Here are a few of my favorites:
Nelly, P. Diddy, Murphy Lee (quite a cast, I know) - Shake Ya Tailfeather
The beginning starts with the "Atlanta Braves chant," and is followed by police sirens.. Then, there is total silence for one second, and a "Ding!" sound. I love it.
Nickelback - Someday
This is a great song.. I really like it a lot. I really like the chorus in this song. It's really emotional and it kind of makes me wish I was in the situation the singer is singing about (as wrong as that may sound).
The song really strikes me, and I am currently single, but it makes me kind of desire to be in the situation this song is about, just so I would be able to relate to, and enjoy it more. Anyway, I am straying from the task at hand here.
Everlast - What It's Like
I really dig Everlast's music. This song opens with a description of a homeless man outside a liquor store, begging for some change. He asks a man for some money, to which he is told to get a job, etc.
I used to have a mindset a lot like the man telling the homeless guy off, and this song kind of gave me a reality check. It really put things into perspective, and I credit this song with helping me to have less of a negative view of the homeless in general. It's easy to tell them to go get a job like the rest of us, but much harder to actually listen to their story long enough to sympathize with them.
Guster - Medicine
Another favorite of mine. Honestly, I couldn't tell you all the lyrics, I just dig the song. I like the solo portion at the beginning a lot. I think I enjoy this song more by not knowing all the lyrics, just because I think one of the reasons I enjoy it so much is because I don't understand what every single word is.
Saliva - Click Click Boom
Love the chorus, love the loudness. It's a nice rock out song. I really like how the guitar riffs tie into the lyrics and mimic them at times. It's a bumpin' song.
Scapegoat Wax - Aisle 10
I work in a super market. I can relate to this song; it's kind of freaky.
This song reminds me of that short story/poem A&P where the guy quits his job to get with the chicks in the parking lot, and gets denied. It's not the same really, but similiar.
I work back in produce, and we are always checking out the ladies. It's probably one of the few things I enjoy about the job. If I had a theme song for a current stage of my life, this could be it!
I like the part where the singer says he is finally going to get the courage to talk to this hot customer, and imagines what it will be like if they were to hook up. The scream of despair at the end is also a highlight.
Tupac - Changes
Awesome song. Whenever he raps about the cops shooting blacks, it reminds me of the times this has happened in the news lately, and how in many cases it seems excessive force was used.
Santana - Why Don't You and I
A great feel good song; and one many guys can relate to. The lyrics regarding him trying to talk to a female and the words coming out wrong is something most guys are likely familiar with.
Outkast - Happy Valentine's Day
"When arrows don't penetrate; Cupid grabs the pistol." 'Nuff said. Love it.
3 Doors Down - Here Without You
Another song that makes me kind of wish I was in the situation the singer is in. It's hard to describe. Granted, he is singing about missing a girl he really loved a lot, but in order to have that experience he must have really loved before, and thus misses her a lot now. It's weird how people desire things they don't, or can't have. I guess that is what's going on with me and this song here. The songs lyrics aren't that diverse, but I think it works in this case. I like the quiet opening, with the solo voice. The entire song is pretty much a solo, but the opening is really effective.
Bassic - Zurich
This song has one lyric, and it's repeated throughout: "Zurich." It's driven by the beats and synthesizers, and near the middle it slows down to a single instrument, and then picks up again at a rapid pace.
Trapt - These Walls
The guitar work at the end of this song is all excited and "high," but right before ending, it all slows down and drops the listener down lightly. Very nice.
AudioVent - The Energy
The intro to this soung is great. The song is about energy, and it starts like it's slowly building up energy, until 30 seconds in it stands up and kicks your ass. I'm a fan.
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Hey look, I ended up writing a small novel! Apologies to those that don't enjoy reading, and also if I strayed from the post's intent. Music is wonderful and writing about how it affects us is also a wonderful thing.
Take care.