Sober music
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: UK
Posts: 60
Sober music
I love music and listen to music most of the day - whether I'm working, driving, running etc.
Since the start of the year, I've realised how much of the music I love is about alcohol - I really like country music, but a lot is about drinking. In rock music and at festivals, drinking is revered. I like Irish muic and the same. Many of my old favourites just tempt me back towards drinking.
I find my spotify playlists and recommendations come up with drinking songs. Maybe when I was a drinker, I was listening to songs that made me feel normal and made me feel like poisoning my body was something everyone did.
I am quite spiritual and have some playlists with songs that are inspirational, positive, spiritual, relaxing. Anyone got any more recommendations ?
Since the start of the year, I've realised how much of the music I love is about alcohol - I really like country music, but a lot is about drinking. In rock music and at festivals, drinking is revered. I like Irish muic and the same. Many of my old favourites just tempt me back towards drinking.
I find my spotify playlists and recommendations come up with drinking songs. Maybe when I was a drinker, I was listening to songs that made me feel normal and made me feel like poisoning my body was something everyone did.
I am quite spiritual and have some playlists with songs that are inspirational, positive, spiritual, relaxing. Anyone got any more recommendations ?
Member
Join Date: Feb 2018
Location: Stockport/Greater Manchester/Cheshire
Posts: 911
Well there was a scene/movement in the 80’s called straight edge music.
Punks who didn’t drink or drug.
Think it was quite hardcore.
Not listened to any of it yet but might give it a whirl.
Minor threat were the pioneers I think
Punks who didn’t drink or drug.
Think it was quite hardcore.
Not listened to any of it yet but might give it a whirl.
Minor threat were the pioneers I think
No Dogma Please
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: SoCal
Posts: 2,562
I don't think that "drinking is revered" in rock music, and except for country festivals, drinking isn't as big of a deal as it used to be.
To me music is "spiritual" is that which puts you in a certain place, it's different for different people.
To me, what you are describing is a lot of electronic music. Early Jean Michele Jarre, Tangerine Dream type stuff. Some EDM. Mostly instrumental. In recovery I listened to a lot of classical music. I don't think there is any music ever created that's more spiritual, inspirational and positive than Beethoven's Ninth or the late string quartets.
I also find that a lot of who I call my "witchy women" fit this category. Tori Amos, particularly her first live album To Venus and Back. DEFINITELY Kate Bush, particularly Hounds of Love, The Dreaming (warning, very bizarre at first) and especially The Sensual World. Joni Mitchell's Court & Spark and Hejira. These women cut through a lot of bull and go straight for a place that's very honest, pure and spiritual.
If I had to pick one record that fits your criteria, it would absolutely have to be Talk Talk's Spirit of Eden. It basically invented the entire post-rock genre, and seemingly came out of nowhere. Tons of dynamic range, it's far more like going to a very intensely spiritual place than headbanging at a metal show. I also recently read that Mark Hollis had just gone through beating his heroin addiction and becoming a father, and that's very much what this record is about. Listen in the dark by yourself on headphones...warning, the first minute or so is almost inaudibly soft. It's a Top 5 Desert Island Disc for me.
To me music is "spiritual" is that which puts you in a certain place, it's different for different people.
To me, what you are describing is a lot of electronic music. Early Jean Michele Jarre, Tangerine Dream type stuff. Some EDM. Mostly instrumental. In recovery I listened to a lot of classical music. I don't think there is any music ever created that's more spiritual, inspirational and positive than Beethoven's Ninth or the late string quartets.
I also find that a lot of who I call my "witchy women" fit this category. Tori Amos, particularly her first live album To Venus and Back. DEFINITELY Kate Bush, particularly Hounds of Love, The Dreaming (warning, very bizarre at first) and especially The Sensual World. Joni Mitchell's Court & Spark and Hejira. These women cut through a lot of bull and go straight for a place that's very honest, pure and spiritual.
If I had to pick one record that fits your criteria, it would absolutely have to be Talk Talk's Spirit of Eden. It basically invented the entire post-rock genre, and seemingly came out of nowhere. Tons of dynamic range, it's far more like going to a very intensely spiritual place than headbanging at a metal show. I also recently read that Mark Hollis had just gone through beating his heroin addiction and becoming a father, and that's very much what this record is about. Listen in the dark by yourself on headphones...warning, the first minute or so is almost inaudibly soft. It's a Top 5 Desert Island Disc for me.
Member
Join Date: Jan 2019
Location: Uk
Posts: 564
Originally Posted by mindfulman 
i don't think that "drinking is revered" in rock music, and except for country festivals, drinking isn't as big of a deal as it used to be.
To me music is "spiritual" is that which puts you in a certain place, it's different for different people.
