It feels like the sort of thing that one knows intuitively;  that music and memory are inextricably linked.  Finding out that there is a whole slew of science (Google search) that supports this is intensely gratifying, in the same way I imagine that someone who stumbles on a hastily put together recipe for quick delicious food must feel if that recipe ends up being celebrated by what I suppose is the more discerning palate of a Gordon Ramsey or a Jamie Oliver. Time and time again when I reflect on a song from yesteryear, I find that the where, who, what and when are indistinguishable from the song of the time, particularly where it was a song that I had on repeat for what feels in retrospect like days on end.

It feels like I listened to a lot more music this year than I have previously – a feeling backed up by my Instagram feed it seems. Walking and running a lot more this year than I have previously has helped, seeing as my trusty phone is a constant companion on these. I might subscribe to Spotify or a similar service next year, just for the greater granularity and visibility it will bring to my listening habits.

As I reflected on the year over at Stories.ng, I found that the thing with L (which ultimately failed) and the thing with S (which I am hopeful about) featured prominently, as did wrestling with the burden of grief, my extended weekend in Vienna and the Hillsong Conference which were the highlights of my #NineFridaysOfSummer.

Looking over these songs, I found clear patterns: Songs #1 and #2 corresponded to the start of the year and the sense of fresh energy, #3 to #9 lined up with the back and forth with L and the ultimate demise of that situationship. Songs #10, 11 and 12 reflect on slowly coming around to and warming up to the thing with S, #16 a throwback to the Hillsong conference and the much anticipated release of the conference worship album. #19 was the sound track to the period in which I wrestled with the burden of grief.

Beyond the obvious things above, there are no other overarching things to glean – it is a mix of genres, styles and eras in the christian contemporary music genre. Make of them what you will.

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1. Chasing Me Down – Israel & New Breed feat Tye Tribbett
2. God’s Favour – Donald Lawrence feat Kim Burrell, Kelly Price, Karen Clark-Sheard
3. When The Rain Comes – Third Day
4. Never Too Far Gone – Jordan Felix
5. Tell Your Heart To Beat Again – Danny Gokey
6. Beloved – Tenth Avenue North
7. Speak To Me – Audio Adrenaline
8. This Too Shall Pass – Yolanda Adams
9. Shoulders – For King & Country
10. Back To The Beginning Again – Switchfoot
11. Love Is A Beautiful Thing – Group 1 Crew
12. The Best Is Yet To Come – Donald Lawrence
13. Till The Day That I Die – TobyMac
14. Mended – Matthew West
15. Resurrecting – Elevation Worship
16. What A Beautiful Name It Is – Hillsong Worship
17. The Very Next Thing – Casting Crowns
18. God Is My Refuge – Fred hammond
19. Just Cry – Mandisa
20. No Weapon – Fred Hammond
21. We’re Blessed – Fred Hammond and Radical for Christ
22. O Come To The Altar – Elevation Worship
23. Shouting Grounds – Crowder