This election cycle has and is still one for the books, as evidenced by the first Presidential Debate which took place on Monday night (Sept. 26) and veered, at times, towards personal attacks and finger-pointing rather than an informed argument. The stresses of keeping up with the media frenzy and being an informed voter are enough to make anyone’s head spin — enter Billboard‘s Anti-Anxiety playlist, specifically curated with this year’s election in mind.
Madonna Gets Naked, Joins Katy Perry in Supporting Hillary Clinton
So sit back, (try to) relax, and give these 45 songs — in honor of whomever will be the 45th president of the United States — a listen.
“Mellow Out” — Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats
Take a cue from this track’s title and mellow out with this laid-back listen.
“The Sound of Silence” — Simon & Garfunkel
This debate this week included few to no moments of silence, as the two candidates continuously talked over one another and the debate’s moderator.
“You’re Not Good Enough” — Blood Orange
Even as the election nears, many voters still may feel this way about the two presidential candidates.
“Troubles Will Be Gone” — The Tallest Man On Earth
Hopefully, come Nov. 8, some worry and troubles will be gone — or not.
“Unsteady” — X Ambassadors
After watching the first presidential debate, many were still left feeling the way this song title suggests.
“Dark Days” — Local Natives
Even while singing about dark days, there’s an undertone of optimism stitched in the seams of song.
“Friends (feat. Bon Iver)” — Francis and the Lights
Never say never, though it’s unlikely Trump and Clinton will ever truly be friends.
“Should Have Known Better” — Sufjan Stevens
The soothing sounds of Sufjan Stevens will melt away most worries, if only momentarily.
“Talk Is Cheap” — Chet Faker
As the candidates continue to throw big ideas around, without a plan or proper execution talk can often be cheap.
“Things Happen” — Dawes
If this election is any indication, things happen that can often be unimaginable.
“America” — Austin Plaine
A peaceful ride through America is chronicled throughout this track, serving as a reminder as to the withstanding “beauty of America.”
“Light Upon The Lake” — Whitney
This melodious track serves up light and airy production that will put the most tense mind at ease.
“Careless” — EL VY
As election day nears, it’s certainly not a time to be careless about who the next president will be.
“I Can’t Go On Without You” — Kaleo
As Obama prepares to exit his presidency, this song title echoes the thoughts of many.
“Wild Horses (Acoustic Version) — The Rolling Stones
The acoustic version of this classic fits right in among the rest on this list.
“Searching the Blue” — The Arcs
This Dan Auerbach-fronted group delivers some soothing soul on this track.
“Kingdom Of Jones” — William Tyler
Amidst all the noise, an instrumental-only track is warmly welcomed here.
“Don’t Hurt” — Sam Weber
The song’s repeated message “don’t hurt” is a kind reminder to take it easy from time to time.
“Easier Said” — Sunflower Bean
As for the plans the candidates are proposing, they often seem to be easier said than done.
“Build It Better” — Aron Wright
With so much talk of “making America great again,” this serves as a reminder to move forward in a positive direction.
“Old Hope” — Angelo De Augustine
Though often hard to find right now, this song is a reminder to remain hopeful for the future.
“Going to California” — Led Zeppelin
While some have contemplated fleeing to Canada, this song about going to California sounds just as appealing.
“Tell The Truth” — Tobias Jesso Jr.
Considering Clinton turned her website into a fact checker, telling the truth has sometimes proven difficult this election cycle.
“Boy With A Coin” — Iron & Wine
As Trump as pointed out, he started off with a “small” loan from has father and has since turned it into billions.
“Trouble” — Cage the Elephant
This song says it best, “trouble on my left, trouble on my right.”
“Don’t Wanna Fight” — Alabama Shakes
Unfortunately, the debate proved that this is far from how the candidates are currently feeling.
“Just Breathe” — Pearl Jam
A simple reminder from Vedder and co. to keep on breathing.
“All The Time” — Bahamas
On the contrary to this track’s title, Nov. 8 is creeping up all to quickly.
“The High Road” — Broken Bells
Both candidates have claimed to have taken the high road at various points throughout this election cycle.
“Something Good” — Alt-J
Even in the thick of so much negativity, “something good” will hopefully come of it all.
“Good Grief” — Bastille
A common sentiment uttered by many as of late.
“Waiting On the World to Change” — John Mayer
A classic track that rings especially true for this election.
“Present Tense” — Radiohead
Much of the dialogue focuses on the candidates past faults, overshadowing their current points and future plans.
“Silver Lining” — Rilo Kiley
Though difficult to find, there’s often a silver lining even in the most dire of situations.
“Let It Go” — James Bay
As for some topics that have been and continue to be heavily belabored, it’s time to “let it go” and move on.
“Slow And Steady” — Of Monsters and Men
This is election is not one where slow and steady wins the race, it’s now a sprint to the finish.
“Low Key” — Tweedy
While the election cycle has been far from low key, this track will help to instill that mentality.
“Murmurs” — Hundred Waters
This ambient and ethereal track offers some sonic relief.
“Make You Better” — The Decemberists
Both candidates are attempting to prove how they can make America better, or as Trump says, “great again.”
“Waiting” — Aquilo
Come Nov. 8, as the votes are tallied up the country will be anxiously awaiting an answer.
“Daydreaming” — Middle Brother
This dreamlike track will ease listeners into a midday daydream.
“The Dream Synopsis” — The Last Shadow Puppets
Similarly, this song will keep the daydream alive for a few moments more before reality hits.
“Sea of Air” — Portugal. The Man
Let the song’s repetitive line “I’ll be brave” sink in, and serve as a reminder to brave this political storm.
“Bashed Out” — The Kit
This delicate track helps bring this playlist to a calming close.
“Stay (feat. Mikky Ekko) — Rihanna
And finally, one last sonic plea that echoes the desire of some for Obama to stay in office just a little longer.
Listen to the playlist in full below, via Spotify.