The third Monday of January, Blue Monday, is thought to be the most depressing day of the year; awarded its dismal title for a combination of post-Christmas blues, cold grey skies, going back to work and now, another lockdown. Two weeks later, things aren’t looking much better. Whilst it was originally created as a PR stunt to sell holidays, it doesn’t look like there will be much travelling this year! So, during this testing period at home, it’s important to look out for our mental health. It’s not uncommon to feel low in motivation and slightly lose your work ethic but don’t forget that tomorrow is a new day – treat Blue Monday as an opportunity for self-care, check in with friends, or perhaps stick some music on. To help you combat Blue Monday, here’s a playlist to get you dancing in your living room to songs that will hopefully make you feel invincible.
Dog Days Are Over – Florence + The Machine
Florence has always been a favourite of mine and whilst the meaning behind her lyrics in ‘Dog Days Are Over’ may not be the cheeriest, they remind me that at some point you have to let go to move on and change your future, a definite anthem for 2021.
Lust For Life: The Prodigy Remix – Iggy Pop, The Prodigy and Liam Howlett
I usually refuse to listen to remixes of songs as great as ‘Lust for Life’ but trust me on this one. It’s punchy, boisterous and taken from the Trainspotting T2 soundtrack (you have to love some Ewan McGregor). I always end up dancing manically around my room to this.
I Believe in a Thing Called Love – The Darkness
If this doesn’t make you start singing in falsetto and playing the air guitar in that killer solo, I really don’t know what will. The Darkness completely nails a song about feeling your emotions in a catchy rock track reminiscent of Queen’s ‘“Crazy Little Thing Called Love’”.
Go Your Own Way – Fleetwood Mac
No playlist is complete without Stevie Nicks. My whole family love Fleetwood Mac so any song of theirs makes me think of home but ‘Go Your Own Way’ is just a timeless classic with a bouncy beat that shows uplifting songs don’t always have to be about happy things.
Feel Good Inc. – Gorillaz
De La Soul’s crazy maniacal laugh reels you in, instantly memorable and catchy., I highly recommend you watch the music video, inspired by Hayao Miyazaki’s film Castle in the Sky.
Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I’m Yours) – Stevie Wonder
Some classic soul to soothe your soul, I think I’ve played this almost every day since the lockdown was announced, driving around aimlessly to get out of the house. The energy Wonder harbours in this sensational Motown hit maintains that nobody has a voice like he does., Tthose high notes are certified to bring a grin to your face.
Put Your Records On – Corinne Bailey Rae
Certain music makes you feel unbeatable and confident and Corinne Bailey Rae is telling you to live in that song. For me, ‘Put Your Records On’ is one of those songs, you can easily sink into the groove of its innocence, a truly uplifting song.
Friday I’m in Love – The Cure
I found out the other day The Cure did actually record this on a Friday night to really round off that Friday feeling. With its nursery rhyme-like alternative strum, it’s something we can all relate to right now, in our repetitive lives and if Robert Smith says it’s one of the top three The Cure songs then it must be true.
Let’s Skip to the Good Bit – Rizzle Kicks
This is an unapologetic shoutout to my friends back at college and the many, many nights we blasted this song during Michaelmas. The momentous build up to some explosive trumpets are wild enough to get anyone out of a slump, definitely something for those who’d like a moment.
Major – The Asteroids Galaxy Tour
I first heard this song in the car with my Ddad listening to Radio 6 a few weeks ago, another song with a funky brass attack and an electro-pop beat. Somehow it wasn’t a big hit in Denmark, where the band originates., Tthey have no idea what they’re missing.
Heavyweight Champion of the World – Reverend and the Makers
“If you’re not living on the edge, you’re taking up too much room.” Live life to the fullest, corny yes, but a cautionary anthem to not be like everybody else and go against 9-5 conformity. Just over three minutes, this song bursts with jaunty riffs and shouty repetitive slogans, reeking of self-confidence.
Don’t Delete the Kisses – Wolf Alice
I have to confess this is probably one of my favourite songs in the entire world. A playful confessional, ‘Don’t Delete the Kisses’ is a perfect ending about finding faith in love, lead singer Ellie Roswell evoking a kind of hypnotic, ethereal dreaminess in this dose of positivity.
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