The Playlist: 10 Songs Without Lyrics That Still Make You Feel Things
- Rüya Yönak
- May 17, 2017
- 4 min read
Sometimes, all you want to do is lay down on your bed and listen to music that transports you deep inside or outside yourself.
1. Alcest - Délivrance
It may seem like this song has lyrics but try to understand them and you will probably fail. The vocals are only adding onto the instrumental brilliance of this blackgaze song. Everytime I listen to Délivrance, I imagine myself in another world, another life, and it makes me feel like I am departing to go somewhere far away and heavenly.
Read more about Alcest and their recent album here.
2. Yann Tiersen - La Dispute
It's not like Yann Tiersen is a mystery, he is very well known for the soundtracks he composed for the legendary film, Amélie. As well as 'Comptine d'un autre été, l'après-midi', The Dispute is one of the chef d'oeuvres of Tiersen, with such a melody that reminds you the beauty in nature, the bittersweet taste of life, and how sadness can be a blessing sometimes.
You heard this song a million times, but never quite like this. This entrancing melody's original version is composed by Erik Satie. Turkish virtuoso Erkan Oğur, however, has transformed it by integrating his unique musical abilities. He is one of the biggest talents in music that Turkey's ever had (and believe me it has many). I strongly recommend any music lover to listen to this incredible man.
Bonus: This song is also the soundtrack of indie Turkish film Mommo (2009).
4. Miles Davis - Freddie Freeloader
It would not be a proper list if I didn't include any jazz. No one can argue Miles Davis puts the J in Jazz, and a and both of the z's. You begin slowly patting your foot on the ground, then your fingers on the table and there comes the trumpet when your whole body starts shaking, your eyes closing, and your ears solely focusing on that sound. That's what it feels to listen to Miles Davis.
5. Balmorrhea - Remembrance
This song is one of the many reasons I love Discover Weekly on Spotify. It doesn't always get it right, but when it does... you are in for a 4 hour replay session. Remembrance will exactly make this effect. It builds up emotions by adding up new instruments, vocals and melodies into the beautiful continuous rhythm kept with a bancho-like instrument. It is no surprise that this song is called 'Remembrance' as it moves you into a gradually more melancholic state, just like when you recall a memory. As you try harder and harder to remember it with all of its details, you find yourself stuck in pain and nostalgia.
6. Le Trio Joubran - Masâr
Le Trio Joubran is a Palestinian band that plays traditional music with ouds. It is funny how music can connect so many meanings, emotions, culture and thoughts in such grace. Masâr begins slowly, as if the band is introducing itself to you. Not for long though - it then takes you by the hand and you feel like you are relentlessly spinning with them. As the music gets increasingly passionate, you feel as though you don't want it to be over, then it's over.
Here's a chill sound to accompany your good mood. Just sit back, relax and enjoy the instruments creating harmony together. Ayyuka is a Turkish alternative rock band from Istanbul, Orlando Julius is a saxophone genius from Nigeria and what a beautiful blend of sounds they make.
8. Mark Eliyahu - Humbleness
Kamancheh is a traditionally well-known instrument to Turks, especially living on the North coast. However, it is mostly regarded as a cheerful instrument that brings you to your feet and makes you dance like crazy. Israeli Mark Eliyahu, inspired by Azarbaijani sounds, takes this instrument to a whole new level. Humbleness tells almost a heroic story, conveying different emotions throughout its journey, without uttering one word to describe what is lived.
9. Duke Ellington and John Coltrane - In a Sentimental Mood
Let me now take you to the empty streets of New York on a summer night, where you are wandering the streets alone in a sentimental mood. Personally, I've never been in New York but jazz pianist Duke Ellington and jazz saxophonist John Coltrane's beautiful partnership in this song let's me be there when I want to. I can picture myself listening to this in a dim-lit underground jazz bar with only four or five people left to listen the end of the night when things slowly get emotional and the music inspires hope inside everyone's hearts.
10. Stavroz - The Finishing
I recently discovered Stavroz, and being a very prejudiced listener against most house music out there, it's an understatement to say that I was surprised. Belgian duo Stavroz makes jazz house, kind of like London-based Henry Wu, another jazz house DJ I actually like. The Finishing has a melodic beat in the background that complements the trumpet and guitar. Repetitive beats in this song never bore you, as you slowly rock to the rhythm you gradually unite with the music.
Check out this Workout Playlist
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