What I’m Listening To #9

What I’m Listening To, the blog series in which I reflect on all the music I’ve been exploring during the last few months. Join me on this inspirational journey and listen along with the Spotify playlist below. Post your recommendations in the comments!

Stranger Things: Music from the Netflix Original Series, Season 4
Is this the most generic album title ever? Not to worry though, this compilation of 80s music is a true time capsule. It fully immerses you in the sounds of a different time. A time of more energy and joy, and hope, it seems. Or maybe that’s just how we want to perceive it today. In any case, these 40-year-old songs funnily enough feel like a breath of fresh air. I think that’s definitely saying something!

Simple Plan – Get Your Heart On!
Before seeing them live, radio hit “Summer Paradise” was the only Simple Plan song I knew. So, I had never imagined this band being one of the biggest in the pop punk genre! And it showed: their concert was probably the most fun one I’ve experienced yet. With big balloons, fun interactions with the crowd and a crowd surfing drummer, Simple Plan knows how to put on a show. Just like their live set, this album contains one anthemic banger after another. It’s pop punk perfected: upbeat, loud and catchy.

Rise Against – The Sufferer & the Witness
Took another deep dive into Rise Against’s discography after attending their show in Amsterdam. I was pleasantly surprised by how these album tracks are just as strong as the singles I was already familiar with. Anticipating the concert, me and my friend blasted this raw and harcore stuff in the car. Listening back reminds me of those fun times before, but also during the live show, of course: standing among the hyped and sweaty crowd with jumping and moshing people all over the place. I missed this!

S P E C I A L
S I N G L E S
Songs that have caught my attention.

The Beatles – “Hey Jude”
Does this song have the longest outro ever? Nice to play on guitar though.

Jay-Z – “Empire State of Mind (feat. Alicia Keys)”
Something special about this song’s vibe that lifts the spirit

Elvis Presley – “A Little Less Conversation (Junki XL Remix)”
The film ‘Elvis’ reminded me of this funky remix.

Coldplay – “Humankind”
Their latest album didn’t quite hit the mark for me, but I couldn’t resist to include this one.

DI-RECT – “90s Kid”
Heard this one the radio the other day while on the road and connected to it immediately!

Cassyette – “Petrichor”
Dark and heavy, yet reveiling and cathartic.

Gintronix – “Get Up and Dance”
Second single by the new Dutch disco duo. Love the chords and melodies!