American artist Jean Michel Basquiat once said, that “[if] art is how we decorate [our] space, music is how we decorate [our] time.” We listen to music, make playlists, and share our favourite songs — all of which compose a soundtrack to the human experience. Music is with us whether we are falling in love or falling apart. Music can make us feel and change how we feel. And that is why we turn to music in times of need. 

There are certain songs that seem to have this unique understanding of what we are going through. These songs make us feel less alone in times when we feel as if no one understands how and why we are feeling the way that we are. Here at MUSE, coined by our very own Music Contributor, Kate Cullen, we call these songs ‘Ladder Songs’. Ladder Songs are the hands that reach down when you've found yourself in a dark hole, and pull you out. They are the songs that scream “Hey! It’s time to get up now! You're going to be okay.” Everyone has different Ladder Songs. Some may need an inspirational tune with a great beat, others may need a heart-wrenching ballad. Whatever your prerogative is, a Ladder Song makes you feel just a little bit better. Music is the ladder out of the darkest of places. Here are the MUSE Music Team’s Ladder Songs.

Alex Culbert: Music Contributor

“King” by Florence and the Machine

King is the type of song that flips a switch in your brain. I could be lying down and feeling bad about myself, but when King comes on shuffle, I'm suddenly motivated to get up and face the worries that have been tying me down to my bed. It feels like anything is achievable when King is blasting in my room.

“Supercut” by Lorde

I think it's physically impossible for me to listen to Supercut without smiling. Although the lyrical content of the song is sad in nature, the production of the song is carefree, making it so much fun to listen to. Supercut is the perfect song for a post-cry bedroom, kitchen, or shower dance party. Trust me, I know from experience.

”Something Has to Change” by The Japanese House

An upbeat song with a relatable and upsetting message is exactly what I need to climb out of a bad place, and that's what Something Has to Change is for me. This song has been with me through it all and remains my go-to track when I'm stuck in a sad rut, and quite literally feel like something HAS to change in my life.

Amy Bernier: Music editor

“I Know it’s Over” by The Smiths (Jeff Buckley Cover)

I love this song so much, it’s so hauntingly beautiful.

“Waltz, No. 2 (XO)” by Elliot Smith. 

This song is very very sad but when I’m feeling down, listening to upbeat music feels wrong.

“Linger” by The Cranberries. 

My mom always told me this song reminds her of her “uni days” and it’s comforting to think of her being my age and listening to this tune.

Noor Nasr: Music Contributor

“A Certain Romance” by Arctic Monkeys 

I was obsessed with this song when I was in high school because one of my friends (who was in a band and took inspiration from Arctic Monkeys) introduced me to their music. It reminds me of how much I have changed as a person, while this song hasn’t. 

”Zanzibar“ by Billy Joel

This song reminds me of going for late night drives with my sister when the pandemic first hit in 2020. I would drive us around in my car, blasting songs and singing along as we drove around my childhood neighbourhood.

”Wake and Bake” by Fleece

This is a song that, like the others, has been a 'part' of me for a very long time. There are several instances in my life where, through thick and thin, I have listened to this song as a way to relax and 'chill' out. I was also introduced to this band by one of my friends in high school, and so they are important to me.

Aurora Anderson: Music Contributor

“Sunny Day” by beabadoobee 

It’s just such an upbeat song that’s easy to sing along to and embodies the feeling of driving to the beach in the summer for me.

”Andromeda” by Weyes Blood 

To me, this is the perfect late night comfort song for those winter months when you’re struggling to feel like a real person. 

”White Flag” by Clairo 

This song brings forward so much nostalgia for growing up in a small town and feels like it’s saying “everything is gonna work out,” even if it’s not going well at that moment.

Jude Henderson: Music Contributor

“Rager teenager!” by Troye Sivan 

I discovered this song when I was in a darker place in my life, and it helped me find a place of comfort and ease. Now when I need to take a second to appreciate how far I’ve come, this song returns me to that warm fuzzy atmosphere.

“tastefully depressed” by renforshort 

Home is where the heart is, and that is where this song transports me. It has a nostalgic and melancholy feel that lets me access my more authentic self. It provides me the clarity to better process my feelings, and figure out a way to move forward.

“What I Know is All Quicksand” by Giant Rooks 

This song is so powerful and dynamic, it allows me to feel all my emotions in a healthy and productive way.

Kate Cullen: Music Contributor

”Closing Time” by Semisonic 

In the same way you leave the bar at 2AM, Closing Time tells you that it’s time to be done feeling down. It's time to grab your coat, get your friends, and move onto something better.  You know, “You don't have to go home, but you can't stay here!”- Just go do anything but give in to feeling sad. 

