A comfy blanket, a good book, and music to mellow out to: these are the essentials for a rainy day. Whether you’re driving through winding roads and marveling at the massive gray clouds draped across the sky, or sitting by your window listening to the soft pitter-patter of rain, you’ve got the perfect opportunity to reflect and relax. We’ve put together a list of 10 handpicked classics for you to enjoy this monsoon season, and picked our favorite lyric for you to reflect on!
Rocket Man (I Think It’s Going to Be a Long, Long Time) - Elton John
Said to serve as a metaphor for the plight of Elton John’s rock-star lifestyle, he sings the sad tale of an astronaut for whom space exploration is just his daily job. One of John’s most famous tracks, enjoy its poignant lyrics and soothing rhythm as you cuddle up and watch the rain.
“And I think it’s going to be a long, long time Til’ touchdown brings me round again to find I’m not the man they think I am at home”
November Rain- Guns and Roses
The monsoon season, and the pitter-patter of falling raindrops turns us into mushy romantics. This multi-award winning track traces a depressing tale of lost love, and combined with Slash’s inspired soaring guitar solos over a crescendo of swirling string section makes for a perfect rainy day song.
“So never mind the darkness We still can find a way 'Cause nothin' lasts forever Even cold November rain”
Champagne Supernova - Oasis
Many have wondered the meaning of this iconic, epic rock ballad by Oasis. Try and rack your brain to analyze this song, but listen to it for its evocative lyrics and awesome, awesome guitar solo. Perfect to listen to on your car ride home.
“Someday you will find me Caught beneath the landslide In a champagne supernova A champagne supernova in the sky”
Wish You Were Here- Pink Floyd
The song’s lyrics encompass writer Roger Water’s feelings of alienation from other people, and focuses on absence and disenchantment. It steals the tier in top acoustic songs, and is guaranteed to evoke those feels, and give into that melancholic rainy-day mood. “We're just two lost souls swimming in a fishbowl year after year Runnin' over the same old ground, what have we found?”
The Final Cut- Pink Floyd
This song is a hidden gem, and follows the same melancholic pattern as Wish You Were Here. Enjoy its soothing piano and soft singing as you sip on a warm cup of chai.
“Thought I oughta bare my naked feelings Thought I oughta tear the curtain down I held the blade in trembling hands Prepared to make it but just then the phone rang I never had the nerve to make the final cut”
Boots of Spanish Leather- Bob Dylan
These melodious, soft folk-rock rhythms are perfect for a rainy day. The theme of a bittersweet parting between two lovers before a journey is accentuated by a beautiful finger-picking acoustic guitar solo. Our personal favorite, this is an essential for the monsoon season.
“Well, if I had the stars from the darkest night and the diamonds from the deepest ocean I’d forsake them all for your sweet kiss for that’s all I’m a-wishin' to be ownin"
Harvest Moon- Neil Young
A tribute to Young’s wife, this song represents the essence of beauty and romance. The guitar, mixed with pedal steel guitar are out front, but what makes this so special is the background vocals. This nostalgic, beautiful song is a must-listen.
“When we were strangers, I watched you from afar When we were lovers, I loved you will all my heart”
Vienna- Billy Joel
This song uses a crossroads metaphor for a meaningful life after youth, and suggests pacing oneself in life and enjoying the journey. This iconic piano ballad is a great edition to your rainy-day playlist.
“’Slow down, you crazy child And take the phone off the hook and disappear for awhile It's all right, you can afford to lose a day or two When will you realize, Vienna waits for you?”
In Your Atmosphere (Live at the Nokia Theatre)- John Mayer
In this live performance, John Mayer couples acoustic guitar with soft, melodious rhythm to really, really deliver those feels. His evocative lyrics and passionate voice is guaranteed to make you shed a tear (or to fall in love with him- we definitely did).
“I'm gonna steer clear Burn up in your atmosphere”
Green is the Colour- Pink Floyd
Yes, as you can tell, Pink Floyd is a staple for this monsoon season. With a tin whistle in the background, and a calm sheen of warbling organ sound throughout, this song is a soothing piece of art.
“Heavy hung the canopy of blue Shade my eyes and I can see you White is the light that shines through the dress that you wore”
Dou Pal - Maanu X Taha G
And for anyone who is in the mood to sit on their balcony, drive around and watch the raindrops fall on the window, this treat is a bit more upbeat to jam to. Our very own Maanu and Taha G from Pakistan shake things up with a relaxing yet fun beat to set the mood!
Grab those headphones! We hope you enjoy these 10 soft/folk rock picks, and have a great, musical monsoon week!
