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Showing posts with label favorite. Show all posts
Showing posts with label favorite. Show all posts

Friday, July 9, 2021

Music Musings: My Top 10 BTS Comfort Songs

Friday, July 09, 2021 0 Comments


Happy Birthday, ARMYs! Happy ARMY day to us! Yes, it's our day – July 9, 2021. And to commemorate my 2nd year of being one, I prepared this entry.


Looking through the 100+ songs of BTS, you will find a variety perfect for every kind of mood. From high-energy songs to chill vibes, rap-heavy ones to ballads – they got it all.  And the list will definitely not be complete without those songs that give love, positivity, and comfort for ARMY and for everyone willing to take a listen. 


I listed down my top 10 (in no particular order) BTS comfort songs in this blog entry – songs that give off healing and just wraps you like a warm blanket to get you through the bad days. I wrote down portions of the lyrics (translation from fellow ARMY at https://doolsetbangtan.wordpress.com/) to give you an overview and embedded youtube videos so you can have a good listen if you're interested.


1.  Answer: Love Myself

“You’ve shown me I have reasons I should love myself.”

“Why do you keep trying to hide under your mask, when even the scars made by your own mistake mark your constellations”


2. Magic Shop

“On a day you hate being yourself, on a day you want to disappear forever, let’s build a door in your mind. Once you open the door and enter, this place will wait for you. It’s okay to believe Magic Shop that will comfort you.”

“You gave me the best of me. So you’ll give you the best of you. You found me You recognized me. You’ll find the galaxy inside you.”


3.  Mikrokosmos

“In a dark night, (don’t feel alone) Like stars, (we shine) Don’t disappear because you are one great existence. Let us shine.”

“Perhaps, that tonight is yet again making such a beautiful face is not because of those stars nor the lights but because of us.”


4. Spring Day

“The morning will come again Because no darkness or no season can last forever.”

“If you wait a little bit if you spend just a few sleepless nights, I’ll come to meet you.”


5.  Life Goes On

“Like an echo in the forest, another day will come as if nothing happened. Yeah, life goes on. Like an arrow in the blue sky, another day will fly by. On my pillow, on my table Yeah life goes on Like this again.”

“Although everything is paused, don’t hide in the dark because the light will shine again.”


6. 2! 3!

“It’s okay When I say one two three, forget it. Erase all the sad memories Hold my hand and smile.”

“I hope everything changes once I say It for a better day because we’re together.”


7.  00:00 (Zero O’Clock)

“But still, this day will end When the second hand and the minute hand overlap, the world holds its breath for a very brief moment Zero O’Clock. And you gonna be happy.”

“Like that snow that just settled on the ground, let’s breathe as if this is the beginning. And you gonna be happy. Turn this all around, A time when everything is new, Zero O’Clock.”


8.  A Supplementary Story: You Never Walk Alone

“Though I’d get tired and hurt sometimes, it’s okay because I’m next to you. Because, you and I, if we’re together, we can smile.”

“These wings, although they came out of pain, are wings towards the light. Even if it’s tiring and hurting, if I can fly away, I’ll fly.”


9.  Epilogue: Young Forever

“Forever we are young. In the fluttering flower petal rain, I wander and run in this maze. Forever we are young. Even if I fall, get wounded, and it aches, I run endlessly to my dream.”


10.  Epiphany

“I’m the one I should love in this world. The shining me, the precious soul of mine. I realize only now, so I love me. Though I’m not perfect, I’m so beautiful.”



BTS' discography is extensive and far-reaching with messages about their stories, struggles, society, youth, discovering one's self, fears - and the list goes on. There are still more that you can discover if you would take a deep dive. 

Sunday, December 27, 2020

Music Musings: BTS gives comfort and healing through "BE"

Sunday, December 27, 2020 0 Comments

 

"One day, the world stopped without any warning," sings Jung Kook on the first line of BTS' BE's title track "Life Goes On." 2020 has seen a tumultuous shift in how we deal with our everyday lives brought about by the COVID-19 crisis. And the world in a way indeed stopped. No different from us, BTS also experienced life in quarantine. The group was supposed to go on their stadium world tour last April, but plans got cancelled due to the pandemic. Given the circumstances, the boys had to make do of the time they have and decided to document their feelings during such difficult times and give fans a gift – “BE.”


