Your post-election, supermoon playlist

In the last few days, the nation has shown itself to be incredibly divided after the results of the recent presidential election. Many of Americans are in shock, while others are celebrating what they see as a return to the values that make America great.

Political discussion is rampant. Two men with whom I shared a row of seats on a plane seemed ready to physically attack each other after arguing for the duration of the three-hour flight.

And yet, on Monday night, a truly spectacular moon rose over the domestic dissonance, reminding us that, despite the differences in our beliefs, we all share this world together. This supermoon was the second of three that have or will occur this fall, when the moon was closer to Earth than any time since 1948.

So, while struggling to process the national discord following the election, put on some music, look up at the night sky and remember that we all see the same moon. I’ve taken the liberty of choosing some songs for your post-election supermoon playlist.

“Footprints on the Moon” by The CrossRhodes

Folk-soul artist Wes Felton’s first collaboration with acclaimed R&B star Raheem DeVaughn is a heavy, brooding reaction to the death of Baltimore’s Freddie Gray in the spring of last year. Felton muses on the history of institutionalized racism in this country, calling the American dream the “dream of white supremacy” and questioning how the country can continue with such a gruesome past.

A powerful and inspiring chorus calls for the beginning of a new era in which those who have been historically oppressed are able to succeed, and the pair expresses hope for a brighter future through their anger at past and ongoing injustice. The track is the first single and title track of their forthcoming album, to be released early next year.

“Midnight Moon” by Oh Wonder

British indie-pop duo Oh Wonder have made quite a stir since the gradual release of their self-titled album in 2014 and 2015. The album tackles a range of subjects, but this track addresses the shared motivation and drive to succeed in life that equalizes all of us. The verses speak to the listener, encouraging them to persevere without becoming disenchanted by the struggles they encounter in life, and the chorus is a celebration of the happiness reached upon achieving this lifetime success.

“Moon” by Sia

Most people know Sia for her recent global pop bangers, including “Chandelier,” “Alive,” Cheap Thrills” and “The Greatest,” but the Australian musician’s first several albums are rife with more subdued, thoughtful pieces like “Moon.”

On this track, she sings about the feeling of losing control, and although the ponderous beat and breathy notes have an almost hypnotizing effect, the listener gets a very clear sense of her frustration that might be all too relatable in the current social climate. The singer’s struggle to accept that she is helpless to the will of another, around whom she spins like the moon to Earth, recalls how some may feel about the struggle of grassroots representation against the institutional politics that control this country.

“Moonshine Is The Sunshine” by Nathan Bowles

Released in September, Nathan Bowles’ acclaimed third solo LP Whole & Cloven is an eclectic mix of style, an experiment with folk and country influences that is surprisingly enjoyable and charming. “Moonshine Is The Sunshine” is a simple tune in which Bowles warbles delightfully absurd lyrics about the uncertain nature of life, accompanying himself on a twanging banjo.

The track starts with Bowles speculating about fish drinking all of the water, leading to “a giant fish manslaughter” in which we all die of thirst. There is then an immediate shift to a lament of Bowels’ extensive debts, which far exceed what he can afford. In the midst of such a fractious time, this song is a nice reminder that life is too short and unpredictable to worry too much about such serious issues.

“Aquarius / Let the Sunshine In” by The Fifth Dimension

Okay, this song isn’t quite as explicitly related to the moon as some of the others I’ve included. Rather, it is a classic throwback with an important message of peace and harmony sung soulfully by “Champagne Soul” group The 5th Dimension, who rose to stardom during the late ’60s and early ’70s.

It’s unfortunate that the lyrics about overcoming oppression are still relevant today, and the utopian vision of a peaceful and understanding society portrayed in the song is still a long way off. The track urges the listeners to open their hearts and minds to let the sunshine in, an important idea, one that we should all bear in mind over the coming weeks, months and years.

“Full Moon” by Armand Van Helden feat. Common

The upbeat, quick rhythm in this track is characteristic of Armand Van Helden’s electronica, big beat house sound, which is refined in Van Helden’s fourth studio album, Killing Puritans, released in 2000. Common’s chorus celebrating the love and acceptance of everybody on the dance floor is powerful by today’s standards and has aged well since its release.

When you’re out partying to forget your concerns about the next four years (or if you’re celebrating a victory), pop in this track about all the people of this nation having a good time together without worrying about their conflicts.