Introducing the Chakra Playlists on Spotify
Welcome to the Chakra Mood Boost collection of Spotify playlists! Culled carefully from music released in the past decade by the magical & musical Jane Jansen Seymour, each session will take listeners on a journey into the theme of each Chakra in all seven energy centers. Find what resonates with you today, or where you’d like to be, and dig in. Apply a fragrance and push play!
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FIRST CHAKRA PLAYLIST – I BELONG (Vitality)
The First Chakra had to draw in the listener for a ride through all the Adoratherapy playlists. It was the hardest one to deem finished as I kept editing things, sensing if a song wasn’t the least bit perfect. It’s hard for me to pick favorites, but I never tire of “I’m in Love With My Life” by PHASES. The singer is Alex Greenwald from Phantom Planet, a fave band of mine from the 90s, but the hook is pure pop pleasure and a fun introduction to the collection. I had set a parameter that songs be from the past decade, but I also wanted a mix of old and new. The Black Pumas’ appearance on the Grammy’s sealed their spot, as did the new album release from Goat Girl. Both bands are worthy of a deep dive!
SECOND CHAKRA PLAYLIST – I FEEL (Creativity)
We know music gives us all the feels, but it’s another thing to seek it out. Bands that make me cry (it doesn’t take much) find their way here, with “May It Last” by The Avett Brothers the anchor track for the second chakra playlist. (It’s also the title of a wonderfully sweet documentary about the band.) With the production swirling around those earnest harmonies of brothers Seth and Scott Avett, I tear up every time. Throw in The Dears and Travis and Karen O of the Yeah Yeah Yeah’s singing with Maximum Balloon and it’s a good cryfest.
THIRD CHAKRA PLAYLIST – I CAN (Motivation)
Motivation in music is another story. Whether it’s to get you running, dancing or pumped for the next challenge in life, songs provide that encouraging soundtrack. This Third Chakra playlist kicks off with the new song by Ya Tseen with Portugal. The Man, a blaze of musical glory owning up to life’s imperfections. But Washed Out’s “Hard to Say Goodbye” serves as the anchor track here. It was my most played song in 2020 and it’s easy to see why – this sunny groove with Earnest Greene’s chillwave vocals (he basically invented the genre) is the ultimate pick-me-up. But I also wanted room for contemplation, adding expansive instrumentals by Eluvium and Michiru Aoyama.
FOURTH CHAKRA PLAYLIST – I LOVE (Joy)
As Shakespeare said, “If music be the food of love, play on!” This playlist quickly became overcrowded with messages of lust and love, so the hard part was pruning. The anchor track here is “with love” by Elbow, a song I hadn’t heard in a while until it appeared on KEXP. With its message of hope and community, it’s such an ah-ha moment – a message from the universe and just what I was looking for to balance out the Fourth Chakra playlist.
FIFTH CHAKRA PLAYLIST - I SPEAK (Communication)
Music is also a basic form of communication. So much goes into this simple concept however, not just the lyrics. It’s the melody, rhythmic beats and layered arrangements together that convey a mood. The anchor track for the Fifth Chakra playlist is “Heaven” by The Walkmen, who unfortunately are on extended hiatus. (This was my vantage point for this awesome song at the Brooklyn Academy of Music). It launches into a dialogue with the listener before the vocals even begin. I also added fave bands Spoon and Arcade Fire to continue the Fifth Chakra’s theme of exchange by sharing top musical picks.
SIXTH CHAKRA PLAYLIST - I SEE (Clarity)
I have a hard time carrying a tune on my own, but I love a good sing along. As they say about writing, singing can also be the soul escaping into the open. The Ages and Ages song “They Want More" provides the music and the message for the Sixth Chakra playlist. Midsong the melody drops out, creating a moment for meditation. This playlist also houses other vocal bangers with Yo La Tengo and The Lone Bellow, plus soloists with style like Jenn Wenner of Wye Oak, Kenny Vasoli of Vacationer and Santigold.
SEVENTH CHAKRA PLAYLIST - I AM (Tranquility)
There are a few fave bands that did not make it into this playlist collection, but the Seventh Chakra offered the chance to include Radiohead, The Octopus Project and Mew, along with musical heroes David Byrne and Moby. The anchor track for this playlist, however, is the instrumental by Lane 8, “Apes & Children.” I fell in love at first listen, with no idea who was behind it. It turned out to be Daniel Goldstein, who creates under this stage name as a composer and music producer. I hope that throughout these playlists, there are moments that bring the thrill of musical discovery as well as plenty of introspection within.
Enjoy! JaneJS
Special Thanks to Jane Jansen Seymour for her love of music, chakras and sharing!
