Depression, Anxiety and Stress. All related in some fashion or another. Each can serve as a gateway to an individuals health diagnosis. Furthermore, in a world of uncertainty, these things tend to also ignite an unbalanced mind state. Which is a good description of the world today (especially in the U.S.). Divided. Unhinged. Immoral and Agitated are merely a few words that may depict our current state of mind. Added to the fold, people are trying to maintain a sense of stability during a health crisis. All in all, and you have a recipe for disaster.
According to a survey published from WHO (World Health Organization) in 2018, more than 300 million people suffer from depression. On the airwaves and news channels are acts of protest, violence and social injustice spreading rapidly. And while there are anti-depressants that help deal with ‘pyschological circumstances’ or social change, there’s also a natural remedy that could also have a profounding effect as well—music.
While it’s no secret that music helps with insomnia, health and learning capabilites, music also serves as a great source for overcoming depression and helping with emotional expression. As you may recall, music was the key in Mozarts life’s journey and well as many modern songwriters and performers—even in today’s industry. Therefore, it’s noteworthy that this ‘somewhat’ therapeutic treatment may do wonders for today’s social climate. In fact, SURGE put together a list of some of our favorite songs that we think should serve as national anthems in getting society back to civil unification. While some songs are widely known, a few may not be. However, their lyrics are potent and powerful, so they should definitely be showcased. Take a listen and see if you agree.
Stevie Wonder and George Micheal (Love’s in Need Of Love Today)
While Stevie Wonder will go down as one of the ‘all-time greatest’ singers of the world. His rendition of this classic, with the late George Michael, is truly a rare gem—and something that the world is definitely in need of today.
Jewel (Hands)
Introduced in the mid-90s, the singer Jewel never strayed away from her folksong singing style. Her album, Spirit, crossed over to the pop charts with a few hit singles from it. The video in question, however, gives a daunting look and how we as ‘Samaritans’ act—or should—in a time of crisis. The cinematography and lyrics blend well together also.
Teddy Pendergrass (Wake Up Everybody)
This classic almost slip threw our cracks. Soul master Teddy Pendergrass’ poignant mellow-tone flows through this title track like calm waters in a cool river. His performance (here) was on Soul Train in 1975 with R&B group Harold Melvin and the High Notes (Pendergrass male group before going solo). The song serves as a reminder of how much further America has to go to achieve the justice its seldom spotlight.
John Lennon (Imagine)
This song needs no introduction and is highly recognized in nearly all generations. Although Lennon was the often referred to as the soft spoken member of the over popular Beatles, he was also the most talented in a some retrospect. Lennon imagined a world of endless possibilities as expressed in this widely commercialized song track.
MAZE featuring Frankie Beverly (We Are One)
If ‘Mellow’ would have been a music category, Frankie Beverly and Maze would be on its charts for decades. Blended with jazzy acoustics, Maze’s sound has been often underrated by the music industry. However, once their songs are played in your car, office building or radio, people cannot help but feel good listening to its smooth vibrations. This live rendition [We Are One] showcases the groups unique talent and perpetual swag.