Music Picks: FOCUS Mental Health

Welcome to WMSC Music Picks, a collaborative collection of WMSC’s music recommendations and reviews. In this installment, members of our station reflect on their favorite songs that have helped their mental health and gotten them through a tough time. 

“Claws in Your Back” by Julien Baker

Review by Kelly Schwint

Julien Baker’s lyrics always feel like she took them straight from my journal. Until finding Baker’s music, I had never listened to an artist who wrote so authentically about the same experiences I have endured throughout my life. She takes pain and turns it into something worth hearing. Even beyond that, the pain is something that can help others—myself included. Specifically, from her sophomore album, Turn Out the Lights, “Claws in Your Back” is one of her most visual and devastating songs, but it is also full of desire to move forward. She shares painful memories through vivid descriptions, “Pump the vitals out of my wrist / Cause I’m conducting an experiment on how it feels to die.” There are certain lyrics in this song I did not process fully at first, but when I did, my eyes widened and my heart sank. I felt the parallels of her experiences to mine.

 

However, the picture of the “tortured artist” should not be painted. Whatever Baker suffered through, and continues to encounter, is her own. While that is important and relatable, it should not take away from the honest joy she has spread, as well as the joy any listener of hers is lucky enough to receive—queer joy, ample hope, and even healing.

 

Baker ends the song with, “I change my mind / I wanted to stay.” Thoughts like this are not permanent, and I know that mental health is a struggle that ebbs and flows. For me, there are some days when this sentiment will be true, and other days I will reject it, and cannot imagine a world without the mental pain I suffer through. I have felt years go by feeling stuck in the same agony, but I feel grateful to have this song to cling to.

 

Shinin’ – Kim Petras

Review by Aidan Ivers

 “Shinin’” by Kim Petras can be heard as a radiant anthem of self-belief and confidence. With uplifting themes of pushing through hard times, building success over time and recognizing one’s worth – all through the imagery of a shining star – the track beams with positivity. Set in a retro-electronic beat, “Shinin’” pairs its empowering message with Petras’ standout vocals, which reflect the rhythm’s inspiring sound. Released as part of her 2019 mixtape Clarity, the song marks a coming-of-age for Petras, who began releasing music in 2008 and made history as the first transgender woman to win a 2023 Grammy Award for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance for her work on “Unholy” with Sam Smith. “Shinin’” centers on the power of self-belief, and can be seen as a tribute to her fans – whom she has called ‘the light in her life’ – further cementing her as an inspirational LGBTQIA+ role model. Her track is a great reminder of listeners’ value, regardless of their background and who they are, and encourages everyone to keep shining. 

 

When you wake by Digital Energy 

Review by Aidan Ivers

Though synthpop is known for its moody and introspective tones, there are songs with uplifting ones, too. “When you wake” by German electronic duo Digital ENERGY, released in September 2024, is a prime example. Set to a slower, synthesized beat, the song delivers messages of reassurance and self-worth through vivid imagery, as if the narrator is telling words of affirmation to the listener during their sleep. Throughout the song, the affirmations are meant to stay with them as they navigate the world – into one’s career, relationships, family, and navigating life’s complexities. The chorus is a radiant embrace of self-empowerment, such as with the line “You can do everything, if you are confident,” reminding listeners that they are destined for happiness. It’s a great track that turns darkwave into a channel for healing – and a beautiful reminder of one’s constant worth and importance.

 

Going to California by Led Zeppelin

Review by Johan Vasquez

I think everyone knows who Led Zeppelin is, or at least they should. I have been familiar with them since middle school, as it was not the type of music I grew up with. At the end of the HBO show Entourage, Going to California is the final credit song to end it all. This was my introduction to this specific song, and since the first time I saw Vincent Chase’s jet take off and the credits roll, it has left a massive impression on me. Every time I rewatch, all 8 seasons are even more worth it when I hear that guitar in the last episode. The song has a melancholic tone, differing from what you would assume a Led Zeppelin song would sound like. The acoustic guitar and mandolin being the only instruments used gives the song a barebones feeling to it, it feels personal. I know the song sounds sad, there is no way to disagree with that. However, the little crescendos and the passion in Robert Plant’s voice and lyrics give me a sense of hope. The song is supposedly about Plant’s life, hoping to leave what he has now, and willing to throw it all away by going to California to see what can happen. This being used as the final credit song for my favorite show adds to the bittersweet aspect of the song. The song reminds me that things can be rough, but I have the opportunity and power to overcome and keep my head up. It also reminds me that I have come such a long way and that greatness should be coming. 

