Amsterdam by Gregory Alan Isakov

South Africa-born Isakov’s folk-country track feels like a warm conversation with an old friend on a cold night in the titular European city. A far cry from the sizzling Maximum City, but one can daydream.

Sapphire by Ed Sheeran

Ed Sheeran

This vibrant, perfect-for-the-summer track is Western pop-infused with desi elements, including some lilting notes from instruments like the sitar, among others.

Walking in Memphis by Marc Cohn/Cher

Cher

While we find ourselves veering towards Cher’s 1995 rendition, it’s Cohn’s deeply personal lyrics of his life that will tug at the heart strings. Music legends Elvis and Al Green make a presence too. A blues masterpiece.

War Pigs by Black Sabbath

Black Sabbath. Pics Courtesy/Wikimedia Commons, Artistes’ Instagram, Youtube

We don’t really need to say more, but this 1970s anthem was the definitive anti-war call. This might be Gen Alpha, but Sabbath fans have been there, and done that.

Mostly Chimes Adrianne Lenker

Adrianne Lenker. Pic courtesy/Spotify

True to its title, this one’s an instrumental tune for your slow days. It reminds us of a windy, rainy afternoon where the sky is gloomy, with a slight nip in the air.