There are certain songs that make you feel like your soul is about to float out of your body or that your heart is about to burst through your chest. I've compiled 10 songs that evoke those exact feelings. Avoid your work a little while longer, listen to these songs, and give your mind a rest.
1. "Follow Me" - Petit Biscuit
Follow Me is a whimsical, upbeat electronic song that meshes a variation of beats and sounds without ever getting boring. Not only is the musician Mehdi Benjelloun behind Petit Biscuit only 18 years, old but he recently released his first LP while also juggling high school (meanwhile I’m over here taking a nap after finishing only one assignment…).
2. "Reach Out" - Toulouse
When I first heard self-taught Nigerian-born artist Toulouse, I was instantly drawn in by his rich, silky voice. In Reach Out, he blends delicate violin strums and choir-like children backing in combination with his self-reflection on love. What makes this song so powerful is his meditation on the role of loving an imperfect person unconditionally while also blending the instrumental.
3. "Yes I'm Changing" - Tame Impala
“Yes I’m Changing” is a non-bitter breakup song that reflects on the start of a new beginning that comes after the loss of a lover. This psychedelic rock band continues to impress me with their spine-tingling psychedelic rock and heart-wrenching lyrics.
4. "Kusanagi" - ODESZA
If you are in need of magic during these soul-sucking times, Kusanagi will deliver just that. Although ODESZA’s recent album has gotten much-deserved attention, I still continue to return to this track. In contrast to other fast-paced dance tracks on the album, Kusanagi is a lot more slow-paced. The combination of the chimes and the entrance of the electronic keyboard and choral backing all mesh together in such a soul-transcending way that it makes my heart want to burst each time.
5. "Take Off Your Cool" - Outkast ft. Norah Jone
Outkast slows it down with their track, “Take Off Your Cool” which features Norah Jones’s soothing voice. Most of the song is guitar strumming and meshes wonderfully with the entrance of their soft voices.
6. "Dreams" - Nuages
“Dreams” is a quote from Alan Watts and Get lost in the ethereal instrumental of this track and contemplate reality with the snippet of Alan Watt’s lecture on dreams. “What you are basically, deep deep down, far, far in, is simply, the fabric and structure of existence itself.”
7. "Two Fish and an Elephant" - Khruangbin
Khruangbin, a Texas trio, creates music inspired by Thai funk from the 60s and 70s and also blends surf rock and soul. “Two Fish and an Elephant,” is so mellow and will have you daydreaming about summertime and carefree living.
8. "Patience" - The Lumineers
Patience is the only instrumental track on The Lumineers recent new album, “Cleopatra,” and is a little over a minute long but will leave you wanting more. It stands alone from the rest of the album but evokes so much emotion in a short, simple piano piece.
9. "Baby" - Ariel Pink
Ariel Pink’s dreamy 2012 cover of Joe and Donnie Emerson’s “Baby” is reminiscent of a hazy summer day. I recommend watching the music video and getting lost in the fragmented scenes of the ocean and crimson sunset. This lost gem will have you wishing you were at the beach.
10. "A Deeper Understanding" - The War on Drugs
I can’t stop listening to The War on Drugs new album, “A Deeper Understanding” since it came out in August. This album is probably the best rock album that has been made in years. Adam Granduciel, the artist behind this work of art talks about love and loss and sadness yet the songs have a therapeutic way of expanding your heart and soul. I have listened to this album from beginning to end multiple times and each time I cry. I recommend listening to this album while driving down the highway during golden hour
