Playlist 2022

No songs from the Eurovision Song Contest this year :-( To our great disappointment, none of them had any staying power. Think that's the first time since I started making these playlists. But as usual my list is heavily inspired by Simon and Lars :-D My list is slightly longer than usual, but it was hard enough to boil down as it was - no way I could get it down further!
Link, in case the embedding stops working.

1. Ex-Wives / Get Down - Six
I tried SO hard to chose between these too, but I just couldn't. They're both brilliant and SO different. I went to see the musical together with Isabella and while I loved most of the songs, these two were by far my favourites. "Ex-Wives" is an excellent introduction to the story, and the entire atmosphere of "Get Down" is just fantastic. Love the music, love the lyrics. I mean, getting "tricked ya" to rhyme with "profile picture" - genius!

2. Surface Pressure - Encanto
Encanto had the best songs of any Disney movie I've seen in a LONG time. I love the energy of "The Family Madrigal", but it really works best when you know the movie. This song works on so many different levels, and having "being strong" (whether physically or mentally) as your entire self image is something I think many people can relate to.

3. Crazy People - Casting Crowns
Back in February Lars and I were going on our first post-COVID vacation, and my anxiety was acting up BIG time. Nina sent me this song, and I listened to it on repeat all the way from our house to the airport. It worked wonders, and I grew to love it!
Crazy people trust in Jesus
Following Him wherever He leads us
Kingdom seekers, walk by faith believers
Here's the church, here's the steeple, here's to all God's crazy people

4. W.I.T.C.H - Devon Cole
To the best of my knowledge, this song originated on TikTok as a "sing along to this" challenge, and just exploded from there. I followed its process with interest, partly because I think it's an interesting story, partly because I loved the vibe of the song. Fortunately the final product delivered :-D

5. See Me Through It - Brandon Heath
A random discovery via Spotify. "I know You're gonna see me through it - If anybody can, You can do it"

6. Provider - Cade Thompson
Just as always, Simon has heavily influenced my listening this year - this time with a new-to-me artist. This is another one of those songs that I keep considering removing from the yearly playlist, but then when I go to listen to it "just to be sure", I change my mind all over again X-D

7. Maybe You're the Problem - Ava Max
Ava Max is hit-or-miss for me, but when she's good, she's really good. This isn't actually my usual fare, but I love the progression of "And I think you should take a second just to look at your reflection", so even though I considered removing it from this playlist several times, I just couldn't...

8. Refuge - Skillet
Simon's sent me several Skillet songs this year, and while I've liked them all, this would have to be my favourite.
I can face my darkest night
'Cause I trust You with my life
I'm not afraid, for You are my refuge

9. We Own Tonight - New Kids on the Block
I'm delighted to be able to add a new NKOTB song again! But somehow I'd completely missed that they'd released a new album! (Back in 2013! Embarrassing!). As always there are a ton of good songs on it, but right now this is my favourite, although I had a hard time choosing between this and "The Whisper".

10. 3 O'Clock Things - AJR
One of Brenda's entries last year, and it immediately spoke to me. First of all, it's got that unusual style that just immediately appeals to me (there are a few of these every year, where I can't explain why I love it, but I just do), and secondly ANY overthinker will recognize the fact that 3 o'clock is the worst time for random thoughts...

11. Bible Verses - Blake Shelton
I have NOT been able to get the chorus out of my head since I first heard it.
That I can open up that good book
And Heaven don't look like it's out of reach
When it feels like those apostles are giving me the gospel
And not the third degree
I just want it to read
Like Bible verses and not the Bible versus me
Fortunately I don't really feel that way myself, but even so, it still struck a chord deep within, and I love it.

12. Limousine - Little Sis Nora
Lars first introduced me to AronChupa / Little Sis Nora (a brother/sister pair) with "I'm An Albatraoz" back in 2017 or so. They're the kind of duo I love to hate - or hate to love. I pretty much always have to get used to their songs before I really like them, but since Lars absolutely loves them and plays their music over and over and over... Well - I tend to end up having to add their songs to my playlist after all.

13. Not Finished Yet - Building 429
I discovered Building 429 a few years ago - perhaps from the War Room soundtrack? Anyway, they're definitely a group to keep track of, as their songs tend to speak to me on several levels. The music here is catchy as, and I love the lyrics.
Child, lay down your sorrows,
'Cause I'm not finished yet!

14. A Little Faith - Riley Clemmons
I'm getting total 90s Amy Grant vibes here! But since that when I fell in love with her music, I'm all for it :-D I discovered Riley Clemmons last year, and she's definitely become a singer to look out for.

15. Hot mess - Zoe Clark
I actually think this was a TikTok discovery as well... Telling on myself here ;) But it makes me sit and dance in my chair, so it clearly works for me.

16. Teeth - 5 Seconds of Summer
I've never watched "13 Reasons Why", so I have absolutely no clue how I came across this song. It could pretty much only have been TikTok or a random Spotify weekly discovery. I keep saying I should get better at writing these things down, and I keep absolutely forgetting to do so X-D Again, I can't explain why I like it so much, as it's really not the kind of music I usually listen to, but there always seem to be a few of those. The start has a DEFINITELY ESC vibe, so that might be part of it.

17. Fear No More - The Afters
Another recommendation from Simon. A beautiful reminder that
You're my courage when I worry in the dead of night
You're my strength 'cause I'm not strong enough to win this fight
You are greater than the battle raging in my mind
I will trust You Lord, I will fear no more

18. Build a Boat - Colton Dixon
Colton Dixon is a fairly new discovery, but right up my aisle. I think I'd heard this all of twice before I knew it had to go on this list.

19. Lose My Cool - Faustix w. Klara Hammarström
Lars introduced me to this song earlier in the fall. I love its vibe :-) And he's always so pleased when I add songs here because of him ;-)

20. Happy Day - Tim Hughes
I recently started talking music with another colleague of mine, and he immediately endeared himself to me by sending me links to some of his favourite songs. I already loved this song, as we've been singing it at Hillsong Church, but I'd forgotten to actually add it to my playlist, so I'm very grateful to Yun for reminding me of it :-D

21. End of Time (Taste of Heaven) - Keiino
Keiino was a contestant at Eurovision Song Contest a few years back, and both Lars and I loved their sound. Since then Lars keeps up with any new songs they put out, and with very few exceptions I've liked all of them. Since I won't have an actual ESC entry here this year, I figure this one will have to do ;)

22. How Can You Not - Leanna Crawford
Simon sent me this and it was love at first sight... eh, listen.
I see the sunset and I wonder
If he paints it just for me
Nobody else could make a world so beautiful
How could I question his love when
It's everywhere I go
Wherever I look I find another miracle

Seems like a good song to end this list on :-)