Summary

The article lists ten songs from various artists and countries, particularly from India and Pakistan, that the author finds uplifting during challenging days.

Abstract

The article "Ten Songs That Help Me Survive Bad Days" introduces readers to a curated list of songs that provide solace and inspiration to the author on tough days. These songs span across different genres and cultures, with a focus on music from the Indian subcontinent. Artists featured include Atif Aslam from Pakistan, known for his high-pitched vocal control, and Indian indie band Ankur and The Ghalat Family, praised for their soothing melodies. The list also includes international acts like American indie rock band Family of The Year and folk-rock band The Lumineers, as well as a cover of Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah" by Brandi Carlile. The author expresses a personal connection to each song, often linked to their association with meaningful films or moments in the author's life. The article encourages readers to explore these tracks and experience the emotional resonance they hold for the writer.

Opinions

Atif Aslam's "Tajdar-E-Haram" is described as a spiritual journey and Pakistan's best gift to the world in terms of music.
Ankur and The Ghalat Family's "Dil Haare" is noted for its rarity in showcasing Ankur Tewari's soothing voice.
"Hero" by Family of The Year is cherished for its connection to the movie "Boyhood," which is close to the author's heart.
Prateek Kuhad's "Cold/Mess" is recognized for its strong visuals, beautiful emotions, and inclusion in Barack Obama's favorite music of 2019.
Brandi Carlile's cover of "Hallelujah" is believed to take the listener to a new dimension due to her heavenly voice.
Darshana Rajendran's cover of "Bhawra Mann" is preferred over the original from the film "Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi," possibly due to its feature in the author's favorite film "Mayanadi."
The Lumineers' "Sleep On The Floor" is part of a band repertoire that the author holds dear, suggesting readers also explore their other works.
Gotye's "Somebody That I Used To Know" is deemed an evergreen song that the author revisits frequently.
The version of "Space Oddity" by David Bowie featured in "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty" is favored over the original, with the movie itself considered underrated.
"Afreen Afreen" by Rahet Fateh Ali Khan and Momina Mustehasan from Coke Studio Pakistan is presented as a universally appealing track, with high praise for both artists.

The article concludes with a recommendation for an AI service, ZAI.chat, which is touted as a cost-effective alternative to ChatGPT Plus (GPT-4), offered at a special rate of $1/month.

Ten Songs That Help Me Survive Bad Days

If you have not previously listened to songs from Asia, specifically India, some of these songs could be an exhilarating experience

Without much ado,

1. ‘Tajdar-E-Haram’ By Atif Aslam:

Atif Aslam is an artist from Pakistan and is undoubtedly one of the best singers of our times. His control over voice at high pitches is magical. This song is first in my ‘Go-to songs’ when I am feeling down. This song takes me on a spiritual journey, and I cannot explain the feeling when I listen to this. Pakistan’s best gift to the world is their music.

2. ‘Dil Haare’ By Ankur and The Ghalat Family

Ankur and The Ghalat family is an Indie band based out of India and was formed in 2009. Ankur Tewari is the lead singer and the main man. His voice is so soothing and not the kind of voice you get to listen very often. Experience the magic in his voice by yourself.

3. ‘Hero’ By Family of The Year

Family of The Year is an American Indie rock band based out of LA. The song ‘Hero’ was featured in the movie ‘Boyhood’ directed by Richard Linklater. Boyhood is a movie which is very close to my heart, and I guess it is one of the main reasons I love this song very much. A beautiful song.

4.’Cold/Mess’ By Prateek Kuhad

Prateek is an Indian independent musician, who had previously won the first place in International Songwriting Competition in 2016. Cold/Mess has strong visuals and beautiful emotions. Also, it made it to Barack Obama’s list of his favourite music of 2019!

5. ‘Hallelujah’ Cover Song By Brandi Carlile

Brandi Carlile is one of my all-time favourites. She has a heavenly voice that takes me to a new dimension every time I listen to her. I believe that she deserves so much more attention and love.

6.’Bhawra Mann’ Cover Song By Darshana Rajendran

The original song is from a critically acclaimed Hindi movie ‘ Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi’. But for some reasons, I love this cover song better than the original, maybe because it was featured in one of my favourite films ‘Mayanadi’

7. ‘Sleep On The Floor’ By The Lumineers

The Lumineers is an American folk-rock band based out of Denver. Frankly speaking, all of their songs are close to my heart. If you are reading this, please also check out their other works like ‘The Ballad of Cleopatra’ and ‘Ho Hey’

8. ‘Somebody That I Used To Know’ By Gotye

This is an evergreen song, and I keep going back to this one now and then.

9. ‘Space Oddity’ By David Bowie +Kristen Wiig- The Secret Life of Walter Mitty Version

Another song which I adore more than the original version, again because I love this movie so much. What an underrated movie and what an amazing song!

10. ‘Afreen Afreen’ By Rahet Fateh Ali Khan and Momina Mustehasan

Another gem from Coke Studio Pakistan. Rahet Fateh Ali Khan is a maestro, and Momina is an angel. No matter from which part of the world you are from, you cannot not like this one!