by Katy Nguyen
These days, a walk is something we need more than ever. Wherever you stroll, meander, wander, roam.. wouldn’t it be nice to have a little pick-me-up in your ears along the way? Songs that ease those restless thoughts away, melt the stress of tomorrow, or simply strike us deep in our bones. As we embrace the cool weather and put one foot in front of the other, here are some tunes to listen to on shuffle or consecutively, however you please.
Playlist Link: Sneakers On
1) Open Season – High Highs
A song like this reminds you that a colder season is among us. With a gentle guitar to ease into during your walk, the High Highs make you look up into the sky and feel a small breeze tickle you behind your ear. As you listen to their voices, the repetition of their lyrics are sure to make you do some introspection.
2) Stardew Valley Overture – ConcernedApe
From the beloved farming simulation game, Stardew Valley, this overture of a song warms your heart with its charming melody. It reminds us of the natural beauty around us. From the folksy banjo, to the quaint woodwinds, to the soft twinkles, ConcernedApe lets you slip away from your desk and greet the outside world.
3) Mae’s House – Alec Holowka
You know when the sun breaks through the clouds? That’s just what Alec Holowka captures here. In the video game, Night in the Woods, this tune softly whispers that things will be okay. Maybe Daylight Savings has made the days go by quicker, but the steady instrumentals of this song want you to remember that you are growing and learning with each and every day.
4) Simulation Swarm – Big Thief
If you love the acoustic guitar, you are probably no stranger to Big Thief. And if you haven’t heard of Big Thief, here is a good introduction. A song like this is easy to get into our heads with its low, moody sound. Sometimes when we’re on a long walk, we tend to get in our heads and this song understands. When the overcast sky hangs above you, Big Thief’s lyrical prose lets you dissociate for just a bit.
5) End of Beginning - Djo
Nostalgia is a thing of the past, we all know that. But with every mental health walk, reflection is always around the corner. Like Djo and his origins in Chicago, there’s a city we grew up in. A place that we look back upon. With an electric guitar and surrounding synths, the song grows on you just like you did—from young to old, from then to now.
6) Chicago – Sufjan Stevens
Another song about Chicago? Well, yes! Sufjan Stevens plays with all kinds of sounds in this one. Every step with this song fills you with a rekindled curiosity for life. This 6-minute adventure puts a bounce in your step with its dancing stringed instruments and warm trumpets. Anything and everything can happen in your life. All things go, all things grow.
7) Ema Skye: Scientific Detective – Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney Soundtrack
In the 4th game of the Ace Attorney series, Ema Skye faces the trials and tribulations of life in her 20’s. Just like so many of us do! For a funky tune that lasts just a little over a minute, it must be repeated to be fully enjoyed. Who knew a digital keyboard mixed with other synth noises would make for a thoughtful, wistful walk?
8) Slide Tackle – Japanese Breakfast
Sometimes, a song just feels like the sun is shining over us. This is that song. Michelle Zauner sings with an earnestness, a longing to be good. There’s a vulnerable quality to this song and it’s profoundly enhanced by the smooth saxophone. When the melody comes alive with its bright trumpets and trombones, our heart feels a little lighter. Even our feet do, too.
9) Here’s Where the Story Ends – The Sundays
If you haven’t heard of The Sundays before, this is a great first song to listen to. Let this song follow you on the walk back home, to your dorm, apartment, or wherever you call home. With a hopeful guitar and the gentle beat of a drum, this soft song exudes fondness and acceptance. The people, places, and things in our lives are fleeting but the memories of them remain. Indeed, The Sundays want you to know these very memories are souvenirs for your heart and soul— your reminders to live, learn, and become anew.
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