by Brittney Corridean
If you’re as big of a This is Us fan, you appreciate the little subtleties and intense emotional situations that occur throughout each episode. Another thing that stands out is the music. I feel the music is matched very well to various heart wrenching situations that go on throughout. One of those artists, perfectly picked for the soundtrack to this show, is Nick Drake and the song is “Northern Sky”.
Nick Drake was a folk artist who emerged in the late 1960s/early 1970s and, sadly, he died way too young at the age of 26. He suffered from depression and had a hard time performing at live shows, which at that time, was a big means to get music to an audience. As a result, record sales weren’t strong, however his releases have gained critical acclaim and increasing sales after his passing.
Pink Moon was Drake’s third and final album, released two years before his death. The lyrics in the album’s songs have often been attributed to Drake’s battle with depression. The songs are even shorter here than previous records, with 11 tracks totaling just around 28 minutes. I was actually not expecting to flip the record so quickly, but you can notice the shortness of grooved circles when you pull it out of the cover. Pink Moon‘s songs stir up a deep thought and a bit of self-reflection that is unexpectedly calming. A few of my favorites off the album are “Pink Moon”, “Place to Be” and “From the Morning”.
They’re quiet and serene. The melody matches his voice and when it’s over, it may haunt you for a little while. I suggest listening to it when you wake up and just pour your first cup of coffee on a sunny morning.
It’s hard to imagine what went on in his head and why he suffered so much. Who knows what makes anyone really fall into those dark places at times, but in the dark, sometimes there is inspiration and something beautiful can happen. You just have to be open to it. That’s kind of what I think Drake does with this album, he embraces whatever it may have been that he was feeling and reflected it into poetic songs.
What do you think of Drake? Does he bore you? Open up your mind a little? That’s the beauty of art, it’s all up to you to how it makes you feel.
