Choosing just 5 songs has been really difficult, fun to listen to them in order to choose, but difficult. I don't think I'll ever be able to pick just 5 that are my all-time favourites, but these are definitely right up there and have been for a long time.
As I mentioned in my May Favourites, I have listened to little else besides Lykke Li and Bon Iver all month, and this song is my favourite from her new album I Never Learn. She has such a beautiful voice, the music always calms me down and I never tire of her. I go through phases with music, but this is one artist that I am happy to say I never get fed up of.
Joni Mitchell - Both Sides Now (link)
I'd be surprised if you haven't heard of Joni Mitchell, even if you only know her name or a bit of one of her songs. She has an incredible voice, one that has been at the top of my playlist for years. If you're looking for great raspy vocals with depth I would recommend Both Sides Now, you might know it from the film Love Actually.
Me First and the Gimme Gimme's - Hello (link)
Obviously the original, Lionel Richie, version of this song is a classic, but this offers something else completely. Me First and the Gimme Gimme's are a punk cover band that totally change original songs, and this is one of their best, in my opinion. The songs are always fun and great for putting me in a good mood.
Goldfinger - Open Your Eyes (link)
Another slightly obscure song here, Open Your Eyes is about the lies that we get fed by advertisers and the likes. The band is big on animal activism, just another reason to love them. Even if you're not into punk rock/ska punk music, I think this song has a great message that can be enjoyed by so many.
Debussy - Clair de Lune (link)
After the last two songs I mentioned this seems like a bit of an odd one, but I love this piece of music! If I am having a rough day or not feeling very well I pop this on and immediately start to feel better. My breathing improves and I feel calm, all in the first 10 seconds of playing this. It's been on my 'most played' list for years now, and is possibly the thing I have listened to more than anything else. You may recognise this from the first Twilight film.
There are so many songs that I wish I could have added to this list, maybe one day I'll write a post on my top songs so I won't have to leave any out.
Do you agree with any of these, or do you have any that you think I should check out? If you're doing this, or any other, blog challenge, please leave a link in the comments.