As we’re midway through the semester, our staff has decided to share songs that we listen to for comfort.
They represent some of our favorite artists and favorite genres of music. Additionally, these songs give us comfort in times of need and stress, helping us continue working hard. Feel free to give them a listen and maybe even add them to your playlist.
Tate Zellman | Culture Reporter: Mirrors by Justin Timberlake
Being a Justin Timberlake fan for many years, a lot of his songs give me comfort, pleasure and joy. One song in particular that just hits right is “Mirrors.” First off, Timberlake’s vocals in this song are just amazing. I love the range he expressed in this song. Also, the song’s mid-tempo pop and progressive pop are just miraculous. I love the overall beat and tempo of the song. With it being released in 2013, I feel both a sense of comfort and nostalgia when I listen to it. Additionally, this song has extra value to my personal life. My 21st birthday was on June 19th, 2024. My birthday present from my older sister was 2 tickets to see Timberlake perform at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. The 2 of us went to the concert and “Mirrors” was the last song Timberlake performed. The crowd went crazy as Timberlake performed the song, standing on top of a moving platform held by strings. Not only does “Mirrors” bring me comfort, but the song also reminds me of my favorite concert I’ve ever been to.
Blase Gapinski | Editor in Chief: I Love You So by The Walters
It really didn’t take me long to come up with the song I wanted to include in this piece. “I Love You So” by The Walters has been a song I keep revisiting whenever I need a pick-me-up. It is an indie-rock track that is soft, melodic and helps me reflect on the person I once was. The lift and bridge in this song is what gives me comfort with lyrics like “I’m gonna pack my things and leave you behind. This feeling’s old, and I know that I’ve made up my mind.” It helps me realize that it is okay to forget about things that have happened in the past or people who have done you wrong, packing them and leaving them behind to become a better, happier version of yourself.
Harmony Goodman | Production Manager: Knowing by Tessa Violet
I spent a lot of time on the internet as a kid; call me chronically online. Tessa Violet is an artist I grew up watching on YouTube. This song is a part of her upcoming album, “There Will Be Joy.” This single is a self-love song about starting a new chapter and being patient with yourself. One of my favorite lyrics from this song is the outro, which features the powerful lyrics, “I will give myself the grace to try again”, which is something we all need to tell ourselves sometimes. I believe the music we enjoy plays a part in our everyday lives and mental health. That being said, my goal is to start listening to more comforting songs.
Grace Heethuis | Culture Editor: Steadfast by Josh Garrels
This is the comfort song that I listened to all the time when I was pregnant with my son. It’s slow and calm and always seems to bring me peace when I’m feeling stressed or anxious. It immediately relaxes me when I turn it on. Usually, my husband turns it on when he notices that I am feeling stressed or had a bad day. I first discovered this artist when he opened for another concert I went to. Turns out, I actually like him more than who I went to see in concert. This song reflects on the Steadfast nature of God, which is very comforting to me when I’m struggling.
Nolan Matthews | Sports Editor: Coast of Marseilles by Jimmy Buffett
Jimmy Buffett is my comfort artist. I always listen to him when I’m feeling down or when I’m working. This song has been one of my favorites lately. This song has a great instrumental, with the first half featuring just Buffett and a guitar. Then the bridge hits with Buffett’s harmony, a harmonica solo, and the strings. It’s just so beautiful. It’s an all-around beautiful song by an incredibly underrated musician.
Lucas Gill | Web Editor: Lovers Rock by TV Girl
TV Girl’s debut studio album, French Exit, has remained one of my favorite albums for the better part of the decade. The band’s unique blend of lo-fi hip hop beats and distinct sampling of audio from 60s and 70s media makes their music feel otherworldly. TV Girl has a way of capturing the various aspects of navigating relationships when you’re young, especially through their melancholic lyrics. “Lovers Rock,” to me, represents TV Girl at their best and it’s the song I always come back to whenever I’m in the mood to listen to them.
Blake Flanery | Cartoonist: On Melancholy Hill by Gorillaz
“On Melancholy Hill” was one of the first songs that got me into music when I was younger. I had no idea what Gorillaz was at the time, but I eventually followed everything they put out. In addition to the song’s slower pace, I find Damon Albarn’s (the singer) vocals both reminiscent and soothing after years of listening, which is why it’s comforting to me. As I keep exploring various genres and artists, I’ll always be able to come back to this band for something new and to remember where I’ve been. I suppose songs like this help keep me grounded.