"BE" is a documentation of their life during the pandemic released last 20 November 2020. As an ARMY, I highly anticipated this release. It is after all one wherein the boys participated most - from writing, composing, and producing to the concept photos, the album design, and the MV. It is something that the boys poured their hearts and souls into while sharing the whole process with ARMY through live videos.



"I'm at the office. So yeah, had to hold back the emotions. But gosh, this song. And the album. Blue and Grey now playing. Huhu. What have you done, BTS?" This was my exact tweet when I first listened to the album. The emotions this album gave us were something else.


"Life Goes On" perfectly encapsulates the feelings we have when time seemed frozen, and the world seemed lifeless. It gives a melancholic mood while giving off positivity. With lyrics such as “There’s no end in sight. Is there a way out?” which perfectly summarizes what we all are feeling right at this moment. (Will this pandemic ever end?) “Like an echo in the forest, the day will come back around as if nothing happened. Yeah, life goes on. Like an arrow in the blue sky, another day flying by. On my pillow, on my table Yeah, life goes on like this again” as its chorus plays, giving us a ray of positivity as we sing along. 


On the other hand, "Fly to My Room" (a subunit song by J-Hope, Jimin, Suga, and V) talks about how the concept of travel has changed since traveling has been restricted. As V sings, “This room is all I have. Well, then I'll just change this place to my world." The solace we have found in our little rooms during this pandemic that some may not have felt before was perfectly seen through this song. I loved how Jimin and V's voices meshed with their tones meeting halfway. I just wished there were more rap parts for J-Hope and Suga on this one. Nonetheless, this song gives off such a nice atmosphere.


"Blue & Grey" – the song that was supposed to be a part of V's mixtape – comes next. The emotion this song gives with those delicate vocals and rap parts was something else. This song is probably my favorite from the album. I felt all the feelings it was trying to portray without even reading the lyrics. It hit hard and got me teary-eyed on the first listen. When V started the song with the lyrics "Where is my angel?... Someone come and save me, please." It's just... I can't. And when the chorus part that says: "Oh this ground feels so heavier. I am singing by myself. I just wanna be happier. Would this also be greed?" played, I was not able to hold back - I really cried. As V said (in his Weverse Magazine interview), "I wrote “Blue & Grey” when I was at my lowest point, when I was actually asking whether I could keep going with my work or not. Even the fun parts of work became a chore, and my whole life felt aimless." Somehow, it was his way of getting over his problem, and he is in a better place now.

After such an emotional ride comes "Skit" which is not a song, but a recording of their conversation after their first Hot 100 No. 1 with Dynamite. I have always wondered why they put a skit in an album, but now, as a fan, I appreciated it more. This is them sharing their emotions and feelings about the news to us – which makes it more special. This – smack in the middle – is like a transition to a more upbeat portion of the album, paving the way for "Telepathy."


"Telepathy" sets you into some sort of party mood. You cannot help but vibe with this dancy tune. The autotune (which was not used to cover up bad vocals, but as a creative flavor) added a different color to the song’s overall ambiance. (Why did Suga keep in it the back all these years? Or maybe it is just waiting for the right moment to be finally released?) The song is perfectly fitting for this album. According to Jin (during the global press conference for "BE"), the lyrics describe the sad reality where BTS cannot meet fans due to the pandemic.  As Suga starts the song, "In the days that feel the same, I'm the happiest when I meet you." It is also telling that even though BTS and ARMY cannot be together physically, they are still together in heart and in mind.


