Pick Me Up Playlist Tag #MHA

Hello, I’m MusiCommentator, and rarely do I ever do a tag on this blog (based mainly on the fact that I do not get tagged too often for stuff like this), but recently, I was tagged to do a new tag going around called the “Pick Me Up Playlist”.  This was a tag created by Laura Spoonie to spread awareness about World Mental Health Day.  This day has already passed, but I thought the idea of this tag was really cool when I looked into it, so I decided to take this opportunity when I was tagged.

Here are the rules:

1. Link back to ‘Pick Me Up Playlist’ creator – Laura Spoonie
2. Tag the blogger who nominated you (Muted Mouthful: I would definitely recommend checking out her blog.  She posts a lot of great stuff!)
3. Mention how music helps your Mental Health
4. List 10 songs that you would consider to be a part of your ‘Pick Me Up Playlist’ (optional: mention a little bit why each song is on your list)
5. Tag 10 other bloggers to join in with the ‘Pick Me Up Playlist’ Challenge

 

Music and Mental Health

Music has greatly helped my mental health throughout the years.  It is stereotypical for all music bloggers to say this, but there is not a day that goes by where I don’t listen to music.  It has been integral in helping me with my emotions.  If I feel like I’m in a rut, I can listen to some moody music so I can relate to it, and when I’m ready to stop feeling sad, I can listen to some uplifting tunes to get me on my feet.  I can feel joy, sadness, anger, and a lot more when listening to songs, so picking ones that will make me feel better does a lot to shape my mood.  Listening to music and writing about it is one of my few hobbies, so having music in my life also makes me not become a couch potato who just watches YouTube all the time.  That definitely helps with my mental health!  Now that you know all the ways music helps me personally, let me share some great songs that can surely get anyone in a great mood!

 

The “Pick Me Up” Playlist

 

1: I Got You (I Feel Good) (by James Brown)

This is one of the ultimate feel good songs.  James Brown’s soulful singing over the soft drums and funky beat can get anyone on their feet.  I’d be surprised if anyone could listen to this song without getting a little groove in them.

2: I’m Fine (by Cyhi The Prynce, ft. Travis Scott)

I’ve been really getting into this song recently.  Travis Scott gives an extremely uplifting chorus that feels fresh from what he usually makes.  Cyhi’s verses express his ways of being happy through the ups and downs of life.  It feels almost prophetic as he tells his story in these bars.  If that isn’t prophetic enough for you, though, the mini-sermon at the end of the song will certainly do it for you.

3: Freeee (Ghost Town Pt. 2) (by KIDS SEE GHOSTS, ft. Ty Dolla $ign)

While all the songs on this playlist should give positive vibes, this song is definitely the most freeing.  The loud, powerful beat backs up the traded bars between the three rappers on this track, expressing their ultimate desires to be free.  It’s very hard not to shout along to the refrain of this song with a great sense of freedom.

4: Ups & Downs (by KYLE)

KYLE has always been a happy-vibe rapper, but this has to be one of his happiest songs.  KYLE directly addresses why he makes happy songs even if he does feel the same sadness many humans have, focusing on all the little great things he has to make him feel better, and it would be impossible not to feel his joy along with him as he raps throughout the track.  Not to mention, KYLE’s pitched-up vocals over the sparse drums make for an awesome beat.  This is certainly one of the best tracks on “Light Of Mine”.

5: Cute (by D.R.A.M.)

D.R.A.M. is another happy vibe rapper who deserves a lot more attention than he gets.  On this song, he sings to a girl about wanting to date her.  Instead of approaching it in the strictly-sexual ways most rappers do it, however, he plays the role of the “nice guy” and talks of all his innocent plans with her.  It’s honestly such a “cute” song and it is sure to put a smile on your face.

6: Come Down (by Anderson .Paak)

Singer, rapper, multi-instrumentalist, and more, Anderson .Paak has mastered the art of making undeniably catchy tunes, and this has to be one of his catchiest.  The funk-infused bass mixed with the rapid-fire drums works as a perfect backing beat for .Paak’s sing-rapping flow.  Frankly, this is one of the funkiest songs I’ve heard, and it makes me happy every time I jam out to it.

7: Midsummer Madness (by 88rising, ft. Joji, Rich Brian, Higher Brothers, & AUGUST 08)

I made it quite apparent in my last post that I am seeing 88rising in concert very soon, and this is the label’s biggest hit right now.  Their last album (which I reviewed here) was full of summer jams.  This was the lead single from it, so needless to say, it delivers on all the summer vibes you didn’t know you needed.  This track does a fantastic job at showcasing some of the label’s best talent, and you’re truly missing out on some spectacular performances if you don’t listen to this song.

8: Sky Walker (by Miguel, ft. Travis Scott)

Another Travis-assisted track, Miguel comes with some cool, chill vocals on this track.  It may not be as overtly joyous as some of the other songs on this list, but the laid-back atmosphere of this song will certainly put you in a feel-good mood.

9: 100 Miles & Running (by Logic, ft. Wale & John Lindahl)

Logic’s newest album, “YSIV”, was not gold from front to back, but a memorable song would pop up now again, and this track happens to be one of those.  The drums, bass, and trumpets create an upbeat instrumental that Logic and Wale are able to masterfully rap over.  I don’t really like John Lindahl’s Michael Jackson-esque hook, but that does not affect my enjoyment of the track, especially when Logic hits us with those incredibly fast flows at the end.

10: Sweet Caroline (by Neil Diamond)

Ending off on a classic, it’s hard to find people who don’t like this song (I actually do know a couple people who do dislike this song, but that might because of its overplayed status).  This song is a certified stadium shaker, as it’s hard to resist yelling out “Bum-bum-bum” as hard as you can.  The verses are very soft and subtle, making the loud, impassioned chorus a treat, and it makes me feel simple happiness anytime I hear it.

 

Now, to tag some other bloggers:

EclecticMusicLover
hanspostcard
Music Enthusiast
steveforthedeaf
The Appreciation Enthusiast
Hilary @SongsWroteMyStory
Nerd With An Afro
Music Loving Liv
Erika Kind
hotfox63

Hopefully nobody I just tagged has already done this tag…that would be embarrassing.

 

Thank you for reading my “Pick Me Up Playlist” Tag. If you liked this list, make sure to follow my website, Twitter, and Instagram, like this post, and be sure to check in to read my future content. Also, if you have something you want to see me review, tell me in the comments. Until then, keep on spreading awareness and positivity! I know I will.