This playlist is a journey through the highs and lows of love, longing, and self-discovery. It’s a story told through songs—an emotional rollercoaster—from the first tender moments of infatuation to the raw heartbreak and eventual introspection that follows. As we explore the complexities of romantic relationships and the pain of lost connections, we come to understand how personal growth and acceptance are born from melancholy.
The journey begins with “When It’s Just You & I” by The Millennial Club, a song about the deep, awakening feeling of falling in love. It sets the stage for a character whose heart is full but whose mind is weighed down with uncertainty. Andrew immediately adds “Paris” by The 1975, a track about yearning and longing, but one that follows the end of a relationship. The playlist continues to evolve, exploring the fading sparks of love and the emotional aftermath, as heard in songs like “Different” by Radio Stanley, “22 Break” by Oh Wonder, and “Wait” by M83. Each track contributes to the story of a person grappling with the balance between love and loss.
The deep melancholy reaches a peak with songs like “He Said She Said” by CHVRCHES, which speaks to the bitterness of miscommunication in relationships. Yet, even in these darker moments, there is light—hope emerges through tracks like “I Believed” by Malo’, “Quer Voar” by Matuê, and “WTF Is In My Cup” by Chico Blanco, which convey a sense of celebration and the fleeting nature of life. The energy shifts again, evolving into a mix of introspection and personal strength with “Afterglow” by Wilkinson, “Tessellate” by alt-J, and “Stairway to Heaven” by Led Zepagain, with a final embrace of melancholy and triumph.
The last two tracks are a reflection of everything that’s come before. The final additions—”Chip of a Star” by Chatham County Line and “Towers” by Bon Iver—bring us back to the quiet understanding that love, even when it fades, still leaves a mark on us. It’s about accepting the impermanence and learning to find beauty in the passing moments. As we close, Andrew adds “In The Living Room” by Maggie Rogers, a song that encapsulates the entire journey—looking back at a relationship with warmth and affection, even if it didn’t last. It’s the perfect end to this emotional story.
Track Listing
- When It’s Just You & I – The Millennial Club
- Paris – The 1975
- Different – Radio Stanley
- 22 Break – Oh Wonder
- All Out of Good Days – Krooked Kings
- Wait – M83
- He Said She Said – CHVRCHES
- I Believed – Malo’
- Quer Voar – Matuê
- WTF Is In My Cup – Chico Blanco
- Afterglow – Wilkinson
- Tessellate – alt-J
- Stairway to Heaven – Led Zepagain
- Chip of a Star – Chatham County Line
- Towers – Bon Iver
- Steady – The Staves
- Rivers – The Tallest Man On Earth
- Poke – Frightened Rabbit
- S P E Y S I D E – Bon Iver
- Man I’m Supposed to Be – American Aquarium
- I Forget Where We Were – Ben Howard
- In The Living Room – Maggie Rogers
Playlist image by engin akyurt on Unsplash
About the Curators
Saroz Bhusal
When I hear music, I fear no danger. I am invulnerable. I see no foe. I am related to the earliest times, and to the latest.
- Henry David Thoreau
Andrew McCluskey
The first visual memory I have is that of the white upright piano in Singapore, Hell and the Dark Forces lived at the bottom, Heaven and the Angels at the top, they would play battles through my fingers and I was hooked.
As a psychology graduate I studied how sound affects human performance.
As a musician I compose instrumental music that stimulates your brain but doesn't mess with your language centers, leaving you free to write creatively without distraction.
As a curator I research how music can improve your life and create flow - I can tell you what music to listen to when studying for a test and why listening to sad music can make you feel better.
As a creator / contributor at musicto I believe that music can make the world better. You can learn more about our community here.
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