We all have those days when emotions hit like a tidal wave, one minute you’re on top of the world, and the next, you’re spiraling. Music is one of those things that can ride the waves with you, whether you’re angry, sad, having a breakthrough, or just need a little pep talk from the universe. So, I’ve put together a playlist that’s equal parts therapy and equal parts just vibes, pulling from the songs that personally get me through my own emotional rollercoasters.
When You’re Feeling All the Feels
- “Chicken Tenders” by Clinton Kane
- “Blindside” by James Arthur
- “Two Ghosts” by Harry Styles
- “We’re Not in Love Anymore” by Knox and Charlotte Sands
- “Ribs” by Lorde
- “Motion Sickness” by Phoebe Bridgers
- “This City” by Sam Fischer
- “Halloween” by Novo Amor
Some days, the only thing to do is throw yourself a full-on, lights-off, staring at the ceiling pity party. You know the ones, when it’s raining outside and you’re contemplating every life decision you’ve ever made like you’re the lead in an indie film? That’s when you need songs that really let you wallow in the feels. Enter “Chicken Tenders” by Clinton Kane, a soft, sad girl breakup moment that somehow feels like a warm hug from the void. But if you’re ready for that sucker punch to the heart, “Blindside” by James Arthur will hit you right where it hurts. Feeling a little haunted by a past love or a version of yourself that doesn’t exist anymore? “Two Ghosts” by Harry Styles can be your haunting serenade. And when life is just one big emotional spiral, let “Ribs” by Lorde and “Motion Sickness” by Phoebe Bridgers take you down – in the best, most cathartic way possible!
When You’re Angry and Need to SCREAM
- “An Evening I Will Not Forget” by Dermot Kennedy
- “Dumpster Fire” by Knox
- “1 Last Cigarette” by The Band Camino
- “Stick Season” by Noah Kahan
- “They Won’t Like This” by Lauren Sanderson
- “Fuck This Town” by Glaive
- “We’re Going to Make It to Kilby” by Hot Mulligan
- “I Hope You Choke” by Movements
And then some days, you’re so mad that even a full-body scream might not do the trick, but you’re going to try anyway of course. You know the type of anger where you feel like throwing your phone into the wall, only to realize you really…actually need it? That’s when you need songs that let it ALL out. Cue “An Evening I Will Not Forget” by Dermot Kennedy, a song that’ll slowly pull you in with its intensity until you’re practically bursting at the seams. This one goes exceptionally hard in the car (from personal experience)…
But if you’re looking for a bit of rage with a side of dark humor, “Dumpster Fire” by Knox is your perfect match. This track understands that sometimes life is just a flaming wreckage and it’s okay to admit it, especially if you’re having a moment where you want to light all your exes shit on fire. Feeling like you’re holding on by a thread? “1 Last Cigarette” by The Band Camino captures that existential “I’m done with this” vibe that we all just need sometimes.
For those moments when your anger is a little more rebellious, “They Won’t Like This” by Lauren Sanderson is a screaming to the man song, telling them why we won’t fit in their silly little boxes or stereotypes. And when the world has you like, “I’m done,” “Fuck This Town” by Glaive is the anthem for your inner rage. Let that one rip when you feel like the whole universe is trying you!!! Finally, for those times when your frustration is absolutely next level, “I Hope You Choke” by Movements is the ultimate scream-along anthem! I mean, it’s in the title!
When You Need to Have a Main Character Moment
- “Messy” by Lola Young
- “Young and Alive” by Bazzi
- “Tough Love” by Gracie Abrams
- “Theatre” by Etta Marcus
- “Drunk and Venting” by Dreamfone
- “Drive” by John the Ghost
- “Babyboy” by Former Vandal
- “Because the Night” by The Midnight
- “Woke the Fuck Up” by Jon Bellion
You know those days when you feel like you are the main character? (Why can’t that be everyday? UGH) But anyways, the ones where you strut into a room like you’re in an indie film montage, with dramatic lighting and an internal soundtrack that just gets you? You’re walking with purpose, feeling the confidence surge through your veins, and you need songs that match THAT energy!!! Enter “Messy” by Lola Young, because let’s be real – you can be MESSY, but you’re rocking it anyway. This track is perfect for those moments when you feel like everything’s chaotic but perfectly yours.
Now, if you’re feeling like you’re really in your moment, just about to take over the world, “Young and Alive” by Bazzi is like the soundtrack to your personal glow-up. That feeling where everything just clicks, and suddenly, you’re like, “Yeah, I’ve been through it, but right now? I’m unstoppable.” It’s got that vibe where anything’s possible, and you’re just vibing with the universe, like you could conquer the world, but also, you’re probably gonna grab a coffee first…
For those days when you know what you want and you’re not holding back, “Tough Love” by Gracie Abrams captures that combination of confidence and vulnerability. It’s like you’re facing the world with your heart on your sleeve but ready to take on anything that comes your way. And when you’re ready to put your whole self on display? OMG, “Theatre” by Etta Marcus is YOUR stage, and YOU’RE the star of the show. This track is all about you being unapologetically you, with all the drama and flair! And for those times when you feel like you’re pulling people in with every move you make, “Babyboy” by Former Vandal is like that perfect combination of confidence and mystery!
But if you want that vibe where you step into a scene and everything just clicks – like you’re ready to take over the night and the city’s lights are basically reflecting your dreams – “Because the Night” by The Midnight is going to be your jam. Then, when you’ve had your “Aha!” moment and you’re basically like, “Yep, I’m done with the old me, I’m owning this new version,” “Woke the Fuck Up” by Jon Bellion is there to help you scream, “I’m not just alive, I’m living with a purpose, baby!!!”
So next time you’re riding the emotional rollercoaster, don’t just sit there in silence! Queue up the right song, let the music do its thing, and embrace every mood, from the messy to your movie moment. After all, we all deserve a soundtrack to our lives – and with these songs, you’re bound to feel like the star of your own show. Now go ahead, hit play, and let those emotions flow baby!!!