And So It Goes {My Billy Joel Song Rankings}

I grew up listening to Billy Joel. Both my parents really enjoyed his music, and played it while we were young so it isn’t a surprise that when I hear specific songs, it brings me back to my childhood. Songs like Keeping the Faith and Matter of Trust remind me of the beach, driving on the sand in my dad’s truck. I can almost smell the sea breeze and the car’s air freshener. River of Dreams always reminds me of my brother Tom, and how even at like 10, he knew all the words. Then there are the songs everyone knows; We Didn’t Start the Fire, Piano Man, Only the Good Die Young; that almost make you roll your eyes because THERE ARE SO MANY MORE SONGS THAN JUST THOSE. Listening to his music now, as an adult, there is an all new appreciation for it. He really wrote some relatable and meaningful songs that didn’t make it mainstream. Look, I know that Billy Joel is almost exclusively viewed as a “Long Island” or “New York” obsession, but I promise you that he is much more than that. His music spans decades, and can interest many more people than just us Islanders.

 

Cold Spring Harbor (1971)

1. She’s Got A Way
2. Everybody Loves You Now

This was the first album (LP) that Billy came out with. Unfortunately for him, while the album was being mastered, a technical flaw caused the record to be recorded at a much higher speed, resulting in both the instrumentals and Joel’s voice sounding much higher pitched than it was. It was so bad, he actually sounded a lot like the chipmunks (who also released an album that year). Because of this flaw, the album did not have the impact they were hoping for (nor the one it deserved). It was a dud. Of course they remastered it later down the line (after he had become more famous) and people could appreciate the plethora of songs that were supposed to showcase Joel’s wide range. She’s Got a Way flexes Joel’s piano ballad muscles, and Everybody Loves You Now is his take on a more pop-y sound. They are my two favorites off this album because they give you a great idea of his musical range.

She’s got a way about her
I don’t know what it is
But I know that I can’t live without her

 

Piano Man (1973)

1. Piano Man
2. Captain Jack
3. The Ballad of Billy the Kid

The infamous Piano Man! This is widely considered to be one of Joel’s most iconic and recognizable songs. It is an anthem for many. In fact, when I was in college (in central PA I might add) this song was the “brotherhood” song for one of the fraternities on campus. They played it at the conclusion of every party, where they would gather as a group in the center of the main room and sway with arms around each other, shouting the lyrics proudly. It can often be heard at bars around the country as well. It is easily one of the most famous songs of that time period, as well as for Joel in general.

 

Streetlife Serenade (1974)

1. Root Beer Rag
2. The Entertainer

This was the second album Joel wrote after moving to LA for a Columbia record deal. It wasn’t one of his greatest records, with Joel not super pleased about it himself, but it does contain some staples. The Entertainer was probably the most popular song off the album, which was written as a sarcastic response to the radio edit of his majorly successful Piano Man song. Root Beer Rag may not be one of Joel’s personal favorite songs, but it is a fan favorite, and still often gets played during concerts. It is an instrumental song that is fun and breaks up the set.

I am the entertainer
I come to do my show
You’ve heard my latest record
It’s been on the radio
Ah, it took me years to write it
They were the best years of my life
It was a beautiful song
But it ran too long
If you’re gonna have a hit
You gotta make it fit
So they cut it down to 3:05

Turnstiles (1976)

1. Summer, Highland Falls
2. New York State of Mind
3. Prelude/Angry Young Man
4. Miami 2017 (Seen the Lights Go Out on Broadway)
5. Say Goodbye To Hollywood

This was such an emotional album. At the time, Billy was still living in LA but really missing home. Finally he decided to move back to New York, hence the tribute in New York State of Mind. It was the first recorded album where Billy himself hand-picked the band playing behind him, which became known as the Billy Joel Band. Prelude/Angry Young Man is another concert staple that came from this record, and is still performed every month at Madison Square Garden. Summer, Highland Falls is one of my all time favorite songs. It is so short, but spoke to me in many ways.

 

The Stranger (1977)

1. Scenes From an Italian Restaurant
2. Movin Out (Anthony’s Song)
3. The Stranger
4. Just the Way You Are
5. Vienna
6. She’s Always a Woman
7. Only the Good Die Young

The Stranger was a much more popular album, actually landing itself on Rolling Stone’s Greatest Albums of All Time list. It had a number of hits, which all made it to my personal list as well. Quite honestly, I have a personal connection to all these songs, making this a particularly hard album to rank. Above all else though, Scenes From an Italian Restaurant will always hold a higher position when it comes to Billy Joel songs. It was “our song” with one of my closest friends. I remember being at the Last Play at Shea, and calling him up so he could hear it live. It is also one of Joel’s all time favorite songs.

Cold beer, hot lights
My sweet romantic teenage nights

 

52nd Street (1978)

1. Honesty
2. My Life
3. Big Shot
4. Zanzibar
5. Half a Mile Away

Despite high expectations to out do his precious album, 52nd Street did fairly well! There were a number of hits off this it, some of which were covered by other artists and even featured as the theme song for a new television show which gave the lovable Tom Hanks one of his earliest roles. Honesty is my personal favorite off this album because the lyrics really hit me at just the right time. I remember growing up and hearing his other hits, My Life and Big Shot though, so those are also high on my list.

