Not too long ago, I started treating music like medicine.

If I am feeling low, I will put on my tennis shoes, plug in my headphones and go out for a brisk walk (sometimes a run) in a quiet area. Rather than select the playlist based on what fits my mood, though, I've decided to listen to songs that might induce the mood I would like to be in.

Uptempo beats and major chords do help, but it isn’t only about that. Quite frankly, it isn't even about listening to the best musical compositions out there (though I occasionally stumble upon some real gems).

What I pay most attention to are the words: I look for lyrics to adjust my perspective and break the patterns of thought and feeling I might be stuck in. And because the music itself opens me up to listening more carefully, the impact of the words is stronger than if I’d just read them on the page.

Considering where we are today, and the particular challenges ahead, it feels like an appropriate moment to take a second look at our playlists. It won't solve our problems, but it might help us face them from a better emotional place.

Here are five nice additions I made to my playlist:


  • Better and Better, by Maya de Vitri

From her album "How to Break a Fall"

A little preview: “I overheard my bones reading poems | On how to break a fall | And I caught my arms looking up a recipe | For how to hold it all | And if I could hold my anger | Where in the world would I carry it to | Forgiving myself | Is the most I can do”

Listen to this song on Maya de Vitry's YouTube channel and visit her website


  • People Need a Melody, by The Head and The Heart

From their album "Living Mirage"

A little preview: “All those books in your head | Is that all this really was? | Just a role you play | That you could hide behind | Is it what you want? | To bury yourself away | Before your time goes | I don't want a love that holds us back | I don't want a life that I can't have”

Listen to this song on The Head and the Heart's YouTube channel and visit their website


  • Follow the Sun, by Xavier Rudd

From his album "Spirit Bird"

A little preview: "Follow, follow the sun | And which way the wind blows | When this day is done | Breathe, breathe in the air | Set your intentions | Dream with care | Tomorrow is a new day for everyone, | Brand new moon, brand new sun | So follow, follow the sun, | The direction of the bird, | The direction of love

Listen to this song on Xavier Rudd's YouTube channel and visit his website


  • Aqueous Transmission, by Incubus

From their album "Morning View"

A little preview: "I'm floating down a river | Oars freed from their holes long ago | Lying face up on the floor of my vessel | I marvel at the stars and feel my heart overflow"

Listen to this song on Incubus' YouTube channel and visit their website


  • Brave, by Sara Bareilles

From her album "The Blessed Unrest"

A little preview: "Everybody's been there | Everybody's been stared down by the enemy | Fallen for the fear | And done some disappearing | Bow down to the mighty | Don't run, stop holding your tongue | Maybe there's a way out of the cage where you live | Maybe one of these days you can let the light in | And show me, how big your brave is"

Listen to this song on Sara Bareille's YouTube channel and visit her website


I hope you enjoy these songs and find value in them. If you do, please consider supporting the artists by buying their music, if you can, or showing them some love on their social media.

Five songs to lift your mood