Discovering New Music in the Reimagined Future

Eight great songs that were released during the quarantine period

by Althea Kalalo / July 23, 2020

Through years of evolution and change, music has persisted. Even as the world adjusts to the new normal brought about by the COVID-19 crisis, music still has the power to unify people and resonate with personalities from all walks of life. Now more than ever, it has become a powerful avenue to share experiences, show solidarity, and connect with one another.

Thankfully, countless artists have been releasing new songs throughout the quarantine period, ranging from feel-good anthems and heartfelt ballads to songs that serve as a reflection of today’s times. Need a quick refresher on some notable songs released this quarantine period? Here are eight quarantine tracks that caught the attention of fans and artists alike:

Scared to Live – The Weeknd
Contemporary R&B and pop singer Abel Tesfaye, more popularly known as The Weeknd, released Scared to Live as part of his fourth studio album, After Hours. In the song, Abel details the part he played in a failed relationship, and wishes for his past lover to find herself and eventually be open to love again. Despite the song’s sad narrative, it’s still an enjoyable listen that stays true to the essence of the album. It highlights Abel’s distinct vocals, and even features an interpolation of Elton John’s ‘Your Song,’ with Elton noting that he was ‘blown away’ to be part of the album.

Two Worlds – Armi Millare
Two Worlds is a song that embodies believing in yourself. Armi Millare said that she wrote the song “after realizing only we have the power to validate our dreams. No one else can do this for us.” Armi’s haunting voice paired with the track’s hypnotizing beat will make you want to seize the day and chase for your dreams, even with the limitations of today’s time. The song also calls for you to look within yourself, and to embrace what you are destined to be.

Rain on Me – Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande
Power duo Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande created waves of excitement with their first collaboration for Rain on Me. The song is very personal for both artists, and talks about persevering through hardships and heartbreak. But instead on focusing on that, the song focuses on finding the beauty in life and letting yourself go through the process of healing. This upbeat track is sure to remind you of the strength you have within.

Corners – Kiana Valenciano
Need a laid back track for when you’re missing someone you can’t see at the moment because of quarantine? Then Kiana Valenciano’s sweet and smooth vocals on Corners are perfect for you. The song talks about taking things slow, and being in the corners of someone’s mind while wondering what exactly the future holds. This easy listen is perfect for lounging around on a chill Saturday afternoon or when you want to feel the longing that Kiana illustrates on the track.

Hallucinate – Dua Lipa
Dua Lipa has only been on the music scene for some years, but she has already become an influential pop star. Hallucinate, which is part of Dua’s second album Future Nostalgia, is a song that was made for shaking out stress and dancing like nobody’s watching. The irresistible beat and the ways the lyrics play on different senses will surely draw you in, and it’s a good example of different elements seamlessly blending together to make an effective and catchy pop song.

Delilah – WANDER
If you’re looking for fresh music, check out WANDER, a newcomer in the local music scene. For his first single, WANDER expresses his feelings for a special someone (Delilah, of course) and paints a picture of just how special she is to him. This track grows on you, and is reminiscent of classic OPM songs that need nothing but the soothing sound of a guitar and vocals charged with genuine emotions. Since the track was inspired by a rainy afternoon, listen to it when the weather’s gloomy to enhance the experience.

Easy – Troye Sivan
Troye Sivan recently released Easy, which is a part of his extended play (EP) record entitled In a Dream. This EP’s tracklist was described by Troye as a “small collection of songs [that] explore an emotional rollercoaster period in my life.” Easy is the perfect combination of Troye’s dreamy vocals, a prominent drum beat, and nostalgic synth sounds — all ingredients of a song that you’ll listen to over and over.

Nakikinig Ka Ba Sa Akin – Ben&Ben
Indie folk band Ben&Ben released Nakikinig Ka Ba Sa Akin on June 12, coinciding with the Philippines’ Independence Day. The song features Ben&Ben’s signature instrumental accompaniment and the touching vocals of Paolo and Miguel Guico. The eye-opening track highlights the importance of listening to one another as everyone works toward the same goal — breaking the darkness that surrounds the country during these uncertain times.

These are only some of songs that have been a part of many people’s quarantine experience, no matter where they may be in the world. Music, through its many genres and varied interpretations, is one of the few things that can touch people in very personal ways. It is a reminder that despite limited physical interactions in the new normal, art can help ease people’s worries and fears, and bring them closer to one another.