When I’m deep inside of me
Don’t be too concerned
I won’t ask for nothin’ while I’m gone
But when I want sincerity
Tell me where else can I turn
‘Cause you’re the one I depend upon

Honesty is such a lonely word
Everyone is so untrue
Honesty is hardly ever heard
And mostly what I need from you

Glass Houses (1980)

1. It’s Still Rock and Roll to Me
2. You May Be Right
3. Sometimes a Fantasy
4. Don’t Ask Me Why
5. All for Leyna
6. Sleeping with the Television On
7. C’était Toi (You Were the One)

Another fairly successful album! This one I preferred a few more of the “obscure” songs to the “hits” but still some solid music either way. It’s Still Rock and Roll to Me would become Billy Joel’s very first #1 single and would remain at the top of the charts for a number of weeks. Glass Houses was a response to critics calling Billy Joel a “soft rocker” because of his success with piano ballads. He didn’t think that was a very fair assessment of his musical range, so songs like You May Be Right and Don’t Ask Me Why become beacons for his “rock” image (that, and the leather jacket he wears on the cover of this album).

Oh, what’s the matter with the crowd I’m seeing?
“Don’t you know that their out of touch?”
Well, should I try to be a straight-A student?
“If you are then you think too much
Don’t you know about the new fashion, honey?
All you need are looks and a whole lotta money”
It’s the next phase, new wave, dance craze, anyways
It’s still rock and roll to me
Everybody’s talkin’ ’bout the new sound
Funny, but it’s still rock and roll to me

The Nylon Curtain (1982)

1. Pressure
2. Allentown
3. Goodnight Saigon

The Nylon Curtain was Joel’s attempt at more topical song writing with songs like Allentown and Goodnight Saigon. He wanted to talk about the American Dream and what it meant to him. Pressure is my favorite off the album though, mostly because I know it is one of my dad’s favorite songs. I liked the sound of the song, and all the instrumentals in the background. It is easily one of my own personal favorites as well.

An Innocent Man (1983)

1. An Innocent Man
2. The Longest Time
3. Keeping the Faith
4. Tell Her About It
5. Uptown Girl
6. Leave a Tender Moment Alone

Innocent Man was a visit to the past; Joel attempt at paying homage to R&B and doo wop of the 50s and 60s. It was another instant success. You can hear the doo wop especially in the song The Longest Time which I know my high school used often for jazz ensembles and a Capella choirs. Songs like Keeping the Faith and Tell Her About It remind me of the beach and spending summers in my dad’s truck.

The Bridge (1986)

1. This is the Time
2. A Matter of Trust
3. Baby Grand

After Innocent Man, Billy was finally convinced into creating a Greatest Hits album. It was a 2 volume, 4 disc set of his most popular tracks in the order in which they came out. The record also featured two new songs which were released as singles to help support it. After the success of all of those, The Bridge quite honestly fell a bit short. It still had a couple of hit singles, some that again were featured as TV show themes. This is the Time is one of those songs you listen to at the close of a particularly important chapter of your life. I vaguely remember playing it a lot when I was graduating high school. And that is why it is at the top of my list for this album. Baby Grand was a track that did not become a single, but was still incredible. It was a duet with Ray Charles that highlights their steady relationship with their pianos. They even say in the lyrics of the song that ” no one’s gonna play this on the radio,” which they didn’t, but it was still a beautiful song.

This is the time to remember
Cause it will not last forever
These are the days
To hold on to
But we won’t
Although we’ll want to
This is the time
But time is gonna change
You’ve given me the best of you
But now I need the rest of you

Storm Front (1989)

1. And So It Goes
2. Shameless
3. Storm Front
4. When in Rome
5. The Downeaster Alexa
6. We Didn’t Start the Fire
7. State of Grace
8. That’s Not Her Style
9. Leningrad

And now we have made it to my all time favorite album by Billy Joel! I remember saying to my family that this was my favorite of Billy Joel’s, but not really actually knowing why. Now that I am looking at all his songs and dividing them up by album, I realize that I wasn’t “just saying” this was my favorite, it really was! We Didn’t Start the Fire is one of Joel’s most famous songs to date, though as I have gotten older, I have started liking it less and less (it probably has something to do with the fact that this is one of the only ones anyone knows by him). Storm Front and State of Grace have such unique sounds, that I find myself drawn to them. Leningrad was written after Billy toured in Russia, and is about his experience there. And So It Goes is such a beautiful song. Joel has said that it’s placement of last track on the album was purposeful; it was suppose to represent the calm and serenity that comes just after a particularly violent thunderstorm. Shameless was eventually covered by country music star Garth Brooks, whose version would go on to be more famous than Joel’s.

