My friends, relatives and I are depressed. The world is going to hell in a handbasket. The government shutdown is the longest in history. Flights are cancelled. Inflation is rising. The country is even more polarized. What to do?
In addition to taking active steps to promote positive change, music can lighten your mood and soothe your troubled soul. It can bring peace, solace, and hope for a better tomorrow. Here is my suggested playlist to make the clouds go away.
Four Seasons, Vivaldi—a beautiful painting of nature in sound
Somewhere Over the Rainbow, Harlen—where troubles melt like lemon drops away above the chimney tops
Ode to Joy, Beethoven—a celebration of freedom, joy, and hope for the future
Mary’s Place, Springsteen—After 911, Springsteen wanted one happy song on his album. This is it.
I Got Rhythm, Gershwin—daisies in green pastures—who could ask for anything more?
Who Believes in Angels? John/Carlile—even the diamonds look like rocks to the untrained eye
Piano Trio No. 4 in E Major, Mozart—the crowning glory of Mozart’s work in this genre
Here Comes the Sun, Beatles–the smiles returning to their faces
Happy Days are Here Again, Ager—campaign song for FDR. Best version song by Judy Garland and Barbara Streisand
Piano Concerto in A Minor, Grieg—captivating, lyrical, and exuberant!
The Entertainer, Scott Joplin—ragtime at its best
Carmen Overture, Bizet—over-the-top brilliant melodies, harmonies, and orchestration
You’ve Got a Friend, Carol King–I will be there to brighten up even your darkest night
My Funny Valentine, Rodgers and Hart—you make me smile with my heart
Sittin’ on the Dock of the Bay, Otis Redding—watching the ships roll in
Singin in the Rain, Brown, sung by Gene Kelly—the sun’s in my heart and I’m ready for love
Plato once wrote, “Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and life to everything.” Amen.
Dear readers, I would love for you to share the music that soothes your souls.
Maria Grant, formerly principal-in-charge of the federal human capital practice of an international consulting firm, now focuses on writing, reading, music, and nature.
laura oz says
Happy by Pharrell Williams, Spongebob Squarepants theme song, and many of the Traveling Wilburys songs
Maria Grant says
Laura, thanks for writing. Great suggestions to add to my playlist!
Keith Cary says
(What A) Wonderful World, Sam Cooke,
If I Had A Boat, Lyle Lovett,
Good Times, Sam Cooke,
Bring It On Home To Me, Sam Cooke,
Carly’s Song, David Sanborn,
Push of the World, David Lynn Grimes,
Love of the Century (Live Version), by the Kansas City band, The Elders,
Heading For The Light, Traveling Wilburys,
Maria Grant says
Keith, a great list! Thanks. I am unfamiliar with a few of them and look forward to listening to them all.
Melissa Cona says
Maria, thanks for the reminder of the power of music. Thanks to you, I will certainly be turning to my “Cheer Up!” playlist. Here are some of my favorites: A Sky Full of Stars, Coldplay; Everywhere, Fleetwood Mac; As it Was, Harry Styles; The River of Dreams, Billy Joel; Wouldn’t It Be Nice, The Beach Boys; Shake It Off, Taylor Swift; Baba O’Riley, The Who; Save It For Later, Eddie Vedder; You Need Me, Nathaniel Rateliff.
Maria Grant says
Melissa, another great list thanks. And also some new tunes for me to check out. Look forward to it!
Susie Marlow says
RLove this topic and the songs you’ve listed.
Not a single song but an album – Graceland by Paul Simon. It always lifts my spirits. Think it’s the mix of the joyful music and the memories I have of listening to the album on repeat with my family.
Something more contemporary is the song Golden from the movie KPop Demon Hunters. My kids and I love listening to it and singing along. There’s no way you aren’t upbeat after listening to that song.
Maria Grant says
Susie, I agree with you about Graceland. It’s pure magic. I’m not familiar with Golden. Can’t wait to check it out. Thanks for writing.
Peter Pacheco says
When I’m not in a great mood, I often turn to Glenn Gould playing Bach. For me one of the best mood-improvers is the Prelude to the 4th English Suite: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-b75W1cXf0s
Maria Grant says
Peter,
Thanks. What a fantastic suggestion. Much appreciated!
Cassie Johnson says
Yes, Maria! Music. Here’s my contribution–Happy, Pharrell Williams (even better watching the video!)
Maria Grant says
Cassie, the video is a great idea. I’m on it!
Deirdre LaMotte says
Great playlist! Add Frank Sinatra, any Basa Nova, Elle Fitzgerald, Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes (Teddy Pendergrass) and Dusty Springfield. These will ease one’s pain!
,
Maria Grant says
Deirdre, all great ideas! Thanks a lot.
Britta Anderson says
Some of my favorite pieces:
Bob Marley & The Wailers – “Three Little Birds”
“Nessun Dorma” Aria – from Puccini’s Turandot;
Oscar Peterson – “Hymn to Freedom”
“Our House” — Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
Grateful Dead – “Terrapin Station”
Maria Grant says
Britta, what wonderful additions. I need to listen to all these. Some I am not familiar with. Thanks for writing.
Robert Rietz says
Bright Side of the Road by Van Morrison -From the dark end of the street To the bright side of the road
Maria Grant says
Bob, thanks so much for this great addition!
Nancy Rietz says
“I hope you dance“ by Lee Ann Womack. My Mother gave me a CD of the song before she died with a card that said “Because you danced, Nancy.” Tearing up happy tears as I post!
Maria Grant says
Nancy, what a beautiful comment! Your mom sounds amazing. I love that song. Thank you for writing.