Here are the CDs that have been soundtracking my drives for the past couple of months — AKA the songs of my in-betweens. 
Troye Sivan “Something to Give Each Other”
When to Listen: When longing and love, curiosity and chemistry, seem like arbitrary distinctions — whatever it is, isn’t it enough just to know how it flutters through the stomach, how it blankets the mind? 
Feels Like: A release of tension, a softening of the gaze. A sudden bloom of new energy.
Favorite Lyrics: “I’m right on top of this groove / But, God, I wish it was you” (“What’s the Time Where You Are?”)
From the Artist: “You know, when you’re cuddled up to someone that you met a few hours prior and you’re really enjoying that moment, that’s not fake. It’s just different. And I got such joy and such a pleasure out of these quick encounters that can totally, totally fulfill you. So that’s ultimately where the album title came into it, was me realizing that everyone has something to offer each other, and something to give each other” (NPR).
When to Listen: When love feels like a little bird that landed on your shoulder (Where did it come from? How long will it stay? Never mind, just catch your breath and welcome this precious visitor).
Feels Like: Turning towards a starry sky, noticing the constellations that someone once taught you how to see.
Favorite Lyrics: “‘Still believe in magic?’ / Of course I do” (“Magic”)
From the Artist: “The way I would describe ‘Ghost Stories’ is the journey of going through a challenge or an ordeal to come out a little bit stronger and happier at the end. Not as a toolkit for that but just as a way of accepting that something crazy is happening whether its a loss or a challenge or something business, whatever it might be. Not letting it break you but letting it make you” (Coldplaying).
When to Listen: When that saying about how “life is short” doesn’t quite ring true — when it feels like the longest thing you could imagine; a slow, surprising journey that demands your entire heart.
Feels Like: Swimming, through even the biggest waves of feeling (or, standing still in the stream, letting it swirl and rush around you).
Favorite Lyrics: “He’s the warmest chord I ever heard” (“My Old Man”)
From the Artist: “Like all of my albums, ‘Blue’ came out of the chute with a whimper… The initial response I got was critical, mostly from the male singer-songwriters. It was kind of like Dylan going electric. They were afraid. Is this contagious? Do we all have to get this honest now?” (Los Angeles Times).
When to Listen: On your way to the function, best friend in the passenger seat, music too loud. Alone in your room, dancing in the mirror, up too late.
Feels Like: Celebration, sanctuary, spotlight.
Favorite Lyrics: “Masterpiece, genius / Drip intravenous” (“Alien Superstar”)
From the Artist: “Creating this album allowed me a place to dream and to find escape during a scary time for the world. It allowed me to feel free and adventurous in a time when little else was moving. My intention was to create a safe place, a place without judgment. A place to be free of perfectionism and overthinking. A place to scream, release, feel freedom” (CNN).
When to Listen: Under a new moon (the end of a phase; the start of a new cycle). When you need help letting go.
Feels Like: Blocking a number you know by heart. Moving on, without getting over.
Favorite Lyrics: “Trying to free my mind before the end of the world” (“Good Days”)
From the Artist: “I think this album was partially inspired by love lost, but mostly inspired by my departure from attempting to be a nice girl. I’ve tried to be a nice girl for so long and it’s just not who I am, inherently. And I think I’ve done nice things and I am a kind person, but I’m not a nice girl. And that’s okay. And I think coming to terms with that and really expanding upon that and exploring that is kind of like this new chapter in my life” (Rolling Stone).
When to Listen: When you’re not in love so much as you are lovesick. When you’re not particularly interested in finding a cure.
Feels Like: Being sad at the beach. At least it’s beautiful here! At least you can melt with your feelings, instead of freezing them in.
Favorite Lyrics: “If it brings me to my knees / It’s a bad religion” (“Bad Religion”)
From the Artist: “By the time I realized I was in love, it was malignant. It was hopeless. There was no escaping, no negotiating with the feeling. No choice.” (Tumblr).
