell makes a lot of these. If you like this, you can also check out Heart of Courage, Strength of a Thousand Men, and Protectors of the Earth, by the same artist.
The Days – Avicii
Rating: 7.9/10
Genre/short comment: Cheerful, upbeat, a song about promises, love, and heartbreaks. Electronic dance music in the background. Try this if you want to lift up your spirits.
That Girl – Olly Murs
Rating: 7.9/10
Genre/short comment: this was my first Olly Murs song, and it’s got a really fun beat, especially the chorus. Got me bopping my head, and it’s an upbeat romance song about regret and heartbreak.
Mr. Sandman – The Chordettes
Rating: 7.5/10 (sorry)
Genre/short comment: song from the 1950s…, got that older romantic feeling…
Giants – Take That
Rating: 8/10
Genre/short comment: Also thanks for Rain for recommending this back in grade 9. I just really like the transition from verse to chorus, and it’s a really touching and unique romance song. Really interesting lyrics, I really recommend this. 🙂
Lily – Alan Walker, K-391
Rating: 7.9/10
Genre/short comment: A song with a unique voice, electronic music, slightly “creepy”, but the lyrics can symbolize the modern world if you think about it 😉
OTHER RECOMMENDATIONS
(Note: some of these are just thoughts while listening, so they may not be full, just notes)
Ultramarine/ Gunjo – ブルボン（BOURBON）
Rating: 8.5
Keywords: high energy, japanese anime song, about art, flow
Alrighty Aphrodite – Peach Pit
Rating: 8
Keywords: Rock, guitar, electrifying, cool voice
Trees – Twenty One Pilots
Rating: 8.65
Keywords: Roller coaster of energy levels, “The Scientist” by Coldplay, soothing background, hype, some dance music
Minefields – Faouzia
Rating: 8.5
Key thoughts: sweet piano intro, chorus drumming, classic pop song, good amount of background music
Forever – Lewis Capaldi
Rating: 9
Keywords: soulful, really sad, nice balance, great lyrics
Unloving You – Alex Aiono
Rating: 8.3
Key thoughts: fitting voice, great piano background to set the mellow and sad tune, romance
Le Festin – Camille
Rating: 8.8
Key thoughts: some child-like feelings, walking in the streets of France, wandering, adventuresome, sweet, interesting start.
Photo: Dreamstime.com