 

“Weird Fishes/Arpeggi” – Radiohead

Review by Johan Vasquez

I am not fully sure how I came across this song. I knew Radiohead existed, but it wasn’t my kind of music… until I grew up. I know in the beginning of my college journey here at Montclair State, I started to get into different kinds of music, and vividly remember doing some research on Radiohead. Before getting into them, I knew their album “In Rainbows” was seen as a cult classic but I did not understand it yet. Then somehow this song reached my ears, and I remember it being the only song I listened to that day. I remember telling myself, “This might be the best song ever made,” and other people infatuated with the song said similar things. It came strangely at a time where people around me were big on Radiohead too, so it felt so good to talk about these songs with them. The song has been through many versions, but the band decided to go with a calmer, less aggressive approach, which seems to be a theme for this album. The song makes the listener feel lost in the first half, but as the song progresses, Thom Yorke’s vocals and the instruments start building slowly but surely, reaching a high point midway through the song. The second half slows down and highlights the instruments, played beautifully by the Greenwood brothers, Ed O’Brian, and Phil Selway. The song’s soft intro and buildup are some of the best music I have ever heard. Every time this song comes on shuffle, it feels wrong to skip it.

 

 “I Will Survive” – Gloria Gaynor

Review by Valerie Hurtado
Few songs capture the spirit of resilience like Gloria Gaynor’s disco anthem “I Will Survive.” This track is a powerful reminder of inner strength, especially during moments of heartbreak or self-doubt. The lyrics “At first I was afraid, I was petrified…” mirror the initial fear of hardship, but the song quickly shifts into an empowering declaration of independence. Whenever life feels overwhelming, this classic reminds me that struggles are temporary, and with time, I’ll come out stronger. It’s the ultimate breakup, setback, or comeback anthem—fueling confidence when I need it most.

 

 “Dancing Queen” – ABBA

Review by Valerie Hurtado
ABBA’s “Dancing Queen” is pure joy in musical form, a glittery escape when stress or sadness weighs heavy. The upbeat tempo and carefree lyrics (“You can dance, you can jive, having the time of your life!”) make it impossible not to smile, even on the toughest days. For me, this song is a mental reset button; it encourages letting go of worries, even if just for three minutes, and embracing the moment. Whether I’m dancing alone in my room or singing along with friends, it’s a guaranteed mood lifter and a reminder that happiness can be found in small, sparkling moments.

 

“Born This Way” by Lady Gaga

Review by Valerie Hurtado
Lady Gaga’s “Born This Way” isn’t just a pop anthem, it’s a lifeline for self acceptance. With lyrics like “I’m beautiful in my way, ’cause God makes no mistakes,” the song champions embracing your flaws, identity, and mental health journey without shame. As someone who’s struggled with self doubt, this track feels like a warm hug, assuring me that I’m enough exactly as I am. Its message of inclusivity and courage continues to inspire me to stand tall in my truth, especially when the world feels unkind.

 

 

“Rises the Moon” – Liana Flores

Review by Emmett Smithouser

Rises the Moon by Liana Flores is one of the few songs that has ever made me emotional. I found it on a whim while scrolling through cat memes on Instagram. I genuinely felt in an entirely different world when I listened to this song for the first time. Flores’ calm tone combined with the lullaby-eske melody made me so calm and reflective, more so than I had been in a long time. The lyrics also evoked a sense of hope and strength in me- no matter what happens during the day, the moon will always rise at night, symbolizing the end of it and the start of a new one. It gave me courage to keep moving forward in the busiest time of my life, and I am truly grateful for this song because of it.

 

“As the World Caves In” – Matt Maltese

Review by Emmett Smithouser

As the World Caves In by Matt Maltese is currently my favorite song ever. You wouldn’t expect that I do not listen to it that often, but that’s the truth. This song is so good I don’t wanna ruin it for myself. The piano in this song is nothing short of magical, there is a slight bit of echo to really picture yourself alone in a room with nothing else. It is such an emotional song, it’s about the apocalypse and who you would want to be with as the world is destroyed around you. There is a sense of finalization in this song- like there is no going back from the events that are about to happen. It is a stressful time, but being with the person you love can make you contentin a time of crisis.