"Dis-ease" the sixth track on the album, talks about the love-hate relationship with work as a disease. As J-hope shared (in his Weverse Magazine interview), "When I was working, I’d say, “Ugh, I need a break,” but then we took time off and the words, “Ugh, I want to work,” jumped out of my mouth!” That’s what made me think more closely: “Why is this bothering me? I have a chance to rest—just take it. Why do I feel like I need to work under these circumstances? Is this an occupational disease?” I felt like this was a part of me that I could express at this point in time." Although it talks about such a thing, the scratching and the beat of the song urge you to get over it and stay positive. As the lyrics tell us, "There's no eternal night. I've become stronger. Fireworks are bursting. I will never fade away."


The upbeat songs continue with "Stay." This subunit song by Jin, Jung Kook, and RM was originally meant for Jung Kook's mixtape. This EDM track –  reminiscent of their song So What – makes you want to jump out of your seat and dance. Just as Jungkook said (through a Weverse Magazine interview), "We imagined we were performing for the fans while we made it, jumping up and down with them." This song sends a message that even though we're far apart, we always stay together – "Wherever you are, I know you always stay." as the song goes.


Lastly, the song that was such a bop you never get tired of –  "Dynamite" –  their first all-English song. Although they were not sure if the song would be included in the album at first, it was a good way to end it. As its lyrics go: "I'm diamond, you know I glow up" and "Shining through the city with a little funk and soul. I'mma light it up like dynamite." The bright and positive atmosphere and message that this disco tune gives off was the perfect way to end "BE" which talks about going through tough times and life going on during this pandemic.


“BE” is a project album and is thus not part of the whole Bangtan Universe or the story they create with their releases. And although it does not give the bang that Map of the Soul:7 gave us last February, this album was a welcome gift. It is simple, but not quite, and full of emotions. It gives nothing short of what the boys wanted to convey – a message of healing and connecting with fans despite not seeing each other.


“BE” is like a warm hug. The comfort we never knew we needed. A reminder that despite everything, life goes on – this too shall pass – and a better day will come. As J-Hope sings in “Life Goes On,” “Let us thread tomorrow with today. Stopped for now, but don't hide in the shadows. Once again, daylight will glow.”





Sunday, August 2, 2020

Book Thoughts: The Silent Wife

Sunday, August 02, 2020 0 Comments



Summary:

Atlanta, Georgia. Present day. A young woman is brutally attacked and left for dead. The police investigate but the trail goes cold. Until a chance assignment takes GBI investigator Will Trent to the state penitentiary, and to a prisoner who says he recognizes the MO. The attack looks identical to the one he was accused of eight years earlier. The prisoner’s always insisted that he was innocent, and now he’s sure he has proof. The killer is still out there.

As Will digs into both crimes it becomes clear that he must solve the original case in order to reach the truth. Yet nearly a decade has passed—time for memories to fade, witnesses to vanish, evidence to disappear. And now he needs medical examiner Sara Linton to help him hunt down a ruthless murderer. But when the past and present collide, everything Will values is at stake…



- - - - -

The history. Jeffrey. The Jeffrey Tolliver. He's the character who absolutely broke me when he died. And now we got a glimpse of him – eight years ago in Grant County. It made me want to reread the Grant County series which I totally loved and what made me a Slaughter fan. 


That said, this does not mean that I do not like Will because I do adore him too and I am deeply enjoying the Will Trent series.


Of course, where there’s Jeffrey, we could sense that Lena will also be there. This book sheds more light in their relationship, which I appreciated--but, I just have to say, I still don't like Lena. Period. The end. Sorry.

 

The different timelines. The shifting timelines worked really well here. When the story changed perspective to Jeffrey, back to eight years ago, I had flashbacks of the previous novels and this added depth to what had actually transpired back then.  It somehow felt surreal revisiting Grant County--it felt like actually returning there and witnessing events unfold in real time.

 

The hunch. Could Jeffrey really have done something like that? Is the image we have built of Jeffrey going to collapse? Honestly, I found myself resisting the idea. I did not want any of my thoughts to happen. I somehow got this feeling that something wasn't right--that if anything wrong happened, it was from someone on their side. While I'm not sure I fully predicted the reveal, I was no longer shocked by it either. In the end, everything that was done made sense.

