Music has helped me get through plenty of bad moments and by now I have quite the playlist of songs that I can put on whenever I’m feeling out of sorts. Whether I’m feeling sad, tired, stressed or am simply in the mood for some music that makes me feel good, there’s always a song to fit that mood. I have 1o songs I’d like to share with you today, that have helped me along the way.
London Grammar – If You Wait
Last year, around this time of year, I would listen to a lot of London Grammar after I’d come home from work. The entire album soothed me, but this song in particular had a relaxing effect on me. I play this and for just over 4 minutes I don’t have to think of anything.
Weissenberg – Debussy, Clair de lune
Quite possibly the best rendition of Clair de Lune is this all piano version. There is something fragile and beautiful about this version that I just love. After a long day, or while still among the hustle and bustle of the day while I’m on a train, this song instantly transports me to a place far away from reality.
Florence + The Machine – Heavy In Your Arms
One of my favorite songs by Florence & The Machine is this one from the Twilight: Eclipse soundtrack. It’s a tad dark and sinister but almost all her songs are. I love playing this on repeat and just block out the world.
Jungle – Busy Earnin’
This is the ‘life sucks and I need a pick me up song’. Chilled, funky and still fun. This is something to dance to in your room and just don’t give a damn about the world.
James Vincent McMorrow – Ghosts
You know how you sometimes feel like no one notices you? Like you’re a ghost and everything just passes you by? Maybe you can give this a listen. Despite it being quite sad, it also is hopeful. To me this says: every cloud has a silver lining.
Backstreet Boys – Something That I Already Know
There is no better music to let all those emotions go than a sappy heartfelt pop/ rock ballad. And who does them better than good ole Backstreet. I remember a few years ago when things weren’t going to well, that I’d just play this and cry buckets. Just letting it all go.
Remember Me Soundtrack – Remember Me
I love listening to piano music when I’m not doing too well. Like Clair de Lune, this piece of music always manages to take me to a different place when I need it.
Sia – Death by Chocolate
Sia has some great music and I’ve been listening to her stuff for years. One of her older albums contains this song and I’ve always loved it. In more recent times, this songs has become to gain a lot of meaning for me. “Hey, it’s okay, you can feel bad, you can sulk, and things will eventually be okay”. And sometimes you just need someone saying that it’s okay to feel bad.
UNKLE – With You In My Head (feat. The Black Angels)
Another pretty dark song. I do not tend to listen to the happiest music when I’m feeling down and out as you can tell by now. I used to listen to this song on repeat for months. And that’s a rare thing for me. As a result this song is ingrained in my brain and always an easy choice to go for whenever things aren’t looking up.
Ólafur Arnalds – Broken (Broadchurch OST)
Finally a song which again has the capability to transport me to some place far away from reality. This piece simply wraps itself around you. Like a warm and protective cocoon.
What do you listen to when you feel bad?