 

“I’d Rather Sleep” – Kero Kero Bonito

Review by Emmett Smithouser

I’d Rather Sleep by Kero Kero Bonito is a strange song. It is a very simple song, having a simple melody and rhythm as well as slow and easy to understand lyrics. Its complexity comes with the message that is conveyed with those simplicities. It is about losing innocence- how everything when you were a kid seemed exciting, new, and adventurous while now it just seems so out of reach. This song was my gateway into the dreamcore genre, where things start to feel liminal and surreal. I began to think about my past and how much of it is still in my life today, despite how much it has changed. Over time, I’ve realized that it’s okay to act like a child again. It helps us appreciate the world much more than doing the same routine over and over again.

 

Car Radio – Twenty One Pilots

Review by Genevieve Cai

Vessel is my longtime favorite Twenty One Pilots album with its themes of mental health and identity, and Car Radio has always been one of the best representations of that. The actual story about the titular line “‘Cause somebody stole my car radio / And now I just sit in silence” came from the time frontman Tyler Joseph’s car was broken into in college, with the GPS, radio and his CDs stolen. It wasn’t until he was forced to sit in that silence that he realized how previously instinctual it was for him to turn on the radio and use music as a distraction from all of his other thoughts. There aren’t that many words in the song (it lacks a chorus) and instead, a lot of emotionally charged instrumentals that also allow the audience to confront our own vulnerability and how this is both an important and awfully terrifying thing to do.

 

“Just a Little” – Mxmtoon

Review by Mia Savidge

This song centers around constantly being forced to disguise feelings of anger and just wanting to let it out, being able to feel and ultimately heal. It is about constantly having the thought of not being perceived the way you want to be as a likely effect of showing these emotions. The title of the song, “just a little” truly emphasizes again and again how repressing it is to bottle up these feelings and the innate urge for even a little bit of that true feeling to show. To be human is to have the ability to show a wide range of emotions, pleasant, unpleasant, and everything in between. To take that away is to take away part of what makes us human. Overall, I believe that this song aids in relaying the message that anger is a normal feeling which shouldn’t be repressed because it will only get worse and worse that way if your true feelings are not able to be felt or shown.

 

“Musician” — Porter Robinson

Review by Andy Cook

Musician By Porter Robinson from his 2021 record entitled “Nurture” perfectly expresses the strife one feels when being a creative. It’s the perfect balance of people telling you to be realistic and live a “normal-life” with a consistent paycheck, but having the drive and hunger to follow your dreams even if that security isn’t 100% there in your life. As creatives, we always tend to doubt our vision especially when others don’t see it. To me, this song is a powerful reminder to block out the outside noise that could seep in when pushing forwards my goals. Not to mention that the song is insanely fire. 

 

“Rodeo Clown” — Dijon

Review by Andy Cook 

From his 2021 record “Absolutely”, Rodeo Clown by Dijon depicts watching a partner fall out of love even though you still need them. I heard this song for the first time after a similar thing occurred to me where someone’s interest in me faded and I just watched it happen. “So what are you so afraid of? / ‘Cause you’re missing out / On good, good lovin’ / You’re missing out, you’re missing out” It’s rare to find a song that perfectly expresses what you’re experiencing during the moment you’re experiencing it, especially when you’re not searching “songs about _______” His powerful, emotional vocals sells the concept of the song perfectly. When he says, “I still wear the T-Shirt that you gave me,” it’s so gut-wrenching. 

 

“The Light Behind Your Eyes” — My Chemical Romance 

Review by Alyssa Arroyo

It wouldn’t be an edition of music picks if I didn’t write about My Chemical Romance. It might be safe to say that fans would agree with immediately skipping this song when it pops up on shuffle because of just how gut wrenching this track is. However, it is necessary to acknowledge how amazing this song truly is. Off of “Number Three”, a collection of songs that all contribute to the same EP titled, “Conventional Weapons”, MCR wrote probably the hardest hitting song about perseverance I have ever heard. The track begins with somber orchestral features and transitions into a beautiful acoustic forward song. Lead singer, Gerard Way, sings the lyrics, “Just remember you will always burn as bright” powerfully and that perfectly encapsulates just what this song is. This track is the definition of overcoming your challenges, standing strong in the face of adversity, and all in all not allowing the world to take away what makes you you. For the longest time this song has always been an anthem for myself when getting through my tough times; so for that I say thank you MCR. 