And every time I’ve held a rose
It seems I only felt the thorns
And so it goes, and so it goes
And so will you soon I suppose

But if my silence made you leave
Then that would be my worst mistake
So I will share this room with you
And you can have this heart to break

River of Dreams (1993)

1. Lullaby (Goodnight My Angel)
2. All About Soul
3. The River of Dreams

Lullaby is one of my all time favorite songs by Billy Joel. It was written for his daughter Alexa and is just so sweet. It is another slow, piano ballad that is just so sweet and wonderful. I mentioned earlier that when I was younger, my brother Tom, who at the time was only a couple years old, could sing all the words to River of Dreams. It was his favorite song for a little bit and that memory always seems to stick for me.

Miscellaneous

You’re Only Human (Second Wind)

This was an important one for me. All these years of being a Billy Joel fan and somehow I had never heard this song until my freshman year in college. I went through some rough stuff and my brother came through with this song. It really helped me feel better about my situation and got me back up on my feet.

 

My All Time Top 10 Billy Joel Songs

1. Summer, Highland Falls
2. Lullaby (Goodnight My Angel)
3. Pressure
4. And So It Goes
5. Scenes From an Italian Restaurant
6. Shameless
7. Piano Man
8. Honesty
9. Innocent Man
10. You’re Only Human (Second Wind)

Billy Joel is an icon. His music spans decades and still resonates with people (like me) today. He currently hosts a semi-permanent residency at Madison Square Garden, going on the record saying he would only do shows until they weren’t selling anymore. That was back in January of 2014! In fact, I personally am going to see his February 14th show this year! Rolling Stone reported that “At no point, have sales even tapered off a little bit even though the man hasn’t released an album of new pop songs since 1993.” And it’s true! Billy Joel has done one concert a month at MSG from 2014 to present day. If I remember correctly, tickets for shows going up through June are already sold for this year. Regardless of what anyone thinks or says to me about my love for this rock star, he has played an integral role in my life, and my childhood, and connects me on a new level with my brothers, parents, and a few friends (who understand the obsession). He is easily one of my all time favorite artists. I cannot wait to share him with my children, and watch them fall in love like I have.

Most Anticipated 2019 Movies

I did this post last year and it kind of helped remind me of things I desperately wanted to see so I am doing another, more expanded version of it this year. THERE ARE SO MANY MOVIES COMING OUT! Let’s take a look at some of my most anticipated ones.

Super Heroes

Captain Marvel

March 8, 2019

Badass female super hero who is going to save the entire Marvel Universe? Yes please! Captain Marvel is being introduced in her own movie early in the year so that it sets up the finale to the Avengers (End Game, see below). You can see Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson’s character) calling Captain Marvel at the conclusion of Infinity War before he turns to dust, so you know she is going to make an appearance. I mean, (spoilers!) the Avengers lost without her so you know she has to be very important.. I just hope they don’t shit the bed since that is an awful lot of pressure to put on a new character.

The Avengers: End Game

May 3, 2019

The epic and I truly mean EPIC finale to the Avengers. People are going to die, for real, and everyone seems to have a good idea who (because of access to contract renewals and such) but that does not mean we are ready for it. I mean I mentally prepared myself for Captain America’s death in Infinity War (spoilers!) and it was all for nothing! It is looking like the OG cast of Avengers will meet their maker and inadvertently hand off the franchise to the newer cast (Ant Man, Spider-man, Black Panther, Captain Marvel, etc.) in this one.

 

Spider-Man: Far From Home

July 5, 2019

I really loved the newest revamp of the this character (Spider-Man: Homecoming) with Tom Holland as the title character. He finally brings the youth to Spider-Man, which it was severely missing with both Toby McGuire and Andrew Garfield’s adaptions. This is the second movie to come out and I cannot wait! (spoilers!) You know Spider-man is not truly “gone” (and by gone I am referring to the devastatingly heartbreaking scene in Infinity War where Peter Parker turns to dust in Tony’s arms) because this movie is set to come out after End Game. I’ll say it, I love Tom Holland. I am pretty much going to see anything he is in from here on out.

Book to Movie Adaptations

 

A Dog’s Way Home

January 11, 2019

From the same author as A Dog’s Purpose, this is the tale of a little pup who travels 400 miles to find his way back home. I LOVED A Dog’s Purpose even though it makes me ugly cry every 25 minutes, so I am anticipating another sobfest with this one. I haven’t read it, but I do own the book- I just, I love anything with dogs honestly.

 

The Sun is Also a Star

May 17, 2019

Meh. I really hated this book (and in the process found out I hate the insta-love trope) but this could be cute? I don’t know honestly, but I think I would be willing to give it a try.

 

Little Women

December 25, 2019

EMMA WATSON! I repeat, EMMA WATSON everybody. That already makes it an instant-watch for me, but also, I have been meaning to watch/read this story for a long long time and now I have more motivation than ever. Also Meryl Streep.

 

P.S. I Still Love You

TBD

FINALLY! Netflix has officially announced it’s intent to adapt the next novel in the To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before series! The first movie was a HUGE success this past year, so it only made sense to continue to adapt the series. While they have not announced a release date yet, nor cast new characters (John Ambrose) I have no doubt that it will be another smash hit. I honestly doubt it will be out in 2019 but I had to mention it here since I am highly anticipating it regardless.

