Sometimes I need a good cry. And sometimes I need to laugh. These songs have given me the chance to take time away from daily life stress and deeply explore my emotions. I love them and I can’t imagine my life without them.

1) Surrender- Nine Lashes

This song restores hope in me when I often feel like I don’t have any hope left. It is very close to my heart.

2) Appalachian Wine- Eleventyseven

For those times you are feeling folksy, and need a deep song to think about to distract you from the mundaneness of everyday life, this song is a real treasure. Though I cannot testify to most of Eleventyseven’s work, this song is a real thinker.

3) Tell Your Heart to Beat Again- Danny Gokey

Every feel like life is handing you pain after pain? A friend, partner, family member or colleague dies, your job is getting harder by the day, college is weighing you down, and on top of it all, you are sick. This song provides a place of refuge to the listener when life seems to be at its hardest.

4) So Far Gone- Thousand Foot Krutch

This represents my #life goals.

5) Headphones- Matt Nathanson and LOLO

For those times when you need to feel productive, independent, and strong, this song is a real spirit-lifter.

6) True Colors- Cyndi Lauper

This song is basically becoming a classic as time goes on.

7) Okay, Here’s The Truth- Javier Colon

This song twists and turns. The ending result just might make you cry. It is a beautifully crafted adventure which results in tragedy. I listen to this one over and over and still end of crying just about every time I listen to it.

8) Address in the Stars- Caitlin & Will

Why do people we love have to die? Why do people have to die at all? When you are left after the funeral of a loved one asking questions, this song may be of some comfort to you.

9) Broken Girl- Matthew West

When you need a song that relates to depression, anxiety and painful life tragedy, a song that makes you feel loved and understood by the God of the universe, this song will be your key to feel good despite bad circumstances.

10) Tell Him- Barbra Streisand and Celine Dion

Love struggles getting you down? Don’t quite know how to tell that beautiful man in your ethics lecture just how you feel about him? Feeling lonely and needing a musical refuge? This song may just speak to you.

11) I Can’t Stop Loving You- Ray Charles

This song is wonderful and sad. Sometimes you just do not want to get over a broken love. This song relates to that fight.

12) How am I Supposed to Live Without You- Michael Bolton

Relationships end, and sometimes very badly. Often, the night after consists of a long night of soul-wrenching music that reminds you of the relationship. Add this song to your playlist if you ever are broken up with because your ex-partner is pursuing someone else.

13) Who am I to Stand in Your Way- Chester See

Sometimes it takes months to get over a broken relationship. This song might help in the healing.

14) If I Never Knew You- Mel Gibson and Judy Kuhn

This song, while yes is from Disney’s “Pocahontas,” speaks to my soul about relationships. People change each other for better and for worse when they are together. Without each other, we wouldn’t be the same kind of person. If you are ever feeling love for someone, but are afraid of how they are changing your life, this song just might remind you that sometimes, that change is a good thing to grow together in love.

15) When She Loved Me- Sarah McLachlan

Another relationship broken, a partner has gone. Remembering that, this melancholy tune speaks to the joy of what the relationship was, and helps with the sorrow found after a bad separation.

16) End of the Road- Boyz II Men

You thought you were meant to be together, but your partner thought otherwise. You thought that you were meant to be together, yet they still broke your heart. Dealing with heartbreak is tough, and this boy band got just how tough it is correct.

17) Monsters- Timeflies and Katie Sky

This song deals deeply with a man who is dealing with hurt, and a woman crying out to let her help him. It’s a great mash-up of the styles of the two artists and feels like one natural and cohesive story. I enjoy this song every single time I listen to it. Though there are versions of this song that are independent from the perspective of both artists, this unified version is beautiful and strong.

18) No Way Out- Phil Collins

Though some may dismiss this song because it was a major them from Disney’s “Brother Bear,” I happen to think that it expresses a lot of deep and true emotion.

19) Song for Someone- Vertical Horizon

Feeling down? Feeling misunderstood and alone? Hurt by a broken relationship? Needing strength? This song represents a multitude of feelings and scenarios but ultimately begs to relate to all people. It unites all people, in remembrance that we all go through some bad and good stuff. It can help you feel understood.

20) The Power of Love (Christmas Favourites version)- Frankie Goes to Hollywood

This song may be weird, but there is just something good about it. It’s mysterious and fun. It’s a great Halloween anthem, but also very emotional. A great ballad for all those people who crave a passionate love, especially those who include vampires and ghouls into the mix. Remember to listen to the version I suggested! It is the best of the many created.