 

“Next Semester” — Twenty One Pilots 

Review by Alyssa Arroyo

All stressed out college students raise your hands! When Twenty One Pilots dropped “Next Semester” as a single before the release of their latest album, “Clancy”, I have never felt so seen before. Within my second semester of my Freshman year of college, this song was dropped by the band and it was exactly what I needed at the time. Lead singer, Tyler Joseph, managed to yet again do what he is most known for: make a terribly sad song sound as happy as could be. This song delves in Tyler’s mental health struggles and internal battles all while being a student. The meaning of this song can easily slip from your mind as this track is so insanely upbeat thanks to drummer Josh Dun’s palpable excitement through his playing. As the song winds down, Tyler sings “Start fresh next semester” and I can truly say after hearing that live in September 2024 on The Clancy Tour, it definitely hits hard. For every student trying their hardest to get through tough times, Twenty One Pilots came in clutch for us. 

 

“Hate To Be A Bother” — Joywave*

Review by Deepak Sathish

Being alive at this particular moment in history is exhausting. Living online has created this constant ever-looming sense of pressure, with notifications flooding in at all times. It’s very easy to feel constantly overwhelmed, with seemingly infinite messages across infinite different platforms that you need to reply to. And don’t even get me started on emails. My mail app on my phone is at (as of the second I am writing this) 22,754 unread. I don’t think lost cause is even remotely a strong enough phrase to describe it. Joywave’s “Hate To Be A Bother” (off of their most recent studio album Permanent Pleasure) perfectly embodies this feeling, of being so inundated with messages and notifications and things to reply to that you just want to close your eyes and hope everyone leaves you alone. Especially in times like these, seeing this feeling represented is so deeply cathartic. 

 

“Oldies Station” — Twenty One Pilots

Review by Deepak Sathish

Growing up is terrifying. Getting closer to your own mortality, the constant change, the thought that everything will be fundamentally different soon. It can be difficult to ever picture yourself growing up, just because of how deeply impossible dealing with everything seems. It just feels like a deep-seated existential dread and not much else. “Oldies Station” however, feels like a counter to all of that. It feels like a warm hug and a soothing voice, telling you it will be okay. But above all else, it is a reminder that no matter how dark things seem, no matter how much it seems that you are doomed, no matter how bleak and hopeless everything looks, it will get better. You just have to push on through. 

 

“Caught in the Middle” — Paramore

Review by Deepak Sathish

After Laughter as a whole is one of the most important albums in my life (to the extent that I want to get the symbol on the front cover tattooed [if my parents are reading this, that was a joke disregard that haha]), and one of the quintessential mental health records ever written. It always seems to find me whenever I need to hear it most. But no song spoke to me like “Caught in the Middle” did. The track finds Hayley Williams singing about dreading the thought of growing older, but also being unable to think of the past without wanting to cry. But it’s all over a really fun and bright and shimmery synth pop instrumental, something After Laughter does incredibly well. There are a lot of records about mental health that are just sad, and reflect that in its instrumentation. It’s rare to find one that takes deeply painful moments of depression, anxiety, and burnout and pairs it with instrumentals that just make you want to get up and dance. Finding a song that can both completely articulate how you feel and brighten your mood is a very difficult tightrope. But Paramore manages to do it with ease on “Caught in the Middle,” creating one of the most deeply important songs to both me and countless others. 

 

“Untitled” – Knuckle Puck

Review by Amber Bintliff

From their 2015 debut album Copacetic, Knuckle Puck’s most well-known hit, “Untitled,” is a song that has always resonated with me. I’ve turned to this song whenever I find myself feeling sad or having a rough time. It conveys the message that healing isn’t linear, and gradual progress is better than no progress at all. The lyrics to this song have always meant a lot to me. Seeing Knuckle Puck live and getting to yell over and over again that “everything is copacetic” is one of the most cathartic things I’ve ever done. It’s a raw, emotional track that has guided me a lot in my own healing journey. 

 

“Gold Steps” – Neck Deep* 

Review by Amber Bintliff

Life’s Not Out To Get You, the second studio album from pop-punk legends Neck Deep, is one of the most deeply important albums to who I am as a person. “Gold Steps” is one of my favorite tracks from the record, and admittedly the most meaningful to me (so much that I have a tattoo for it). It name drops the album’s title and shares a message of perseverance and optimism. Vocalist Ben Barlow offers comfort to the listener, stating “You might be down and out, but you’re still breathing” in its first verse. This song has changed my perspective on my personal struggles and serves as a constant reminder that everything will work out in the end, even if it’s not what I had planned.  

 

You can check out WMSC Music Picks: Love At First Sight here!