soul soothing country

Country music's appeal, to me, will always be its searing and unapologetic honesty. There is something about such simple, human stories being sung so beautifully that brings comfort and tranquility to my day, allowing me to take pause and lose myself in the lyrics.

As a typical introvert who requires a few solid hours of alone time to recharge after most social interactions, there is nothing I love more than playing a great song on repeat and truly immersing myself in it. I google the lyrics, find out the back story and analyse every line. It's the best form of (free!) therapy and whether I'm walking my dog, on the road or curled up on the couch, my headphones can be my best friend for hours on end and I feel all the better for it.

I've found especial solace in music in the trying times of the past year and will never not be pleasantly surprised by its ability to boost my mood. I'd like to delve a little deeper into the songs I find myself turning to when I feel like adding some much-needed zen to my life.

Millionaire- Chris Stapleton

The most powerful love songs will always be the most unassuming, and Chris Stapleton strikes gold with 'Millionaire.' His raspy, soulful voice is old-school and perfect for the track. He describes how his partner has transformed his everyday life into something extraordinary, and he feels fulfilled and 'rich' as a result. Simple and stunning, this is the best song to hum along to on a lazy Sunday.

Best lyric:

'People look at her and they look at me And say that boy's sure living in luxury'

Look at Miss Ohio- Gillian Welch

'Look at Miss Ohio' is a beautiful ballad that leaves much open to interpretation but outwardly describes a rebellious beauty queen and her yearning to stray from the expectations of both society and her overbearing mother. The listener is able to sympathise with her desire to live her life freely for the time being, until she is ready to conform to their wishes, and the comforting high-to-low lulls of Gillian's voice make for an even more relaxing tune.

Best lyric:

'She says I wanna do right, but not right now'

My Church- Maren Morris

An absolute anthem depicting the euphoric mental healing power of good music on a road trip, 'My Church' provides just that for its listeners. Describing country music as her religion, confessing her sins and even proclaiming 'Can I get a Hallelujah? Can I get an Amen?', Maren Morris absolutely captures the feeling of belting out your favourite tunes on the open road and escaping from reality. Its relatability makes it all the more therapeutic.

Best lyric:

'Feels like the Holy Ghost running through you When I play the highway FM'

Slow Burn- Kacey Musgraves

If I had to pick one song to calm my nerves in just 4:06 a few minutes, 'Slow Burn' would be it. This 70's influenced groove is a mesmerising sound that really just leaves you feeling chilled the f- out, minus the mind-altering substances. Slowing down, taking everything in and acknowledging the little joys in life are all things many of us have been doing more of in the past year and this track will absolutely remind you that this is not only acceptable behaviour but should also be highly encouraged.

Best lyric:

'You know the bar down the street don't close for an hour We should take a walk and look at all the flowers'

Lungs- Townes Van Sandt

A remarkable storyteller haunted by his own personal struggles, this is a somewhat surprising entry on the list as it details Townes' battle with cancer and the symptoms he experienced as he fought it. The gloomy arrangement is synonymous with the rest of his work, yet his absolute honesty is so incredibly compelling in describing such a real, human experience. It seems by the end of the song that he has made peace with his condition and is comforting himself- and his audience- with his own words. Over 50 years after its release, 'Lungs' does a beautiful job of commemorating the legacy of its master songwriter.

Best lyric:

'Breath I'll take and breath I'll give And pray the day's not poison'

The House That Built Me- Miranda Lambert

Who hasn't dreamed of returning to a beloved childhood home for a good old snoop? That is exactly what Miranda Lambert does in this emotional trip down memory lane. Having somewhat lost herself in adulthood, she reasons that a return to her roots will provide comfort and allow her to rediscover her old self. Referencing various locations, from her dog buried in the garden to where she learned to play guitar, it provides a powerful visual that is relatable on all levels.

Best lyric:

'Ma'am I know, you don't know me from Adam But those handprints on the front steps are mine'

Takin' Pills- Pistol Annies

By far the most entertaining track of the bunch, 'Takin' Pills' is an energising wild ride that never fails to make me smile. The tale of life on the road for a hot mess of a three-piece female band just trying to make it from one town to the next while each member struggles with their own vice. The upbeat, self-deprecating lyrics coupled with the honky-tonk backdrop make for a really humorous and clever number. It will leave you feeling like you should be throwing change into their guitar case in a dingy dive bar and, personally, I'm here for it.

Best lyric:

'We owe 400 dollars to the boys in the band Gas lights blinking on our broke down van'

So there we have it; my go-to playlist for when I feel my battery draining and need to switch off in an always-on world.

My connection to music will always be the best tool I have to combat anxiety and support my well-being. No matter your preferred genre, I encourage you to dig deep into your playlist and discover some of the history behind your favourite jams. You may just find the benefits are worth their weight in gold.