Obsession Song of The Week: Week Two

In the songwriting process, I tend to care about two things when it comes to what makes a great uptempo: 1. Will it make me want to dance? and 2. Will it make me want to run faster?

Usually I find that my favorite uptempo songs of all time are those that motivate me while running and the ones to which I can have the best dance parties with my friends (or... let's admit it, alone in my room). Although I'm a lyricist in the songwriting process and know where I need and want my lyrics to come from- me - and what my songs need to express- my thoughts, experiences, and who I am as an artist, I rarely listen to the lyrics of songs. I know that this sounds completely insane and counterintuitive, for I'm a singer and constantly singing along to songs, and music is incredibly important to me and constantly running through my head. I sometimes won't be the best at holding a conversation because "Radio Caley" is plaing in my head... and I love it. Yet somehow, it takes me quite a long time to analyze the entirety of a song's lyrics, because I'm more focused on the melodies, beats, and instrumentation.

So, "I Know You Want Me (Calle Ocho)" by Pitbull absolutely fits my uptempo requirements. I love it to dance and run to and can immerse myself in it over and over again. I actually surprised myself by falling in love with a lot of their songs, upon first discovering "Go Girl" (feat. Trina & Young Boss) in a hip hop dance class in Mill Valley (Roco!), and my newer dance party craze "Krazy." I don't know why it surprises me. It's always nice to get excited by a new group and I love knowing that great music comes from anywhere, anyone, and any genre.

When I first gave Alex my four CD set of my favorite songs of life, it seemed almost odd that they were so varied across genres and artists. Aside from my three female inspirations (Whitney, Toni, and Anita) growing up with my mom's music, I tend to have a varied love for individual songs without focusing on particular artists or groups. Alex's consolation to what felt like a singer's peculiarity: "You just love good music." :)