One of the things I always look forward to towards the year-end for the past 9 years is doing this list. It gives me the opportunity to reflect on things, reminisce the feeling, and look back at memories associated with these tracks of the year that was. I’s just worth noting how such pieces play significant parts in my daily life unknowingly. This, I think, is the main reason why we have our favorites. For most of us, these favored tracks Reminds us of some certain events or feelings that leaves impressions dear to us, and we may just be unaware about it.
Changes – XXXTentacion.
This was my constant companion during those daily commutes from Batangas City to Laguna for the last few months of 2018. To be very honest, this has driven me to work, pushed me harder, and endure those 70 kilometers or so bus rides on a daily basis. It’s just too homey playing this on the background while the distant greenery fields and mountains of Laguna and Batangas cascade beyond the bus window. And it was this song that made those rides very much tolerable and very much personally memorable.
Youngblood – 5 Seconds of Summer.
Had a good run of sequential plays of this for most parts of my idle times. It’s one of those essential hits to most likely appear on my Youtube suggestions and automatically play whenever I sat down checking on e-mails or simply fishing on socmed feeds. On the darker side of things, I could really feel tired upon hearing this being my desperate case of work-related tune. However, it’s a good reminder for that need of, some introspection, and acknowledgment of the fact that we need a time off sometimes.
Shotgun – George Ezra.
There are particular songs I wanted to listen to alone and this one isn’t one of those. Sometimes, there is this underlying pinch of consciousness – for the lack of better term – of being judged with my choices when it comes to music. I should know since I know how it is to be on the other end. Weirdly, I had this judgmental state sometimes and it’s such a hard habit to break. We all are villains in our own ways and forms, and this fear of being the prey of our very own villainous act is nature’s way to remind us that there ought to be a balance in everything. But with such a hugely contagious chorus and poppy feels all over, it gives me this assurance that it needs to be shared, with less risk for judging ears.
ABKD – Assembly Generals.
Geniusly written, I still feel awed with matching sullen goosebumps whenever I give this a listen. On the dark part, this reminds me of those tensed nights I have gone through due to those unfortunate turnouts of things that scarred the pleasantries of how I see the world. This would actually qualify as an anger trigger for me, as it often gives me this unsettling feeling that often leads to a huge internal rage. Simply, it gives me that warrant to feel the chaos, which is very bad and unfair, and improper in so many levels.
Magic – She’s Only Sixteen.
Setting things straight, this is masterpiece. Everything about it is on point and superlatively damn good. But unfortunately, my most vivid memory on this was that day I felt real bad over a heartbreaking event. But it’s comforting that I somehow un-associated the two from each other eventually. The next, and probably the better thing I remember about this track was right when this was played over Jam minutes before that ride to Buscalan. Right then, I knew things are bound to get better. And I’m destined to a better place.
Kalachuchi – Munimuni.
There are five glaring things I like about this makatapop track. Foremost, I dig how the accompaniment is very much defining kalachuchi itself. It effortlessly makes an instant conscious match with its banner. Secondly; oh the metaphors. It was one glorious day in my music-listener career when I came across this track for the very first time filling my head with the guessing air on what there is that lies beyond the great lyrics. I loved how it kept me thinking – for days. And hanging thereafter. Which leads to my third point; the appalling video that encapsulates the essence of the lyrics – the cycle of events, how there is such a thing as the right time, season, and reason. Fourth, the vivid contrast in its bittersweet content, painful but hopeful; indulging one in an emotional rollercoaster, at one instant you find yourself in the dumps, then sky high on another. And lastly, the magic it sustains even after consecutive plays, that it officially naturally became the anthem of my year.
Parts 1& 2, on click.
