Music While Writing, 2nd Playlist

Here's another playlist I put together for myself, ten songs fitting the mood of:

Sadness, loss, separation:

• Aozora, from the anime Air TV - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=miBUKZfkQPc

The pitch the singer uses really pulls at my heart. Even without knowing the story behind the song or the show, I think this song can really evoke longing and loneliness.

• The Trial of Lancelot, by Heather Dale - http://youtu.be/3d_gJv2iCPw

This song works with both lyrical content and melody. Heather's voice and pitch really moves me. The final verse is extremely moving, and has inspired a lot of scenes for me while writing.

• Tristan and Isolt, by Heather Dale - http://youtu.be/EGif9VMEFaA

Another of Heather's songs, from the Arthurian mythos. The tone of the song doesn't quite inspire melancholy, but there's one point in the song that nailed it into my playlist: “It was white as angel's raiments, but when feebly he begged her, fairest Blanchemaine softly told him, 'Tis of Night'.” The song builds into this crescendo of hope and love and overcoming a great trial, only to be stabbed in the heart with that simple phrase from the jealous wife.

• Gravity, by Vienna Teng - http://youtu.be/X8nypWKa_aU

This could probably fit into the Love category, as well, and another of Vienna's songs will be there. But the tone of this song really draws up more lonely images, like someone trying to cope with being alone.

• Hallelujah, by Jeff Buckley - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WIF4_Sm-rgQ

Most anyone who knows this song would put this on a list of sad songs. For good reason, too, as it has the perfect tone and lyrics to drum up very sad, lonely emotions and images. I've used this song many, many times to hone in that feeling.

• When I Look to the Sky, by Train - http://youtu.be/KipSEcE6gGM

I absolutely love Train, and the majority of their songs are so fun and upbeat, but this song, after I paid attention to the lyrics, created such a sad image in my head. Sung in the POV of a man who's lost his wife, remembering the good times and what it's like to move on.

• Epiphany, by Staind - http://youtu.be/5bobskjQwWI

Another favorite band, the lead singer having one of my favorite voices in rock. Their ballads are my absolute favorite, and this song never fails to evoke some melancholy emotions.

• Someone's Waiting for You (or) the Journey, from the Rescuers - http://youtu.be/lyHX71Z6M7s (or) http://youtu.be/q-PATHhsQqI

This movie was one of the first times I learned about orphans and orphanages as a little kid. There is a very soft and sad tone to much of the movie, and both of these songs drum up some nostalgic emotions connected to the film. Their tone and the pitch of the singer's voice should make it relate-able whether you've seen it or not.

• I Dreamed a Dream, from Les Miserables (specially sung by Ruthie Henshall) - http://youtu.be/-Jo4FvpN3_g

I'd never heard this song before Britain's Got Talent. I loved it then, but after finding this version, the original version, I fell even deeper in love with it. The popularized version cuts out what became my favorite verse, so I just have to go with this version. I also think Ruthie's emotional performance, being trained in theater, evokes a stronger response in me.

• Teru's Song, from the Tales From Earthsea - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=koCGagayNPM

This is well done in both English and Japanese, and listening to the English lyrics really emphasizes why it's such a sad song. But by listening to the Japanese, I'm able to focus on the tone and melody of the song and embrace the raw emotion it drums up.