You probably have a Hype Summer Jams playlist, or something like that. But that's not gonna cut it on those days when you end up questioning your entire existence. Our relationships, endeavors, and feelings deserve reflective moments and meditation... so here's a little gift: the contemplative playlist that you truly need.
1. "Lost in the Light" by Bahamas
Bahamas makes the chillest music, and this song is perfect for helping you remember all your beautiful mistakes.
2. "Being Boring" by Pet Shop Boys
Not only does this song have a full-bodied synth sound to carry you through your contemplation, but it's dedicated to youth and great memories.
3. "Forever Mine" by Andra Day
Andra Day's voice has a vintage sound, but the texture and personality of her music feels original at the same time.
4. "Take Me Home" by Phil Collins
Although this song isn't actually just about homesickness (you can look up its source of inspiration), it draws strong recollections with its lit drumbeat and longing lyrics.
5. "Grapevine Fires" by Death Cab for Cutie
Almost every song by DCFC belongs on this list... but there ya go.
6. "Pseudologia Fantastica" by Foster the People
If you can even feel one tenth of these vibes, you're good. This song has so many vibes that you'll be able to relate to Mark Foster, whether you know what he's talking about or not.
7. "Rivers and Roads" by The Head and the Heart
Oooh, this one's live. Just watching these guys jam together is soothing for my soul. And this song is all about moving on and holding on, at the same time.
8. "Always" by Panama
This indie pop track has a great groove and boasts an aesthetically-pleasing video.
9. "Poetic Justice" by Kendrick Lamar
Kendrick can rap without bringing the house down in flames. Here, it's at a light simmer, and it's beautiful.
10. "Coming Up Roses" by Keira Knightley
The movie "Begin Again" included songs performed by Adam Levine and Keira Knightley; this was one of Keira's, and, according to the film plot, was recorded in the street.
11. "Locket" by Kilo Kish
Kilo Kish may be a young, up-and-coming artist, but she knows how to craft a blend of pleasant noises that your mind will happily thrum along with.
12. "Immortal" by Marina and the Diamonds
As Marina contemplates immortality in an ethereal voice, you can easily think about any smaller topic that you choose. She is doing the most. Thanks, Marina.
13. "In a Drawer" by Band of Horses
The lyric video for this new song attempts to replicate the aesthetics of a family video tape, and it succeeds with this nostalgia.
14. "A Change of Heart" by The 1975
"Never found love in the city / Just sat in self-pity and cried in the car." Despite the cool, calm delivery of this song's lines, real pain drives them.
15. "Solsbury Hill" by Peter Gabriel
Peter Gabriel describes some kind of magic realism, coming-of-age event in an overall uplifting song that I've known for as long as I can remember. It's comforting and exciting.