Arguably the biggest surprise of the semester has arrived — midterms. After cruising by the first few weeks, settling into classes, spacing out in lectures and pushing off readings, it all hits like a truck. Naturally, it’s an overwhelming period. And though spring break has begun, midterms are sure to return with a vengeance right as students touch back down in Charlottesville. To get out of those lows, one of the best remedies is none other than some feel-good songs. Here are five albums saturated with talent, upbeat melodies and words of wisdom, perfect for curing the midterms funk.
“Ram” — Paul and Linda McCartney (1971)
Released just a year after the Beatles’s final album, “Let It Be,” Paul and Linda McCartney’s 1971 album is a 12-track experimental wonderland. On “Ram,” listeners will hear how Paul played with dynamic emotional shifts and creative instrumental choices to establish his own self-pioneering, alternative rock sound.
Tracks like “Heart of the Country” paint a landscape straight into listeners’ ears of a simple life. Simple chord progressions and lyrics of a farm life teleport its audience to a relaxing scene away from the worries of today. Demonstrating the album’s range in mood, the sheer blissful aggression in Paul’s voice over a thundering piano in “Monkberry Moon Delight” is enough to make students simply just snap out of their worries. “Uncle Albert / Admiral Halsey (Medley)” — or otherwise known as one of the most beloved songs by McCartney fans — grabs its listeners’ hands and takes them on a roller coaster of tempo, sharp note changes, telephone chimes and even rain sounds. It is a perfect album for listeners to just simply get away from reality and truly feel as if they are in another world.
“For Everyman” — Jackson Browne (1973)
“It is a dance we do in silence / far below the morning sun / You in your life, me in mine / we have begun” is just one lyric off of this album that embodies the wisdom-filled lyricism of Jackson Browne. The album flourishes with advice in finding comfort in oneself and their environment, as Browne mirrors the humanistic tendencies of imperfections and gracefully recognizes how they are out of one’s control.
“For Everyman” begins with “Take It Easy,” more famously known as an Eagles hit, but co-written by Browne himself and Eagles frontman, Glenn Frey. The song is a classic reminder to not take things too seriously — crucial advice for when students are the hardest on themselves. Another famous track from the album is “These Days,” a relaxing tune about the beauty of keeping to oneself. Jackson reminds listeners that although times may be tough, “Things are bound to be improving / One of these days.” These lyrics that look at the glass half-full are spread throughout the entirety of the album. For a time that can seem isolating and often make students feel lost, Jackson Browne offers out a hand of wisdom.
“Innervisions” — Stevie Wonder (1973)
A depth-filled album released by a then 23-year-old Wonder, it is the perfect mixture of broken-in soul intertwined with youthful harmonies and liveliness. “Innervisions” marks its place as Wonder’s 16th, despite the album being released at an age when most artists release their first studio album. His accomplished musical skill set, layered with his experiences and view of the world as a young man, make it a saving grace for college-aged listeners.
The album ignites with “Too High.” The catchy and rhythmic Motown melodies are crafted with punctuality that has such a groovy edge, they give listeners just the right amount of poise and flair to distract them from their stress. Wonder carries the album on with a deep and punchy bassline on “Higher Ground,” which are layered with the lyrics about a quest for spiritual redemption. It’s the perfect fusion to uplift students in rough waters. Wonder’s laid-back and hip aura — coupled with the album’s harmonies — are so relaxing that they can make listeners feel like they're swallowing an actual chill pill..
“Voulez-Vous” –- ABBA (1979)
What is a better solution to bringing up energy than some classic hits? ABBA’s sixth studio album is filled with beloved feel-good songs that have been turning frowns upside down for generations. Similar to the McCartneys, ABBA transports listeners to another world, but this time, it's a 70s dance club.
The title-track “Voulez-Vous” channels classic disco grooves and vibrant tempos. “Summer Night City” takes listeners to the scene of a 70s European night out — almost feeling a warm breeze as the notes flood their ears. The groove-laden and harmonic arrangements of “Kisses of Fire” make people just want to throw on a pair of bell-bottoms, satin shirts and platform shoes. And who can forget the classic concluding track of “Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! (A Man After Midnight),” channeling existential dancefloor energy all the way from the Mamma Mia soundtrack to the frats of Madbowl. Collectively, “Voulez-Vous” is an essential album for those craving a change of scenery, even when stuck at a desk.
“2019.11.16 Buffalo, NY (Live)” - Goose (2019)
Whether one is a jam band fan or not, it is certainly hard to avoid the fact that this album is filled with pure talent. The extended jams, curated with twists and turns, are consistent through the piece, allowing students to get lost in their flow. Each band member — Rick Mitarotonda on guitar, Trevor Weekz on bass, Peter Anspach on keys and guitar and Cotter Ellis on drums — constantly grace the album with their enthralling skills and abilities to push the limits of what is possible on their instruments.
Their cover of Otis Day and the Knights’ “Shama Lama Ding Dong” has a guitar solo that will make listeners stop in their tracks, turn up the dial and become fully mesmerized by the power of Mitarotonda’s guitar playing techniques. This hypnotizing artistry continues with their transition from their original “Hot Tea” to a cover of A-ha’s “Take On Me,” a demonstration of Weekz and Anspach’s overwhelmingly crisp talent that will inevitably make listeners lose their minds. With Goose’s ability to fully engulf listeners in the magic of their instruments.
As exams and projects continue on, students may find it harder and harder to take a breather. Playing these albums, whether faintly in the background or with full-volume headphones, can alter distressed minds. It is important for students to remember that even if they feel like they don’t deserve a break, a simple listen to a few exquisite songs can be a perfect short fix to those midterms blues.
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