5 Uplifting Albums to Listen to in Lockdown

Over the past 9 months or so, I've been working on my university final major project - a collection of video, audio, written articles and photography that has inspired both a lot of stress and a lot of pride. The reason I'm telling you this is because I chose to do my project all about mental health and popular music, and the impact certain songs, music videos and lyrical themes can have on a person's state of mind. As the project developed, the whole world plunged into a pandemic. Considering this, alongside all the doom and gloom that punctuates every social media post I read, and the nervous butterflies I get every time I watch the news, and the fact that I just really, really miss my friends and boyfriend and am very much mourning the drastic loss of my final year at uni...I think doing a project about mood-altering music is quite apt. Sometimes there's nothing like pressing play on a cracking album to lift your spirits, and today I gift to you five excellent album recommendations to motivate you, to validate you and to unashamedly bust out the dad dancing you had been saving for the 'lockdown is over' announcement to. Let's get started: 

florence and the machine - high as hope 

As the name would suggest, Florence and the Machine's fourth studio LP is laced with hope, something we all need a bit of right now. Being an album much daintier and perhaps less courageous than the previous three, High as Hope seems to have swept under the radar somewhat. But in it's daintiness, Florence often becomes her most explicit. And while some of the album can be quite dismal, the passion that had once fuelled their unabashed anthems has been converted into something softer and more reflective. High as Hope is a love letter to Florence's nearest and dearest. It's impossible not feel the love radiating from so many of this album's many highlights, from the affectionate apology to her sister on Grace, to getting a glimpse into a Saturday night in the city with Florence and friends on South London Forever. And because it is a lighter album, it also makes for a fab working-from-home soundtrack. But most importantly, in encapsulates everything we need right now: friendship, family, and a little bit of hope. 

Best song for...

When you need motivation: Hunger 

Reminiscing about happy times with friends: South London Forever

A moment of calm amongst the chaos: No Choir 

george ezra - staying at tamara's 

There was a time during the summer of 2018 when I just didn't stop listening to this album, and never has it needed to be stuck on repeat more than it does now. There is no better word than to describe Staying at Tamara's than simply 'fun.' It's impossible not to be infected by the sunny energy emitted by so much of this album; instantly I'm transported to some beautiful beach, or in the shade of a beer garden with a gin and tonic in hand. I mean, it goes without saying that Shotgun is an absolute triumph, and it perfectly sums up the sunshiney vibes of this album.  Staying at Tamara's is pure escapism, and I lap it up every. single. time. Not only is it gorgeously vibrant, it touches on some very raw, relatable themes, but always provides some kind of positive outlook. It's such a pick-me-up album for me; a quick burst of summertime energy whenever I need it. 

Best song for...

A little reminder that it'll all be okay in the end: Pretty Shining People 

Sunbathing in the garden: Paradise 

Forgetting all your problems, if only for 2 minutes and 56 seconds: Don't Matter Now 

lizzo - cuz I love you 

I don't remember any artist to breakout recently being quite as empowering as Lizzo. Each and every song on this record is such a shower playlist staple for me, singing into the mirror armed with my comb as a microphone. Much like with Staying at Tamara's, it really is difficult not to feed off of the energy Lizzo puts into her third album Cuz I Love You. It's the ideal solution for any time you need self-love roared at you by a powerful vocalist. When you're dressed in the same clothes each day, bare-faced and quite spotty (but not really sure why) - i.e. me - you can count on Like a Girl, Soulmate, Juice and basically a whole wealth of Lizzo's discography to make you feel a million and one per cent better. I love everything Lizzo represents and think she is a force to be reckoned with in the music biz - and if you want to feel like a force to be reckoned with too, listen to this album. 

Best song for...

That extra push during an at-home workout: Soulmate 

Re-living a night in the RnB room: Tempo 

Feeling sad but sassy: Exactly How I Feel

jack garratt - phase

Unlike the previous two especially, which are very much grounded in chart pop, Jack Garratt's debut album Phase amps up the electronics. In an album both wistfully nostalgic and aggressively fierce, Phase, for the most part, is a joyous synth-fest, encouraging you to both scream and dance. Coalesce (Syneasthesia Pt. II) is anything but a subtle intro, strapping you in for a rollercoaster tracklist, propelled by forceful lyrics and instrumentals alike. While much of this album is on par with the upbeat sounds of the others previously mentioned, the uplifting nature of this album comes from the fact it is more of a complete distraction from grim reality than anything else. The complete opposite to High as Hope, this is album is not twinkly background music - this one requires your full attention, if only just because the synths are often so vigorous and dynamic and unusual that it's impossible not get sucked into a second listen. While the album often touches on feelings very synonymous with many of our own right now, the compelling beats make even the most emotional lyrics easier to listen to, while the sentiments remain unembellished. I honestly would recommend this album to anyone; it's fire is terrific, and the discovery of something this incredible should be enough you revitalise your spirits if only just a little bit. 

Best song for...

Rolling out of bed in the morning feeling extra groggy: Surprise Yourself 

When you're missing a significant other: Worry 

A good boogie: Far Cry 

sam fender - hypersonic missiles/ the 1975 - a brief inquiry into online relationships

I'm coming at you with a bit of a curveball at the end here, ladies and gentleman. Not only have I got two final recommendations, but I wouldn't deem either of them particularly 'happy' or 'uplifting.' Yes, they have their moments - specifically Give Yourself a Try on ABIIOR - but these albums are two of my favourite politically-charged, socially-aware LPs of recent years. As I mentioned earlier, I've been doing my university final major project on mental health and popular music, and I've found that lots of people listen to mood-congruent music (so music that matches their mood) in order to feel validated and less alone. If angry political tunes just make you feel more frustrated, perhaps don't listen to these on repeat day in, day out, but if not, some of these tracks may help you communicate feelings you're not quite sure how to. Lyric-writing is one of the most poignant forms of self-expression musicians can have - it allows them to address their feelings in a direct yet creative way - and I think these two artists use writing to such a masterful extent, reflecting the anguish so many of their listeners would also be feeling towards similar things. It's true that sometimes political turmoil can encourage great music, and I think these albums are two excellent examples very pertinent to now.

Best song for...

Being angry at the world: White Privilege by Sam Fender, or Love It If We Made It by The 1975

Feeling trapped and/or lonely at home: Leave Fast by Sam Fender, or It's Not Living (If It's Not With You) by The 1975

Jumping around your room to take a break from the doom and gloom: Will We Talk? by Sam Fender, or Give Yourself a Try by The 1975

And there you have it! I hope at least one of these albums makes you smile during a time that is less than smile-worthy, and that you're all staying safe and healthy. Be sure to let me know your favourite tunes and albums that have been getting you through lockdown, I'd love to check them out!