March 1st is World Music Therapy Day and it is dedicated to celebrating music’s healing power. Music therapy has proven to effectively address the physical, cognitive, social, and emotional needs of those seeking treatment. Music therapists have many methods to their magic. Despite its name, music therapy isn’t just listening to recommended soothing tunes. It allows people who may find it challenging to communicate through words to meet those needs musically. Music therapists use instruments to assist with mobility difficulties and ask clients to find lyrics that closely align with what they are trying to express.
Whether smeone is dealing with a new job, a loss of a loved one, or a breakup, music helps guide us through life’s challenges. You don’t have to be a licensed therapist to acknowledge the medicinal effects of a masterful melody, which is why we’ve cooked up the perfect playlist. We asked employees here at Spencer’s to submit an album that got them through hardship in their lives and what their favorite song from that album is. So, if you’re looking for a way to get through the day or some new tunes, we have your back.
Alex
“Even though I’ve been with the same person for over 15 years there is something extremely cathartic about a soulful breakup song. Sometimes this album, particularly the song ‘Delilah,’ is just what I need when I am going through it – no matter what it is. It also brings me back to seeing them perform this live; Florence Welch was running through the audience, belting out the lyrics and it was so chaotic and so perfect.”
𝅘𝅥𝅮 Album: How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful by Florence + The Machine
𝅘𝅥𝅮 Song: Delilah
Beth
“When I was going through a long, agonizing breakup a while ago I listened to ‘Someone Like You’ by Adele approximately 43,000 times (give or take). Adele is just so brilliant at nailing that feeling of missing someone and mourning a relationship. I think of that ex every time I hear the song, but now I can do that without crying.”
𝅘𝅥𝅮 Album: 21 by Adele
𝅘𝅥𝅮 Song: Someone Like You
Brandon
“Whenever I start to feel sad, I play this song and it always helps. I really resonate with the lyrics and it’s always a good reminder that ‘nothing perfect lasts forever’ and how a single person can make you feel vulnerable at times but also build you back up to be your best self. Also, I love that the first drop is a pretty one and the second drop is an evil one.”
𝅘𝅥𝅮 Album: FRACTALS by Subtronics
𝅘𝅥𝅮 Song: Into Pieces ft. Grabbitz
Lexi
“This is my fave song for when the post-breakup clarity hits.”
𝅘𝅥𝅮 Album: The Hardest Part by Noah Cyrus
𝅘𝅥𝅮 Song: I Burned Down LA
Kylie
“The feeling of falling out of love is something we can all relate to, whether it’s falling out of love with someone or life. I’ve recently found comfort in this album, and there is a song for every emotion. Counting the comebacks we could have said after an argument, or a rehearsed conversation gone wrong is a universal experience. ‘An ego thing’ personifies the sharped-tongue responses I wish I sometimes had and fits any mood.”
𝅘𝅥𝅮 Album: five seconds flat by Lizzy McAlpine
𝅘𝅥𝅮 Song: an ego thing
Mariah
“Best. Breakup. Song. Ever. This album was written and sung with such raw, unfiltered emotion that you can’t help but relate to what she’s going through.”
𝅘𝅥𝅮 Album: Frank by Amy Winehouse
𝅘𝅥𝅮 Song: Take the Box
Missy
“I broke up with my boyfriend of 4 years in college and genuinely felt like my world had turned upside down. I listened to the album Turn Blue by The Black Keys for weeks. I think it helped because it’s not a mood-boosting album. It’s an album that lets you sit with your sadness and really feel its full weight until you’re ready to come up for air.”
𝅘𝅥𝅮 Album: Turn Blue by The Black Keys
𝅘𝅥𝅮 Song: Turn Blue
Tyler
“I’ve been playing guitar for 15 years, and this album is one of the reasons I started. To this day, I still listen to it in its entirety probably three times a week (at least). While I’m a big fan of all grunge music, the tracks on this album still feel fresh and new to me. Playing music has become my biggest and best outlet, getting me through all my ups and downs. This project started it all for me.”
𝅘𝅥𝅮 Album: Siamese Dream by The Smashing Pumpkins
𝅘𝅥𝅮 Song: Mayonaise
Organizations
American Music Therapy Association
AMTA’s mission is to advance public awareness of the benefits of music therapy and increase access to quality music therapy service.
Children’s Music Fund
Children’s Music Fund is dedicated to bringing music therapy into the lives of sick children to help overcome pain, fear and anxiety.
Music Moves Mountains
Music Moves Mountains is a perpetual series of projects, programs, and services utilizing the scientifically proven powers of music to change and improve the quality of lives.
Music Saves Lives
Music Saves Lives® mission is to educate about important life-saving activities that we can all participate in and to use all forms of music and entertainment to get the message out.
To learn more about the science behind musical healing, read up on The Healing Power of Music at Johns Hopkins. Want to share an album that you keep on repeat? Email us at spencersblog@spencergifts.com and let us know what you would add to this playlist!
