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!
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!
Graphic for the image by Les Taylor on Unsplash