To me, what you are describing is a lot of electronic music. Early jean michele jarre, tangerine dream type stuff. Some edm. Mostly instrumental. In recovery i listened to a lot of classical music. I don't think there is any music ever created that's more spiritual, inspirational and positive than beethoven's ninth or the late string quartets.
I also find that a lot of who i call my "witchy women" fit this category. Tori amos, particularly her first live album to venus and back. Definitely kate bush, particularly hounds of love, the dreaming (warning, very bizarre at first) and especially the sensual world. Joni mitchell's court & spark and hejira. These women cut through a lot of bull and go straight for a place that's very honest, pure and spiritual.
If i had to pick one record that fits your criteria, it would absolutely have to be talk talk's spirit of eden. It basically invented the entire post-rock genre, and seemingly came out of nowhere. Tons of dynamic range, it's far more like going to a very intensely spiritual place than headbanging at a metal show. I also recently read that mark hollis had just gone through beating his heroin addiction and becoming a father, and that's very much what this record is about. Listen in the dark by yourself on headphones...warning, the first minute or so is almost inaudibly soft. It's a top 5 desert island disc for me.
To me music is "spiritual" is that which puts you in a certain place, it's different for different people.
To me, what you are describing is a lot of electronic music. Early jean michele jarre, tangerine dream type stuff. Some edm. Mostly instrumental. In recovery i listened to a lot of classical music. I don't think there is any music ever created that's more spiritual, inspirational and positive than beethoven's ninth or the late string quartets.
I also find that a lot of who i call my "witchy women" fit this category. Tori amos, particularly her first live album to venus and back. Definitely kate bush, particularly hounds of love, the dreaming (warning, very bizarre at first) and especially the sensual world. Joni mitchell's court & spark and hejira. These women cut through a lot of bull and go straight for a place that's very honest, pure and spiritual.
If i had to pick one record that fits your criteria, it would absolutely have to be talk talk's spirit of eden. It basically invented the entire post-rock genre, and seemingly came out of nowhere. Tons of dynamic range, it's far more like going to a very intensely spiritual place than headbanging at a metal show. I also recently read that mark hollis had just gone through beating his heroin addiction and becoming a father, and that's very much what this record is about. Listen in the dark by yourself on headphones...warning, the first minute or so is almost inaudibly soft. It's a top 5 desert island disc for me.
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Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Midwest
Posts: 11,481
Not sure if any of this is to your taste or not:
Enya: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?lis...86B75E9FDB6144
Carlos Nakai: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c_1zw9KGmDo
Dean Evenson: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b3AdJKkhDsE
Steven Halpern: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2dbT...oSZivy_Kk6TZTs
Deva Premal: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?lis...zZPCPWxKeZtWp3
Enya: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?lis...86B75E9FDB6144
Carlos Nakai: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c_1zw9KGmDo
Dean Evenson: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b3AdJKkhDsE
Steven Halpern: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2dbT...oSZivy_Kk6TZTs
Deva Premal: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?lis...zZPCPWxKeZtWp3
Member
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: West Tn
Posts: 3,043
Great topic, andy1.
My favorite genre of music has been outlaw country music.
But I have also loved Jimmy Buffett since he came out with Come Monday about 45 years ago.
These were what were typically playing in my car stereo when I drove myself to treatment.
Neither of which are remotely recovery-oriented types of music.
As a result, I pretty much avoided these artists for a pretty good while.
I have subsequently been able to listen to them for many years now, but not so much at first.
I have found that a good bit of rock music doesn't relate to drinking or drugging, and I listened to that, instead of Jimmy and hard country music.
When I listen to songs about drinking, I always make it a past tense proposition, particularly if I'm singing along in my car.
You are very wise to be willing to go to any lengths, including what music you can listen to, to get and stay sober.
I suggest doing what I did and back off of the types which mention alcohol or trigger drinking thoughts.
After a while though, thoughts of drinking will represent your past and not your present.
These days, I listen to lots of Americana, indy rock, indy country, Texas country, metal, outlaw country, classic rock, classic country, folk, and even Broadway musical show tunes (grew up listening to this kind of music around the house).
I haven't yet gotten into classical music (although I do like opera), and I don't care for pop music or pop country music.
I tell people that I listen to only 1 kind of music and that is good music; but, good music comprises multiple genres.
My favorite genre of music has been outlaw country music.
But I have also loved Jimmy Buffett since he came out with Come Monday about 45 years ago.
These were what were typically playing in my car stereo when I drove myself to treatment.
Neither of which are remotely recovery-oriented types of music.
As a result, I pretty much avoided these artists for a pretty good while.
I have subsequently been able to listen to them for many years now, but not so much at first.
