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There is no better adjective I can give to what this year has been except this--altering. 2020 has been the most unexpected rollercoaster I never thought I would board, and I guess it has been something similar for you as well.
But hey! Pandemics and natural disasters aside, 2020 has brought humanity to reflexive knees, and this has shown powerfully in music.
In this brief article, I'm going to share seven songs that sum up everything that has happened this year. And if you think it's bold of me to assume I can summarise this tyrannosaurus of a year, just wait till you get to the end.
Do you remember when people started panic-buying toilet paper? There was even that one guy that bought tons of hand sanitizer just so he could rip people off on Amazon!
In this song, Tom Macdonald raps about the different responses to the virus outbreak that has made obvious the lack of humanity society has been running on for a long time.
2. Commander in Chief by Demi Lovato
He offers the same remedy as the ancient Greeks when he says: ...be a man and go and help!
Virtue in Greek means manliness i.e the things that really make us human, like helping each other.
Most citizens had a bone to pick with their presidents concerning how they handled the virus.
If I try to explain the deep contempt many Nigerians felt for the presidency and other political leaders, my laptop would go crazy from such macabre language; so I'll just let Demi do all the talking.
Most relatable line: Honestly, if I did the things you did, I couldn't sleep, seriously...
3. Monsters You Made by Burna Boy
With reflection comes discoveries and discoveries of injustice always lead to protest. People of all ages have taken to the streets of different parts of our world to say enough is enough!
The audacity of their unity in anger has startled 'them'. So this is Burna's explanation.
Most relatable line: come walk a mile in my shoes, see if you smile at the truth
4. Stress by Gbasky
Has there really been a better year for depression to boom? Many people saw their entire life fall apart in minutes; others were just stressed thinking about how to move on.
I'm glad Gbasky gave us this soothing song. Sometimes, there's nothing as comforting as having an attentive stranger tell you that "things will be alright"
Most relatable lyrics: I know you stressing, life can be so depressing
5. Oasis by Sam Smith ft Burna Boy
In the craziness that was this year, many people either had or longed to find an oasis in someone; one they could sink into, play with, float on, and just call their own.
Most relatable line: I pray for your devotion
6. Dynamite by BTS
Even before the lockdowns were eased, people still got tired of being scared and just wanted to LIVE! This song is that mood.
Most relatable lyrics: word up, talk the talk, just move like we off the wall
7. My Power by Beyonce et al
This song embodies the spirit of collaboration. From the tribes of Zulu, Xhosa and New Jersey (I said what I said) etc, we have this declaration of pride in self.
We should all be proud of ourselves for making it this far. Many found the strength to choose life even when the noose was calling their name. Some found the courage to love themselves in spite of their imperfections.
There is a lot of power in us, and 2020 revealed it the most. (kindly note that the music video contains levels of nudity that some may find uncomfortable)
Most relatable lyrics: They'll never take my power, my power, my power!
As the year ends and we all put on our reflective socks and pen down our thoughts, I hope these songs help give you an adequate perspective on what this year has objectively done to the world. Yes, I think this playlist is the last thing you should listen to. Learn from them.
So did I do a great job with this list, or you think I left out an important song? Let me know in the comments.
And oh! Have a great 2021, Lord knows you deserve it!
Esohe Ewaenosa Iyare
The Igbo and French versions of this article will be made available as soon as the author is done demolishing the prescribed amount of jollof rice, so subscribe to make sure you never miss a thing!
Altering, indeed!
ReplyDeleteThe stuff 2020 pulled on us yo!
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