Tired of not having any relaxing music to listen to as you do homework, snuggle in bed, or lay on the beach? Want to be introduced to some powerful works of art? Look no further. I got you covered.
The following are a sample of 12 songs off my Unplugged Summer
playlist on Spotify. If you don't care what I have to say about music, that's fair, but at least give the songs a listen and come up with your own opinion:"Colors - stripped" by Halsey
If you're a Halsey fanatic like me, you already know that she released an entire album called Complementary Colors devoted to remixes of this song. This beautiful song is written with so much passion, it's impossible not to be moved by it. Plus, there's no such thing as a chill playlist without some Halsey.
"SUBURBIA" by Troye Sivan
Swallow nostalgia. Chase it with life.
Oh my gosh, I am so in love with this song. You know when you hear a song and it reminds you of a person or a place? This song reminds me of a place I've never been and people I've never met. I don't know how that's possible, but it's an enchanting sensation, to say the least.
"Hello My Old Heart" by The Oh Hellos
Don't you worry. You're very safe. And it's true, you'll never beat, but you'll never break.
This song will lull you to sleep in the most comforting way. The Oh Hellos have always been able to calm me down. I didn't actually listen to the lyrics in full until recently and I have to say that makes the experience even more phenomenal. 10/10 would recommend. "Perfect" doesn't do this song justice.
"Smoke Filled Room- Acoustic" by Mako
I heard about a girl, buried her dolls and lost her curls.
I can imagine many people have heard the original version of this song (which is also dope) but the acoustic one is interestingly different. I remember the first time this song came on while I was lying on the beach. Pure bliss.
"i hate u, i love u by" gnash and Olivia O'Brien
I miss you when I can't sleep. Or right after coffee. Or right when I can't eat.
This song was love at first note. This is a must-have on any relaxation playlist. It's perfect because the beat is relaxing and slow and the chorus matches that, then gnash comes in with his talk/rap voice and it's fire.
"Jealous" by Labrinth
I'm jealous of the rain that falls upon your skin. It's closer than my hands have been.
I've heard a number of remixes for this song, as well. I actually genuinely appreciate the attempt to take possibly the loveliest song of all the time and make it into a dance remix. I get that because a version of this song for every occasion would make me super happy. Nonetheless, the original is too great to put into words. Give it a listen, you won't regret it.
"Remember Me as a Time of Day" by Explosions in the Sky
Every time this song comes on, I momentarily forget that there's no lyrics. I spend the first thirty seconds wondering what song it is and waiting for some words. Then, every time, I'm like, oh right, this is that chill song with no lyrics. Honestly, I'm listening to it while writing this and it's hard to keep my eyes open. So calming. I think it's worthwhile to listen to music without lyrics every once and a while, so all your focus can be on the melody.
"Set Fire to the Third Bar" by Snow Patrol and Martha Wainwright
Fan favorite! One of my suite mates said this was her favorite song on my playlist, so I had to include it. I've always loved Snow Patrol and I don't know who Martha Wainwright is, but sh*t, the girl can sing. When this song picks up, you can feel the passion and it's overwhelming (in a good way).
"Youth" by Daughter
And if you're still breathing, you're the lucky ones 'cause most of us are heaving through corrupted lungs.
I'm legitimately constantly singing this song, so if you've ever, in your life, been near or around me, you've heard it. This is another song that's worth sitting and actually listening to the lyrics because doing so makes the experience that much better. It's sad, but it evokes such strong emotions, it's worth the sadness.
"Conquer" by All The Luck In The World
All you have to do in life is die. Everything else is a choice.
The music gives this song a sad feeling, but if you listen to the words, it's actually really uplifting (hence the name Conquer). Another perfect one to lull you to sleep.
"Ophelia" by The Lumineers
Ophelia, heaven help a fool who falls in love.
Something nobody has said, ever: "The Lumineers are okay."
The Lumineers are f*cking fantastic. I have never heard a Lumineers song and been disappointed. Ophelia is not an exception. I recommend making time to listen to their entire new album. You will not regret it. If you don't decide to do that, at least toss "Ophelia" a listen.
"One Dance (feat. Harper)" by Conor Maynard
Baby, I like your style.
Unless you've been living under a rock, you've heard "One Dance" by Drake. Dope song, right? I'm all for partying to it, but I'm also so thankful someone covered an acoustic version of it (and did a phenomenal job) so I can listen to it when I'm in a chill mood (all the time). This has such a cool beat, it could probably be on a party playlist, too. Versatile songs are the best songs.
