Music is the perfect antidote for just about everything. We have a playlist for when we’re getting ready, cleaning, cooking, and crying. I like to think when we are going through a hard time music is the one thing we turn to for solace and distraction. At least that’s what I do. After an emotional week, I noticed the music I was playing and found it rather interesting, so I thought I’d share.
Once the crying session was over, I had to get my life. The best way for me to do that was to channel my inner rapper with tracks I know every word to. J.Cole’s Friday Night Lights mixtape was the first thing I played. It was escapism for the moment. Timothy’s Prayer by Sampha was next, on repeat. This is one of my favorite songs from 2016. Sampha has that undeniable voice where we can sing about meadows or rainbows and I’ll probably need a tissue, but the fact that this song is about lost love only brought on more waterworks. After work I came home and put on Take Care (I know, so typical). A lot of sad singing from Drake while slow slipping red wine would have anyone in their feelings.
The following morning I wanted to hear something mellow yet still meaningful so I played Jhene Aiko’s Souled Out. The album’s theme of soul-searching after previous pain features songs that are both uplifting and melancholy. While some tracks are the soundtrack for sorrow, it was W.A.Y.S, Spotless Mind, Eternal Sunshine, and Pretty Bird that served to put me in a calming space.The next day it was back to J.Cole. Although some Cole tracks can get me emotional (cue Stay, Breakdown, or Losing Balance), for the most part I’m Chenizzle, rapping my heart out to every line. In that moment I’m not sad or hurting. It works for time being. Probably not the best idea but as individuals we handle things differently.
The day after, I listened to Beyonce’s ‘4’ album. This is probably my favorite album from Bey. Not for the fact that Love on Top is one of my favorite songs by her, but because it was 4 that brought on a more open and affecting Beyonce. The album is dedicated to being in love and committing to one person. The vulnerability of songs like 1+1, I Miss You, I Care, and Start Over had me longing and reminiscing- another ill decision maybe.
The rest of the week was scattered with random playing of songs to cry to, to forget, or to elevate. It fluctuated from how I was feeling, or wanted to feel at the time. I should have made an actual playlist, but here are a few of the songs- some you can click to listen to:
Me, Myself & I- Beyonce
Walk Away From Love- Bitty Mclean
Love On The Brain-Rihanna
Your Eyes- Allen Stone
Someone New- Banks
Depth Over Distance- Ben Howard
Pretty Wings- Maxwell (& Daley’s cover)
Is It A Crime- Sade
Part II- Jay-Z & Beyonce
I’m Going Down- Mary J Blige
Love So Nice- Junior Kelly
Are You Still In Love With Me- Sanchez
Love From A Distance- Beres Hammond
Thinking About You- Frank Ocean
Peace of Mind- Lauryn Hill
Always Be My Baby- Mariah Carey
Crazy- KCI & JoJo
If after reading or listening to any of the songs on here you are picturing me like Bridget Jones in that classic opening scene, you are absolutely correct. I’m corny and dramatic that way.
It’s almost like we want to inflict more pain on ourselves with the playlist or album we listen to in times like this. But everyone needs a good cry. Despite the feeling of overwhelming heartache being heightened by each song, it in a weird way helps. I think it’s important to fully feel whatever emotions you’re experiencing to get out of that space (dare I say move on?).
SN- The music that offered a little emotional relief was some old school reggae. Beres, Sanchez, Buju, Frankie Paul, Shabba Ranks, Super Cat, and Chaka Demus. I couldn’t resist to get up and skank(that’s island for solo slow dancing) in my bedroom. Winsome & Frankie Paul’s Let’s Start Over was another favorite.
-C
PS: I stayed clear of anything Adele. One of her songs would come on shuffle and I’d immediately skip it. However I did slip up and listened to Water Under The Bridge JUST once.
2 Comments
Chenae, this post shared so much of your personality. Thoroughly enjoyed reading this! Also, thank you for sharing your playlist.. I know how selfish you can be with sharing your favs! Lol
You know I’ve been waiting on this post!
You hit the nail on the head. What we listen to will often reflect our mood.
Friday Night Lights, Souled Out, Lauryn, Frank??! This post has it all! Such a good combo of all the emotions of a breakup/heartbreak.
All that I’d add is a little Take Care -Drake (How could you forget Shot For Me???)
Looking forward to more post C!!!! Fr fr.