5 Songs to Calm You in Chaotic Situations
We all know that this has been an indescribable time in history. If you’re anything like me, your emotions have come in waves. When in the midst of chaos, I always turn back to music to calm me down. Here are five of my top picks for soothing songs for your quarantine playlist.
- Don’t Know Why by Norah Jones
Norah Jones is the queen of coffeehouse pop playlists, and I continuously go back to her 2002 album “Come Away With Me” when I’m journaling, working and cleaning. Although the lyrics in this song are pretty dismal, Norah’s silky smooth tone against those steady guitar strings and piano keys make the track an easy listen .
2. Put Your Records On by Corinne Bailey Rae
This anthem bleeds sunshine. Corinne’s 2006 hit is perfect when you’re feeling low. Put Your Records On is definitely a music lover’s paradise, as Corinne describes the feeling of elation that comes with loving yourself and listening to your favorite song in your room.
3. I’m Yours by Jason Mraz
Jason Mraz was the soundtrack of my early middle school years. His joyful tone and the playful island vibe he brings to several of his earlier songs makes his whole discography an easy-listening must-have. I’m Yours is one of my all-time favorite Jason songs, as well as one of my favorite songs of all time. This pop splash brings you back to center as he encourages you to open your mind and remind yourself that it’s okay to be happy.
4. The Way I Am by Ingrid Michaelson
The Way I Am by Ingrid Michaelson is a perfect solution for anyone who may be in the middle of a panic. Her cooling, airy vocal touch and attention to detail in her lyrical descriptions are definitely something I circle through in darker moments. The Way I Am was so different from anything I had listened to in the early 2000s, the way that the drum beat and baseline were produced make the track immersive and calming.
5. Banana Pancakes by Jack Johnson
Sometimes you need music to completely release you from feeling, and allow you to enjoy the moment. I find this Jack Johnson track to be a perfect example of this feel-good music. Half of the time you’re not really sure what the lyrics are actually say, but that’s okay because by the end of the song, you are feeling better for some unknown reason.
I have created an entire playlist of my favorite calming tracks, so if you are interested in more, stream my playlist, Calming My Soul, on Spotify.
