Self-Affirmation Anthems from 2014 by Ben Wedin
My favorite music to sing along to is music that makes me feel good and not worthless. A lot of music on Valentine’s Day can end up making you feel bad and worthless because it’s often talking about other people in love. So here are some songs from 2014 that work regardless of your relationship state. Because they were resonant, confidence-building, or straight up fun, you can definitely swagger to these ten tracks:
“Feeling Myself” - Nicki Minaj, The Pinkprint
The Pinkprint got delayed until December, which is unfortunate because it’s a very respectable album that deserved more recognition on year-end lists. Hit-Boy gets credit for one of the best beats of the year, and Beyoncé and Nicki transform it into the self-feeling anthem that everyone deserves. Beyoncé with the crash cymbals gets me every time, so much good feeling on this one. Lyrics: “Feeling myself / I’m feeling myself”
“Show Me Love” - Hundred Waters, The Moon Rang Like a Bell
The opening for The Moon Rang Like a Bell brings shivers down my spine just thinking about it. Honest and confident, Nicole Miglis invites you into a world that is both mysterious and immediately relatable. Fantastic song from one of my favorite albums of the year. Lyrics: “Don’t let me show cruelty though I may make mistakes”
“How Bout Now” - Drake
Whether it’s “Trophies,” “Started From the Bottom,” or “0 to 100,” Drake loves his victory laps. But “How Bout Now” is celebratory in a different sense: it’s not about his team coming up but is a testament to his own skill and persistence. Perfect for a triumphant exit from any great accomplished feat. Lyrics: “You thought you had it all figured out back then girl how bout now?”
“Fucks Given” / “U Don’t Have to Call (Usher Cover)” - Childish Gambino, STN MTN / Kauai
Hey, if Gambino gets to release a double EP, I get to include two songs. Gambino hits the auto-tune sweet spot in “Fucks Given,” and simply has a lot of fun bravado to commandeer for your own devices. “U Don’t Have To Call” on the other hand gets a slowed down a cappella treatment, turning an upbeat Usher joint into something sentimental and intimate. I don’t know how to write down the sing along part, but you’ll know it when you hear it. Lyrics: “I came here to do my own shit” / “Aaaahaahaah”
“Now Hear In” - Cloud Nothings, Here and Nowhere Else
Here and Nowhere Else is a frenetic album full of shouts and drums, and the opener “Now Hear In” encapsulates that initial liberation for me. The catchy melodies of this song in particular have motivated me on many a run. Lyrics: “And I can’t feel your pain, but I feel alright ‘bout it”
“Hereditary” - Isaiah Rashad, Cilvia Demo
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Hooks centered around drugs/money/women in rap are old hat, but the real parts to sing along in Rashad’s great debut are hidden within the verses: a couple of bars in a separate flow invites you to keep your attention and not just tune the words out. A closer investigation reveals a much more introspective and thoughtful wordsmith, and lines you’ll want to belt out as groovily as Rashad. Lyrics: “One time for the caged bird”
