Have you ever gotten goosebumps the first time you heard a song? I’m talking within the opening 30 to 60 seconds of the song. Like, you know right away that it’s a song that speaks to you. Something about it strikes you instantly whether it’s the chords, the emotion it evokes, or the lyrics. You look up the artist, download it, and frantically listen to the rest of their discography. Well, this is me, chasing music goosebumps every day.

GO-TO GOOSEBUMPS SONGS

I’m sure you’ve heard a song that has given you goosebumps upon first listen. Immediately you want to learn all of the words and scream it from the top of your lungs and share it with everyone you know. Some of these songs can evoke the same feeling no matter how many times you listen to them. My all-time “music goosebumps” songs include “Robbers,” by The 1975, “Konstantine,” by Something Corporate, “Thunder,” by Boys Like Girls, “Give Me Love,” by Ed Sheeran, “Out of the Woods,” by Taylor Swift, and “Your Own Disaster” by Taking Back Sunday. What about you?

THE MUSIC GOOSEBUMPS TEST

As I listen to new artists and new songs, I always try to find music that captures that same feeling. You might be listening to the radio or a new album when suddenly a track pops up and speaks to you more than the others. Or, you can throw on a random playlist and WHAM! (not the band), one catches you by surprise, and you are spiraling down the rabbit hole of discovering a new artist. Something about that song made you stop and take a minute to look up the artist, download it, or add it to your library.

MY RECENT GOOSEBUMPS PICKS

This time of the year is always the best time to discover music for me as a teacher. I have more time over the summer to pay attention to and to listen to new artists. Here are a couple of recent tracks that I looooved on first listen that fell into the music goosebumps category. You can check out all of the artists on their Spotify pages linked below.

Nothing to Say by Wilmah

Let me tell you about this song! It’s perfect if you are into early 2000’s pop/punk (TBS, Brand New, All Time Low) meets The 1975 and LANY. However, it’s the deep cut; it’s the emo ballad-like song of those albums. OMG, it’s so good you might cry. Lyrics, boys, yes! I’m listening to it now, and I need to stop fangirling. Just check them out.

Time by Angelo De Augustine

This whole album is a gem. He has a Bon Iver vibe on this song, but the lyrics and storytelling are reminiscent of Van Morrison. This song has a childlike vibe and will make you feel nostalgic even if you have never heard it. The songwriting is stunning, “I’ll keep on lovin’, someday she’ll love me, I’ll love you for free…” I immediately listened to the entire album and bought it on vinyl.

After Rain by Dermot Kennedy

Not recent but this might be up there with one of the best songs I have ever heard live. He’s even better in person. This song has so much emotion and conviction. The song builds and builds. I don’t think he or anyone in the crowd takes a breath when it gets to the last verse. Then everyone sings back, “You won’t go lonely, yeah.” You may cry again. Check out his new tracks “Lost” & “Outnumbered” as well.

Wild by The Japanese House

Amber is amaaazing. Thanks, Dirty Hit for spoiling us with the best artists. This song will give you “Still” (2015) vibes, and I love it! Upon first listen on BBC Radio 1, (thanks Zane Lowe), she reminded me so much of Imogen Heap. I didn’t know I had been missing that vibe in my life since first hearing “Hide and Seek” (2005). Amber is a remarkable lyricist and also produces her tracks alongside George Daniel of The 1975. So much talent!

Better Luck Next Time by Kelsea Ballerini

This song was written by Darius Coleman and featured on the new NBC series Songland. If you are into songwriting and lyrics, check this show out. Kelsea Ballerini fell in love with this song on the show, and her recorded version of it sounds soooo good. It’s a perfect breakup track. Darius also has his own thing going on and just released a new single “High of U.”

Sanctuary by Joji

Immediate goosebumps! What is this, and where did it come from!? Go. Listen. Now. “Cause I’ve been aiming for heaven above but an angel ain’t what I need.” *Plays it on repeat for the entire month & memorizes all of the lyrics.*

Resolution by SAFIA

This song has a similar vibe to “Sanctuary” but reminds me more of Years & Years or Mansionair. These last two tracks are from Billie Eilish’s “Left Front” playlist. So, thanks, Billie, and now cue the gospel choir.

THE PLAYLIST

So, it’s safe to say that I’ve yelled enough about some new favorite songs and it’s time to give it all a listen. Check out the ‘Forever Goosebumps’ playlist below to experience it for yourself. Not your jams? Make your own goosebumps playlist and start adding those new tunes.

What are some of your go-to music goosebumps songs? Anything new that I NEED to listen to right now?