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A Playlist for the End of the World
Music reflects the apocalyptic feel — and abiding hope — of the COVID-19 pandemic
As Covid-19 has continued to spread worldwide — and much of the United States’ population remains under lockdown, many people are turning to music for solace.
According to Rolling Stone magazine, music streaming is up overall. But the kind of music we’re listening to has changed, too. Out are catchy, upbeat pop tunes, and genres like hip hop. In are chiller, moodier songs.
This makes a lot of sense. In the early days of the pandemic, there was a suggestion that streaming services should play happy songs to help people through the crisis and lift their moods. This prompted an immediate backlash, as artists and listeners alike pointed out that listening to happy music in challenging times tends to only make things worse.
People experiencing anything — positive or negative — want to hear music that accurately reflects and builds on their experience.
Right now, Covid-19 can make it feel like we’re facing the end of the world, or an apocalyptic (or at least radically changed) version of it. So I’ve made a playlist to match that collective feeling: a Playlist for the End of the World.
