The best Spotify playlist and music for coronavirus lockdown

Two iconic songs have been propelled back into the forefront of popular culture in recent weeks in a world now overshadowed by the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

Released in 1987 and and taken from the acclaimed ‘Document’ album, REM’s ‘It’s The End of the World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine)' re-entererd the Billboard charts with the song title’s quasi-apocalyptic nature evidently resonating with people in these uncertain times.

Speaking on his website in March, co-author of the song and lead singer of the band, Michael Stipe, added that the important part of the song is the ‘As we know it’ element adding: “We are going through a time that none of us has ever experienced or encountered before with the coronavirus and it’s real and it’s serious and it’s here…let’s take this seriously”.

Gloria Gaynor’s 1978 disco anthem ‘I Will Survive’ was a global success with a defiant message of empowerment, strength and moving on and has remained timeless over the decades with no post wedding celebration complete until the track has received its ubiquitous airing.

Gaynor herself once said: "I love the empowering effect, I love the encouraging effect. It's a timeless lyric that addresses a timeless concern."

The song took on another dimension recently when the singer posted a Covid-19 related tweet stating that it only takes a 20 second hand wash as a coronavirus deterrent with Gaynor’s #IWillSurviveChallenge creating a stir on social media.

From Covid-19 isolation inspired opera on Tuscan terraces, pop serenades on Barcelona’s balconies to famous song lockdown parodies, why, in times of adversity, difficulty or hardship, does music resonate with us all more than ever?

Music Therapy for coronavirus

According to a study issued by Harvard Health Publishing earlier this decade: Uplifting, cheerful music can make people of all ages feel happy, energetic, and alert, and music even has a role in lifting the mood of people with depressive illnesses. An authoritative review after recent research reported that in four trials, music therapy reduced symptoms of depression.

Speaking to AS English, Tomas Fernando Flores, Director of Spain’s Radio 3 network and presenter of the seminal radio show ’Siglo 21’ claimed: "In these times overshadowed by collective tragedy and desolation, music can play a special role. It can fill us with uplifting emotions so badly needed, it can remind of us of shared experiences with people we love and promote positive values. Music can lift our fears, entertain us and deliver hope, optimism and can charge us with positive energy."

We’ve added our two cents worth and prepared a Spotify playlist with a song selection focusing very much on the positive and hope you enjoy it.

”Let the song, Carry you on, Keep you strong”…

(Richard Ashcroft: Music is Power)

Dedicated to the memories of: John Prine, Ellis Marsalis, Adam Schlesinger (Fountains of Wayne), Manu Dibango and all other musicians and artists who have succumbed to the Covid-19 virus. #RIP

Full lockdown play list

Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger - Daft Punk

Movin' On Up - Primal Scream

Melody of love (Edit) - Hot Chip

We Found Love - Rihanna / Calvin Harris

Touch the Sky - Kanye West / Lupe Fiasco

Move On Up - Curtis Mayfield

Lovely Day - Bill Withers

Sir Duke  - Stevie Wonder

Miracles - Jackson Sisters

Rocket - Goldfrapp

Sweet Harmony - The Beloved

La Ritournelle - Sébastien Tellier

This Is The Day - The The

Have A Nice Day - Stereophonics

More Than A Feeling - Boston

Viva La Vida - Coldplay

Inner Smile - Texas

Hey, Soul Sister - Train

Beautiful Day - U2

Here Comes The Sun - The Beatles

Run - Snow Patrol

Music Is Power - Richard Ashcroft