The Rhyme Suite

The perfect songs for when you’re seeking serenity.

Self-care is as necessary as the air we breathe.

Society would have us think that it is through a constant grind that we can be fulfilled, when in reality, it is through taking moments to center ourselves that we can truly seek contentment.

Self-care looks different for all of us, as some people are more impartial to sheet masks and bubble baths while others seek out meditative sessions and journaling.

Whatever self-care looks like to you, it’s hard to go wrong when accompanied by a peaceful melody.

If you’re seeking a song– or 20 – to calm the spirit, consider adding the songs below to your self-care playlist. 

1. There WIll Be No Crying – Cleo Sol

“Life’s a battle, that don’t scare me…”

In the opening track on her latest album Gold, Cleo Sol declares how there will be no crying. The light covers her and shines upon all of us.

2. Coney Island – Bathe

“Telling stories to the dark/ Knowing it’s alright, alright…”

Detailing what could be a fleeting summer romance on Coney Island, Bathe emboldens us (and the presumed lover) to stay in the moment.

3. Love Is Stronger Than Pride – Sade

“I won’t pretend that I intend to stop living/ I won’t pretend I’m good at forgiving/ But I can’t hate you/ Although I have tried…”

Though Sade Adu sings of reconciliation with a lover, this song serves as a reminder to always choose love in the face of conflict– even conflict with oneself.

4. Le Départ – Adi Oasis, Durand Bernarr

“Feel the sunshine/ No need to rush…”

If there could be a song that embodies the feelings of waking up on the right side of the bed or unwinding after a long, strenuous day, it would be this one.

5. Woman’s Touch – Yussef Dayes, Jamilah Barry

“‘Cause you’re my sweetest taboo…”

This jazzy track details a peaceful love and an affinity for Sade.

6. Love Is Blind – Ravyn Lenae

“How am I giving you room in my mind?/ This is the last night for me, you can see me in your dreams/ I’ll end up giving you all of my life…”

Ravyn Lenae removes the rose-colored shades to realize how blind love can be– and she sings about it in the most beautiful way possible.

7. fall for you – Amanda Barise

“I feel you in the night/ I see you in the sky/ There’s nothing I can do/ I want you…”

Though this song can feel far too short, Amanda Barise details the delicate feeling of falling for someone amongst dream-like production.

8. Holla – Dwele

“This life without you is not for a brother/ That’s why I’m here trying to find my some kinda love…“

Known also as “To Be Continued/Holla,” Dwele merges a calm beat with an infectious tune that you can’t help but bop your head to.

9. You Got One – Moonchild, Alex Isley

“I’m gonna be there (Be there)/ And when I don’t know what you’re going through/ Just know that I love you…”

Moonchild and Alex Isley affirm that if nothing else, you have them to lean on. We would argue that applies romantically and musically.

10. Free-Prelude – Jill Scott

“Free like a flying dove/ Free like the moon above/ Free like the four letters that spell out L-O-V-E love…”

It might be an interlude, but Jill Scott encourages us to seek freedom in its varying forms. (In this case, we encourage freedom to choose one’s well-being.)

11. Fold (Acoustic) – Zowie Kengocha

“You know that i’m with it/ You that i’m not wrong, I swear/ But for your sake, leave me or take me away…”

Over stripped-down production, Zowie Kengocha sings about letting go of a love that does not serve her– something that we can all learn from.

12. Gaze – Sweetback

Though the song has no lyrics, Sweetback (the band that comprises Sade, minus Ms. Adu herself) teams up with Amel Larrieux, who lends her beautiful harmonies for this calm groove.

13. Jerrod – Solange

“Give you all the depths of my wanting/ Stays to for the rest of the morning…”

This sultry track is beauty personified.

14. The Root – D’Angelo

“Like the rain to the dirt, from the vine to the wine/ From the Alpha creation ’til the ​end all time…”

D’Angelo places us under a spell of his own as he sings of the power of rootwork.

15. !! Gits ! Weary – keiyA

“If to build and destroy is to be divine/ Then all I really want is peace of mind…”

keiyA sings about a feeling that is all too familiar– seeking peace in the face of lethargy.

16. Bad Habits – Ambré

“Seem like I’m falling/ It’s a bad habit/ Call me crazy/ At least you calling…”

Despite the song’s title, Ambre’s lush vocals make it hard to fall into “real” bad habits.

17. Aria 4 Aren – Charlotte Dos Santos

“Yesterday, you gave it away for me/ Better reap what you say, what you sow/ My dear, it counts for me…”

It is nearly impossible to feel anything but tranquility while this is playing.

18. Like I Feel – Xavier Omär, Mereba

“I want springtime, I want summertime/ Deep in love, we can fall in the autumn-time/ Hold me ever close in the wintertime, every time…”

Xavier Omär and Mereba sing of infatuation, deep feelings, and the beauty of love in the different seasons.

19. NEXT CHAPTER – Sebastian Mikael

“Though I have the patience of a saint/ You get under my skin in ways that I can’t explain/ I think it’s best if I walk away/ And Ima stand on that today…”

Sebastian Mikael reminds us of how important it is to walk away, even when it is difficult.

20. carl thomas sliding down the wall – Yaya Bey

“Okay, let’s be vulnerable/ I got a little feeling on my shoulder/ Wanna let you know/ I’m softer than I come off baby…”

Though Yaya Bey talks about being in her feelings, her willingness to be vulnerable reminds us all of how important it is to be honest with ourselves and with others. What a vital tenet of self-care.