Native Americans have rain dances and I have my "Rainy Days" mix CD. My rainy day playlist is sacred to me, but I'm willing to share it if you follow my rules.
First of all, you can only listen to your rainy day playlist while it's raining. Second, no matter how much you're jamming out, drive safely.
Read my suggestions and then add a few of your own to create your ultimate playlist for the rain!
1. "Let the Rain" - Sara Bareilles
Rain can symbolize a chance for renewal. You will feel this song's beat with the rhythm of the rain. "Let the rain fall down, make a brand new ground."
2. "Over the Rainbow" - Israel Kamakawiwo' ole
Everyone's favorite "Wizard of Oz" classic sung by the sweet voice of this large Hawaiian man is enough to turn any dreary day into pure bliss. His voice floats like a peaceful cloud. If you want to mix it up, try Jason Castro's version.
3. "Let it Rain" - Kris Allen
Kris Allen may not have done all that much since his "American Idol" victory, but if you're running late, he's got the perfect song. "Oh, let the rain keep falling down/ Cause it won't stop me/ From getting where I'm bound/ Maybe I'm crazy/Maybe it's too late/ But I'm gonna make it/ Don't care what the skies say."
4. "Blown Away" - Carrie Underwood
If you want to channel the storm and release pent up anger, then this song from another, more successful, "American Idol" victor is for you.
5. "Just a Cloud Away" - Pharrell Williams
If you feel the weather starting to damper your mood, Pharrell Williams can remind you that, "The rainy day is temporary/ The contrast is why we got 'em."
6. "A Year Without Rain" - Selena Gomez
"I'm missing you so much/ Can't help it I'm in love/ A day without you is like a year without rain." You'll feel like you understand Selena's intensity if you blast this in a storm. Unfortunately, then you'll remember that she was probably talking about Justin Bieber at the time.
7. "Yellow Raincoat" - Justin Bieber
Speaking of Justin Bieber, he wrote this hilarious song that is literally only about him wearing a yellow raincoat. "I put on my raincoat, my yellow raincoat. You know exactly why." It's because it's raining, I would assume?
8. "Umbrella" - Rihanna and Jay-Z
This song is so repetitive that everyone your car will feel awesome for knowing the lyrics, but it still somehow never gets old. While rainy days have a general tone of loneliness, this song uses the simple act of sharing an umbrella to symbolize friendship, support, community, romance, and love.
9. "Singin' in the Rain" - Gene Kelly
For those of you who are rolling your eyes at my poetic interpretation of Rihanna, you may appreciate this classic. It's impossible to be sad while envisioning this glorious dance number and singing, "I'm laughing at the clouds/ So dark above/ The sun's in my heart/ And I'm ready for love."
10. "Set Fire to the Rain" - Adele
Adele is the queen of dramatic power ballads, so, of course, she has the perfect song ready for your rainy days. Why would you whine about a day without a guy being like "a year without rain" when you are fierce enough to set the rain on fire?
11. "It Will Rain" - Bruno Mars
"Cause there'll be no sunlight/ If I lose you, baby/ There'll be no clear skies/ If I lose you, baby." As you drive around with no sunlight or clear skies, you'll think, "Oh no, she must have left Bruno Mars."
12. "Forever and Always" - Taylor Swift
"You said forever and always." These angsty-teen lyrics were so darn relatable that you were probably belting them out in middle school, even if you didn't have an ex-boyfriend. Throw literal rain into the mix and singing this dramatic throwback will be a blast.
13. "Hurricane" - Bridgit Mendler
"Think the clouds are clogging up my brain/ Like the weather drain same as the tears on my face." This song is as wacky as those colorful hair extensions. She hasn't gone full-blown Miley yet, but Bridgit Mendler is trying to be a little bit cooler than Disney Channel with this track.
14. "Ironic" - Alanis Morissette
"It's like rain on your wedding day. It's a free ride when you've already paid." I sure hope that it's not your wedding day while you're listening to this rainy day classic. If it is, your situation will be even more ironic.
15. "Have You Ever Seen the Rain" - Creedence Clearwater Revival
John Fogerty wrote this song about his brother leaving their band during its peak success. He really wants to know if we "have ever seen the rain coming down on a sunny day." The answer is yes.
16. "Clean" - Taylor Swift
In "Clean," the rain washes away Taylor's past relationship, aka Harry Styles. She agrees with Selena about the "drought being the very worst," but she does not have to get her boy back. The rain comes and she's "finally clean."
17. "Come Clean" - Hilary Duff
Taylor, I'm really happy for you. I'm going to let you finish, but Hilary Duff had the best song about being clean in the rain of all time. "Let the rain fall down and wake [your] dreams. Let it wash away [your] sanity."
