The musicto community speaks softly
Halloween has gone and the holiday season is upon us – while this is a cause for celebration it can also be a cause of conflict. Combinations of diverse family members fueled by Turkey and alcohol and a country divided can lead to raised voices. This month the community has a number of tracks that make the case that – you don’t need to shout to get your point across.
8 Songs that speak softly but carry a big stick from our global musicto community
Pyramid Song – Radiohead
Radiohead’s “Pyramid Song” suspends you in the depth of the ocean, the weightless silence of space, and the here and now – as if you were lying on your back at midnight, gazing up at the universe. It’s an emotional tapestry of hope, melancholy, and yearning that feels like a memory too far away to remember and a premonition you can’t quite grasp.
Whether you listen to Radiohead’s song (with lyrics) on this playlist or immerse yourself in Ramin Djwadi’s instrumental version in (SPOILERS) Westworld’s final 2022 series episode, “Que Será, Será”, “Pyramid Song” is a serene and contemplative epic track that communicates emotion through time.
Growing Sideways – Noah Kahan
Noah Kahan is living proof that music doesn’t have to be loud to be impactful. His “Growing Sideways” is just one of many examples of what Noah and his guitar can do.
From the very first lines, it almost feels like you’re in a therapy session with him. With just Noah’s vocals and his acoustic guitar, the underlying tone and anger expressed about pain and trauma here doesn’t have to be loud to be communicated. Anyone listening to this can pick up on the emotions he’s expressing as he opens up about his own struggles, which I think a lot of people can also relate to. From the first time I heard this one I was hooked and waiting to hear what he would say next.
I still get emotional and have the same reaction every time I hear it now. Much like Noah’s other music, it’s raw and real and it’s hard not to connect with him. Just the powerful lyrics are enough to send strong messages about mental health. With or without instruments, there’s a story from beginning to end that you can’t help but be drawn in.
Rich Spirit – Kendrick Lamar
I imagine when counselors and therapists get together and party, quiet is kept. Jokes are met with a chuckle, surprise reunions are heard through gasps. Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers is Kendrick Lamar’s therapy album, and “Rich Spirit” is him using his best therapist voice to talk about his peace and ascendance above the noise of the world. He’s cross-legged at the knee, leaning back in his leather chair, talking softly. He’s also laying on the twill couch, staring at the ceiling, speaking calmly. Rich spirit. Broke phone.
invisible string – Taylor Swift
I went with this taylor swift song because it’s slower than a lot of the radio hits most people are familiar with. I feel like she captures the sweetness of finding love. It’s light and playful and manages to display the innocence of love. Also, adding in the mystery of destiny. What if we were already connected by an invisible string to everything we love and want to create?
Nil – Autechre
Spatial freedom, peace, symmetry, depth, luminous walls, reflections, ripples in the water, self-identity, calm, safety, extension, connection, cocoon, rest, harmony, stillness, equilibrium, protection, fluidity, silence, renewal, balance, solitude.
Every time I listen to Nil is a new shuffle of any of these and more mind connections. Try it yourself and close your eyes. No one could speak or shout into the blister this song creates around you.
Snoh Aalegra – DO 4 LOVE
The original of the song should be by Bobby Caldwell in 1978. Snoh slowed down the song and caressed it with her charming voice. Even on a low volume, you can still immerse yourself deep into this song that is filled with emotions.
God In Chicago – Craig Finn
I equate shouting with emotion – if you’re shouting you’re probably full of something: hate – anger – hurt – pain – something. To the recipient it’s indicative of a lot – in that – if someone’s shouting at you – they’ve probably got a lot of that “something” in them!
The idea being that – maybe you need to shout to say something.
I like the Hold Steady – I love Craig Finn’s stories, but this track floored me. It says sooooo much and is so brilliantly done – video’s great too.
Solo – Prince
In a world forever filled with noise, a soft melody whispers a cry for intimacy. It doesn’t scream, but breathes a quiet lament. Each note carves a path of gentle rebellion against the surrounding cacophony, embracing the peace that silence brings, offering a brief escape from the storm. A reflection on chaotic dissonance, it challenges you to find meaning in the static and to experience the peace that comes with stepping back from the chaos.
Want more musicto playlisticles like 8 Songs to Stop Shouting? Check out our previous playlisticles: 11 Great Tracks for Zombie Fest ’23, Exit Songs For Your Funeral, Songs About Hating Your Job, Groove in Green, 16 Top Cover Songs, 10 Songs to Stargaze, 6 Songs for the Future, Sounds like David Bowie, 7 Misheard Songs, Censored, 15 Great Songs for your Vampire Ball, 11 Powerful Songs in Flim, 7 Top Cowbell Songs,
