If you’re feeling a little frazzled by the news or the weather these days and could use some rest and rejuvenation, seek out the world of music.
Here are a few soothing music selections to bring some comfort and calm into your world.
Sometimes sad is soothing
Hozier – “Wasteland Baby”
Wait – didn’t “Wasteland Baby” come out a few years back?
Yes, it did. Nonetheless, the title track from Hozier’s 2019 release is a perfect choice to start off our songs-that-soothe list.
Contemplative and ethereal, even the opening chords send us consoling vibes. A love song of sorts, the arrangement really does the subject matter justice.
And “Wasteland Baby’s” sparse, acoustic instrumentation is a beautiful match for Hozier’s vocals.
Sample lyrics:
“Be still, my indelible friend
You are unbreaking,
Though quaking
Though crazy,
That’s just wasteland, baby.”
We Oregonians have a chance to catch Hozier live this year! The highly-acclaimed folk-soul-blues singer has a show coming at the Moda Center in August.
Alison Krauss – “Looks Like the End of the Road”
On days you’re feeling super down, it’s often a sad song that will finally lift you back up.
“Looks Like the End of the Road,” the newest from Alison Krauss and Union Station, certainly fits the bill. It’s taken from their upcoming “Arcadia” album, out in March.
A dreamy ballad about regret, we’ll be adding it to our playlist soon.
Have a listen:
Be on the lookout for the new album next month!
Lana Del Rey – “Summertime Sadness”
Despite the name, there’s something uplifting about this track by singer-songwriter Lana Del Rey. That may be why this haunting ballad was her first song to surpass one billion streams on Spotify, and certified Platinum in many countries.
Evoking summertime memories, this pop, trip-hop (a psychedelic fusion of hip hop and electronica) track has had real staying power.
Released in 2012, it continues to chart on Spotify as of January.
Enjoy this very dreamy soundscape!
Sunny War – “Cry Baby”
Singer-songwriter Sunny War has an exceptional new song out, “Cry Baby,” that merits your attention. It comes from her forthcoming “Armageddon in a Summer Dress” album.
Musician Valerie June collaborates with Sunny War on this outstanding track, and it’s on our playlist!
Sample lyrics:
“I hope that you stay warm
While we wait out the storm
And all of those big clouds roll on
And on and on..”
The soft-rock composition is a nice switch from her usual blues-folk-punk style. It showcases War’s vocals against a backdrop of some pretty dreamy guitar.
By the way, her unique fingerpicking style is definitely worth checking out on outstanding Sunny War LP’s like “Anarchist Gospel.”
Sunny War played live at the Hult two years ago, and was sheer delight.
Ready for more upbeat vibes…
Moving on to some tunes that offer a more upbeat vibe, here’s a few more tracks you might love.
Japanese Breakfast – “Orlando in Love”
Japanese Breakfast has a lovely new single that portends success for their upcoming album.
Titled “For Melancholy Brunettes (and Sad Women),” the new album is set to drop March 21st.
Japanese Breakfast has been on my radar for a while. It was formed in 2013 by lead singer / front woman Michelle Zauner.
Her style might best be described as Indie dream pop. I didn’t realize until recently that she hails from Eugene (and, she just appeared on Jimmy Fallon).
New track “Orlando in Love” draws heavily from the Italian poem that inspired it. We get a good taste of the plot from the video.
In short?
The orchestral arrangement of this calming Indie track – along with Zauner’s lilting vocals – make a great pairing.
James Bay – “Sunshine In The Room” (feat. Jon Batiste)
English singer-songwriter and guitarist James Bay is back with a new single we’re loving. And, we’ve added it to our playlist.
“Sunshine in the Room” is a collaboration between Bay and five-time GRAMMY® Award winner Jon Batiste.
Have a listen:
“The song is about having someone in your life who truly lights up the room as soon as they walk in,” says rock-pop-soul singer Bay.
“Sunshine” is a heart-warming track with a retro-vibe you’ll want to have on repeat to keep those blues away.
Ray La Montagne – “Step into Your Power”
It’s hard to believe, but New England singer-songwriter Ray La Montagne has been calming and fortifying us for two decades now.
From his “Long Way Home” release of last year comes a song you just might resonate with. New track “Step into Your Power” really delivers via its upbeat, soulful vibe and a vocal accompaniment from The Secret Sisters.
As usual, La Montagne’s vocals are both soothing and inspiring.
Go forth, music lovers…step into your power!
That’s a wrap!
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