Disney Live Action Adaptions

As many of you know, Disney has been working hard to produce a few live-action adaptions of their already popular animated movies each year. Completed adaptions thus far include Cinderella, Beauty and the Beast, the Jungle Book and Alice in Wonderland. These are the movies slated to come out in 2019.

Dumbo

March 29, 2019

Aladdin

May 24, 2019

The Lion King

July 19, 2019

Other

 

Us

March 15, 2019

No one is super sure what the plot of this movie is, but it is the follow-up thriller to Get Out, which was written and directed by Jordan Peele. It also has a showstopping cast including two Black Panther cast members, Lupita Nyong’o & Winston Duke. At this point I don’t care about the plot, I just know I want to see it.

 

You Are My Friend

October 18, 2019

TOM HANKS AS MR. ROGERS! THIS IS NOT A DRILL. I mean most Tom Hanks movies are a must watch for me, but this one especially. I have been loving all the Mr. Rogers content that has been coming out lately and this will just be the cherry on top. America’s Sweetheart to play one of the world’s nicest TV personalities. I just. I can’t. I am so excited.

 

Charlie’s Angels

November 1, 2019

There is not a whole lot out right now about this movie, it has been kept fairly hush hush. All that we know is that Elizabeth Banks is starring, and Kristen Stewart, Naomi Scott and Noah Centineo are all in it, but it is undetermined who their characters are. I mean I wasn’t a huge fan on the originals (I actually don’t think I saw them) but this seems like it might be ok. Also- the only reason it is on my radar is because of Noah soooooo

Star Wars: Episode IX

December 20, 2019

Not a whole lot about this out yet (that I can tell) but I am sure it is bound to be controversial after The Last Jedi. I actually don’t have a whole lot to say about it other than I will absolutely go see it.

 

Truth be told, there are not a whole lot I am really really excited about next year. I mean there is the Avengers and Spider-Man but other than that, meh. What are you most looking forward to?

Top Five Movies of 2018

I tend to see a lot of movies during the year- my brothers and I (and my fiance) really enjoying going to the movies, so we do it often. Because of this fact, I get to see a bunch of new movies! So while we are all reflecting on the best parts of 2018, I will present to you my top movies of the year! Please note that all the movies in this list (and up for consideration) were NEW RELEASES for 2018. Any “backlisted” movies will not appear on this list (though I may consider doing a separate one for those next time).

To my knowledge, I saw a total of 19 new movies this year! There were a lot of sequels, and a bunch of book-to-movie adaptations! Let’s check out:

 

5. A Star Is Born

This is like the fourth remake of this classic love story. Bradley Cooper plays alongside Lady Gaga in this modern retelling of this story. Cooper plays a famous (alcoholic) country artist who discovers the talented and kindred spirit, Lady Gaga, performing at a random drag bar in a city he was visiting. The music in this movie was phenomenal, both from Gaga and Cooper! Their huge hit (which plays on the radio all the time) is Shallow, which is a song both characters end up co-writing together, and is Gaga’s character’s debut at one of his concerts. Their performance was deeply emotional and raw. It was utterly devastating and warm all in the same movie. I could watch this over and over and still get emotional. It really was an amazing job by both parties, which is why it is no surprise that it is in talks to receive many awards this awards season.

 

4. The Hate U Give

I am so so happy that this book-to-movie adaptation was done as well as it was. I was so nervous that the movie would not do this phenomenal book justice, but was utterly relieved that it was so good. Amandla Stenberg does an absolutely show stopping job portraying this important character. The Hate U Give is about a young girl, Starr, who witnesses her childhood best friend get shot (and killed) by a police officer. This movie not only tackles the taboo topic of police brutality and the Black Lives Matter movement, but it also finds time to address inter-racial relationships, gang violence, and other tough subjects. Everything about this movie was done well, and is bound to be one of those movies I can watch again and again. The only complaint I had for this movie were about two actors; Anthony Mackie as a tough, don’t cross him, drug lord just did not sell for me. And K.J. Apa (aka Archie on Riverdale) as Starr’s boyfriend was very difficult to get behind. Nothing against either of those actors (I actually really love Anthony Mackie), I just had a hard time believing them as the characters they were cast for. Well, that and the fact that I wanted more time with Khalil. Ya’ll need to see this movie/read this book. I’m serious. It is so important.

 

3. The Avengers: Infinity War

I mean, you knew this was coming, didn’t you? You KNEW this would be on the list. It had to be. This was one of the absolute most anticipated movies of the last few years. It was part one to the epic conclusion of the Marvel Universe’s original arc. And it was epic. It certainly did NOT end the way a lot of people thought it might, but with easy access to information outside the universe such as contracts, and future movie productions, it makes the conclusion to Infinity War and it’s part two, End Game, easier to predict. The movie was fast paced, but also took it’s time. A super hero movie with so many characters mashed together could easily become very muddled and hard to get into, but they somehow pulled it off! For those living under a rock, Infinity War is a super hero movie that takes place in the Marvel (think Stan Lee) Universe. All these characters have come together to put a stop to this ultimate “bad guy” named Thanos, whose main goal is to gain all the infinity stones so that he can wipe out half of the people in the world. The funny thing about this whole plot is that throughout the course of this movie, you get a better understanding of Thanos’s motives, and can almost sympathize with him. I am very curious how they will tie this one all together but found that I was extremely satisfied with Infinity War as a standalone movie.