I have found that a good bit of rock music doesn't relate to drinking or drugging, and I listened to that, instead of Jimmy and hard country music.
When I listen to songs about drinking, I always make it a past tense proposition, particularly if I'm singing along in my car.
You are very wise to be willing to go to any lengths, including what music you can listen to, to get and stay sober.
I suggest doing what I did and back off of the types which mention alcohol or trigger drinking thoughts.
After a while though, thoughts of drinking will represent your past and not your present.
These days, I listen to lots of Americana, indy rock, indy country, Texas country, metal, outlaw country, classic rock, classic country, folk, and even Broadway musical show tunes (grew up listening to this kind of music around the house).
I haven't yet gotten into classical music (although I do like opera), and I don't care for pop music or pop country music.
I tell people that I listen to only 1 kind of music and that is good music; but, good music comprises multiple genres.
Member
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Ireland
Posts: 25,826
I love music, of all tastes, Rock, Blues, Acoustic, Country, Folk . . .
. . . I always say to people I have on my iPod (yes I have an old nano that is still going) . . . everything from Taylor Swift to Metallica . . . and everything in between.
Here's a few songs . . . from the Rock genre but very atmospheric . . . both have lyrics that are very touching!!
. . . I always say to people I have on my iPod (yes I have an old nano that is still going) . . . everything from Taylor Swift to Metallica . . . and everything in between.
Here's a few songs . . . from the Rock genre but very atmospheric . . . both have lyrics that are very touching!!
Administrator
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Australia
Posts: 211,366
Joe Walshs recent stuff is about recovery.
there's more than one recovery rock music radio station on the web too - our rules preclude linking to commercial ventures but Google is your friend there
D
there's more than one recovery rock music radio station on the web too - our rules preclude linking to commercial ventures but Google is your friend there
D
Member
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: America
Posts: 4,136
I love music too. After awhile I got bored of listening to everyone else's songs and listening to the music radio decided to dole out to the millions. So, I started writing my own songs and finding music that is off the beaten path instead of mainstream. It's much more satisfying. If you look hard enough, you can find artists that don't sing about drinkin'.
Member
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: West Tn
Posts: 3,043
Originally Posted by Dee74
Joe Walshs recent stuff is about recovery.
there's more than one recovery rock music radio station on the web too - our rules preclude linking to commercial ventures but Google is your friend there
D
there's more than one recovery rock music radio station on the web too - our rules preclude linking to commercial ventures but Google is your friend there
D
It was really cool, particularly for those of us in recovery.
I don't know how well it was received by the Mardi Gras beads-adorned drunks, but I sure liked it.
Member
Join Date: Feb 2019
Location: The Midwest
Posts: 649
Originally Posted by andy1
I love music and listen to music most of the day - whether I'm working, driving, running etc.
Since the start of the year, I've realised how much of the music I love is about alcohol - I really like country music, but a lot is about drinking. In rock music and at festivals, drinking is revered. I like Irish muic and the same. Many of my old favourites just tempt me back towards drinking.
I find my spotify playlists and recommendations come up with drinking songs. Maybe when I was a drinker, I was listening to songs that made me feel normal and made me feel like poisoning my body was something everyone did.
I am quite spiritual and have some playlists with songs that are inspirational, positive, spiritual, relaxing. Anyone got any more recommendations ?
Since the start of the year, I've realised how much of the music I love is about alcohol - I really like country music, but a lot is about drinking. In rock music and at festivals, drinking is revered. I like Irish muic and the same. Many of my old favourites just tempt me back towards drinking.
I find my spotify playlists and recommendations come up with drinking songs. Maybe when I was a drinker, I was listening to songs that made me feel normal and made me feel like poisoning my body was something everyone did.
I am quite spiritual and have some playlists with songs that are inspirational, positive, spiritual, relaxing. Anyone got any more recommendations ?
I really like Colter Wall. I can't think of any of his songs that are based in drinking.
Also for Irish music -- try switching to just instrumental folk, violin/guitar -- you can get all the great sound w/o the lyrics that come with "drinking music."
Good luck
Member
Join Date: Nov 2016
Posts: 104
I picked the username NessunDorma after the aria in Puccini’s opera Turandot. It’s a beautiful and uplifting tune (many people probably recognise it without knowing what it is). It’s also very relevant to sobriety, all about things being darkest before dawn. The singer faces life and death challenges the next day and is reflecting on the challenge - ending on the triumphant phrase ‘vincero’ (I will win), for me the most resonant and moving piece of any music. So I want to dedicate it to everyone facing the struggles we have with alcohol as for me it just conveys more than anything else what it it is like to overcome them.
Thanks for the chance to explain what is otherwise an overly obscure reference.
Thanks for the chance to explain what is otherwise an overly obscure reference.
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