Music is not just background noise but the soundtrack of our lives. It is a powerful medium of energy to pivot. One song can seize your oomph, inspire you, or shift your entire mood at any moment! Links to the playlists on Spotify are located at the bottom of the post!
The Audacious Pivot: An International 80s/90s Playlist
- “Rise Up,” – The Parachute Club (1983): The ultimate Canadian anthem for social change and personal awakening.
- “Black Velvet,” – Alannah Myles (1989): For that gritty, “I know who I am” confidence.
- “You Oughta Know,” – Alanis Morissette (1995): Because sometimes the audit requires a little bit of “spunky” rage to clear the air.
- “O Siem” – Susan Aglukark (1995): A beautiful, soaring track about tolerance and finding your place in the world.
- “I’m an Adult Now,” – The Pursuit of Happiness (1986): A tongue-in-cheek nod to finally having it (somewhat) figured out.
- “Control” – Janet Jackson (USA, 1986): The blueprint for taking charge of your own life.
- “Suddenly I see” – KT Tunstall (UK, 2004): Captures that “Aha” moment of clarity perfectly.
- “Buffalo Stance” – Neneh Cherry (Sweden, 1988): Bold, spunky, and completely unapologetic.
- “Walking on Sunshine” – Katrina and the Waves (UK/USA, 1985): For that high-momentum feeling of the “Second Spring.”
- “Bitch” – Meredith Brooks (USA, 1997): A celebration of containing multitudes.
- “Typical Girls,” – The Slits (UK, 1979/80s vibe): A punk-infused rejection of female stereotypes.
- “Dreams” – The Cranberries (Ireland, 1992): For the dreamy intuitive side of the pivot.
- “Love Myself” – Hailee Steinfeld (Modern, but fits the vibe): A modern anthem for self-sufficiency.
- “Gloria” – Laura Branigan (USA/Italian roots, 1982): High energy for when you’re ready to run toward the new you.
- “9 to 5” – Dolly Parton (USA, 1980): The classic “I’m worth more than this” anthem.
Just a Side of Rage: Playlist for Fierce Kick Assery
- “I Am the Fire” – Halestorm: A fierce determination that you don’t need a spark from someone else to burn bright.
- “You Should See Me in a Crown” – Billie Eilish: A cold, confident reminder of your own power and authority.
- “I Did Something Bad” – Taylor Swift: For that unapologetic feeling of finally doing what’s right for you, no matter how it looks.
- “Fuck You” – Lily Allen: A cheerful, “spunky” way to say a final goodbye to the voices that don’t belong in your head.
- “The World is Yours” – Arch Enemy: A heavy, soaring anthem about taking the wheel and realizing the future belongs to you.
- “Heaven’s a Lie” – Lacuna Coil: A gritty rejection of the “perfect” illusions we were told to chase.
- “Violet” – Hole: Pure 90s grit for those moments when you need to scream-clear the air.
- “I’m Not Okay (I Promise) – My Chemical Romance: The ultimate Millennial anthem for admitting the “shoulds” aren’t working – and that’s okay.
- “Ready to Go” – Republica: High-octane UK energy for when you’re standing at the starting line of your pivot.
- “Misery Business” – Paramore: Relentless pop-punk energy for when you’re ready to win your own life back.
- “Dog Days Are Over” – Florence and the Machine: A frantic, beautiful celebration of leaving the baggage behind and running toward the sun.
- “Bad Reputation” – Joan Jett: The classic 80s “Big No” to caring what society thinks of your timeline.
- “Army of Me” – Bjork: An Icelandic powerhouse track for when you need to be your own strongest soldier.
- “Not Ready To Make Nice” – The Chicks: A defiant, soulful, anthem about refusing to back down from your truth.
- “Middle Fingers” – Aston: The definitive anthem for checking out of everyone else’s expectations and finally living for yourself.
- “Equal Rights, Equal Lefts” – Otep: A powerhouse anthem for anyone finished with being polite, standing firm in their identity, and fighting for the space they deserve.
Put one of these playlists on, grab a trash bag (physically or emotionally) and start your audit!
Audacious Pivot
Just A Side of Rage
Graphic for the image by Les Taylor on Unsplash