1. Love Is  A Losing Game – Live At The Mercury Music Awards – Amy Winehouse

My favourite Amy song and one I will never get tired of. I mean, don’t think I’ll get tired of anything Amy Winehouse … but that’s besides the point. Her live version of Love Is A Losing Game just breaks me down- with her raw delivery and sadness in every word. I used to listen to this religiously when I would smoke late at night. I know I’ll still come back to this song when I want to reminisce on past heartbreaks. 


2. Chasing Pavements – Adele

This song sticks out to me when I think about music that ‘inspired’ me to become an artist. I still remember when I came home from school and saw this black & white music video on MTV.  I was instantly obsessed with this girl on my TV who sang like an angel and wasn’t skinny like everyone else. (For context – I was overweight growing up). Adele has been one of my favourites ever since and that voice will never go out of style. This song specifically is one that I use when I’m feeling invisible or like my work is pointless, because I remember that day and hearing this song for the first time; the way someone else’s art/work changed me. 


3. Nothing Even Matters – Lauryn Hill (feat. D’Angelo)

One of the very few ‘happy’ love songs that I adore. Lauryn Hill is timeless but I’m especially attached to ‘Nothing Even Matters’ by her and D’Angelo. The song sounds like two people pouring love unto each other. The track is a reminder that love doesn’t hurt and it should feel like THIS. I just want to slow dance with someone I love whenever I hear this song. I don’t have any specific memories with song, so I hope in the future I do.


4. Wonderful – Lianne La Havas

I first found this song on Youtube when I came across her live performance of it on The Current 89.3. I watched the video on loop for days when I saw it. Her breath, expressions and supporting musicians are captivating. This may be one of the saddest songs I know and I definitely don’t listen to it often because it brings up way too many emotions LOL. However, I imagine when I’m older I’ll be hardened a little more and will be able to bask in Lianne’s talent without sobbing. 


5. Work Song – Hozier
Hozier is one of my lyrical inspirations and Work Song is so sweet and cool. I fell in love with Hozier’s style when Take Me To Church blew up in 2013/2014 and then I got the CD album ‘Hozier’ when it dropped in 2014. I only had this CD and The Lumineers at the time, so I drove everywhere just listening to this album on repeat. Work Song stood out because of the (almost) haunting intro, and then lovely lyrics. Hozier reminds me of my young and (more) confused days and when I began exploring the idea of releasing my own music. I love Hozier’s detailed story telling and wide range of song topics. 


6. Me & Mrs. Jones – Michael Buble
This song also reminds me on CD’s in the car. My mom had this CD in her car and this was one song I always chose (number .3?) And we sang along to. I’m drawn to jazz tones (hence Amy Winehouse) and Bubles pop-jazz music is so smooth and easy. I can see myself putting this song/album on when I’m 60.


7. Green Eyes – Erykah Badu

It’s not my fault that this song was written about me! Lol but in all seriousness, this slinky, sarcastic and sassy song by Erykah will always be a shower-time favourite. I love singing this song when I’m feeling jealous, animated, silly or even snarky. I do struggle with being a little green-eyed at times, so this song just speaks to me and I hope the older-me CAN’T relate to this as much. 


8. Black & Gold – Sam Sparrow

This song will forever remind me of performing in my 20’s. I always say this is a song I wish I wrote and it’s my favourite to cover these days. There are so many ways to rendition this song, dance to it, interpret it… it’s beautifully diverse. I was first introduced to this song as a kid in a jazz dance class one night. All these years, I’ve been amused by the lyrics and enthused by Sam Sparrows imagery. The song is fun to say the least and will always make me want to groove.


9. Mistakes – Lake Street Drive

A little more new to my music library, I only heard this song for the first time in 2018. At the time I was making a lot of mistakes- and the song was comically relatable. I love the live instrumentation and the lead singers depth in her voice. The horns throughout the song are what make it special for me. If I’m ever needing to ‘hear’ about my bad choices… I shamelessly blast this song at myself. 

10. Love Yourz – J.Cole

J.Cole is definitely a legend of my time and I think I’ll always have a special place in my heart for his Forest Hills Drive album, but Love Yourz resonates a little differently. The vibe is similar to Lost Ones by him and that track was one that first hooked me to J.Cole. Love Yourz will never not make you feel grateful and will always be a humble reminder to love yourself and your life.

Music: https://soundcloud.com/eadiee/slowly