 

The crime. Horrifying and chill-inducing. This is how I would describe this 10th installment. This is deeply unsettling. Ms. Slaughter, as always, doesn't hold back when it comes to gruesome details; her descriptions are so vivid that it's impossible not to pictue them, and that's what makes them disturbing and gives me chills. And I applaud Ms. Slaughter for bringing such into her books and never once hesitates to show the evils of this world in a powerful way.


What I admired in this one is how Ms. Slaughter was able to show us how people, or women to be more specific, deal with such types of encounters in their life. The realization of the trauma and the suffering they would have to endure which will stay with them their whole life was something else. The depth and the effect of such crimes will forever stay with these victims and something that can never be erased – it is so heartbreakingly depicted in this one.


The relationship. I always enjoy reading the dynamics of the different characters in this series. The partnership between Faith and Will, the GBI team and Amanda's bossiness, and especially the realtionship between Sara and Will. This brought back realizations from Sara and Will of their past. Their pasts, especially that of Sara, resulted to tensions to their relationship. This book dives deeper into their relationship. I was a bit heartbroken for Will but I’m glad they were able to work it out. I cannot wait to see what will happen to them next and how their relationship will evolve in future books. As Ms. Slaughter said, there will be more Will and Sara stories. A love story weaved into terrifying crimes. 


 - - - - -


For new readers, do not hesitate, you can start on this one. However, if you want to dig deeper into this Slaughter world, go start reading the Grant County series first then dive into the Will Trent Series. I'm telling you, you will not be disappointed.


Wednesday, April 1, 2020

Book Thoughts: Karin Slaughter's The Kept Woman and The Last Widow

Wednesday, April 01, 2020 0 Comments
These are the latest installments (Books 8 & 9) from Karin Slaughter's Will Trent Series.

I've been a fan of her since reading "A Faint Cold Fear" back in 2009, and as always, she never disappoints.

One of the things I love about Karin Slaughter's writing is how each character shines and develops. She vividly describes things or events that are happening that you would see everything unfolding in your mind. And sometimes it just gets to you - the graphic details may sometimes make you shudder. As her site says "Stories that get under your skin." And truly, they do.

Here are my thoughts on the two books:

The Kept Woman

I started with this book sometime last year. And I honestly could not remember why I have to put it down. When I picked it back up this time, I was not able to stop reading.

The star of this book was definitely Angie, Will's ex-wife. I absolutely hated Angie—especially in this book. Everything about her was just... it's honestly hard to explain. Still, you cannot deny the fact that she is one well-written character and you wouldn't be able to keep your attention away from her. 

In this book, I felt Sara's pain and I hated Will for it.

The Last Widow

Right after finishing The Kept Woman, I immediately dived into this one.

The plot of the story was something new and on a bigger scale, not just within their towns. As someone who isn't from the US, I honestly don't know the basis of what was happening in the book, but wow that is some freaking insane stuff going on there.

As for Sara and Will, it was further shown here how their relationship is growing over time. There was this part where Will talks to Sara about her parents and that made me tear up. At this point, I was already way too invested with the characters, and I really felt his emotions. This book further solidified their love for each other.

I also loved the shifting perspectives. Some scenes were revisited from different points of view, which may feel repetitive to some, but I definitely understood why it has to be done. It actually gave you a better picture of what was happening and made you understand the thoughts and emotions of each and every character.

------

I don't know why it took me so long to read the last 2 books in the series. But wow! Classic Slaughter. Packed from start to finish. You wouldn't be able to put this down. 

Next book, please.





Sunday, February 25, 2018

Book Thoughts: Guitar Notes

Sunday, February 25, 2018 0 Comments
“Maybe it explains the reason why one person likes another. It's because their souls 
both thrum at the same frequency.”





