It’s no secret that tensions are high in our country with the election just weeks away. Music is healing, and it might be the only thing that can put people at ease during a chaotic time of year. Lucky for you, I have just the thing to remain calm during this election season: a playlist full of all the songs I think can bring anyone peace.
1. “Redemption Song” – Leon Bridges
We’ll start off with a reliable classic from Leon Bridges. “Redemption Song” is originally the work of reggae legend Bob Marley, but the soulful Bridges covered it for the movie dedicated to Marley. The song sings of the government oppression that was occurring in Jamaica during the time of Marley’s rise to fame, and while America isn’t being oppressed, the themes of unity and escaping mental slavery is something a lot of Americans could hear right now. The liberating lyrics are sung over slow guitars and soothing piano – sounds pretty calm to me.
2. “Jungle” – Drake
This song isn’t as meaningful as Bridges’ rendition of “Redemption Song,” but when it comes to chill rap, Drake’s “Jungle” is an all-time great. The trap drums Drake typically raps over are slowed down to a near standstill, and he bounces back and forth between rapping and singing. Vintage Drake is hard to beat, and this 2015 track was — and still is — one of his best chill songs ever.
3. “Japanese Denim” – Daniel Caesar
We’ll now transition from one of the best chill rap songs in recent memory to one of the best chill R&B hits of the 2010s. Caesar’s “Japanese Denim” tells the beautiful, yet haunting story of a man so in love that his burning desire for one woman drives him to his death by suicide. The lyrics may be unsettling, but the angelic voice of Caesar paired with the graceful instrumentals on this track make for one of my favorite songs to relax to. It’s been a staple on my chill playlist for quite some time now, and will be in regular rotation during the hectic election season.
4. That’s How Strong My Love Is” – Otis Redding
There was no way I would keep one of the founding fathers of soul music off this list. When it comes to easy-to-listen-to soul music, Redding always comes to mind. He has an endless list of classics, and “That’s How Strong My Love Is” has to be near the top of my list. Redding shows off his signature rasp on this 1965 record, and combine that with southern soul instrumentals for a track that takes the stress away.
5. “Oh Honey” – Delegation
This 1978 classic brings a charm and sparkle that makes me feel like I’m floating. The minute long intro to this track sets the tone as one of the most laid back soul songs I know of. It’s a song about love and the power of one woman’s impact on lead singer Ricky Bailey’s life. I love how light and airy the instrumentals are, and I’m going to need the vibes of “Oh Honey” all election season.
6. “Oceans Of Emotions” – The Teskey Brothers
I swear after this song I’ll be done with soul for a while, but on a story dedicated to finding you soothing songs for the election, soul is often the best choice for music. The Teskey Brothers, an Australian duo that have the rasp and sound of a couple of guys from the South, are going to be keeping us Americans at peace all fall. Their songs range from the calm “Oceans Of Emotions” to the upbeat “So Caught Up.” Regardless of the mood that you’re in, The Teskey Brothers and their music will have the ability to bring you some joy or peace.
7. “Vagabond” – Caamp
Reggae, rap, R&B and soul… how about some indie? Caamp whips out the banjo in most of their songs, immediately offering listeners a far more “homey” vibe than other artists out there. “Vagabond” in particular is a song rooted in adventure and the outdoors. It’s the type of song that makes you want to run through a field or stick your head out the window and feel the cold wind hit your face. Listen to this song, pretend you’re in a Patagonia commercial, and forget that there’s an election going on. You’re welcome.
8. “Money Will Chase You” – The Grogans
Like The Teskey Brothers, The Grogans are an Australian band with the ability to make both upbeat, surf rock hits and mellow indie songs. “Money Will Chase You,” is a soothing track enhanced by a slowed down electric guitar with lyrics society needs to hear. Money will be the death of us, and instead humans should live each day like it’s their last.
9. “Cover Me Up” – Morgan Wallen
“So girl, leave your boots by the bed / We ain’t leavin’ this room.” Honestly, same Morgan. Sometimes when I watch the news I don’t want to leave my room either. This is one of the most relaxing country songs I could think of, and the themes of hiding away in a cabin seemed fitting. Wallen’s more known for his catchy and rowdy country hits, but his romantic rendition of “Cover Me Up” is definitely up there with some of his greatest songs.
10. “Springtime” – Chris Renzema
I thought it’d only be fitting to end this playlist for the election season off with a worship song. A little bit of Jesus never hurt anyone. Renzema has one of the best voices in worship music, and “Springtime” is a beautiful song pertaining to the renewal power of God. The lyrics and sweet-sounding piano leave it hard to not feel uplifted by this song. Renzema sings of turning a new leaf and becoming a new creation, something I hope this country does regardless of the election outcome.