“Plea from a Cat Named Virtue” by The Weakerthans 

When you're anxious or sad, it's easy to believe you are the centre of the universe. And who is better to remind you that you are not, and you are not alone, than your cat. So get up and go throw some yarn at the cat. He needs you. 

“I Wanna Get Better” by Bleachers

I think there's a moment in sadness when you realize that you can't do it anymore. If you stay sad, you simply won't survive. This song reminds me of the moment you decide that you're gonna do it, you're gonna feel okay again, whether you want to or not. 

Bonus! “Out of the Woods” by Taylor Swift

Self-explanatory. 

Aaliyah Mansuri: Head of Music

“Quiet, The Winter Harbour” by Mazzy Star

I need everyone to know that it is okay to feel sad. Yes, the purpose of a Ladder Song is to get you out of the hole, but let yourself understand the hole first. Feel what you are feeling! This song is the epitome of feeling what you are feeling — if you’re drowning, let the water in your lungs (metaphorically, of course). 

“Paris, Texas” by Tim Hill

I just started getting into music that has a little more twang to it, but the lyrics make me want to scream. But it’s a country song? But I am heartbroken? I think I like being confused. Anyways, this song is just fantastic, and you’ll want to rip your hair out but also hug your best friend for hours. I feel so grateful after one listen, and I feel new after a few listens. 

”Someday” by The Strokes

Now my fears, they come to me in threes. Someday tells you that it will be okay, someday. That’s kind of all you need to know; that the hole comes to an end. 

“Keep Those Teardrops From Falling” by Natalie Bergman

“If I ever get to see you again, I would never let you go, my friend.” That is the definition of a Ladder Song. “Let the sunshine in, let the sunshine in, let the sunshine in, my friend.” 

Corey Milligan: Music Contributor

“Mirror” by Kendrick Lamar 

This is the final song from Mr. Morale and the Big Steppers. At this point in the album, Kendrick has accepted that he can't please everyone and that he should choose himself, as stated by the refrain. Trying (and failing) to be everything for everybody is something I've struggled with for years. He's right — sometimes I just have to choose myself

”call me maybe” by JPEGMAFIA 

This song is an ambient pop cover of the hit Carly Rae Jepsen's song. I like to play it when I'm sad because of the dichotomy between the lyrics and the slow instrumental. Jepsen's lyrics still shine and make me want to sing along, the low-key instrumental makes it easier to listen to if I'm in a down mood.

”Stand Tall” by Childish Gambino 

I couldn't not list this song. It has helped me out of some very sad moments in my life, so I'm basically obligated to list it. The world is a tough place that's going to try to knock you on your ass, but you have to stand tall.

Cassandra Rudenko: Music Editor

“Sing Another Song, Boys” by Leonard Cohen

The ladder doesn't always need to be linear, and letting yourself grieve is an important step. I am often confused, but it's comforting to hear that others are too. This song may not lift me out of the hole, but it holds my hand as I stay nested a little longer.

“Rid of Me” by PJ Harvey

Hope can be a daunting and demanding emotion. Anger, her sweet, sweet sister, can be much more palatable. Sometimes, feeling angry – at someone who wronged you or even just the world – can offer much more support.

”Do Your Thing: by Moondog

After feeling a lot, simplicity can be cleansing. Moondog's simple melody and lyricism are reminiscent of a sort of gentle optimism that makes me feel okay moving on from hard but important emotions.

Kate McConnell: Music Editor

“Clementine” by Elliot Smith. 

This song, despite its “Elliot Smith” expected melancholy, is the light at the end of the tunnel. It gives me space for emotional contemplation and feeling feelings without reservation. It is a song about lost love and sadness but it’s pure beauty puts me at the first rung on that ladder, on my ascent.

”Honey Dew” by Jimmy Carter and Dallas Country Green. 

This song is so beautiful and gives me the same feeling as looking out at a sunset in the summer, no worries, just observing the beauty of the world. Honey Dew’s slow acoustic guitar and twangy soft vocals give me hope and the urge to dance.

”Dazed” by Bleached. 

This song has the perfect mix of upbeat guitars, punk and surf rock influence to tear you out of bed onto the dance floor. I love this song because of its subtle anger and total freedom. It makes me want to jump around, dance and begin again — renewed.

Sometimes things feel impossible. Nothing will ever go right for you again, and the universe itself has chosen YOU to turn against. You lay in bed, stare at the ceiling, and are all but convinced it will never get better. There isn't a friend in the world that understands you. But music does. And through this understanding, music helps you. It helps you sit up, get out of bed, put on a fresh pair of clothes, make your bed, grab a coffee and get out of the door. It convinces you of the impossible — that you can feel better again. And you do. And if you haven't yet, you will.

Yours Creatively,

MUSE Music Team 2023-2024