Rainy days have a unique way of setting the mood, one that often calls for music that is calming, reflective, and deeply emotive. This atmosphere is beautifully encompassed within genres like indie folk and coffeehouse jazz—each with roots that trace back to intimate settings and personal storytelling. Indie folk, with its earnest lyrics and acoustic simplicity, offers a raw, stripped-back connection to the artist’s experiences. Coffeehouse jazz, on the other hand, evokes the warmth and nostalgia of dimly lit cafes, where the smooth melodies of saxophones and pianos create a soothing backdrop for relaxation and contemplation. These genres, both rich in cultural significance, provide a musical shelter from the chaos of everyday life, resonating with listeners around the globe.
Playlist Curation Process
Selecting songs for the “Rainy Day Playlist” involved a meticulous process that prioritized lyrical depth, melodic warmth, and overall emotional resonance. Each track was chosen based on its ability to weave complex emotions into simple melodies, reflecting the introspective and tranquil nature of a rainy day. The lyrical content needed to evoke a sense of peace, nostalgia, or reflective thought, while the melody required a soothing quality, often featuring acoustic instruments or soft jazz tones.
Additionally, the significance of the artists played a role; celebrated musicians known for their poignant storytelling and ability to connect on a personal level were preferred. This included legends of folk and jazz whose works have stood the test of time, as well as contemporary artists who have brought fresh perspectives to these genres.
Narrative Flow
The playlist is structured to mimic the ebb and flow of a rainy day, beginning with the gentle onset of rain and moving towards a deeper, introspective middle before concluding with a comforting, uplifting finish. It starts with soft, delicate tunes from Iron & Wine and Sufjan Stevens, setting a reflective tone. As listeners progress through the playlist, they encounter the intricate melodies of indie folk from Fleet Foxes and Gregory Alan Isakov, which gradually blend into the smooth, comforting rhythms of coffeehouse jazz by Norah Jones and Melody Gardot.
This transition mirrors the journey from early morning musings to a cozy afternoon indoors. Towards the end, the playlist shifts back to a blend of indie and jazz with Ray LaMontagne and Billie Holiday, providing a sense of closure and contentment that often comes after a day spent in contemplation. Through this sequence, the playlist not only tells a story of a day spent under cloudy skies but also connects themes of solitude, reflection, and emotional warmth, allowing the listener to traverse a range of moods and moments that resonate deeply on rainy days.
The Playlist
“Naked As We Came” – Iron & Wine
Commentary: This track from Iron & Wine is a hallmark of indie folk with its gentle acoustic guitar and poignant lyrics. Sam Beam, the voice behind Iron & Wine, crafted this song to reflect on life’s transient nature, making it a perfect contemplative piece for a rainy day.
Listening Experience: Listeners might find themselves reflecting on cherished memories and the beauty of fleeting moments, akin to watching raindrops slowly slide down a windowpane.
“Mystery of Love” – Sufjan Stevens
Commentary: Written for the film “Call Me by Your Name,” this song encapsulates the euphoria and heartbreak of first love. Its ethereal sound and Stevens’ soft vocals make it ideal for reflective, quiet moments.
Listening Experience: The song’s lush, expansive sound invites listeners to lose themselves in a daydream or a distant, cherished memory, evoking a sense of both sweetness and melancholy.
“Pink Moon” – Nick Drake
Commentary: “Pink Moon,” the title track of Drake’s final album, is an iconic song within the folk genre. Its minimalistic approach and haunting lyrics have made it a timeless piece, revered for its raw emotional depth.
Listening Experience: The sparse arrangement and Drake’s intimate vocal delivery may transport listeners to a serene, introspective space, perfect for solitary contemplation.
“Orange Sky” – Alexi Murdoch
Commentary: Murdoch’s deep, soothing voice and the acoustic backdrop in “Orange Sky” serve as a comforting embrace. The song discusses themes of redemption and brotherhood, resonating deeply on reflective, cloudy days.
Listening Experience: As the melody unfolds, one might imagine sitting by a fire, finding warmth and comfort as the rain taps rhythmically outside.
“Promise” – Ben Howard
Commentary: Known for his evocative songwriting, Ben Howard’s “Promise” is a journey through emotional landscapes, driven by a compelling guitar performance. The song’s build is both subtle and stirring, perfect for deeper reflection.
Listening Experience: This track might feel like a slow, introspective walk through a misty forest, each step bringing a deeper sense of peace and solitude.
“Holocene” – Bon Iver
Commentary: Justin Vernon, performing as Bon Iver, uses “Holocene” to explore themes of insignificance and beauty in the vastness of the universe. The song’s intricate layers and Vernon’s ethereal vocals make it a standout track.
Listening Experience: Listening to “Holocene,” one might feel enveloped in a vast, soothing landscape, pondering life’s beautiful complexities.
“White Winter Hymnal” – Fleet Foxes
Commentary: This song is characterized by its lush harmonies and vivid, cyclical lyrics. It’s a staple of modern indie folk, celebrated for its poetic narrative and rich acoustic textures.
Listening Experience: The song’s round-like structure and harmonies can conjure images of a close-knit gathering, singing together as the world outside turns colder.
“Bloom” – The Paper Kites
Commentary: “Bloom” is an ode to enduring love, gentle yet powerful. The Paper Kites manage to create a song that feels both intimate and expansive, fitting perfectly into the reflective theme of the playlist.
Listening Experience: Its soft melody and tender lyrics are likely to evoke a sense of nostalgia and warmth, akin to receiving a heartfelt note from an old friend.
