My perfect playlist - sunrise kayak edition

One of my favorite traditions on the lake is the early morning solo kayak:  the serenity, the tranquility, and the catharsis that it brings me as I paddle along in the dawn and watch the sunrise. It's a time to shut out all the noise of life and just sit quietly and enjoy the peacefulness and beauty of the world. I also believe that life has a soundtrack, so in the first part of a coming series, I put the earphones in and head-out for some me time.  Here is my perfect playlist that captures the essence (at least to me) of the sunrise kayak trip.

1. big country - edgar meyer

If sunrise had a theme song, this would be it.  An absolutely beautiful instrumental piece featuring Bela Flek, I don't think it's possible to listen to this song and not feel something powerful.  I never want this song to end.

Download now for $0.99 on Amazon

2. The stable song - gregory alan isakov

The Stable Song will put any trouble mind at ease, and is simply a wonderful song for some quiet reflection on the lake.  With its soft and steady melody and the mellow, yet soulful, sound of Gregory Alan Isakov, The Stable Song will soon become a go to on your playlist.  Give it a listen.

The Stable Song is only $0.99

3. Stir it up - bob marley

Without a doubt my favorite Bob Marley song.  It only takes the first three seconds to improve my mood, and the next six minutes are just a treat.  You've heard it, you love it, now sit back and let your mind wander.

Download one of the greatest albums of all time for just $7.99

4. February seven - the avett brothers

"I went on the search for something real" sings Scott Avett in this great track off "The Carpenter."  A great song to listen to while doing some introspection, I find this song is a great tune for early morning easy listening.  As you return back to the world, you'll be singing along "now I'm rested and I'm ready to begin."

Download February Seven Now!

5.  Annie - johnnyswim

A great tune, albeit also maybe a sort-of sad one lyrically, but it's got a beautiful harmony and I love it.

You'll be singing "Oh Annie" in no time.

6.  Amazing eyes - good old war

Two songs in a row about breakups???  I know.  I know.  The theme of the playlist is catharsis, though, so there you go.  I'm a sentimentalist I guess.  Fantastic song.

Amazing Eyes won't get you the song, buy it here.

7. ain't it enough - old crow medicine show

Let's right the ship with a love song from Critter and the gang.  Great lyrics, great melody, great harmony, this song sums up quite a bit of great emotions.  "Throw your arms 'round each other, and love one another, for it's only one life that we got...and ain't it enough?"  Here's an awesome live version.

"Ain't It Enough" to just listen? No, buy it now!

8. Wasting time - Nathaniel Rateliff & the nightsweats

A sunrise kayak is definitely not a waste of time, and neither is listening to this song. One of my favorites off a tremendous album, and a great addition to your library and playlist.

Don't waste any time, download it now!

9. day that i die - zak brown band ft. amos lee

Not a country music fan?  Listen to Zac Brown.  You are a country fan?  You already are listening to Zac Brown.  Point is, if you like music, they have something for you.  Zac Brown Band is an amazing group that puts on one helluva show that crosses over every genre (last year they covered Bruno Mars, Queen, Marshall Tucker Band, and Metallica all in one concert).  "Day That I Die" is a beautiful song with a nice contribution from Amos Lee that you will be singing to yourself the rest of the day, and that's a good thing!  "On the day that I die, I wanna say that I was a man who really loved and never compromised."  I agree.

Download Day That I Die (feat. Amos Lee)

10.  Hurricane song - virginia coalition

Virginia Coalition was the best band that you probably never heard of.  I have never heard a bad VACO song, and in fact, they are all excellent.  They peaked in the early 2000s when it was a lot harder to get your music out and about in the world and social media wasn't a thing, and I think if they were still around today they'd be huge.  They are amazing.  I would love to list all of their songs.  Here is one that I really like though, and it's a great end to the playlist.  Have you really been kayaking that long?

This is Him (Hurricane Song) for $0.89

Thanks for reading, hope you liked my playlist and found a couple of new groups. Leave a comment with your early morning favorites for some quiet reflection and emotional release, and send me some of your great lake sunrise shots for a feature!  
​And seriously, buy some VACO albums, they are so good...maybe we can get the band back together!