I am an avid listener of The Imperfects podcast with Hugh van Cuylenberg, Ryan Shelton and Josh van Cuylenberg.
More recently, I listened to an episode titled, ‘Zan Rowe - If I Had A Year To Live’. For those that don’t know, Zan Rowe is a successful radio and television Presenter, Producer and Writer.
She hosts a program called Take 5 with Zan Rowe, where guests share an intimate list of five songs that hold some meaning in their life.
It got me thinking about which songs would be on my list. I mean, a glass ceiling of only five creates a certain level of pressure to appear cultured.
I considered peeking into other people’s lists, or dipping into my yearly Spotify recaps to see if there were hidden gems that I had forgotten.
Then I thought, ‘Why am I doing this?’ Is the point not to share a bespoke, organic list of songs that hold some personal resonance in your life?
Perhaps I wanted my list to be accessible enough that others would enjoy my choices, but esoteric enough that I’d possess some kind of creative and alluring edge.
Well… to heck with just five — please see below my Take 5… plus or minus 10 per cent, as at September 2024. Foreword: You’re not going to find something really niche from the sixties.
Home Again by Michael Kiwanuka
If my life were a movie, this song would play at the very end, right before the credits. It’s a scene where I realise I overcame something rather significant… transitioning from one phase of life to the next.
The King’s Affirmation by Iniko
A song to play when you need to remind yourself who you are. Confidence is healthy. Humility is important, but over the years I also realised something quite significant. I do not need to shrink myself in order to pander to others' unaddressed insecurities. I am no longer apologetic for my existence. There’s room for all of us.
Nathan (still breathing) by Fred again…, Nathan Archie
I have always enjoyed Fred Again’s music, but have been playing it more often the past few months. I first truly paid attention to this song during a breath work class. There is something special about hearing a song at the perfect and most unassuming time. You’re never as alone as you think you are.
Water by Caleb Belkin
This song is a creative take on one of Bruce Lee’s most famous quotes:
“You must be shapeless, formless, like water. When you pour water in a cup, it becomes the cup. When you pour water in a bottle, it becomes the bottle. When you pour water in a teapot, it becomes the teapot. Water can drip and it can crash. Become like water my friend.”
Cerca De Ti by Hermanos Gutiérrez
The only problem with this song is that it’s not long enough. Best enjoyed on a relaxed drive as the sun sets on a summer evening.
Satellite by Dan Whitlam, Julia Church
A sweet, harmonious marriage of music and spoken poetry. Obviously, right up my alley. Art and creative pursuits are so beautiful, especially when paths cross to unearth collaboration.
Grandmothersphere by East Forest
‘I didn't transcend my ego. We became partners’. A song best experienced without my context.
Liberation - Re-Edit by Harold van Lennep
A song for corner’s turned. The light at the end of the tunnel. The bell that rings to signify the fight is over.
Earth by Lapalux
Bare with me on this one. Best enjoyed from about 1:55 onwards. I close my eyes and imagine myself falling through space. A song that reminds us that we are all lost. If you needed to hear it from a stranger: I have no f’ing idea what I’m doing, either and I’m sure you’re doing fine.
Speechless by Naomi Scott
I’ve decided I’m not spending too much energy justifying this one. Yes, it is part of the Aladdin remake’s soundtrack. Give it a chance - it’s pretty beautiful. It’s also a bit of a middle finger to anyone that benefited from stifling my voice.
I hope you enjoy at least one of my choices. What would be on your list?
I’d honestly be keen to know. Feel free to repurpose this article, should you wish. If you were considering listening to any of these on your next walk, commute or dedicated rumination time… I’ve popped them into this playlist for ease:
If you like these, then you might also enjoy the Unearthing Vulnerability playlist:
…and if you’re more of a visual person, you can also check out my ongoing mood board via Pinterest.
Music can be healing, uplifting, motivating and inspiring. Take what you need and leave the rest.
Sending you lots of love — whether you are experiencing euphoria, sorrow or something neutral in between.
Either way, everything is temporary… perhaps that will bring some kind of solace or clarity.
Chat soon,
The ‘delusional-Universe-speak’ girl in your email inbox. x