Summary:

On odd days, loner Tripp Broody uses a practice room to let loose on the guitar he’s borrowed from the school after his mom took his own away. One even days, Lyla Marks uses the same practice room. To Tripp, she’s trying to become even more perfect–she’s already a straight-A student and an award-winning cellist. But when Lyla begins leaving notes for him in between the strings of his guitar, his life intersects with hers in a way he never expected. Challenging each other to write songs, they begin to connect, even though circumstances threaten to tear them apart.



- - - - -

An unlikely friendship between two people from opposite of the spectrum who found each other through music. Tripp, the outcast guitar player, and Lyla, the straight-A student cellist. Two teenagers with issues of their own. Sound familiar? Definitely—it echoes many YA stories. But somehow, this one is the same yet different. Have you ever had that feeling that something is special, but you just can’t quite put it into words? This is one of those books. It simply is special.

This book is light and easy to read. The story feels real and relatable. It’s hard not to want to finish once you start. And once you're done? You’ll likely find yourself wanting more.
 
I especially loved Tripp’s passion for music, for his guitar. (I wish I could have had more of that in me. I am a frustrated musician who tried learning the piano and the guitar but never got that good at it.) Tripp is a bit of an oddball—in a good kind of way—which makes his nickname “odd” feel fitting.
 
Lyla, on the other hand, is one sweet girl you just want to hug and say, "Be brave and have courage." There was so much pressure around her that it begins to affect her passion for music. Then there’s her best friend, who at times acts as the author of Lyla’s life—which can get frustrating. (Oh, Annie… could you please just stop for a second?)
 
I loved the story.


What I loved was the way the story incorporated the notes between Tripp and Lyla. It made everything feel more real. I wanted more of this. I really enjoyed Tripp and Lyla’s interaction through notes. Those were probably my favorite part (aside from the music, of course). I adored their friendship. I felt every emotion they went through—I was completely moved. I cried, dear me, I couldn’t help it.
 
This book reminded me of how my love and I found common ground through music. On how we shared each other’s knowledge and echoed our enthusiasm. My love for music was reignited reading this book.
 
Thank you, Ms. Amato, for awakening the love and passion for music of each and every music lover who has read this. Go check Thrum Society, fellow readers.
 
Are you a music lover too? Are there any books that include music you want to recommend? Comment down below.

- - - - -

My Guitar Notes Playlist:


Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Tune In Tuesday: Dia Frampton

Tuesday, September 18, 2012 7 Comments



Tune In Tuesday is a weekly feature in which bloggers get to showcase another one of their loves, music! The feature is hosted by Ginger over at GReads! but until further notice you can find it over at Kate’s Tales of Books and Bands.

Dia Frampton is currently one of my favorite singers to date. I first learned of her when I watched The Voice – Season 1 where she became a runner up. She’s full of talent and she has a way of making some cover songs her own. She also writes her own song and I just love her. FYI, she is also in a band with her sister and it’s called Meg & Dia. They got amazing songs. So, check Dia out, as well as her band.

Here are some of Dia’s songs:

1. The Broken Ones

2. Don't Kick The Chair

3. Love Can Come From Anywhere

4. Trapeze 

5. I Will (feat. Blake Shelton)

  

Tuesday, July 3, 2012

Book Thoughts: Amy & Roger's Epic Detour

Tuesday, July 03, 2012 0 Comments

 "It's not about the destination. It's getting there that's the good part."

- - - - -


 Amy Curry thinks her life sucks. Her mom decides to move from California to Connecticut to start anew--just in time for Amy's senior year. Her dad recently died in a car accident. So Amy embarks on a road trip to escape from it all, driving cross-country from the home she's always known toward her new life. Joining Amy on the road trip is Roger, the son of Amy's mother's old friend. Amy hasn’t seen him in years, and she is less than thrilled to be driving across the country with a guy she barely knows. So she's surprised to find that she is developing a crush on him. At the same time, she’s coming to terms with her father’s death and how to put her own life back together after the accident. Told in traditional narrative as well as scraps from the road--diner napkins, motel receipts, postcards--this is the story of one girl's journey to find herself.

