When I was in eighth grade, I read this novel by Stephen Chbosky called The Perks of Being a Wallflower, and it has since become my favorite book. I mean, it made me cry, and I even used a line from it as my senior quote.That’s how moving it was. The movie was phenomenal too.

There’s a lot about the story that I love, but there is one particular scene/moment that really resonates with me, mainly because it corresponds with personal growth and friendship.

After what started out as a lackluster homecoming night, the main character, Charlie, drives through a tunnel with his friends, and his crush, Sam, sticks her head out of the sun roof. As music plays and the windows are rolled down, Sam extends her arms like she’s flying (Titanic style). Charlie remarks that this moment makes him feel “infinite.” I’m not exactly sure what feeling infinite means (it probably has a different meaning to everyone),but I think I have a general idea. Or at least, I know what it means to me.

When we got out of the tunnel, Sam screamed this really funny scream, and there it was. Downtown. Lights on buildings and everything makes you wonder. Sam sat down and started laughing. Patrick started laughing. I started laughing. And in that moment, I swear we were infinite.

I’ve had moments with my friends (and without them) in which I’ve felt so light and free, as if I was on top of the world. I just felt good-like everything was right in the universe, and nothing could bring me down. I’m sure you’ve known the feeling at least once. If not, think about a time in which you had an epic night and you just felt euphoric about it. Think about a time or moment you never want to forget. Think about the time you did something crazy, trekked a mountain and made it to the top, went zip lining through a forest, or just chilled with your friends listening to music. Think about the time you’ll tell your kids or your grandkids about. Those moments, good times, and memories you never want to lose, I think, are the essence of what it means to feel infinite.

Music is a big part of Perks, as Charlie often references songs that he enjoys or is seen making mixtapes for his friends. Most of these songs are oldies since the novel takes place in the ’90s. Music is a big part of my life, and it has the capacity to really make one “feel all the feels,” so down below are ten songs that evoke this feeling in me, even when I’m not doing anything particularly interesting. When I listen to these tracks, they make me want to go out and do something awesome to chase the feeling, or they bring back memories in which the feeling was there organically.

“Ribs”-Lorde

“Sweet Disposition”-The Temper Trap

“Chocolate”-The 1975

“Young Blood”-The Naked and Famous

“Intro”-the xx

“Young Folks”-Peter Bjorn and John

“You Are A Tourist”-Death Cab For Cutie

“Daydreaming”-Paramore

“Clocks”-Coldplay

“Heroes”-David Bowie

Tomorrow is Friday, so cheers to the weekend!

Thanks for reading,

Couturely Sound