 

2. Black Panther

I honestly thought that when I saw this, and throughout most of the rest of the year this would end up being my top movie of the year! It was THAT good. I saw it multiple times IN THEATERS and then obviously a bunch on DVD. The character Black Panther was introduced to the Marvel Universe in the movie Captain America: Civil War where he aligns himself with Iron Man in order to avenge his father’s untimely death at the hands of (who he thinks) is the Winter Soldier. Shortly after that, he got his own movie and it was AMAZING. Black Panther was one of the first movies in the last few years to feature a mostly all black cast, and to have characters in hero roles. It was a BIG deal. And it was done SO well. Michael B Jordan as Killmonger was phenomenal but if I am being truthful, this entire cast was perfect. Not only did it feature black characters in hero roles, but STRONG female characters as well! The King’s army (basically his secret service) are an army of all women, which is so awesome. Okoye was also by far my favorite character to come out of this universe in quite some time. Again, ya’ll need to see this movie. Even if you aren’t into the whole Super Hero thing, I think it is worth a try.

 

Now before we get into my top choice, let’s highlight a few Honorable Mentions:

 Creed 2 –

Michael B Jordan, ripped and sweaty. Need I say more? It wasn’t as good as the first one, but it was still pretty good.

 The Incredibles 2 –

Again, I wasn’t super impressed by it, but it was still super hilarious!

 Oceans 8 –

I really enjoyed this one! It wasn’t groundbreaking, but it was fun and I loved the cast.

The Crimes of Grindelwald (Fantastic Beasts 2) –

This was one of my most anticipated movies of 2018. Sadly, it was not nearly as good as I had hoped. Here’s to hoping the next one is better!

 Dog Days –

This was a surprisingly cute movie! It’s one of those multi-storylines that tie together (Think Love Actually or Valentine’s Day) but with DOGS!

Now without further ado, my top movie of 2018….

 

1. To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before

I have literally watched this movie at least half a dozen times so far this year. IT WAS SO GOOD. It was the perfect combination of cute and funny. The actors were PERFECT (at least for most of the main parts) and I loved everything about it. I read the TATBILB series in it’s entirety last year, (you can see my series review on my book blog here) and instantly fell in love with the main characters, Lara Jean and Peter K. I was all too excited to find out that a Netflix movie was in the works. I watched it (on a plane, on my phone) the day it came out, and immediately wanted to watch it again when it was over. Obviously, if you don’t live under a rock, you know that the male lead Noah Centineo has exploded onto the scene, stealing hearts everywhere. The movie was a HUGE success, so much so that fans are demanding the sequels also be adapted. It is the story of Korean American teenager Lara Jean, who must deal with the repercussions of her secret love letters to past crushes getting mailed out. In order to avoid a completely awkward situation, Lara Jean enters a fake relationship with one of the guys she has written a letter to. Neither of them intend to, but real feelings develop and cause confusion in Lara Jean and Peter’s arrangement. I love this movie. I love these characters. I will be watching this for years and years to come. I do really hope they adapt the rest of the series. I haven’t had enough of these characters yet. Update- it was JUST confirmed on 12/19 that Netflix has officially signed off on the adaption of the second To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before book, P.S. I Still Love You. You can see that announcement here: Netflix picks up TATBILB Sequel!

 

Those are my top movies for 2018. I am hoping to keep better track of the movies I watch, while also watching MORE movies in 2019. Which movies have you watched this year? What are your top five?

 

Why Red is better than 1989 {Ranking My Favorite Taylor Swift Songs}

It is no secret that Taylor Swift is Queen of the music world, at least for this generation. She has come out with more hit singles than anyone I can recall off the top of my head. And yes, I was a hater at first (actually, I still kind of loathe her) but god dammit her songs are catchy! Either way, I have gotten into this debate at least a dozen times; Red vs. 1989. I am obviously on the side that Red was a better album. I completely acknowledge that both albums have some jams, but I still feel as though Red had more, and of a better quality. What follows will be analysis of specific albums, complete with a ranked listing of some of my favorite songs from that album. At the end, I will attempt to give you my Top 5 10 songs!

Taylor Swift (2006)

1. Our Song
2. Teardrops On My Guitar

So like I kind of hinted at earlier, I was NOT a Taylor Swift fan for quite a while. In fact, I didn’t hear these songs until I was starting to like her (back around the time Red came out). Unfortunately these are two of the only songs on this album that I know (I know two more, but don’t like them nearly as much as these). This was back when Taylor still felt country! So I can appreciate these two as her starting point. Our Song is still my favorite of the two, it’s just so cute and sounds oh so country.

