Best, Finds | On The Run J+B

Best, Finds will return to its regularly scheduled programming, but first, there's no way I can go without sharing with you my experience at Jay Z and Beyonce's On The Run tour. Honestly, there are no words to properly express how amazing their show was and, truthfully, "show" isn't even the right word to describe what I witnessed. It felt as if I was watching a live play of their life together. Their combined body of work spans decades and their relationship together is a close second. They used their songs to tell the audience a story starting from the beginning of their relationship, touching on the hardships in between, and ending on a beautiful note, reassuring the crowd of their future together, stronger than ever.

A Band Or Artist That Has Gotten You Through Some Tough Ass Days (Write A Letter) - Day 13

Dear Lauryn Hill,

It's hard for me to write this letter to you because a large part of me feels indebted to you for getting me through those hard times and another part of me is upset with you for not getting me through even more.

The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill has, ironically, taught me so much. Your album taught me that there is absolutely nothing new under the sun. What do I mean by that? I mean the same situation that you think you're going through alone, someone out there has either experienced it before or is going through it with you. There were times where I've experienced heartbreak inflicted by love interests...and by family. Regardless of the issue, it seemed that you always had the solution.

A few years ago, I would have reached for your album for a little therapy. Give me a hot bath, that CD, and a box of tissues and I would be just fine after an hour...or two. Now, I reach for it when I'm in a good space. I don't hear the sadness in your songs anymore, rather I hear the joy and the freedom. That album is a reminder that I'm no longer in a place where I need you to console me because it seems you are the only one who understands. That album is what I reach for when I'm at peace now. Funny thing is, your album helped me get to that place and I'm grateful for that.

I have to say you spoiled me with that album. You gave so much of yourself and just took it away. If your track "To Zion" was a warning, I didn't heed it. Your joy may now be invested in raising your family, but the joy of so many others, including myself, was in your music. I'm grateful for the songs you gave me to make it through those tough days, but I'm so sad to see them go.

I miss you Lauryn and I truly wish you all the best in your revival, if you so choose.

Best,
Jordan

Part of the 30 Days of Truth Challenge.

Heart Beats | I Wasn't Ready!

 

I wasn't ready, despite knowing each album's release date, and I'm still not. So far I have listened to two of these new releases all the way through, and I'm beyond impressed. I have such high expectations for each of these artists and so far, they haven't disappointed. I hope I didn't just jinx it...but I don't think there's anything I could say to diminish the talent I expect to be exhibited in the next two albums.

If you would like me to cover a full review of each album, or just one, leave a comment or let me know on Twitter.

Heart Beats | The 20/20 Experience

So I just realized that as much as I love music, I have yet to talk about it! Music is such a huge part of my life that I literally die a little inside if I forget my headphones at home. I die. 

I figured I would share what album is currently making my heart beat and that is The 20/20 Experience by Justin Timberlake. I slept on this album for so long that thinking about the weeks I could have been enjoying this brillance makes me sick. So here's a quick, and extremely bias, review of each song.

1. Pusher Love Girl - Most relatable song to my life right now.
2. Suit & Tie - Typically the first released single isn't my favorite simply because it's everyone's else.
3. Don't Hold the Wall - Physical proof that Justin Timberlake is a freak.
4. Strawberry Bubblegum - My favorite track. I can play a billion times and be content with life.
5. Tunnel Vision - Easily my second favorite and second most played song, which is nothing to sneeze at.
6. Spaceship Coupe - Such a sweet song for you and your special someone when you need an escape together. 
7. That Girl - This has such a smooth, jazzy style that's different from every other song.
8. Let the Groove Get In - Amazing dance track with African and Latin inspired beats (currently shaking hips, by the way).
9. Mirrors - Didn't like this song initially because it sounded like a typical pop song, but it's definitely grown on me!
10. Blue Ocean Floor - Very reminiscent of a Frank Ocean or The Weeknd kind of vibe, so naturally I'm hooked.
11. Dress On - I can just imagine him singing this to Jessica Biel. So sexy and clearly personal.
12. Body Count - The second dance track on the album that reminds me why I love Timberlake/Timberland collaborations.

My point? This album is literally incredible. Every song has a completely different mood and every lyric is relevant to anyone who has ever been in love. You can tell he's in a good place and is happy in his relationship because it comes through in his music. Although I wish this album would have come much sooner, I'm grateful that it's finally here and you can really hear the growth in each track. Pick it up today and be a judge for yourself!