 
- - - - - 


I had high expectations for this book since I kept seeing it in a lot of book blogs' weekly lists. And guess what? It did not disappoint. 

I love, love, love this book.

What I Loved…

1.  Amy & Roger. They are such lovable characters, each carrying their own emotional baggage, which made them feel real and relatable.

2. The budding romance. I kept waiting for that moment—and when it finally happened, it was so worth it. The slow build made everything more genuine and beautiful.

3. The unforgettable/epic detour.  From the places they visited to the food they ate and the games they played—everything about the journey felt vivid and fun.

4. The emotional journey. Yes, it is a feel-good road trip story,  but it isn’t just about that. It’s also about love, grief, guilt, family, friendship, and moving on.

5. The Travel Scrapbook (photos, receipts, maps, sketches). This was such a unique touch. It added a whole lot to the story. It made it more real and made me, the reader, more engaged. This made me feel like I was part of the trip myself.  (See below.)

6. The playlists. As a music lover, this is a major plus. It was a good way to discover songs and artists I haven't heard before. (I’m currently downloading the songs from the playlists.)  
7. The secondary characters. They met a whole lot of characters and they’re just great. Even the brief encounters were memorable. Every character added something special to the journey.  

8. It ended with this... 
       Which says something more about the story. And is just great!

I didn’t realize how much I loved this book until I turned the last page. I felt a little sad the road trip was over. All throughout the story, I felt like I was with them on the trip. I totally connected with Amy as the voice of the book. I just liked how Ms. Matson put this together—the scrapbook elements, the flashbacks, the notes, the quotes. 

I wanted to go on a road trip after finishing it. Something spontaneous, with no set plans, never knowing where you’ll be next, just seeing where the road takes me. If I lived in America, I would want to retrace Amy & Roger’s route. 

This is such a great novel. I’m officially a fan.
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Friday, June 22, 2012

Book Thoughts: The Fault in Our Stars

Friday, June 22, 2012 2 Comments
 "You gave me a forever within the numbered days..."

- - - - - 
 
 Two years post-miracle, sixteen-year-old Hazel is post-everything else, too; post-high school, post-friends and post-normalcy. And even though she could live for a long time (whatever that means), Hazel lives tethered to an oxygen tank, the tumours tenuously kept at bay with a constant chemical assault. 

Enter Augustus Waters. A match made at cancer kid support group, Augustus is gorgeous, in remission, and shockingly to her, interested in Hazel. Being with Augustus is both an unexpected destination and a long-needed journey, pushing Hazel to re-examine how sickness and health, life and death, will define her and the legacy that everyone leaves behind.
-Goodreads summary 



- - - - - 
 

“This is not a cancer book ‘cause cancer books suck,” as Hazel Grace would say.

The fault in our stars is just awesome and great. It made me teary eyed most of the time and some tears fell as well. (At one point, I had to stop and collect myself before continuing reading.) It made me laugh and smile. It made my heart ache. It made me giddy. (Oh, those Hazel-Augustus scenes!)

Hazel and Augustus are just perfect characters. They are truly captivating to read. Hazel Grace, as what Augustus calls her, is one strong person despite her condition. And Gus, he's bringing positivity to Hazel's life. He's smart, he's funny and he's sweet.

This is a witty, funny, hopeful, sad, compelling and highly emotional book. Although you can already see it coming, you will not be prepared for the inevitable conclusion. Go read it, now! Seriously! …and prepare for your heart to be broken.

TFIOS is just heartbreakingly beautiful.


- - - - - 
  My The Fault in Our Stars Playlist:
  • Terrified - Katherine McPhee
  • "You set it again, my heart's in motion. Every word feels like a shooting star."
  • "And I'm in love, and I'm terrified for the first time and the last time in my only life."
  • More Time - Needtobreathe  
  • "I hope that you could understand that this is not what I had planned"
  • "Cause I need more time
    Just a few more months and we’ll be fine
    "
  •  
  • For my playlist of original songs inspired by the book go here.