10 Best Songs to Listen to When You're Feeling Down

As we finish this #hotgirlsummer and enter into our #fallgirlfeelings, the days are starting to get shorter and nights are getting longer. There’s less time to soak up the sun and we are definitely feeling it. Everyone is starting to be cooped up in the house due to crummy weather and the seasons changing, and our moods are starting to match that energy.

Going to bed and waking up to the dark can be rather gloomy. One thing that brings me out of that mood, ironically, is listening to sad, melancholy music. You would think that during this time one would want to listen to happy, upbeat music to pull you out of your rut. However, you would want to do the opposite of that.

In a study done by Schäfer et al., researchers theorized that people listen to music for three reasons: to regulate arousal and mood, to achieve self-awareness and as an expression of social relatedness. Arousal and mood regulation proved to be the most important dimension of music listening closely followed by self-awareness.

Here’s a link to the study if you are interested about the findings and how the study was conducted.

It is okay to have those personal days when you need to take time for yourself just to get back on track. When you have those high days, you treasure every moment because you know what’s coming next. Your low days don’t mean that you’re inferior, it just reminds you that you’re human. The most important thing is how you deal with those low days.

I know that when my mood shifts to lower than usual energy, all I want to do is lay in bed and listen to music. Music usually controls life on a day to day basis. I don’t have to listen to music to have something stuck in my head. I could just be walking down the street to the beat of my own drum.

Personally, I call them low and high days because other terms can be triggering for those who are dealing with mental illnesses.

I chose the following artists and songs because the entirety of their discographies deals with feel-good music even though it is slower than the typical artist. These artists have music that reaches different audiences, whether it be mainstream media or smaller indie audiences. During this time, mainstream artists can be effective enough to help with these feelings, however, their music that is less popular have more meaning and soul behind the lyrics. Also remember, I have over 2,000 songs in my Spotify library, and I ONLY picked out 10.

Here's a link to the Spotify playlist that embodies being “In my Feelings”. Hopefully, you'll discover some great music and add it to your library, so that you have it saved for a rainy day. Enjoy the list I’ve complied!

---

1. Cherry Wine - Live by Hozier

From his first self-titled album, Hozier served us all the feels when he wrote Cherry Wine. Hozier’s voice is perfect for those low days. His calming tone makes it easy to forget your problems and just disappear into the music. His lyrics flow from verse to verse, making you want to believe each and every word that he says.

The way she shows me I'm hers and she is mine Open hand or closed fist would be fine The blood is rare and sweet as cherry wine.

Note: I did not include the video for this song because of its' message, which could be triggering to some. So, please be cautious of domestic abuse undertones if you choose to watch the video.

2. Youth by Daughter

To be completely honest, I have no clue how I came across this song. This song reminds me of the dramatic scene in Twilight when Bella driving around Forks trying to figure out if Edward is a vampire. Very dramatic, I know. But somehow, my energy matches the song when I listen to it. This song is also a very good song if you feel like you need a good cry because everyone knows that sometimes you deserve to cry a little.

We are the reckless We are the wild youth Chasing visions of our futures One day we'll reveal the truth

3. Some Unholy War - Down Tempo by Amy Winehouse

Following her tragic death in 2011, Amy Winehouse's music skyrocketed to the top of the charts. Her songs are timeless and age like fine wine (no pun intended); however, her best songs are the original versions of those chart-toppers. In my opinion, Winehouse is the epitome of rhythm and blues and her lyrics resonate deeply with her fans.

Straight shook up beside him With strength he didn't know It's you I'm fighting for He can't lose with me in tow

4. Hold You in my Arms by Ray LaMontagne

The first time I heard this song, believe it or not, I was watching She's the Man. Who would've thought that such a light-hearted movie would bring such a deep vibe into my life. When I started listening to the lyrics, I knew that this song was the perfect fit for such a movie. LaMontagne's raspy voice gives an emotional impact with each note that is beautifully sung.

When you came to me with your bad dreams and your fears Was easy to see, you'd been crying Seems like everywhere you turn, catastrophe it reigns But who really profits from the dying?

5. Flume by Bon Iver

As the opening song on For Emma, Forever Ago, Flume is a song that is timeless. The album came out 12 years ago, and I still play it like it came out days ago. In an interview with Pitchfork, songwriter Justin Vernon said, "this album came together after he contracted mono and pneumonia while fighting through the breakup of his band and a relationship," which is a recipe for a great album. The album flows effortlessly from beginning to end, and Flume is that perfect start.

Only love is all maroon Gluey feathers on a flume Sky is womb and she's the moon

6. Liability by Lorde

As an installment of her sophomore album, Liability is one of those songs that just hits home, especially if you deal with a mental illness. In a way, you feel like a liability or a burden to others when they don't understand how your mind works. Then you take a step back and feel like you're the problem, so you isolate yourself. On the surface, Lorde's lyrics talks about love, but on a deeper level, she's talking about those relationships and how they can be selfish and one-sided.

They say, "You're a little much for me You're a liability You're a little much for me" So they pull back, make other plans I understand, I'm a liability

7. Sunflower by Post Malone and Swae Lee

One of the hit songs from Spider-man: Into the Spider-verse, this is one of the only songs on the list that is a bit more positive and upbeat. Even though it is one of the more mainstream songs on the list, it still has a place on this list. Sunflowers are seen in a positive way, although in the context of this song, sunflowers are seen in the opposite way. Sunflowers are a symbol of loyalty and longevity because of the flower’s ability to retain its beauty in the face of environmental factors that would leave other flowers wilted. However, sunflowers also deplete nutrients from soil much quicker than other plants and can inhibit the growth of other plants. Which gives the song a double binding meaning.

Then you're left in the dust Unless I stuck by ya You're a sunflower I think your love would be too much

8. Ride by Lana Del Rey

It was very hard to choose just one Lana Del Rey song. All of her songs could be played in a never-ending loop of sad day feelings. Whenever it rains, I immediately play a Lana Del Rey album, no matter the album or the song. Her vintage vibe radiates from every project that she releases to the public. Her darkest songs are on her album Ultraviolence; however, for the sake of this list, I didn't choose a song on that album because of its darkness. I've listened to ride on my good days as well as my bad days. The song is just synonymous with being chill.

I hear the birds on the summer breeze, I drive fast I am alone in the night Been tryin' hard not to get into trouble, but I I've got a war in my mind So, I just ride

Note: This minute video is 10 minutes long... so buckle up for an experience.

9. New Person, Same Old Mistakes by Tame Impala

Another song that is a bit more upbeat because of a summer feel but still very chill. It's not one of those songs that make you want to dance, you get this feeling of wanting to sway along to the beat and make soft movements. The beat of the song tricks your mind into thinking that it's a positive song; however, when you listen to the lyrics, you feel more heartbroken.

Feeling it overtake All that I used to hate Wonder what if we trade I tried but it's way too late

10. SLOW DANCING IN THE DARK by Joji

I've recently binged Joji's entire discography and fell in love each and every song. Joji makes music that is slower and more meticulously crafted than other artists. He combines ordinary instruments like pianos and drums with other electronic mixing methods, giving his music a new and old feel. In an interview with Genius, Joji explained that Slow Dancing In the Dark is a, "metaphor of slow dancing in the dark to characterize a failing relationship—just like a slow dance where you can’t see your partner’s face, his relationship with this person is intimate but ultimately impersonal."

Give me reasons we should be complete You should be with him, I can't compete You looked at me like I was someone else, oh well

Honorable Mention: Summertime Sadness by Lana Del Rey and Make Me (Cry) by Noah Cyrus & Labrinth