Songs for Quarantine: Dance Parties, Sadness, and the Sickening

As COVID-19 becomes more of a threat, it is more and more important that people practice self-isolation and quarantine, especially if they are immunocompromised or otherwise at serious risk. While my generation is certainly skilled in the arts of binge-watching and web surfing, isolation provides a real challenge in all of our lives. It is essential that we find ways to entertain ourselves and practice proper self-care in this difficult time. So, why not knock out both at the same time by listening to music? Now put on your headphones, open your Spotify, and prepare to be transported from your bedroom to the miraculous world of music.

Stage 1 - The Sickening

Considering the decaying state of the world during our lives, it makes sense why millennials and zoomers have adopted such a defiant demeanor. As honorary members of the Black Eyed Peas it is our duty to reject anything and everything, both as a means of self-preservation and because with every new horror, the jokes become increasingly funny. The first 15 songs I have compiled represent this noncompliant desire to poke fun at everyone and everything. Disturbed said it best, let’s get ‘Down with the Sickness’.

Stage 2 - Late Night Dance Party

While solidarity comes with plenty of problems, it also has its upside; that's what stage two is all about. Having nobody around to judge you means it's time to throw the MOST exclusive (the venue can only hold 1 person at this time), loudest, rowdiest, most over the top perfect party you will ever attend. Grab your hairbrush, put on your comfiest pj’s and a thick pair of socks, make a DIY disco ball, and dance like an absolute crackhead because NOBODY is watching.

Stage 3 - Impending Sadness

In an indefinitely long isolation we are going to experience the entire emotional spectrum, from the Pharrell-ian, happy, carefree emotions of stage two to being locked in a dark room and crying away the pain. That’s what stage three is, a snotty, hyperventilating mess that is going to get all of those negative emotions out in one fell swoop. Worry not, as I have crafted a grouping of songs to perfectly pair with these emotions. If we are going to be sad, we might as well do it right. Get a box of tissues and some ice cream (exclusively from the container), as we prepare to cry until our tear ducts run dry.

Stage 4 - Pick Me Ups

OK. Now I know that stage three was rough but I need you all to stick with me. In order to rebound, I have assembled songs that are ultra-motivational and will pick you up when you’re at your lowest. As we navigate through this time in quarantine together, it is quintessential that we denounce our sad thoughts and replace them with uplifting and empowering emotions. That being said, here are songs that will pull you from that rut and make you smile, even if you won’t comply.

Stage 5 - The End of the Tunnel

At this point, we do not know what the future holds. Nobody knows what will happen next in the freak year that is 2020 (I have my fingers crossed for an alien invasion), but it is important that we leave self-isolation with a desire to better the world for ourselves and others. With that in mind, stage five is filled with songs that will inspire you to be your best self and bring joy to as many people as possible.

As we take the necessary precautions for the COVID-19 pandemic let's remember what is important in life. Check-in on your friends and loved ones, and create any sort of substitute you possibly can for in-person interaction. Instead of using this free time to rewatch The Office for the 11th time, let's better ourselves so we can better the world around us.

P.S. From myself and everyone else here at Five Cent Sound, we wish you good health in this difficult time. We also encourage you to listen to scientists and follow their instructions! Together we are strong. <3

Nicholas GemmaMarch 25, 2020