Ten (ish) albums to sooth the soul
This blog feels a bit existential at times. The world sucks, but here’s what goes in my ears to keep me going. I’m not saying they’re all happy - but they will sooth you in one way or another.
Bunny - WJH
As a cult of willie member, of course I would have to include an entry by WJH. Despite my emotional attachment to People and Their Dogs (his first LP) which I have spent many hours boogying around my room whilst tidying to, Bunny feels like the perfect amalgamation of the joy of Willies music. He’s built on that smooth 70s sound to pull together a no skips album.
Favourite song: If I need a boost its probably ‘Sure Feels Good’ - but bluebird makes my heart sing (funny joke) too.
Where I’m meant to be - Ezra Collective
Have you ever experienced an album full of more joy? Gets my head bobbing at the minimum on my worst days. If you’ve had the pleasure of seeing them live, you know that energy is carried into every performance too. Obviously, I could have picked any of their albums, but I think this is my favourite.
Favourite song: No Confusion! Ft Kojey Radical
To Love Somebody - Nina Simone
I find this album so uplifting and moving!!! I SHALL BE RELEASED!!! I often turn to piano music (I don’t think this is a thing but for example the Ravel:Miroirs, Jeux D’Eau, Pavane Pour Une Infante Defunte album is very nice very gorgeous or Gebru’s Ethiopiques, vol 21:Emahoy) when my body is riddled with anxiety.
Favourite song: I think its To Love Somebody actually.
Songs From The Big Chair - Tears For Fears
Core Bella Cross lore is the time me and Sophie trecked to Cantubury, ate a maccies (pre boycott!) in the Cathederal and then went to see Tears For Fears at a Cricket ground with 50 year olds. Completely sober. My life peaked there. Everybody knows everybody wants to rule the world, but I promise you this whole album deserves the air time. An album to make you feel like you’re in an 80s music video playing air guitar or driving along in a car with the roof down. In general I swear by 80s synth pop but I think you have to be a little bit happy or like be prepared to be happy otherwise its irritating.
Favourite song: I know the band hate this song but Mothers Talk slaps for me! I even wrote it on a placard for a climate protest once.
Odyssey - Nubya Garcia
I think this is one if not the best album of 2024! Absolutely stunning and moving, as well as being very groovy throughout. What is it about Saxophone that is so sexy too?
Favourite song - I alternate frequently, but I think at the moment its We Walk In Gold (ft Georgia Anne Muldrow)
Grace - Jeff Buckley
I was originally going to include this as a joke, then I thought hang on crying can be cathartic. The album I listened to when they cancelled our alevels because that was devastating news for me. If you need a good belt or really want to wallow, this is the one for you.
Favourite song: I would say Lilac Wine but that’s a cover, maybe Grace itself.
Blue - Joni Mitchell
In the vein of so sad it will force you to get your sadness out, we’ve all shed a tear to Blue right? The best breakup album to ever be written surely - and conveniently returned to spotify a few days before mine. The sweet voice of Joni Mitchell can surely cure many problems, she’s always got your back.
Favourite song: A case of you? Maybe - don’t hold me to that.
Begin - The millennium
This is a 60s sunshine pop album! I have literally never seen anyone talking about this and I’m not sure why but think Beach Boys with less patriotism, not in every single wedding film and a bit more folky. This one makes me want to sit outside in the sun and pretend to read a book
Favourite song - 5 a.m
All Things Must Pass - George Harrison
Another album I can only associate with sunshine in my mind! Nothing like a bit of cheeky slide guitar to slide into a relaxing and pleasant mood. The best Beatles solo album by a long mile in my humble opinion.
Favourite song - If Not for You
Ben Haana Wa Maana - DAM
A Palestinian rap group with a full album of bangers like when I tell you this soundtracked my summer. Great for the Arabic practice too, or so I tell myself. Listening to music counts as revision right?
So that’s 10 but obviously I couldn’t be confined to 10. If you want to have a listen to what I am enjoying at the moment, this is my playlist:
I took a lot of pride in carefully curating playlists with specific vibes back in the day so have a rummage through if you’re nosy or looking for new stuff!
Honourable mentions because it was really hard to select 10
Guys I would unfortunately be lying if I did not include a The 1975 album in here. It’s potentially my biggest red flag. I’ve accepted my faults. But for pure nostalgias sake, do you not want to feel like you’re 14 going to sit in a park on a sunny day again with a KFC? I do! Never going to quit it no I’m never going to quit it.
In general just check out Habibi funk for some groovy tunes
The Specials - self titled is always good for a good boogie
If I need a confidence boost or to hype myself up to leave the house I am partial to a bit of Fleetwood Mac for obvious reasons