Chess Music: Part Two

In the last column we talked about designing your chess playlist. You should use songs that uplift you, give you inner peace, and just have a power you may not comprehend fully.

Lionel Richie – Easy: If this man were a chess piece he’d be the king. Seriously, he called himself a Commodore and that title hadn’t been used for about a century. Nobody even bothered to call him on it. Relaxed, confident, and cool if this guy had less melody he could still be a remarkable chess player. The French call it sangfroid, but anyone’s chess benefits from a little bit more swagger.

“I’ve paid my dues to make it. Everyone wants me to be what they want me to be. I’m not happy when I try to fake it. That’s why I’m easy, easy like Sunday Morning.”

The Macho Man Randy Savage – Entrance Theme: The late Macho Man was an epic showman among epic showmen. Every time he went up to the top rope to drop an elbow you knew it was ridiculous. It did however expand your sense of possibilities. For just a second that combination that you’re putting together doesn’t look so outlandish when you think about a huge man wearing tights fighting another man dressed the same way. Take a chance with your game!

4 Non Blondes – What’s up: This song, from way back in 1992, combines expressive guitar rifts, impressive vocal range, and a positively addictive chorus. “I wake in the morning and I step outside and I take a deep breath and I get real **** ” should probably not just be your mantra for chess but for life in general. It’s difficult to get up that “great big hill of hope,” and it helps to have a tune while making the climb!

Jessie J – Price Tag: It’s not about the money. When you’re in prize contention it’s easy to play for results instead of the process. This is the easiest way to drift out of your game. Stay within yourself and love what you do! Also, I do know music from within the last two decades 🙂

Jay Z – Brush your Shoulders Off: This song made the Black Album. There is just so much here it’s impossible to know where to begin. You know you can handle anything when listening to it. It narrowly beats out “A Country Boy will Survive,” because Jay Z’s masterpiece is so widely applicable. Whoever you are and wherever you live this rags-to-riches story will mean something to you. It’s iconic, and it’s the perfect play when you’ve got a nice comfortable advantage and are trying to increase the pressure.

Honorable Mention goes to Rick Astley’s Never Gonna you Up (My rook).

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