When the weather forecast calls for rain, our first impulse is usually not to go singing and dancing in the downpour. Instead, we might opt to stay inside and under the covers at the first sign of a drizzle, while silently chanting the nursery rhyme, “Rain, rain go away. Come again another day.”
But what if we shifted our perspective and positively reframed our relationship with rain, sis? This might inspire us to change our tune to, “It may sound crazy, but I wanna go outside in the rain.”
Think of it this way. Rain is restorative, cleansing and life sustaining. Many cultures are dependent on rainfall as a source of freshwater where rivers and other water sources are not accessible. “Stormy Weather” can even be good for your health, and inhaling the fragrant compounds released by plants, trees and soil when hit by the pounding rain can boost our mood and may strengthen immunity.
Honestly, there were so many great songs that fit the 'rainy' theme that it was hard to stop with just 40 tracks in our magical and nostalgic mix of Motown, contemporary R&B, pop, folk, reggae, gospel and jazz tunes.
Rain can also be super romantic. Try not to swoon when you listen to New Edition's "Can You Stand the Rain” and Tony! Toni! Toné!’s “It Never Rains (In Southern California).” And who can forget that scene from The Notebook, where the reunited lovers take a rowboat ride and share a passionate kiss in the torrential raindrops?
In a spiritual sense, we are grateful when obstacles are cleared from our path and we are showered with blessings from our Higher Power. In moments of uncertainty and despair, we need the kind of supernatural flood that Tamela Mann summons on the rousing “Rain,” where she sings, “Open the heavens door, pour out an abundance rain. I need a cleansing Lord.” Similarly, on “Let It Rain,” Tracy Chapman seeks solace as she muses, “Let it rain. As I walk these streets unknown. To no one named. Not even myself. When I’m low. Give me hope. That help is coming. When I need it most.”
In moments of uncertainty and despair, we need the kind of supernatural flood that Tamela Mann summons on the rousing 'Rain,' where she sings, 'Open the heavens door, pour out an abundance rain. I need a cleansing Lord.'
Even if the weather outside is frightful, as you listen and hopefully sing along with this playlist, we hope you find something to bring you comfort and as Stevie Wonder sings, “Shelter in the Rain.” Honestly, there were so many great songs that fit the “rainy” theme that it was hard to stop with just 40 tracks. But in the magical and nostalgic mix of Motown, contemporary R&B, pop, folk, reggae, gospel and jazz tunes, highlights include “I Can’t Stand the Rain” by Tina Turner; “Clouds” by Chaka Khan; “Rain” by SWV; “It’s Raining Men” by The Weather Girls; “Walking In the Rain” by Grace Jones; “Quiet Storm” by Smokey Robinson; “Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head” by Dionne Warwick; “Come Rain or Come Shine'' by Sarah Vaughan; “Over The Rainbow” by Patti LaBelle; “Umbrella” by Rihanna; and “Purple Rain" by Prince.
You may even discover a hidden gem, like Deborah Cox’s breathtaking version of “Look To the Rainbow” from the musical Finian’s Rainbow; a New Jack Swing-ish remix of the Maze featuring Frankie Beverly classic “Joy and Pain”; Lisa Fischer’s stirring take on New Birth’s “Wildflower,” produced by Luther Vandross; and Shirley Bassey’s poignant rendition of Barry Manilow’s “I Made It Through the Rain.”
On the latter track, Bassey offers sage advice: “When friends are hard to find. And life seems so unkind. Sometimes you feel afraid. Just aim beyond the clouds. And rise above the crowds. And start your own parade. ‘Cause when I chase my fears away. That’s when I knew that I could finally say. I made it through the rain.”
So push play and allow this rainy day playlist – packed with nearly three hours of melodious music – to encourage you and to help brighten your day