I’ve heard every album, listened to the radio,
Waiting for something to come along,
That was as good as our song

 

Fearless (2008)

1. Love Story
2. You Belong With Me

Again, another short list because these were all songs that came out before I started listening to her music. It’s funny because I knew this one song called Girl Next Door by Saving Jane before I heard You Belong With Me, so when I heard that for the first time I was a little annoyed thinking Saving Jane was ripped off! But I still kinda like You Belong with Me? It’s complicated, obviously, and it doesn’t help that the music video is super well known. Either way, the fact that it sounded so similarly to a song I listened to in middle school bumps it from my top spot for this album.

 

Speak Now (2010) 

1. Sparks Fly
2. Mean
3. Ours
4. Mine
5. Back To December

Now we are getting somewhere! Five songs from this album made my list. This was a tough one because especially for the top three, they each had their own significance in different parts of my life. I remember when the video came out for Ours and I was soooo excited because it had Zack Gilford from Friday Night Lights in it. That definitely put the song on my radar. Mean also got me through a particularly bad breakup/relationship (as a Taylor Swift song does). But the winner for this album has to go to Sparks Fly. It reminds me of a specific guy, and it’s a fond memory so it sticks with me a little better than the others.

My mind forgets to remind me, your a bad idea
You touch me once and it’s really something
You find I’m even better than you, imagined I would be
I’m on my guard for the rest of the world
But with you I know its no good
And I could wait patiently
But I really wish you would

 

Miscellaneous 

1. Today Was A Fairy tale (Valentine’s Day)
2. Safe and Sound (Hunger Games movie soundtrack)
3. I Don’t Want to Live Forever (Fifty Shades of Grey movie soundtrack)

These were all songs that I liked off sole albums or movie soundtracks. Today Was A Fairy Tale is a classic, I feel like everyone knows that one, so it takes the top spot with ease. But I do recall being obsessed with Safe and Sound after hearing it on the Hunger Games soundtrack. One of my sorority sisters actually sang it in a talent show and made us all fall in love (obviously). Doesn’t it just sound so haunting and beautiful?

 

Reputation (2017)

1. End Game
2. Ready For It?
3. Delicate
4. Look What You Made Me Do

This is Taylor’s most recent album, and one I feel many people were not super impressed with. For the last few years it seems like Tay has been ducking the press, and really not making many headlines. Then this album dropped, and it sounds really different (but not?) from her other stuff. I mean it’s still catchy Taylor Swift but I wasn’t super impressed, especially after following the two heavy hitters in her career. This was a clear winner for me, End Game featuring the one and only Ed Sheeran is no question. That’s all anyone wants to be, is someone’s end game, right? Someone who puts them first above everyone else. It’s a relatable concept and I’m sold. These two work really well together actually. I would be on board with any duets they put out (at least I think so).

 

1989 (2014)

1. Wildest Dreams
2. Blank Space
3. Style
4. Shake It Off
5. Bad Blood
6. Out of the Woods
7. I Wish You Would*

I will say this, ya girl had some hits off this dang album! This was definitely the best way you could have come back after such a heavy hitting album like Red. I know that overall, many people prefer these songs over others, and I can totally see that (Wildest Dreams is one of my all time favorite songs) but I just don’t think it was AS good as Red. But I will say, this album had a strong vibe, and I was feeling it. To me, many of the songs like Wildest Dreams, & Style felt old school Hollywood, very “Great Gatsby” if you will. Shake It Off, Blank Space and Bad Blood felt very new Hollywood, and I thought that they played really nicely together.

 

Red (2012)

1. All Too Well
2. Red
3. Everything Has Changed
4. 22
5. I Knew Your Were Trouble
6. We Will Never Ever Get Back Together
7. State of Grace
8. The Lucky One
9. Stay Stay Stay
10. Holy Ground

I mean is anyone else surprised that nearly the entire album is on my list? I remember this on repeat my entire junior year in my best friend’s car. SO many of these songs have such a significance to me. It was a much more singer/songwriter feel than her other ones (with exception to her earliest stuff I suppose) and I loved it so much. It felt so real, and raw, and I related to it so much. I remember blasting 22 because it came out the same year I turned 22. I remember getting dumped by a guy that year, and all my sorority sisters walking passed him in the cafeteria singing We Will Never Get Back Together. I laugh every time I hear the stupid remake of I Knew You Were Trouble with the goat scream. I can picture Taylor singing All Too Well at some awards show, getting so emotional and banging on the piano. Everything Has Changed is another Ed Sheeran duet, that just makes you fall in love. I have such fond memories of this album, and I think that is what it’s all about, isn’t it? Often times, you associate music with points in your life, the way a movie plays the perfect song for a specific scene, and they stay with you. This album stays with me, and probably will for a long time.

Oh, your sweet disposition and my wide-eyed gaze.
We’re singing in the car, getting lost upstate.
The Autumn leaves falling down like pieces into place,
And I can picture it after all these days.

And I know it’s long gone,
And that magic’s not here no more,
And I might be okay,
But I’m not fine at all.

And now, what we’ve all been waiting for:

My Top 10 Taylor Swift Songs

1. Wildest Dreams
2. All Too Well
3. Red
4. Blank Space
5. Everything Has Changed
6. Sparks Fly
7. Love Story
8. Mean
9. Today Was A Fairy Tale
10. I Knew You Were Trouble

I am definitely not her biggest fan (far from it) but dang does she put out some good music. This was a fun post to put together, maybe I will do a few more with other artists/bands!

