Sometimes a musical phrase or a single line of lyrics can unlock those bad feelings we’ve tried to hide. Music can be a powerful way to capture the mood when we feel anxious, chaotic or a little bit numb. This episode features music about feeling bad from Olivia Rodrigo, Beyoncé, Radiohead, Hakki Bulut, Hans Zimmer and James Newton Howard.

Stuff to think about after you’ve listened:

Ready to explore more music about feeling bad? Check out our playlists on Spotify or Apple Music.

Tell us how you're using Music Blocks in the classroom or at home, or share your playlists and music creations inspired by the podcast! Email us: [email protected]

Music Blocks is a production of Colorado Public Radio's Audio Innovations Studio.

Hosts and Producers: Luis Antonio Perez and Rebekah Romberg

Thank you: Monika Vischer at CPR Classical, Bruce Trujillo and Willobee Carlan at Indie 102.3, Jodi Gersh, Kim Nguyen, Mia Rincón, Clara Shelton, Hart Van Denburg, and all the teachers and students who shared feedback and attended virtual focus groups as we developed this podcast.