Quite simply, there are a whole lot of things we can appreciate in our life, so why not make a soundtrack to it?
John Lennon – Beautiful Boy: Appreciate new life. Let it be known, I’m not a huge fan of babies, I live in constant fear I will somehow be responsible for hitting that self-destruct button babies pass off as soft spots, but my boss recently had his kid. The way his eyes light up when he talks about his beautiful baby girl Berkley is a feeling that I could only imagine beats any other.
Miriam Makeba – Pata Pata: Appreciate dancing. Translated, this song means “touch touch,” and was a dance that was crazy popular in Johannesburg in the ‘60s and one that I am constantly trying to bring back to no avail.
Coldplay – Green Eyes: Appreciate love. That kind of love where no matter how long it’s been since you’ve talked, or any negative feelings you’ve had, seeing that person smile will wash anything away and make your day. Or the kind of love that’s comparable to eating cookie dough ice cream when you eat so much it makes you a little sick but then you keep eating it because it’s delicious.
Cat Empire – Know Your Name: Appreciate being you, because you’re awesome.
Rufus Wainright – Instant Pleasure: Appreciate Sex. Rufus says it how he see’s it, “I don’t want somebody to love me, just give me sex whenever I want it.” It’s a fantastic feeling to bask in the afterglow (if you’re unsure of what afterglow is, you’re doing it wrong) after a good romp in the proverbial sack.
Jack Johnson – Do You Remember: Appreciate the past. You learn from your past, don’t push it away.
Barbara – Pursuit of Happiness: Appreciate the present paving the future. This song is a Kid Cudi cover, and uses an Iron and Wine sample, and it should be played always.
Tenacious D – Friendship: Appreciate (you guessed it) friendship. You can’t choose your family, but you can pick your friends. Choose well and hold on to them, you’ll need ‘em.
Neutral Milk Hotel – In the Aeroplane Over the Sea: Appreciate life and all that it brings to you, the good and the bad. This song is probably one of the most beautiful ever written. You’ll agree when you listen.