Me thinking about doing song rankings for other artists like…

 

Interlibrary Loan: How to Access Nearly Any Book in Any Library in the U.S. — Pages Unbound | Book Reviews & Discussions

Via Pages Unbound…. a great write up on how you can get virtually any book you desire, for free from a US library.

It has nothing to do with your local consortium of libraries. Very often I see people complain that their library does not carry the books they want and often this complaint is used as a justification for piracy. However, library users typically have access to far more books than the ones currently sitting on the […]

via Interlibrary Loan: How to Access Nearly Any Book in Any Library in the U.S. — Pages Unbound | Book Reviews & Discussions

What If It’s Us- Becky Albertalli & Adam Silvera (ARC)

Happy book birthday to this jem! Read my (ARC) review of What If It’s Us by Adam Silvera and Becky Albertalli!

Modern Witch's Bookshelf

(Becky Albertalli & Adam Silvera, 2018)

Expected Publication Date: October 16, 2018

Arthur is only in New York for the summer, but if Broadway has taught him anything, it’s that the universe can deliver a showstopping romance when you least expect it.

Ben thinks the universe needs to mind its business. If the universe had his back, he wouldn’t be on his way to the post office carrying a box of his ex-boyfriend’s things.

But when Arthur and Ben meet-cute at the post office, what exactly does the universe have in store for them?

Maybe nothing. After all, they get separated.

Maybe everything. After all, they get reunited.

But what if they can’t quite nail a first date . . . or a second first date . . . or a third?

What if Arthur tries too hard to make it work . . . and Ben doesn’t try hard…

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Banned Books Week 2018

Celebrate Banned Books Week!

Free State of Geek

Hey all, Dani here.

Once again we find ourselves at the time of year to celebrate Banned Books Week, and like every previous year, I like to write up a little post to talk about the occasion. You can find out a lot more information by checking out the Banned Books Week site or by checking out the Banned Books Week section of the ALA(American Library Association)’s site.

Banned Books Week is the annual celebration by libraries, publishers, booksellers, authors, and readers, to celebrate the Freedom to Read. There are a number of different events being held all over at libraries and bookstores, so check out your local ones to see what might be going on near you. Banned Books Week was started back in the 1980s, in response to the increased challenges and protests, including a 1982 Supreme Court case (Island Trees School District v. Pico) which ruled…

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Music Monday- Life Changes

Here is another Music Monday for yah! I always see these posted by Drew @ The Tattooed Book Geek (also- I love that he has an alphabetical list of all the songs he has posted), so thank you Drew for exposing me to this awesome idea!

Today I have for you the newest song by beloved Thomas Rhett. In this song he hits on all the crazy things that have happened to him in his life in the last few years. I like how personal this song is, and yet most fans can acknowledge and know exactly what he is referring to throughout the song. Here is Life Changes:

Waking up in my college dorm
Yeah, my life, it was pretty normal
Looking for a date to the spring formal
Wasn’t worried ’bout nothing else, no
Majoring in undecided
Notebook full of bad songs I was writing
Never dreamed anyone else would like’em
Now they’re sitting on a Walmart shelf

Ain’t it funny how life changes
You wake up, ain’t nothing the same and life changes
You can’t stop it, just hop on the train and
You never know what’s gonna happen
You make your plans and you hear god laughing
Life changes, and I wouldn’t change it for the world, the world, oh no
And I wouldn’t change it for the world, the world, oh no

I bought a ring and she said “I do”
But everybody else said, “man, you’re twenty-two
“Whatcha trying to prove?”
“Hey why don’t you wait?”
‘Cause I’ve been waiting on her since the second grade yeah
And now she got her own set of fans
She got a blue check mark by her Instagram
And I wrote a little song about holding her hand and now everybody wanna die happy now

Ain’t it funny how life changes
You wake up ain’t nothing the same and life changes
You can’t stop it just hop on the train
You never know what’s gonna happen
You make your plans and you god laughing
Life changes (yes it does) and I wouldn’t change it for the world, the world, oh noAnd I wouldn’t change it for the world, the world, oh no

I remember the day I told my Daddy and Mama you’re gonna have a grandkid, yep

From Uganda, that’s right, we’re adopting
And she is the cutest little girl that you’ve ever seen
Well I was wrapping my head around being a dad
A bigger wrench got thrown in the plans we thought we’d had
Now Lauren’s showin’, got one on the way
Yeah that’s two under two, hey, what can I say?

Ain’t it funny how life changes
You wake up ain’t nothing the same and life changes
You can’t stop it just hop on the train and
You never know what’s gonna happen
You make your plans and you god laughing
Life changes (yes it does) and I wouldn’t change it for the world, the world, oh no
And I wouldn’t change it for the world, the world, oh no
The world, the world
The world, the world

Life Changes is from the album Life Changes (2017)

 

Music Monday- Lose It

Ayeee! So I mentioned last week that I have wanted to participate in Music Monday for a while, but keep forgetting to set up posts…well I have a few in mind, at least enough to get me through the rest of July!SO keep your eyes (and ears) out for those!

