Music Monday: Summer Jams

Music Monday is a meme hosted by my friend Lauren from Always Me and the rules are simple: share a few songs you've been enjoying lately (they don't have to be a specific genre or follow any theme) and they can be new or old songs. If possible share a music video or lyric video. And, of course, link up with Lauren.

I've wanted to participate in this meme for a while but for whatever reason it either kept slipping my mind, I didn't have time to write it, or there wasn't any music that was inspiring me at the moment. I seem to have found some passion for music again, though, and I'm excited to join in. I know I won't be able to participate each week but I'm going to try and be a frequent flier with this one.

First up is Castle on the Hill by Ed Sheeran which is, without a doubt, the song that defines this summer for me.

I'm not a huge fan of Ed Sheeran, meaning that I won't go out of my way to listen to his music, but if it comes on the radio I will absolutely turn the speakers up a bit. When I heard this for the first time on a car ride to an amusement park I fell instantly in love. It's super nostalgic (if that were a genre it'd be my favorite) and reminds me of a song that defined my summer after senior year of high school- Geronimo (the openings sound similar).

Walking the Wire was one of Imagine Dragons singles released in prep for their most recent album (which I absolutely love).

The first time I listened to it I was so overcome in emotion and energy that I had to dance (badly; I'm not a good dancer). It's such a motivating and beautiful song and I want to play it constantly. I couldn't say whether it was the music or the lyrics I loved more.

Like most Coldplay songs Something Just Like This took me a while to warm up to, but once I really started listening to the lyrics I fell in love. Anything that references Greek/Roman mythology tends to attract me, and not only does this song make reference to Achilles and Hercules but Spiderman and Batman as well. A song after my own heart.

When I was younger my dad told me that he'd listen to a song from his childhood and be taken back to that moment or year. For me this is doubly true with music that defines summers. Listening to a "summer song" in the middle of winter, or even when I'm having a bad day, can bring me back to all those good, warm memories and help ground me. Are there any songs like that for you? Let me know in the comments!