Feel-good albums to self-isolate to

In these times we all need albums that offer hope and positive energy. So we’ve picked six albums that well and truly tick these boxes. It’s time for you to jump in.

In these times we all need albums that offer hope and positive energy. So we’ve picked six albums that well and truly tick these boxes. It’s time for you to jump in.

Kacey Musgraves — Golden Hour (2018)

Ah, yes. Our go-to album for hangovers — and now self-isolation. If you haven’t heard of country pop star Kacey Musgraves before, you’re in for a treat. Winner of all four of its Grammy nominations in 2019, Golden Hour is packed full of songs that serve up a scintillating combination of playful melodies, simple lyrics and groovy country beats. We promise you’ll be in safe hands with this one.

Standout tracks: ‘High Horse’, ‘Velvet Elvis’, ‘Rainbow’

Abba — Voulez-Vouz (1979)

So, you think you love Abba. But do really love Abba? While everyone may be familiar with songs like ‘Voulez-Vouz’, ‘I Have A Dream’ and ‘Does Your Mother Know’, this album is packed with much more than you ever knew about. This is Abba’s disco album, and they’ve pulled out all the stops to ensure you have a good time. From the grooviest album opener known to mankind, ‘As Good As New’, to the uplifting ear-worm that is ‘If It Wasn’t For The Nights’, strap yourself in for a disco journey like never before.

Standout tracks: ‘If It Wasn’t For the Nights’, ‘Chiquitita’, ‘Angel Eyes’

Kero Kero Bonito — Bonito Generation (2016)

We’re bringing you up to date with a more modern sound now. Kero Kero Bonito is a bubblegum bass-infused indie-pop band with an eye for simplicity. This album is bursting with quirky electronic sounds and vocal hooks that ride the line between childish and irreverent, and that’s what makes it so fun. Just let it in.

Standout tracks: ‘Trampoline’, ‘Lip Slap’, ‘Try Me’

Raveena — Moonstone EP (2020)

Raveena makes soulful R&B music which is the perfect accompaniment for a lazy morning. It’s a simple setup: wishy-washy guitars, mid-tempo drums, ethereal sounding vocals and a sprinkling of synthesisers. It’s just a delightful listen. Get around it.

Standout tracks: Literally all of them

Flaming Lips — Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots (2002)

It’s time to get a bit weird and dystopian. As described in the album title, this is a concept album that tells the story of a battle between Yoshimi and some mean machines. Lyrically, this story is only apparent in the first four songs, but the album goes on to touch on themes of existence, love and mortality, which for us are all relevant in today’s strange global climate. Experimental in places, the electronic psychedelic sound always offers a glimpse of hope, making for a great listen in these trying times.

Standout tracks: ‘Fight Test’ ‘Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots pt 1’, ‘Do You Realise’

Fat Freddy’s Drop — Based On A True Story (2010)

There’s never a bad time to put this album on, because it screams one thing only: good times. Based in New Zealand, Fat Freddy’s Drop are a seven-piece band whose sound can only be described as a melting pot of reggae, dub and soul.

Standout tracks: ‘Wandering Eye’, ‘Ernie’, ‘Roadie’