“The Stable Song” – Gregory Alan Isakov
Commentary: Isakov’s songwriting shines in “The Stable Song,” where his storytelling transports listeners to another place and time. The song’s melodic narrative is both grounding and transcendent.
Listening Experience: The detailed storytelling and rustic instrumentation might make one feel as though they are taking a reflective journey back through their most cherished memories.
“Heartbeats” – José González
Commentary: Originally by The Knife, González’s acoustic rendition strips “Heartbeats” down to its emotional core, making it a powerful piece for introspective listening. His version highlights the song’s poignant lyrics and tender melody.
Listening Experience: It offers a comforting solitude, perfect for moments of personal reflection or calm respite from a bustling world.
“Come Away With Me” – Norah Jones
Commentary: This title track from Norah Jones’s debut album is a quintessential coffeehouse jazz piece, blending elements of jazz and country to create a soothing, intimate atmosphere. The song’s gentle piano and Jones’s sultry voice invite listeners into a serene narrative.
Listening Experience: While listening, one might feel invited to escape into a quieter, more peaceful world, perhaps visualizing a slow dance in the living room on a lazy rainy afternoon.
“Quiet Fire” – Melody Gardot
Commentary: Melody Gardot’s “Quiet Fire” captures the essence of jazz with its smooth, soulful vocals and subtle instrumental sophistication. The song embodies the warmth and mystery of a jazz lounge, perfect for introspective moments.
Listening Experience: The track may evoke a feeling of being in a cozy jazz club, sipping coffee and watching the rain drizzle against the windowpane.
“Besame Mucho” – Diana Krall
Commentary: Diana Krall’s rendition of this classic Latin song is infused with her distinctive jazz style, bringing a sensual and romantic quality to the playlist. Her piano skills and vocal delivery add a touch of elegance and longing to the arrangement.
Listening Experience: This song might transport listeners to a romantic, dream-like state, imagining a dance with a loved one in an intimate setting.
“Don’t Wait Too Long” – Madeleine Peyroux
Commentary: With a voice often likened to Billie Holiday, Madeleine Peyroux delivers a timeless jazz vibe in “Don’t Wait Too Long,” combining elements of blues and folk. The song’s lyrical wisdom and mellow sound make it ideal for reflective listening.
Listening Experience: Peyroux’s comforting tone and the laid-back instrumentation could make listeners feel reassured, as if being told that everything will unfold as it should, in its own time.
“My Funny Valentine” – Chet Baker
Commentary: This jazz standard is stripped down to its emotional core in Chet Baker’s rendition, where his trumpet and vocal performance speak directly to the soul. The song is a staple in the jazz repertoire, known for its heartfelt lyrics and haunting melody.
Listening Experience: The somber tones of Baker’s trumpet and his tender voice might stir deep emotions, perfect for a contemplative moment on a quiet, rainy evening.
“Jolene” – Ray LaMontagne
Commentary: Not to be confused with the Dolly Parton hit, LaMontagne’s “Jolene” is a raw, emotional ballad that showcases his raspy voice and profound lyricism. The song’s simplicity and emotional depth make it a standout track in the indie folk genre.
Listening Experience: As LaMontagne’s voice fills the room, listeners might feel a poignant sense of yearning and heartache, as if reflecting on past regrets and lost loves.
“What You Don’t Do” – Lianne La Havas
Commentary: Lianne La Havas offers a refreshing twist to the playlist with “What You Don’t Do.” Her vibrant voice and the lively arrangement bring a lighter, more hopeful tone to the collection, showcasing her unique blend of folk, soul, and jazz influences.
Listening Experience: The upbeat rhythm and positive message provide a moment of uplift, perfect for a mid-playlist mood boost.
“Poison & Wine” – The Civil Wars
Commentary: This song by The Civil Wars is a powerful duet that delves into the complexities of love and longing. The blend of folk and country elements with haunting harmonies creates a deeply resonant track.
Listening Experience: The intense emotional interplay between the vocalists can make one feel deeply connected to the complexities of their own relationships, perhaps pondering the dualities of love and pain.
“Arms of a Woman” – Amos Lee
Commentary: Amos Lee’s soulful voice and the song’s gentle acoustic arrangement make “Arms of a Woman” a comforting and soothing track. It’s a love song that speaks to the deep solace found in one’s beloved.
Listening Experience: This song might wrap listeners in a warm, comforting embrace, perfect for feeling secure and at peace during a downpour.
“Blue Moon” – Billie Holiday
Commentary: Billie Holiday brings her iconic voice to “Blue Moon,” transforming this classic into a poignant expression of longing and love. Her emotional delivery and the lush instrumental background make it a timeless piece for any jazz lover.
Listening Experience: Holiday’s rendition might create an atmosphere of elegant nostalgia, encouraging listeners to reflect on past loves and cherished memories, all while the rain provides a soothing backdrop.
Closing Thoughts
Creating this “Rainy Day Playlist” has been a journey through the soul-stirring depths of indie folk and the comforting embrace of coffeehouse jazz. Each song selected carries its own weight and story, meant to resonate with the quiet moments of reflection that often accompany a rainy day. My hope is that this playlist not only provides solace and companionship during those introspective hours but also deepens listeners’ appreciation for the nuanced artistry of these genres. Whether it evokes a sense of nostalgia, brings comfort, or inspires a deeper connection to one’s emotions, the overarching aim is to enhance the rainy day experience, making it as reflective and enriching as possible.