2020: Expanding The Idea Of Love Though Sound

Crystal Ellis
Dec 18, 2020
2 min read

Five songs released this year that speak to the complexities of love, for a new era.

(Pictured Left to Right: Duckwrth; Nick Hakim; Chloe x Halle; Jessie Ware)

If you were alive in 2019, you probably had something looking forward to accomplishing, continuing, or experiencing in the new year. Intricately planned weddings, family + friend gatherings, entertainment tours, and cultural celebrations were canceled or postponed this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. No need to recap the massive loss and devastation of what’s already transpired, but once again, music has saved my life.

Even though I have very complicated feels around the institution of marriage, I can’t help but admit to having a mental rotating list of “First Dance” songs I’d want to play just in case anyone asks. At any point in time I’ll swap out a classic love ballad (“Sweet Love” by Anita Baker) for a new age introspective song ("I'm You: You Are Me And We Are You (Pt. Me & You)” by Maxwell) as thee song that starts the hypothetical reception. I say all this to say, there’s so many songs you’ve wanted to use to define the “perfect” moment.

There’s something inherently intimate about words perfectly placed on top of a chord that can evoke the inner feelings of an artist- touching on their aspirations, revealing their fears, or satisfying their urges to touch oneself or a partner. Surviving this year requires the will to love. Fighting for equitable justice is rooted in love. Protecting your loved ones, and our Earth is rooted in love. Saying how you feel in the moment is rooted in love.

Our abrupt loss of physical connection was (at least, partially) soothed through the power of our voices. I hope we all acknowledge that every second we breathe is thee perfect moment to celebrate. Here’s five songs (re)defining love in 2020 that might make you want to slow dance with tonight’s lover, pamper your temple, and send random thank you cards to your “chosen family.”

Kiss U Right Now - Duckwrth