musical memories

Music has a special place in my heart. i've been playing piano since i was three and i guess it's just been woven into my life because of that. And it's not just piano! i am always on the look out for new, good music. i've noticed lately, though, that i really connect songs with memories - especially trip memories - so i thought i'd share some of these!

More Heart, Less Attack - Needtobreathe
"Be the wheels, not the track. Be the wanderer that's coming back."
This song will always remind me of driving around Portland, Oregon a few summers ago. It was the first time i'd been to the city and we listened to it time after time after time (after time) as we drove around. i love that the song starts out so chill and then builds in the bridge!

Your Love is Strong - Jon Foreman
"So why do i worry? Why do i freak out? God knows what i need. He knows what i need"
i had the incredible opportunity to go to China a few months back (something i never expected to do) and as we prepared to go to the Great Wall i knew that i wanted something special to remind myself of being in that amazing place. So i brought my ipod with me and found a spot on one of the guard towers to sit by myself and listen to this song. It's always been one of my favorites because the lyrics are so applicable and the simple melody is so beautiful, but now it will forever remind me of the Great Wall!

Busted Heart (Hold On To Me) - For King & Country
"i am the wandering son. Enough is never enough. i keep chasing the wind instead of chasing Your love"
This one reminds me of Australia. This trip was one of my favorites i've ever been on and this cd had come out a bit before i went! Needless to say it was on repeat throughout the 20+ hours of flying i did in those two weeks. i love that it's a song where the singer is singing to God. And it's catchy and reminds me of the blue 20 degree water! What's not to love!

Washed By the Water - Needtobreathe
"Even when the storm comes, i am washed by the water"
i didn't used to like Needtobreathe... shocking, i know! But this concert changed my mind! We were outside, they had just finished singing this song and started into another when it started to absolutely downpour. Like raining like no other. Almost without thinking, they transitioned back into the chorus of this song and it was absolutely unreal. Thousands of voices, in the pouring rain, singing about God washing our sins away! It's a picture i have in my mind whenever this song comes on!

top 10 Christmas songs

i have a deep, deep love for Christmas music! I absolutely love the classics but my absolute favorites are usually songs that my favorite artists have written themselves or classics with a twist. So here's my list of my top 10 Christmas songs this year (in no particular order)!

1. Oh Light by Gungor - ok, i already talked about this on the blog but it's just SO good i have to share it again! It's an amazing mixture of worship and Christmas music with Gungor's stunning voices! 
2. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas by Golden Youth - i adore Golden Youth and this song is no exception! It's a mixture of the famous Charlie Brown Christmas song and Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas. i wish it was socially acceptable to listen to it all year!
3. Still Still Still by Future of Forestry - this is my favorite classic Christmas song and one that not many people have heard! Future of Forestry does an amazing job with it!
4. Light of the World by Lauren Daigle - this was the first song that i heard Lauren sing and it made me a fan after one go-through. Now this one is solidly on repeat because of her powerhouse voice and fantastic lyrics!
5. Into the Silent Night by For King & Country - so sweet and cutesy and a little bit more upbeat than others on the list! These guys basically can't go wrong in my books!
6. I Celebrate the Day by Relient K - an oldie, but such a goodie! Classic Relient K through and through, while showcasing their faith!
7. Emmanuel by Love & The Outcome - a catchy melody, awesome lyrics and killer vocals make this one that i come back to every Christmas season! This duo is fantastic!
8. Winter Snow by Audrey Assad - this song is stunning. The lyrics aside, Audrey is unreal in this! 
9. Kiss Me Babe, It's Christmas Time by Owl City - i love all things Owl City and this cute Christmas tune is a perfect balance to some of the deeper more melody driven songs of the season
10. Hey Moon by Sidewalk Prophets - i've said it here before and i'll say it again - i LOVE me some good piano! And this unique view of Christmas day is awesome!

BONUS! Owl City just nailed it with his latest Christmas single! So cute, honest and catchy :)