Thisfunktional's Weekly Playlist - 'Songs for my significant other'

(Drawing by Anima É Cuore Studios)

The first week for this playlist will most likely be a blast from rock 'n roll past, mixed with some new songs I keep playing over and over with. I will try and keep all these to a 10 song limit although there are weeks I keep one song on a loop. I will try and do a brief explanation as to why I chose each song.

10. Paramore - "The only exception"

I'm not the biggest Paramore fan but this song actually gets to me every time I hear it, even when Glee covers the song it kept its emotional tones and was a magnificent song.

I connect with the lyrics and "I'll never speak of love if it does not exist" is something that I do. That word is hardly ever said by me but for only one exception and "Darling, you are the only exception," as Haley Williams sings.

9. Metallica - "Nothing else matters" 

For years I have been the Metallica fan and still hold Metallica as my top band of all time. Kirk Hammett tears through magnificent riffs, Lars Ulrich excels through excellent drumming, Jason Newstead, later replaced by Rob Trujillo, steady and strong on bass and James Hetfield's rough melodious vocals with a steady rhythm guitar.

This song changed the tone of metal music for me as I grew up. The powerful raw emotions these lyrics and instrumentals bring to the front pure heartfelt emotions. 

Every Metallica album contains at least one song if pure raw emotion but in my mind this one rises above.

8. Ne-Yo "Let me Love you"

This song makes me think of many things. I remember failed relationships, the anxiety of starting a new relationship and the stress of maintaining the relationship I'm in. 

Sometimes all we need to do is allow everything to just be. 

That "L" word is definitely difficult for me but I at least have no problem showing it to that special someone. 

7. Michael Bublé - "Home"

A sense of home is difficult to find when nothing feels right. The lounge stile of Michael Bublé reminds me of classic singers like Frank Sinatra but still has a modern tone that makes his voice quite recognizable. The song "Home" reminds me that no matter where I am in the world there is only one place I call home and that's where my heart stays.

6. Adele - Lovesong (originally by The Cure)

I had never heard a cover of Live song that gave me chills but then I heard Adele's version. Slowing down the song and having a simple arrangement of instruments intensify the emotion in Adele's voice. 

This version captures my attention and leaves me in a state of awe. This is one of the songs that I can play on a loop for an entire day.

5. Bright Eyes - "The First Day of My Life"

Every moment with that special someone should feel the way this song describes. It should feel like the first moment you see, the first day you actually live and like everything changes just because they changed your way of seeing the world.

Bright Eyes has many excellent songs so it was difficult to choose only one for this play list, but I have a theme going so I'll run with it.

4. Dashboard Confessionals - "Hands Down"

This song I haven't been a fan of for long but it's one I the few Dashboard Confessionals' songs that I actually like. Every night at her side will always be the best night. Every night gets better and the those memories last a lifetime.

3. We are the in Crowd - "Kiss me again"

This song is not only the song that concreted We are the in Crowd as one of my top bands. This song combines awesome instrumentals with a duet of vocals. Tay Jardine's vocals stand out the most with a range of emotions.

2. Aimee Allen - "Silence is Violence"

Aimee Allen will probably be a recurring artist in my playlist because her music has propelled me through many moments throughout the years. Her positive attitude is inspirational and lyrics speak volumes to many issues. 

I had a chance to meet Ms. Allen and speak with her. Her live shows are as amazing as her CD sound.

1. Samantha Darnell - "Butterflies"

Although an independent artist Samantha Darnell has an amazing sound with powerful lyrics. I first became aware of her when I stumbled upon "Sing for us" on YouTube which is just an endearing song.

"Butterflies" makes sense to me as it explains the unpredictability of becoming enamored with some of the most unexpected people.

The sound to this song is original and the vocals combine an old style with a modern tone.

Next weeks playlist will be a bit different as I will be listening to different bands that I don't listen to on a regular basis. It may go a bit harder, maybe more into the metal genre.