I always see these posted by Drew @ The Tattooed Book Geek (also- I love that he has an alphabetical list of all the songs he has posted), so thank you Drew for exposing me to this awesome idea!

Today I have for you the newest single from an artist that I am obsessed with at the moment.

I cannot express to you how much I adore Kane Brown right now. His voice is sooooo unique and interesting and just flat out sexy that I instantly love anything that comes out of his mouth. Hes adorable, and I just want everyone to hear and understand why I love his voice so much. Anyway, this is his newest single, Lose It.

 

That little ringing buzzing good for nothing phone in your hands
The directions to the party that’s just started with that cover band
That old school radio station, let’s just drive until it’s faded
Girl, let’s lose it, tonight

Cause when you do that thing right there
Flipping your hair, baby, I swear

I don’t think you know what you’re doing to me, you got
My heart skip-skipping a beat tonight
Close enough so there’s space between
You and me, let’s lose it
The way you’re dancing, swaying to the music
Girl, that body and how you move it
Every time you cross my mind
Girl, I lose it
Yeah, I lose it
Yeah, I lose it

Let’s start with them Luccheses, baby, kick ’em to the floorboard
And bobby pins holding your hair up, girl, you don’t need ’em no more
That dress hanging off your shoulder as you move a little closer
Yeah, let’s lose it, tonight

I don’t think you know what you’re doing to me, you got
My heart skip-skipping a beat tonight
Close enough so there’s space between
You and me, let’s lose it
The way you’re dancing, swaying to the music
Girl, that body and how you move it
Every time you cross my mind
Girl, I lose it
Yeah, I lose it
Yeah, I lose it

Cause when you do that thing right there
Flipping your hair, baby, I swear

I don’t think you know what you’re doing to me, you got
My heart skip-skipping a beat tonight
Close enough so there’s space between
You and me, let’s lose it
The way you’re dancing, swaying to the music
Girl, that body and how you move it
Every time you cross my mind
Girl, I lose it
Yeah, I lose it
Yeah, I lose it
Yeah, I lose it
Yeah, I lose it
Girl, I lose it
Yeah, I lose it

Kane Brown single (2018)

JUST IN CASE you were curious, these are also amazing:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dRX0wDNK6S4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vUiE7pd1ROk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fM8V1XOI-14

Music Monday- I Don’t Think About You

Hey all! This is my first Music Monday post! I have wanted to participate for a while now, and somehow never remember to set it up. I always see these posted by Drew @ The Tattooed Book Geek (also- I love that he has an alphabetical list of all the songs he has posted), so thank you Drew for exposing me to this awesome idea! Today I would like to share with you a song that I just cannot get enough of.

Kelly Clarkson is a longtime favorite artist. I like how goofy and fun she is, and I really enjoy her sound. While some of her songs can sound very pop-y, I feel like a lot of them have such a unique sound and I really like them for that reason. This one in particular I cannot seem to grow tired of. I find myself blasting it when it comes on the radio, and singing it in my head for days on end.

Without further ado, here is I Don’t Think About You by Kelly Clarkson

When you’re lost in the moment
You can’t see where you’re going
I didn’t know who I could trust
So I put all my faith in us
Oh, you tore me to pieces
Turned my strength into weakness
I didn’t want it all to fall apart
So I decided just to play the part

But honestly, I’d do it all again
Putting up with all the bullshit
It made me strong enough to do this

It used to bother me
Thought I could never leave
After all that I’ve been through, nothin’ left to prove
No, no, no, I don’t think about you
Weighin’ down on me
I lost my sanity
And now that we are through, nothin’ left to lose
No, no, no, I don’t think about you

I feel freedom where I stand now
And I feel proud of who I am now
Yeah, I learned a lot along the way
I love the woman that I became
I was patient, but not anymore
It’s back in my hands
And you swore I’d never do it
But it’s your turn to face the music

It used to bother me
Thought I could never leave
After all that I’ve been through, nothin’ left to prove
No, no, no, I don’t think about you
Weighin’ down on me
I lost my sanity
And now that we are through, nothin’ left to lose
No, no, no, I don’t think about you

It was hard to hold on
Days and nights I thought I’d never make it at all
Couldn’t make it at all
Now I stand tall
Feeling like myself again, no worries at all
Breathe
No one can stop me from livin’ this moment for me
I found my heartbeat
After all that I’ve been through
No, I don’t think about you

It used to bother me (it used to bother me)
Thought I could never leave (thought I could never leave)
After all that I’ve been through (through), nothin’ left to prove (prove)
No, no, no, I don’t think about you
Weighin’ down on me (weighin’ down on me)
I found my sanity (I found my sanity)
And now that we are through (through), nothin’ left to lose (lose)
No, no, no, I don’t think about you

I don’t think about you (no)
No, no, no (no, no, no)
Not anymore (not anymore)
No, no, no, I don’t think about you

From the album Meaning of Life (2017)