10 Albums and Playlists to Make Quarantine a Little Easier

By Natalie Vetter

The quick spread of the coronavirus has shaken everyone. It’s made life feel pretty bleak. Staying inside all day with no outlet or plans can be challenging as your mental health takes a hit, your life seems to be derailed, and the uncertainty of the future is unsettling. The good thing is, we’re all going through this together.

Throughout this bumpy experience, music is something that has helped me relax, stay positive, and feel focused. These are just some of the Spotify playlists and albums I’ve had on repeat for the past few weeks.

Chill by nvett14 (Spotify Playlist)

This first playlist was made by me. I find it to be very calming and it puts me in a positive mood. It includes artists like The Irons, Still Woozy, and Whitney, along with others.

“Take Me Home” by One Direction (Album)

“Take Me Home” is One Direction’s second album, which was released in 2012. It feels very nostalgic to me since I listened to them a lot when I was younger (and still do). It features some 1D classics like “Live While We’re Young,” “Kiss You,” and “Little Things.” It also has some lesser-known jams that are heartfelt and fun!

Motown Classics by Digster Playlists (Spotify Playlist)

This playlist has a bunch of Motown hits from the ‘60s and ‘70s. It contains songs by artists like The Jackson 5, Marvin Gaye, The Supremes, and other Motown artists. It makes me want to get up and dance and never fails to make me smile!

“Sing To Me Instead” by Ben Platt (Album)

Most of the songs on this album are very emotional and some are even sad. That being said, Ben Platt’s voice is so soothing that this album is perfect to sing along to or just sit and read a book while it plays in the background.

“Is This It” by The Strokes (Album)

This whole album is compiled of fast, upbeat songs. It’s a great choice if you just want to feel cheery. I tend to work out a lot while playing it or put it on at the beginning of my day because the music makes me feel motivated.

“Free Spirit” by Khalid (Album)

Photo Credit: Anthony Campusano for Billboard

Khalid’s album, “Free Spirit” is emotionally evocative and really calming. I like to put it on in the background while I’m doing things or really just listen to it. His lyrics and the beats in the music make it relaxing and interesting.

“Greatest Hits” by Al Green (Album)

This album is also a Motown suggestion, but Al Green does a great job of capturing the soul that is at the heart of Motown music. The album has a relaxing and soulful feel that I really love. I like to listen closely to this album or put it on while I’m doing work.

Happy by nvett14 (Spotify Playlist)

This suggestion is for another playlist I made. All of the music has a pretty light and, you guessed it, happy feeling. It’s a mix of acoustic sounding music, oldies, and some throwbacks. It features artists like John Mayer, The Beach Boys, and Modern English. It’s great if you need a pick-me-up or find yourself feeling down.

Workout Oldies by waffle.shoes.3 (Spotify Playlist)

Journey in 1979// Photo Credit: Michael Putland for Billboard

I put this playlist on mostly when I’m working out, but I also like to play it for a mood boost. It’s fun to sing along and jam out to the songs. It has a lot of different artists like ABBA, Journey, and Billy Joel.

Blanks (Artist)

Technically this last suggestion isn’t a playlist or album since Blanks is an artist, but all of his music is really good. He hasn’t released a ton, but what he has released is really fun to listen to. I would specifically recommend his songs “Higher” and “Bittersweet.” If you like The Hails or COIN, he’s definitely an artist to pay attention to.

There are a lot of different types of music included here so hopefully, you find something new, rediscover something old, and that you get to dance a little while being stuck in the house.