Akansha and I have been going back and forth about the best way to introduce ourselves as people beyond just snarky reviewers. While I am not good about writing about myself, I think there is a lot to learn about me from my Spotify playlists. This playlist is not one that I listen to often, but I have been using it as a “good luck charm” for many years. Every song on it has a special meaning or memory associated with it. All this to say…
Hello!! My name is Hannah, and I am one of the two main writers and creators of immaterial pulse. Here are the stories behind the songs I listen to for good luck. Please, judge away!
“garenteed seccess” a playlist by Hannah Sroussi
I Walk the Line by Johnny Cash – The summer before I left for college, I would go on long walks with my dog, Archie. My family had moved across the country right before my senior year of high school. My rough senior year, the loneliness of still feeling new, and the usual post-high school anxieties combined for a fairly sad pre-college summer. These long walks always kept me grounded and centered during this hard time in my life. The stable string line and folky optimism of the song reminds me that time keeps marching on, and things can get better.
Gucci Gang By Dr*** Be** – Blame Akansha for this one. While I no longer support this artist and am very embarrassed about including this song, it has been a staple on this playlist for many years. This song even inadvertently led to this website. When I first discovered this song, I shared it with my then new college friend, Akansha, in an attempt to share how amazingly dumb but perfect it was. Akansha marks this moment as when she knew we would be good friends. And look at us now, the bestest of besties.
Make it With You by Bread – This song single handedly got me through organic chemistry during my freshman year of college. My first-year of college was academically my most challenging year largely because I did not know how to balance my classes. There were many late nights, mental breakdowns, and cans of Monsters. However, it is impossible to be anxious while listening to this song. It’s so corny, and so cheesy. And it’s just perfect. I don’t remember how I found this song, but I do remember listening to it on repeat in lecture room 2 of tech at Northwestern before every organic chemistry midterm and final.
Take Me Home Country Road by Israel Kamakawiwo’ole – Yes, you read that artist correctly. I was attempting to find the John Denver version of this song when I stumbled onto this gem. Israel has one of the most calming, mesmerizing voices of any singer I have ever listened to. There is such a genuine quality of love and affection in every word and note. This song is a love letter to Hawaii. I have never been to Hawaii, but it ended up on this playlist because when I would walk along Lake Michigan, I would play this song and pretend I was in Hawaii.
I Wanna Get Better by Bleachers – I was having a particularly hard day studying in the basement of one of the college dorms by myself when this song came on shuffle. I proceeded to listen to it on repeat for 7 hours straight, finishing my work without taking a single break. This song makes me want to be productive by putting me on edge in the best possible way. This is also the song I shout in my car, unafraid of any passersby who must think I am losing my mind.
About You Now by Miranda Cosgrove – This is now two songs from former stars of the Nickelodeon show Drake and Josh. At least I can still be proud of listening to this artist. This is the first song on this playlist that requires dancing. I can’t listen to this song without jumping up and down and air-guitaring. “About You Now” was reintroduced to me at a marching band event in college. I had just joined the band and was still trying to get to know the members when this song came on at a party. It broke the ice instantly and suddenly we were all just standing in a circle scream-singing at each other like it was still 2009. It’s such a pure, innocent memory that I can’t help but think about it every time this song comes on.
Teen Titans Theme by Anime Kei – This was my second most listened to song of 2020 according to my Spotify Wrapped. After watching an episode of “Teen Titans”, I accidentally played this song on repeat for three hours while playing Among Us and I never lost a single game. Thus, it is the luckiest of all the songs on this playlist.
I Love You Always Forever by Donna Lewis – While quarantining at school, my friends and I would have many nights where we would all suggest and watch random pop music videos together. This song was not one of the ones we would watch, but it does remind me of those hangout sessions because of the perfect pop vibe it exudes. I will always love my quarantine family, and this song provides me with some good vibes from them.
He Inoa No Kalakua by Mark Kealii Hoomalu – Quarantine made people do weird things. After months of quarantine, I was bored of all my playlists and decided to only listen to niche genres of music, starting with Hawaiian music. As someone who has never been to Hawaii, does not know any Hawaiians, and has little to no knowledge about Hawaiian music, this was quite difficult. I resorted to listening to random Hawaii playlists on Spotify where this song appeared many times. I will not pretend to know what this song means or whether it has any cultural importance, but I will say that it resonated with me on a guttural level. I listen to it now to remind myself to continue to explore new musical genres and cultures.
Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) by Darlene Love – The transition from graduating college to joining the workforce and becoming a contributing member of society was more difficult than I expected. I worked (and continue to work) long hours for very little pay, leaving me with no energy or funds to do anything fun during my free time. So, I watched a lot of TV. One show in particular gave me hope, entertainment, and inspiration: Ted Lasso. The Christmas episode of Ted Lasso is the cheesiest, heart-warmingist, sappiest episode of television probably ever produced. I love it. The episode ends with two of the leads singing a rendition of this song. In many ways, this song embodies my transition to full adulthood. Everything felt a little off because I was missing my close friends from college. This song, and Ted Lasso, hides sadness in overwhelming joy and happiness. When I listen to this song, I can do the same.
“garanteed success” is available on Spotify, if you ever want to borrow some of my luck 🙂
