Illustration by Preston Randall

We all have those songs we come back to. Whether it is during a particular season or mood, it’s just the one. I consider these songs to be comfort songs. Just like comfort food, there’s something about them that makes them a staple in your life. 

I actually have a comfort album. That’s right, a whole album. “Songs About Jane” by Maroon 5 was released in 2002, yet I find myself going back to it every month. It took me a few years to appreciate the whole album. I can now listen to the album all the way through or just select certain songs to listen to.

I can’t say when I started to fall for this album. Maybe it’s the fact that “She Will Be Loved” still sneaks its way onto radio stations and into stores or that my mom was into Maroon 5 when I was younger, which sparked my initial interest. 

The track “The Sun” was on repeat during terrible days. When I listen to it now, I feel melancholy with a dash of relief that middle school days are over. It still gives me hope that better days are to come. 

Do you have a comfort song or album? How long has it been in your life? Is it reserved for special occasions, or is it on a daily playlist?

Now if you’ll excuse me, I have an album to listen to …