My Mom’s Favorite Songs of 2013
WHAT RIGHT do I have to be doing this? I’ve grown extremely existential over what gives my voice anymore of an authorty than anyone else’s to decide what’s the best music of the year. So, instead, I’ve asked my Mom to list her top ten favorite songs of the year, because I believe she has as much of a right as I do, if not more. What I got was even more beautiful than I could have hoped for. All I should add for future reference is that Jack is the name of our family dog…
Mom: “This is a list of songs that I listen to throughout the year; that I’ve grown to like listening to going back and forth from work. These are songs I’ve found memorable and liked them from the very beginning. I like to listen to them again and again on my commute.”
Lady Gaga – “Applause”
It’s total Gaga style, and Gaga’s back! JACK YOU’RE GOING TO FALL OFF THE COUCH. It’s very dramatical, very Gaga.
P!nk – “Try”
“Yes, YES! I love anything she puts out. What’s the name of the song again? Oh yeah, it’s just a song that—it’s a song that makes you wonder if you had really tried…”
One Republic – “Counting Stars”
I love One Republic. It’s very upbeat, and something you can sing along with…You’ve got to see this. This man dresses up as a snowman, and goes around scaring people.” [She had stopped paying attention by this point and went to Youtube instead.]
Rihanna’s new song.
The one about “Hero.” It’s a very sweet, soft song. I really like that. It’s a really pretty song.
Justin Timberlake – Mirrors
[Dad: “She just thinks he’s sexy”] No! That’s not it. It takes you back a little bit to days gone by, but it’s current. WHAT?! Number one song from Rolling Stone is Daft Punk’s “Get Lucky.” I don’t even know what the Hell that is.
A Great Big World & Christina Aguilera – “Say Something”
“Wait, I don’t remember this. Let me listen to it again really quick. [approximately three minutes later, she starts crying]. It’s about… heartbreak, and not being able to go back and make things better. WHAT A GORGEOUS SONG. I didn’t realize they sung it together. You’ve got to listen to it if you get a chance, David. [Dad in the kitchen: “Mmhmm”]
Paul McCartney – Isn’t it called “New”? Is that it?
“I la-la-LOVE Paul McCartney’s new song. He’s made a resurgence, and it’s so current. Everyone can listen to it whether young or old.”
Justin Timberlake – “Suit & Tie”
“I enjoy watching him dance and sing. It’s so very cool, so Justin. [Dad: “What do you want in your coffee?”] Two Sweet’n Lows and cream.”
Lee Dewyze – “Fight”
“I like its grittiness, and JACK STOP. I can’t think with this. STOP STEPPING ON MY FEET. It makes you happy, and makes everything okay.”
“Something by Maroon 5 with Adam Levine“
“It’s a song to sing along to. It’s one of those driving in your car songs.” [This was all I could get, because Dad came back and she started playing “Say Something” for him.]
