I don’t know about you, but I’m feeling pretty damn sick to my stomach and emotionally numb now that D***** T**** has managed to win another presidential election, despite being a convicted felon and sexual abuser. I feel paralyzed and not ready to fully process just how dark the future looks for women and other marginalized people in America. Soon, we will organize and do everything we can to protect the most vulnerable communities. But during these first few days post-election, we need to rest, prioritize mental health, and embrace small moments of joyful escapism if possible. Music has always been a highly effective form of therapy for me and I usually turn to my favorite albums to help me get through unspeakably difficult periods. If you’re also rattled, depressed, or just empty right now, I’d like to share some of my go-to comfort albums with you… I hope they can bring you a teeny bit of solace.
Golden Hour by Kacey Musgraves
Recommended track: “Oh, What a World”
This is my favorite comfort album of all time and I hope it can help you too. The warm country-pop record is about all the beauty in the world — in women, in love, in the earth itself, and even in chaos.
Live From Mother Earth By Annika Bennett
Recommended track: “A Tree Falls”
In Annika’s debut album, she embraces confusion and contradictions. She sings about female friendships, a world without social media, navigating her twenties, and recovering from heartbreak. Her soft guitar riffs and poetic lyrics are medicine for the soul.
The Stranger By Billy Joel
Recommended track: “Vienna”
It’s very rare that I listen to older men (or men at all), but something about Billy’s music instantly grounds me and gives me a sense of peace. Several tracks on this album are a mix of melancholy and hopeful, acknowledging the hard parts of life but emphasizing that there’s always a light at the end of the tunnel.
Aretha Now By Aretha Franklin
Recommended track: “I Say a Little Prayer”
If you’re craving unbridled joy, divine vocals, and a little kitchen or living room dance party, this is the comfort album for you. Her light in these empowering and romantic tunes is contagious and lifts my mood no matter how awful I’m feeling.
Messy By Olivia Dean
Recommended track: “The Hardest Part”
Olivia’s vocals are honey in sonic form and in this soulful album, she honors her grandmother and sings about female empowerment, falling in love, and growth. The music is sweet and gentle, and I could happily listen on repeat everyday for years.
Feels Like Home By Norah Jones
Recommended track: “Those Sweet Words”
This is the coziest album ever made… Norah’s soft, sultry voice, smooth jazz and country instrumentals, and lyrics about love and lust have a *much-needed* calming effect.
Fine Line By Harry Styles
Recommended track: “Sunflower, Vol. 6”
Say what you want about Harry’s ~lack of depth~ as a songwriter, but sometimes that’s exactly what I need. Every now and then, it feels healing to stream beautifully sang, catchy nonsense about canyon moons, watermelon sugar, sunflowers, and cherries. Maybe there’s no profound message at all, but there’s a healthy dose of positivity.
Menagerie By Bill Withers
Recommended track: “Wintertime”
I need “Lovely Day” and “Wintertime” injected into my veins right now. At least there’s one constant in life: Bill’s breezy soul and disco-infused album about romance and optimism will always be there for us in times of need.
