It is the month of reflection, and I have been realising recently what incredible power sound and music have. As we listen, we are able to recall certain times in our lives when these songs seemed to be always in the background. I began to wonder, what songs will I associate with 2013 in the future? Not nessicarily what is my most played, but what takes me back to specific experiences that I have had this year. After much reflection, I  have managed to narrow down my 2013 to around 5 songs.

Girls’ Generation- I Got A Boy

This song was released on the 1st of January this year, so it is fitting that I would have to call it my ‘Song of the Year.’ If I was to choose one song that reminds me of 2013, it is this one. Having the most play counts for this year, as well as on my itunes library as a whole, I was listening to this all year, so it is somewhat challenging to choose one particular memory for this one. Regardless, I still strongly associate 2013 with this song, it not only being the background music through my experiences, but it impacted aspects of myself as well. Fun, vibrant and girly, I Got A Boy coloured my year.

Girls’ Generation TTS- Goodbye, Hello

Released in early 2012 on the ‘Twinkle‘ EP, I didn’t give this song too much attention until this year, where I would listen to it together with ‘Romantic st‘ and ‘Baby Maybe,’ two songs that also share the light and carefree feel of this song. These three tunes have the strongest memories associated with them out of all of the songs on this list, because when I listen to them, I am immediately transported back to my first semester of University. It reminds me of warm weather, newly found independence and discovery. I had to adjust to many new situations and environments this year, but I listened to these songs a lot to remind me that although this is all new and somewhat daunting, it will be okay, and to just stay positive and keep smiling.

MFBTY- Sweet Dream

I listened to this song a lot when the weather began cooling down, and it is particularly memorable for that time of my year. I had more or less settled into uni and had a grasp of what was required of me. Throughout the whole year I have put most of my effort into doing well in my classes, and I remember it was around this time when I was taking more initiative and being happy going outside of my comfort zone. My first few media projects for my writing and editing classes were around this time, so I also think of creativity and independence when I hear this song.

U-Kiss- Standing Still

Though my love affair with this song was shorter lived than the previous songs on this list, I distinctly remember listening to this a lot when walking home from uni in those last few weeks. The weather was barely warming up, it was windy, and usually quite dark as in second semester, I scheduled all of my classes for the late afternoon. By the time I got home it was usually dark, but I liked this time of year. I was accomplished, but still quite busy, my timetable suited me perfectly, and I loved the contrast of the cold air with the orange sunsets as I walked home. To top it off I listened to this song as I walked home from my last day at uni for the year, so I think of it fondly.

G-dragon- Crooked

It wasn’t until a few listens that I realised this is one of the best I have heard all year. This song really makes me feel that I am on holidays, but I particularly associate the song with this summer because it also reminds me of my independence and ambition. Last summer, although I had finished high-school, I still felt somewhat held back. And although I still have a long way to go until I reach independence, this song reminds me of these past two months, where I have felt more empowered and know that I can start being more ambitious and independent. An honorable mention for this time of year would also be the Red Hot Chili Peppers- By The Way, as I have been listening to them both a lot at this time.

There are so many other great songs that I have loved this year, but if I were to associate specific songs with my 2013, it would be this collection.