Julian’s Pretty Awesome Playlist

Julian Perez, Contributing Journalist

The first song in my playlist is called “Shadow of the Day,” by Linkin Park, and I love this song for nostalgic reasons. I overheard this song when I was about 3 or 4 years old, and I would call it ”the violin song,” since I never knew the official name of the song. The nostalgic factor is the main reason why I love this song, it gives me this warm feeling that brings me back to when I was younger.

No One Knows” is a song by Queens of the Stone Age, and as with “Shadow of the Day,” I first heard this song when I was young. Unlike my first entry, this song is more energetic and exciting and helps me get hyped up for the day. 

The next song in my playlist is Smash Mouth’s “All-Star,” and if you have heard this song, you would know exactly why this song is adored by millions. This song sends positive messages on how exciting life both is, and how it can be. I always enjoyed this song for its personality, lyrics, and positive vibes towards the listener. 

Like most playlists, there is a song by Queen in mine, however, it’s not Bohemian Rhapsody, instead, I chose “Don’t Stop Me Now,” for numerous reasons. First, I love Bohemian Rhapsody, but this song I love just a little bit more, mostly due to its theme of being, enthusiastically, unstoppable to those who look down upon you. I feel as if this song should be the first thing anyone who feels down about themselves, to boost their mood. 

Paul McCartney’s “Wonderful Christmas Time” has to be my most cherished Christmas song. From the lyrics to the groovy electro instruments used in the background of the song, this Paul McCartney classic remains relevant to this day, and not just for the Christmas season. Wonderful Christmas Time is a true treasure of a song, and really sets the mood of Christmas, especially during the holidays.

Octopus’s Garden” by the Beatles should be the most interesting to some, (especially my father, a Beatles fan) mostly due to there being better songs from this legendary band, but to me, this song is a hidden gem. This is also one of the newer songs I have begun listening to, as well as the first Beatles song I have fully memorized. I adore the cool aquatic theme this song erupts, and the somehow outlandish and silly lyrics, about wanting to stay in an octopus’s garden.

Funky Town” by Lipps Inc., is a fun song to listen to from time to time. Out of all the songs in this list, this one might be the one I listen to the least, but I love it no less. I used to get excited whenever this song would play on the radio, and I’ve never changed, I love the thrill of listening to the funky instruments of Funky Town!

Speaking of thriller, Micheal Jackson’s “Thriller” is a seasonal treat. The song is a mix of eerieness and pop, which together, is like peanut butter and chocolate mixed together, it’s wonderful! This song is truly a product of its era and should be celebrated alongside Halloween.

The Weeknd‘s “Blinding Lights” is the newest song on this playlist, but brings back the pop genre of the 1980s, and as a person who loves this style of music, this one is no exception. Everything within this song is top-notch, and on point, from the lyrics to the incredible use of electro instruments, this remains as one of the greatest pieces of musical media in the modern day.

Of all the songs in this list, this one, in particular, I love, not just because it’s a great song, but because it was in my favorite movie. “Canned Heat” by Jamiroquai, had appeared in the movie “Napoleon Dynamite,” and was arguably the greatest scene in the film, but I’m not here to discuss the film. The song, on the other hand, to say the very least– rocks. Whenever I hear this song, I can’t help but dance along with it. It is such an entertaining piece of music, and I am very happy that I have grown up with this incredible song.