“Take a sad song and make it better” – The Beatles
The state of our world seems quite uncertain and that can be really scary. It’s easy to sulk and give into the fear and sadness, especially when most of us are confined to our homes. Unfortunately, that is not good for you. Something that everyone seems to do is listen to sad songs when they are sad, I know I do. It is comforting to know that you are not the only one feeling that way, and music helps you see that. I am losing the remainder of my sophomore year of college and have to postpone my study abroad. This whole situation could have made me miserable. However, during this time at home, I have found myself wanting to look for the good and happy things in life to remind myself that they are still there. I have been listening to a lot of music and found myself gravitating towards more upbeat music that reminds me everything will be okay. It might not seem like it now, but we will get through this and we will all be stronger for it.
Here’s some music that makes me happy or gives me hope:
- The Lumineers
-
The Lumineers are my all time favorite band and it’s mostly because they have music for every mood. They make me cry, smile, and everything in between. My favorite (upbeat) songs include:
“Sleep On The Floor,” “Ophelia,” “Cleopatra,” “Submarines,” Subterranean Homesick Blues (Bob Dylan cover), “Holdin’ Out,” and “Gloria.”
Honestly, just listen to everything, you won’t be dissapointed.
- Hozier
-
Just like the Lumineers, Hozier is my favorite artist because he envokes every emotion from me. I saw him live and it was one of the best shows I have ever seen. His music means so much to me so it’s no surprise I have been leaning especially on him during my days at home. He is also very similar to artists like Bob Dylan were he acknowledges the platform his music gives him and actually uses it. I truly admire his work as a songwriter and activist of sorts and could not reccommed him enough. My upbeat(ish) favorites are:
“Jackie and Wilson,” “From Eden,” “Someone New,” “Almost (Sweet Music),” “Nobody,” “Would That I,” “The Bones (with Maren Morris),” and “Better Love.”
Bonus songs: “Nina Cried Power” and “Jackbook Jump” because they are not happy but given the political climate right now they are extremely important listens.
- Fleetwood Mac
-
Fleetwood Mac never fails to put me in a good mood. Along with the Lumineers, they are my other all time favorite band and I listen to them constantly. In fact, “Rumors” has barely stopped spinning on my turntable since I’ve been home. I could go on and on about upbeat songs by them but some of my favorites include:
“Monday Morning,” “Say You Love Me,” “Second Hand News,” “Dreams,” “You Make Loving Fun,” “I Don’t Want to Know,” “The Chain,” “Little Lies,” “The Ledge and Tusk.”
- The Beatles
-
I love The Beatles so much, I have “Love Me Do” tattooed on my wrist. I think it’s safe to say that they mean a lot to me so it’s understood that I have been listening to them a lot lately, especially focusing on the their lyrics. They seem to know exactly what to say and how to make you feel better. Their songs are timeless, so each one feels like it applies to your exact situation. It’s amazing. These are some that I have been loving lately, because they give me hope:
“In My Life,” “Here Comes The Sun,” “Let It Be,” “Follow the Sun,” “A Hard Day’s Night,” “All You Need Is Love,” “The Ballad of John and Yoko,” “A Day in the Life,” “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band,” “Lovely Rita” and “Hello, Goodbye.”
- Bonus Songs
-
Here are some random songs not all by the same artist that I think deserve a listen too:
“Dreams” – The Cranberries
“Fine Line” – Harry Styles
“Don’t Dream It’s Over” – Crowded House
“The Wire” – Haim
“Something That I Want” – Grace Potter
“Mariposa” – Peach Tree Rascals
“It’s Not Living (If It’s Not With You)” – The 1975
“Once in a Lifetime” – Talking Heads
“Valhalla” – Lauren Ruth Ward
“Heaven Falls / Fall on Me” – Surfaces
“It Gets Better” – Rex Orange County
Even though I fully encourage blocking out the noise for a few hours and enjoying the music, it is still important to stay informed. Each and every person has a power to help the world, imagine what we could do together. Enjoy the music, but don’t forget about the world. It really needs us.
“Living is easy with eyes closed, misunderstanding all you see” – The Beatles
HCXO, Maeve