Modern Parenting’s Favorite Songs On World Music Day

On World Music Day, Modern Parenting shares some of their favorite songs and admittingly – it was not easy narrowing it down!

Music is a universal language. Regardless of genre, it communicates to all — something we celebrate on World Music Day. It’s also a form of expression by the singers and songwriters who lend their voices to it.

The Modern Parenting team believes that music plays a big role in the family – whether it be chilling at home, writing stories, hanging out with friends, or a date night out. To commemorate World Music Day, the team shares some of their favorite songs and we admit one thing – it was not easy narrowing it to 15!

Marga Tupaz, Editor-in-Chief

“Burn” by Usher and the recent cover by The Endorphins

Recently, it’s been on my playlist because I love the cover done by The Endorphins so much. It’s one of the songs I love singing to. I remember when Usher released the original single. We were living in LA and I only had 3 kids then. And it played in the car on repeat when I was driving — for months!

“Good Life” by Inner City

This was a popular dance song in the early 90s. I was too young to go clubbing then, but it was a hit and always played on the radio on Friday nights in Chicago. I still listen to it now because it’s a feel good song and it always improves my mood and makes me feel better on the days I feel blah.

“Dreaming of You” by Selena

This has got to be my all-time favorite love song. I saw bits and pieces of the new Selena series on Netflix and this song was played in the final episode. I was reminded of how beautiful the lyrics and the melody are.

Kevyn Gohu, Digital Writer

“Lost” by Linkin Park

It’s cathartic. Although the song came out in 2003, it only came out recently as a tribute to the late lead, Chester Bennington, as it was originally replaced in favor of “Numb.”

Linkin Park became one of the poster bands of Nu Metal because of how they combined rap and rock. Besides the synergy of Mike Shinoda, Joe Hahn, Rob Bourdon, Brad Delson, and Dave Farrell, Chester Bennington channeled his pain into his music. His voice sounded akin to a violent lament which made Linkin Park the music of choice for many people who found themselves in a dark place.

A trivia for all: Chester Bennington is a dad.

“You’re Enough” by Citizen Soldier

A band that focuses on mental health, Citizen Soldier turned the dark thoughts of those who suffered from mental disorders into lyrics. “You’re Enough” deviates from that pattern and instead comes from an encouraging perspective. It comes from the voice of someone who understands that instead of saying, “You’re perfect,” it tells people that it’s okay to be who you are because you are enough.

“Crash and Burn” by Savage Garden

I know it’s super scratched up but nothing says guilty pleasure than a love song from Savage Garden.

Janey Jimenez, Publishing Associate

“Die Hard” by Kendrick Lamar

It is a song that gives me hope to be a better person for myself and for people I have wronged in the past. Along with its semi-upbeat scoring, it also is a good pick-me-up song I listen to every morning.

“Best I Ever Had” by Drake

As an avid Drake fan, this song is known to many! Although one may not end up with their greatest love or first love, it is a good feeling to thank and honor one who has taught you how to love and taught you how you can have a good heart.

“Teenage Dream” by Katy Perry

This is the song everyone knows at every party (maybe) because it is very approachable and almost everyone can relate to it. Teenage Dream can describe a lover but also any point in your life that makes you feel like a teenager again.

Denielle Carag, Multimedia Artist

“Alonica” by LANY

Recently, I’m listening to this song titled “Alonica.” And, I realized that it’s really important to have our own safe space. “Alonica” is a place within oneself where being true to who you are is enough. In each verse, I discovered fragments of my own journey—finding inner peace and embracing one’s unique qualities; loving yourself unconditionally; and when your sparkle in life disappears, trust that you possess the strength to overcome it alone.

“Stay Awake” by All Time Low

Working towards your goals takes a lifetime, with endless ups and downs. But this song reminds you that the sun will always rise again and you can restart as many times as you need:

“Before you ask which way to go, remember where you’ve been.”
“Stay awake, get a grip, and get out.
You’re safe from the weight of the world.”

These lines remind me to don’t forget where you came from, and look how you got this far. It’s okay to feel lost, wondering what’s next. Stay awake, light up that spark!

“Top 10 Statues That Cries Blood” by Bring Me The Horizon

This song is from Post Human: Nex Gen by Bring Me the Horizon. This album is so good that a lot of today’s generation can relate.

Alexa Villano, Digital Writer

“Bakit Nga Ba Mahal Kita” by Roselle Nava and revived by Gigi de Lana (2021) and Yes My Love (2024)

Like many, I love a good romantic song and like feeling the rollercoaster of emotions while listening to it. I first heard “Bakit Nga Ba Mahal Kita” in 1994 as a kid because Roselle was one of my favorite singers. In 2021, Gigi de Lana revived it and was the theme song of her mini-serye Hello Heart with Gerald Anderson. This 2024, rising PPop group Yes My Love gave their spin on it and included it in their EP called You, Me, and Love (Yesterday’s Medley).

“Man In The Mirror” by Michael Jackson

Michael Jackson is an icon and his music lives on. While I love many of his songs, “Man in the Mirror” is among my favorites because the lyrics talk about making a change. We’ve been told change is constant and we should learn to adapt to it.

“Dulo” by VXON

Before their album 20:20 was released last January, PPop group VXON released several singles. Their single “Dulo” was written in time for their 1st anniversary. When I first heard it, I cried because I heard it at a time I was going through pain. I still listen to it when I feel lonely and it’s cathartic after.

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