Food for the Soul, My Top Five Songs of All Time

I love almost every genre of music.  Like most people I have several moods, and know that different music would befit each mood.  When I work out, I want something hard hitting and fast to keep me pumped. So I go for Eminem or Disturbed. When I’m reflecting on loved ones or past times, I may want a softer sound with meaning. Here, my go to is Luther Vandross or Fleetwood Mac. When it’s sexy time, I call upon Keith Sweat or Hinder, depending on where the mood takes me. The list I’m speaking of now are those songs that I can take any time and fit into almost any scenario.  Songs that come to mind and have stuck with me are:  "I Need Love" by LL Cool J, "Hurt" by Nine Inch Nails, and "No One is to Blame" by Howard Jones.  Those that require honorable mentions are:

5. "We're Not Gonna Take It" by Twisted Sister - OMG!  Just thinking of this song gets me pumped up. How can you hear this song and not be ready to take on the world? When I need a boost, I target this song.  Simply interpreted, this song is someone who is fed up with where they are and is ready to fight for more. While I was sick when I was young, this was one of two songs I'd use to try and will myself to get better (the other being Pro Wrestler the Ultimate Warrior’s theme music). The only thing it accomplished was to expend any energy I had, and I remained sick.  Any other time, the energy of this song gets me going and keeps me going.

4. "Man in the Mirror" by Michael Jackson - This song does so much for me.  It pumps me full of that good feeling.  It reminds me I can always be better and do more; that I can't expect others to change if I myself am not willing to change (I guess that is the meaning of the song).  Even when I think it's bad, I know there is always someone who has it worse out there. Ultimately this songs instills faith and hope.

3. “Stand by Me” by Ben E. King- This may be the perfect song. You can’t tell me you don’t sing along with this whenever you hear it, either by yourself or with a car full of friends. It’s an uplifting message of strength from loved ones. You can’t always be strong, so when you are going through a rough time, this song will let you know you have others you can count on. Even if you don’t feel that way, try to imagine I’m singing it to you and you can “stand by me”. This is my go-to dedication song when I know a loved one is going through rough patch or we might going through the same thing together.

2. "Purple Rain" by Prince - Whenever this song comes on, I am filled with overwhelming emotions. This one of those songs that comes from the soul and speaks to my soul.  I interpret it as an apology to loved ones who have been hurt, and a wish for them to experience true happiness (dancing in the Purple Rain).  From the first time I heard it until my last day, this song will be a huge part of my musical soul with who I am musically.

1. "November Rain" by Guns-N-Roses - This song grabbed me from the get go as a teenager and stills holds on to me as an adult. In seven plus minutes, this song delivers on all levels with a musical arsenal that has not been touched by any other song or artist.  It tugs at me with strong guitar riffs, orchestral background and lyrics that give me the idea I may need to think during a walk in a wet November. This song can truly be described as an emotional roller coaster, and when the ride is over, I'm spent!  I interpret this song as message of regret and missed opportunity with loved ones in life, and spending time in reflection, which resonates with me. Musically, this song is the biggest part of who I am, and what part I'm trying to change for the better.