It’s 2022. Did you know?
The passage of time has been difficult to process, especially during the pandemic. At the end of last year I found myself desperate for a blank slate, wanting to escape everything that the last two years have had to offer. Unfortunately, we live on Earth, where magic doesn’t exist, so that isn’t possible. But what is possible, is using music to process your emotions. Here are four songs that have helped me process we’re in another brand new year with the same old problems. I recommend listening to these in order for the full effect.
“I Want You To Love Me” by Fiona Apple
This may seem like an odd choice, but the lyrics are perfect for a new year during the pandemic. The desperation for love feels like a desperation for peace, calm and acceptance. The love Apple craves in this song is the peace I crave in my life.
“And I know when I go / All my particles disband and disperse / And I’ll be back in the pulse / And I know none of this’ll matter / In the long run / But I know a sound is still a sound / Around no one”
“This Year” by The Mountain Goats
This is a more obvious choice, and has been my anthem for the last couple of years. John Darnielle’s desperation to push through feels accurate and apt for what we are going through, despite having been released in 2005.
“I am gonna make it through this year, if it kills me”
“New Year” by ADDIE
A more obscure pick, but probably the most apt. The first verse sums it up perfectly. ADDIE’s vocals are the soothing calm you need to make you feel like everything is going to be okay.
“New year and everything’s the same / Maybe I just don’t have the capacity for change / New year and I’m still feeling stuck / New year is bringing back the ache of growing up”
“New Year’s Day” by Taylor Swift
This track is a more optimistic view of a New Year, and is especially fitting if you have a significant other you’re going into this year with. It’s more a love song than anything else, but still feels right for the new year.
“Hold onto the memories they will hold onto you”
If you want to listen to these songs in order like I recommended, I made a Spotify playlist just for you.
Happy (Belated) New Year,
Caitlin
