Let the Music Move You - A song playlist from Naupaka Blooming

Music plays a big part in my life and I bet in your life too. My favorite music is the synth-pop of the seventies and eighties, mostly because I was an angst ridden teenager in the eighties and I can still clearly remember all the big feelings I had back then whenever I hear certain songs from that era. Tears for Fears, Everybody Wants to Rule the World makes me exceedingly happy for some reason. Maybe because I actually thought I could rule the world one day! On the other hand, Somebody by Depeche Mode makes me want to cry every time I hear it!

Music played a big part in the creation of my first novel too. I was living in Hawaii at the time so certain Hawaiian music is briefly mentioned here and there. My favorite Hawaiian musician is Israel "Iz" Kamakawiwo'ole, also called Bruddah Iz (Brother Iz). His medley of Somewhere over the Rainbow is breathtakingly, heartrendingly beautiful. Every time I hear it I get goosebumps and chills and my eyes start watering. Wow. If you've never heard it you may have been living under a rock because its been featured in several movies and a couple TV commercials. Check it out. The whole album is amazing. That man had an amazing voice. In my novel, I have Fred sing the song at his birthday luau.

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Another Hawaiian song I mention in my novel is I Am Queen by Lilo De Lima of Kapena. This song will get you all fired up! Her voice is beautiful! Check out the YouTube video of her singing the acoustic version below:

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Another song that my main character Liz is heavily influenced by at a low point in her life is Into the Ocean by Blue October. This is a hauntingly beautiful song that I used to listen to over and over again at a low point in my life (which is why I gave it to Liz!). I've followed Blue October over the years and they remain one of my favorite bands, but Into the Ocean will forever be my favorite of theirs.

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Saved the best for last - Could You Be Loved by Bob Marley. Liz hears it at the Halloween street party in my novel. This song reminds me of what it was like to live in Hawaii for seven years - AWESOME! I used to drive around the island sightseeing and playing this song full blast as I sang along. Good times. Ahhhhh....

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What type of music do you prefer? Are there certain songs that bring a tear to your eye or get you all fired up and ready to go? Comment below!

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