5 Songs Around Isolation, That makes It a “Little” Bearable.

Two to cry to, Two to dance to, and One close to my heart.

In times of uncertainty (*cough, this never ending pandemic), there aren’t many things to look forward to except two things that are very much certain, especially, in the middle of a worldwide virus outbreak: Self-isolation (here, on the area which I live, it still pretty much on quarantine) and the feeling of loneliness that comes with it.

So, before all of that gaunchy, alienating feelings kicked in, i’ve picked up some of the best songs , that hopefully can accompany you through these tough, tough times. There’s two songs, you can solemnly cry to and relate to this unfair situations currently happening now in the world, two songs to dance to and try to liven up a little, and lastly one special song, a personal favourite of mine, that I guarantee will become one of your favourites too.

To Solemnly Cry at Night:

From the Sun- Unknown Mortal Orchestra

Isolation can put a gun your hand

Okay, starting off with a hard-hitter on this list is an amazing song by Oregon based New Zealand talent, Unknown Mortal Orchestra. This song tells a compelling truth and the fallout of isolation, which is; loneliness and, ultimately, depression. Wrapped in this “roller coaster” ambience of calming yet upbeat rock tone that is perfect for those who want to reflect on the feeling of hopelessness of the things that are transforming rapidly around us.

Isolation- John Lennon

We’re afraid of everyone,
Afraid of the sun.

It’s not fair to put on a list of songs around isolation without putting this standout track by John Lennon, the song had quite the surge again on the start of this pandemic, because of how accurately Lennon’s describes the struggling emotions of isolation, 50 years ago. A rather accurate description for this current situation. But actually this song is about John Lennon’s finding comfort around isolation, post- The Beatles era where there are many pressures and slanders around him and Yoko Ono. I think it’s more comforting, listening to this song with your own ‘Yoko’ (preferably a stable isolation partner :D) to accompany you through these times. And, by the way you should check out the “Studio Outtake” version of this song too, that brings more natural feeling to this already awesome piece.

To Dance Your Heart Out:

Puff Punch-Homebody

Pretty sure that my shoes they all miss me

This Jakarta-based garage pop band, released an EP late last year, titled “Can We Go Out Now?”, filled with this sounds that i can describe as Beabadoobee vocals mixed with this almost ‘angst’ punk rock melody, that will be one of your fresh finds to dance alone in your room to. I can’t believe that this 60 seconds of a song can described the feelings of frustration and well- ‘angst’ being cooped up in our own home. Go check out their entire release on your favourite streaming platforms. (P.S. can we appreciate the cuteness of the cat on their EP artwork?).

The Police- So Lonely

Now no one’s knocked upon my door
For a thousand years or more

This one’s an underrated classic of a song around self-isolation, a lot of you may relate more to The Police other release, which sparked that social distancing vibe- “Don’t Stand So Close To Me”, it’s not wrong though, World Health Organization advise us to at least keep a 1-metre distance from others. But, I think this track truly captured the isolating reality we face right now, I mean, what better way to celebrate your loneliness? Other than dancing to this brilliant rock song.

The Special One:

Gilbert O’ Sullivan- Alone Again (Naturally)

We may as well go home
As I did on my own
Alone again, naturally

I remember driving to the Supermarket for weekly groceries with my dad, and he’s lately have been experimenting with the art of playlist making on Spotify, and on his music streaming discovery, he suddenly played this on the car’s audio, and it suddenly made me fall in love to this song. Way before The Smiths or The Cure ‘mopey pop’ era, a very popular genre in the 1980s, that’s filled with a realistically depressing lyrics with an upbeat charming sound that usually found on pop songs. Came Gilbert O’ Sullivan, ahead of his time on the 1970s (a 1972 release) with this masterpiece.

The track is a personal favourite of mine, other than it’s one of my dad’s favourite too, this song is like the combination of feelings you get listening to the four songs I’ve mentioned earlier on the list, the meticulously crafted lyrics could make you wallowed in loneliness and how in the end, on this world, the only one you have, is yourself. And, at the same time, this song leaves a hopeful impression of how short our time in this life is and why we should appreciate our loved ones, especially your parents, who may not live longer than you, and also be grateful for the things we have right now.

I know a lot of us including me, felt really alone and tired, especially we spend most of our time now at home, coping and adapting with changes around us, far away from any genuine social interactions, feeling less and less human every day. But, embracing feelings of loneliness and accepting things for what they are, aren’t makes us human as well?. Thank god there is still wonderful music around to help us express how we truly feel and remind us just like everything in life, this too shall pass :).

I’ve also made an isolation themed playlist, that’s composed of all the songs that listed here, plus some of my quarantine favourites, which you can find below. And you can tell me some of your favourites as well!.