A Hit of Optimism: Quarantine Playlists

As a yoga + meditation teacher, I've been taught "mind over matter" for as long as I can remember.

While toxic positivity is definitely a thing we need to watch out for, I still believe that you'll attract more of what you put out in to the world. And right now, what I think we need is a bit more optimism.

By no means am I recommending we all stick our heads in the sand and avoid the public tragedies at hand. But what use are we to others if we're stuck in our own cycles of panic and dis-ease?

If you're feeling down-in-the-dumps, I hope this music can bring a smile to your day.

With the help of the Beatles, Bob Marley, Florence + The Machine, and plenty of other friends, here's a hit of optimism for everyone who needs it.

Care to do a bit of musical nerding out with me? Read a bit about each track and why I picked it below.

"Getting Better" by The Beatles

Let's jump right in shall we? What better way to open us up than with the candy-colored dream of Sgt. Pepper? And the lyrics are eerily on point for the moment: "I admit it's getting better, a little better all the time // it can't get no worse." While it might not seem like it now, Paul convinces us that it might almost be true.

"Freedom! '90" by George Michael

I'm a firm believer that disco can fix almost anything. And disco that's disguised as a radio-ready pop track? All the better. "Freedom! '90" has the magic combo of a danceable beat and a catchy chorus that begs to be screamed at the top of your lungs. Maybe if we scream loud enough for freedom, we can call it in to existence.

"Love is the Seventh Wave" by Sting

Sting's 1985 track "Love is the Seventh Wave" has an island-reggae vibe that matches the optimism of its lyrics. It inspires the hope that amongst all the greed, pain and suffering we are facing as a world, there is a deeper wave rising up amongst us. It's a wave of love, compassion and revolution if we choose to listen to it.

"All We Need" by Raury

A perfect follow up, this one comes off of Raury's 2015 debut album of the same name. In a time like now, I think our optimism has to have a bit of rebellion behind it. As much as I'd love to believe in "all we need is love," we need love that inspires action. Raury says it well in this song:

"Who's gonna save the dying man from his hunger?

Who's gonna take from the rich and give to the ones who never had a chance?

Who's gonna wipe the tears?

Are we ever gonna overcome the fear?

We've got a battle"

"Shake It Out" by Florence + The Machine

Alright, let's lighten it up a bit. Maybe you're not ready to join a revolution - that's fine. A collective feeling of optimism is just as important. "Shake It Out" was a smash single for Florence in 2011, and for good reason. The queen of gypsy, art-pop inspires whimsical joy & a sense of barefooted liberation with this track. Proving that sometimes all you really need to do is shake it out.

"Three Little Birds" by Bob Marley & The Wailers

How can anyone stay angry when picturing themselves on a beach? Ignoring the plethora of travel bans for the moment, Bob Marley almost convinces you that every little thing will be alright. It's a lovely reminder that all things soon pass, and if we keep our heads held high things eventually will be alright again.

"Don't Worry Baby" by The Beach Boys

This song has gotten me through so much. The Beach Boys seem to hold you close with the delicacy of their voices. Brian Wilson's innocent falsetto leads the pack and almost makes you want to break down in tears. It's inspired music lovers for generations, and is even listed as one of Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.

"Shut Up and Dance" by WALK THE MOON

Alright, who's ready to dance some more? I'll admit, I find most modern pop music pretty dismal, but WALK THE MOON's 2014 hit was enough to get me out of my chair and immediately dancing. It almost inspires a wardrobe raid for your best 80's inspired party dress and a totally cut-loose dance party. Hey, what else are you gonna do during quarantine?

"Modern Love" by David Bowie

It's a shame this song often gets overshadowed. I'd argue it's the best track off of Bowie's 1983 album Let's Dance *bring on the internet hate.* But come on, saxophone solos, backing choruses, and a rhythm that begs you to wiggle and jig, it's the perfect hit of optimism. It's a track I'd imagine doing "the Carlton" to the whole time.

"One More Time" by Daft Punk

We'll finish with a bang. I stand by my previous comment about disco. "One More Time" brought Daft Punk and French house music to the masses in 2001. It's pumped up pop music that begs you to dance. And it closes us out perfectly by summarizing the purpose behind this playlist: "music's got me feeling so free."

I hope you enjoyed getting lost in the music with me. If you dig the joyful vibe, I encourage you to follow the Spotify playlist! I'll be adding more tracks throughout the month.

And please share this post with your music-loving friends. Stay safe, stay loving, and happy listening.

Xx Sierra