Press Play: The Soundtrack of our Lives

In life we find can find inspiration in the oddest of places; depending on your interests, likes and hobbies, simple things such as baking, money and sex can find a boost if we tap into our power of creativity. I often find inspiration walking along the street of New York; I consider the city a Ziploc bag filled with passion, crazy, and love–depending on what day you’re out and about. But last night I was catching up on some reading and while on my friend’s blog–KB in NYC–her post, Please Don’t Stop the Music, listed the songs she considered the soundtrack of her life. I discovered we had several in common, but then it got me to think, “What songs are in my life’s soundtrack and why?

But for me, my soundtrack would have to be a deluxe CD edition with bonus features and hidden tracks since music plays such a vital role in my life. Whether I’m celebrating a great opportunity, hanging out with friends or grieving a break-up, the right song will influence my mood; good or bad. At the moment I’m transitioning my career which is exciting and fun along with challenging and frustrating. Who knew trying to get to where I need to get would upset so many people?

Below are the top 10 songs that have influenced my life with a few details as to why.

10. Conga by Gloria Estefan and the Miami Sound Machine: This just reminds me of my youth. Picture it: Odessa, Texas in the 80s and the entire block would gather in our backyard for a game of volleyball, B-B-Que and a night full of laughter and fun usually because my dad was such a comedian and always had to crack jokes.

9. No Me Queda Mas by Selena: Selena’s death affected the Latin community in March of 1995 and I didn’t escape it. Although I never met her and never attended any of her concerts, I felt crushed when it happened. Her laugh was contagious and her spirit brighten any space she entered. This is the ultimate break-up song for me.

8. Inside of Me by Madonna: She wrote this song about her mother’s memory and it was released in October 1994–a few days later my paternal grandmother died–this song helped me cope. My grandmother was a stylish woman with a great sense of humor who sometimes was mean to those around her except for me and my sister. She never approved that my parents revealed we were adopted, but she loved us unconditionally–which to this day, I still feel.

7. King of Sorrow by Sade: If anyone can get your mojo working it’s Sade. Whether she’s singing about heartache, passion, or love–one thing remains–sister will inspire you to drop your pants and get freaky. There’s just no escape. This song is worth its weight in condoms.

6. The Pleasure Principle by Janet Jackson: This song reminds me that all things are possible. How? Did you see Janet in this video? Ms. Jackson was a big heffer in all her previous videos but when this one came out she let us know that we too can drop that bag of Chips Ahoy and have a killer body. (I’m still working on dropping the bag,  Janet, but this song is great at the gym.)

5. Happy by Leona Lewis: This song lets me know I’m on the right path and it’s one of my recent favorites. It’s a song that gets me out of a funk and inspires me. As cheesy as that sounds–it’s true. I make no apologies. We have to take risks in life and this song gets you ready to make the blind-faithed leap.

4.  Friends in Low Places by Garth Brooks: Hey, you can take the boy from Texas but you can’t take the Texas out of the boy. ‘Nuff said.

3. All My Exes Live in Texas by George Strait: While at Odessa High School, I asked a girl out to the George Strait concert. I thought I was on a date. (I also thought I was straight–shows you how little I know) And she did everything to let me know she was only going because she really wanted to see him and not me. Girls are cruel.

2. Crucify by Tori Amos: This song reminds me of 2 great loves of mine–the very first boyfriend I had and the last one I just lost. This song played a vital role at age 18 and again at 34; if that’s not standing the test of time I don’t know what is. Funny how the two guys are different as night and day yet they both gravitated to this song forcing me to listen.

1. Hate on Me by Jill Scott: This is currently on repeat on my iPod and I can’t get enough. I admit I never heard of this song until a few weeks ago when the kids from Glee did a number on it. It was love at first listen. And although the song is a strong message about moving forward despite what others say or do to you–it’s an inspirational tune that keeps me focused. If you have a few “haters” in your life–this will get you through the rough patches.

If you were to choose a soundtrack for your life, what would be your top 5–and why?

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