Every now and then I have one of those days where everything feels like it's falling apart and the only thing I can seek solace in is music. Coping with this entails sad music whether it's the lyrics, the melancholy melodies that evoke the tears, and the eventual peace of mind. While I do truly love listening to music, I truly enjoy sharing my recommendations with others. Here are my top 5 songs for those sad days.
“Litost is a state of torment created by the sudden sight of one’s own misery,”
- The Book of Laughter and Forgetting by Milan Kundera.
While this song may not be everyone's cup of tea, every time I listen to Litost a strange serenity washes over me. There is something so incredibly beautiful about the song with its haunting instrumentals, and vibrant imagery that comes from the lyrics. More than that, it is a gentle reminder that the past is the past and the future holds so many better days.
2. Duet - Penny & Sparrow (ft. Stephanie Briggs)
"Because I've seen you, and I know you, and I'm not going anywhere"
Duet is a reminder that you're not alone and there's somebody out there that will always be by your side, whether physically or mentally. I personally find this a wonderful song to listen to when I feel alone and isolated. The beauty of the lyrics and how well their voices and instrumentals compliment the lyrics have the ability to change my mood from horrible to at peace with life.
3. The Sound of Silence - Disturbed
This is definitely a very different take on Simon and Garfunkel's The Sound of Silence, but there is something incredibly haunting about it that makes it a perfect listen when I am in one of those moods. It is definitely a song that helps me fall asleep through its melancholy vocals and gorgeous instrumentals.
"Sirens and smoke remind us, maybe the world won't find us"
James Bay's voice is incredibly beautiful. While I genuinely enjoy each and every one of his songs, Stealing Cars, is my all time favorite. It is one of those songs I love to put on when I'm upset and feel trapped because it reminds me that I am still free and it will all be okay.
5. I Can't Make You Love Me/ Nick of Time - Bon Iver
There is just something about Bon Iver that instantaneously puts me in a great mood no matter how I feel on an given day. Justin Vernon's voice puts me at ease in any situation. This cover of Bonnie Raitt's, I Can't Make You Love Me/ Nick of Time, is one of my favorite Bon Iver songs in the entire world.
If you're feeling down and can't find anything songs that quite speak to your soul, plug those headphones in, close your eyes, and take a listen to one of these songs.
