It feels like the sort of thing that one knows intuitively; that music and memory are inextricably linked. Finding out that there is a whole slew of science (Google search) that supports this is intensely gratifying, in the same way I imagine that someone who stumbles on a hastily put together recipe for quick delicious food must feel if that recipe ends up being celebrated by what I suppose is the more discerning palate of a Gordon Ramsey or a Jamie Oliver. Time and time again when I reflect on a song from yesteryear, I find that the where, who, what and when are indistinguishable from the song of the time, particularly where it was a song that I had on repeat for what feels in retrospect like days on end.
It feels like I listened to a lot more music this year than I have previously - a feeling backed up by my Instagram feed it seems. Walking and running a lot more this year than I have previously has helped, seeing as my trusty phone is a constant companion on these. I might subscribe to Spotify or a similar service next year, just for the greater granularity and visibility it will bring to my listening habits.
As I reflected on the year over at Stories.ng, I found that the thing with L (which ultimately failed) and the thing with S (which I am hopeful about) featured prominently, as did wrestling with the burden of grief, my extended weekend in Vienna and the Hillsong Conference which were the highlights of my #NineFridaysOfSummer.
Looking over these songs, I found clear patterns: Songs #1 and #2 corresponded to the start of the year and the sense of fresh energy, #3 to #9 lined up with the back and forth with L and the ultimate demise of that situationship. Songs #10, 11 and 12 reflect on slowly coming around to and warming up to the thing with S, #16 a throwback to the Hillsong conference and the much anticipated release of the conference worship album. #19 was the sound track to the period in which I wrestled with the burden of grief.
Beyond the obvious things above, there are no other overarching things to glean - it is a mix of genres, styles and eras in the christian contemporary music genre. Make of them what you will.
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- Chasing Me Down - Israel & New Breed feat Tye Tribbett
- God’s Favour - Donald Lawrence feat Kim Burrell, Kelly Price, Karen Clark-Sheard
- When The Rain Comes - Third Day
- Never Too Far Gone - Jordan Felix
- Tell Your Heart To Beat Again - Danny Gokey
- Beloved - Tenth Avenue North
- Speak To Me - Audio Adrenaline
- This Too Shall Pass - Yolanda Adams
- Shoulders - For King & Country
- Back To The Beginning Again - Switchfoot
- Love Is A Beautiful Thing- Group 1 Crew
- The Best Is Yet To Come - Donald Lawrence
- Till The Day That I Die - TobyMac
- Mended - Matthew West
- Resurrecting - Elevation Worship
- What A Beautiful Name It Is - Hillsong Worship
- The Very Next Thing - Casting Crowns
- God Is My Refuge - Fred hammond
- Just Cry - Mandisa
- No Weapon - Fred Hammond
- We’re Blessed - Fred Hammond and Radical for Christ
- O Come To The Altar - Elevation Worship
- Shouting Grounds - Crowder