The Sound of Creativity: Josh's Favorite Songs to Get Inspired

Coming up with a number of songs and/or albums that inspire me creatively was a bigger challenge than I thought it would be. It's actually kind of a tough question, as it really depends on the headspace I'm in and the transition I need to make to get things right in my noodle. I think, in this regard, I'm not alone. But, if you look at it as a series of steps and follow the steps I list below, you'll go from creative zero to creative hero in no time.

1. Calm your ass down - “Here's the Tender Coming” by the Unthanks

More often than not, if I need some music to screw my head on straight, it's because my brain's worrying and blasting scattershot anxiety all over my creative endeavors. In those instances, I need to mellow out and calm down, and the Unthanks are just the duo. Their music feels like you're gliding through a gentle stream on a cool summer's morning. Calms me down every time. 

2. Get the juices flowing - “Rumours” by Fleetwood Mac (plus “Landslide,” duh)

By now the intrusive thoughts get tamped down, and I need to go with the flow and keep in the groove to get the creative work done. That’s exactly why I need Stevie and Co. 

3. Keep the party going, dancing queens! - “ABBA” (specifically "Mamma Mia," "Take a Chance on Me," and "Lay Your Love on Me")

You can bust my chops on this all you want, next on deck is ABBA. Those weird Swedes have created earworms that eat their way through the negative thoughts in your head. It's abso-fucking-lutely ridiculous, but their Scandanavian sorcery will get you down the stretch every time. Beware: you might turn into a disco robot, and only the ancient gods can help you then. 

4. Cross the tape, win! - Moana Soundtrack

Now you're in the groove. You need to keep the endorphins going and finish strong! You need the Moana soundtrack. You start peppy and cutesy with "You're Welcome" and "Shiny" and build your creative momentum up and through "We Know the Way," "How Far I'll go," and “And Where you Are." You will be exultant, basking your creative victory!

5. Celebrate! - "True Survivor" by David Hasselhof

You did it, you beautiful bastard. Now,you need ONE song to fully encapsulate your victory. Cut to - and I shit you not -  David Hasselhof. Skeptical? Listen, you'll thank me. 

6. Cool down - “Blues Classics” by Robert Johnson/Muddy Waters. 

You've done it! You've guided yourself musically through a journey from anxiety to victory! Now, your body is swamped with adrenaline. You need to calm down before your heart explodes. You need the metaphorical post-coital smoke. That's when you have a cocktail and turn to the blues. 

7. Pass the fuck out - “Rain Dogs” by Tom Waits

You're crashing hard. You need to ease your brain into sleepytime dreamland before you fall on your face. Tom Will get you there.