I read somewhere that some music needs to be felt not heard. I wish I knew who said it or where I heard it to give credit because I feel the same way, I just didn’t know how to say it. Good music is a religious experience. The world drops dead as you higher your volume, the pain melts away, and you are transported to a different dimension.
I’ve always used music as a form of healing and dealing with my debilitating mental illness. I never clicked with any tips or tricks recommended by therapists. Music never let me down. I’m the type of person, when depressed, that other- so called- depressing things don’t make me feel worse. In a strange way, I don’t feel as alone because somewhere out there someone else felt or feels pain too.
Anyway, according to music therapist good songs to listen to have the same beat as a resting heart rate (~60-80 bpm). I’m not sure these songs follow that pattern, but they help me & I hope they can help other people. Honestly, this list could go on forever, so I tried to narrow it down-probably doesn’t look like it, ha. Picking your favorite songs is like picking your favorite child.
*note // means multiple songs by the same artist
Songs:
Ocean Eyes by Billie Eilish. Seriously, if you haven’t listened to her, please do yourself a favor and check her out.
The Wolves // Perth // Holocene by Bon Iver. * if you’re a visual person, check out Holocene music video
From the Dining Table by Harry Styles
Breathe me by Sia
From Afar // Emmylou by Vance Joy
Clementine by Sarah Jaffe
Silk by Giselle. *amazing string section
I Found by Amber Run. *Mahogany Sessions is my favorite version
Cosmic Love by Florence and the Machine * Live at KEXP version is my favorite
Wait by M83
Dreams // Landslide by Fleetwood Mac
Dust to Dust by the Civil Wars. Man, I miss them so much.
All I Want by Kodaline. *RTE orchestra version is my favorite.
Silhouette by Of Monsters and Men
Hear Your Heart by James Bay
Blue Ocean Floor by Justin Timberlake
Untitled by Matt Corby *Mahogany session is my favorite version.
White Blank Page // Timshel by Mumford and Sons *these song got me through a really dark time.
River by Leon Bridge
Rain by City and Colour
This Feeling by Alabama Shakes
Winter Song by Ingrid Michaelson & Sara Bareilles
No Need to Worry by Ryan O'Shaughnessy
Work Song by Hozier
Orchestra/ score:
Fly by Ludovico Einaudi. He is an incredible pianist. I listen to his album, Divenire, all the time especially if I need to focus and regulate my breathing.
Fragile N. 4 & Opus 55 by Dustin O’Halloran.
Arrival of the Birds by The Cinematic Orchestra.
Artists, who have so many amazing songs, I couldn’t narrow it down:
Daughter. I’ve loved them for years, but I’ve been listening to them like crazy this past month. Elena’s lyrics are heartbreaking and raw. It’s incredible to think 3 people make up the band to create their sound.
Alice Kristiansen. She does the most INCREDIBLE covers on youtube as well as her original songs. Her voice is so calming, she’s super talented, and she has soft lighting!
