Innuendo Acapella
If you’re reading this, let music be your catharsis.
Innuendo is a popular acapella group that plays an important role in the Wake Forest community. We already know how their music impacts fellow Deacs, but the IYRT Wake Forest team decided to ask the group members to reflect internally on their comfort/emotional support songs and the meaning of music in their personal lives and mental health. In addition to the thoughts given below, all of the members’ songs have been compiled into a playlist for anyone to listen to when a moment of peace, reflection, or deeply-felt emotion is needed (linked below!). We loved collaborating with the group and are so excited to continue sharing the power of music here!
Now, allow us to present “Innuendo’s Catharsis Songs:”
1. I Drink Wine by Adele
This song has a little bit of many emotions - sad, angry, and confused - that can be very relatable in a lot of different situations. Whenever I am feeling down, or having a lower mental health day, this song is my always go-to to sing, because not only is it musically amazing but I can also relate to it emotionally.
Anna Rorrer, Class of ‘25
2. How Deep is Your Love by The Bee Gees
Something about the intimacy of this song cuts right to my core, and I feel those calming waves hit right away. It feels like nighttime or maybe cool water. My relationship with music breaks down into two categories: listening to and singing. Experiencing music really helps me dwell on my emotions, whereas singing lets me express them. Without music, I would lose a way to articulate the ways that I feel.
Carson Taylor, Class of ’26
3. I Know It’s Over by The Smiths
This song is an absolutely heartbreaking tale about the realization of a relationship coming to an end and how the singer is dealing with his heartache. Sometimes processing negative emotions can be a difficult thing for me, so listening to sad songs can help me get into a better mind frame to explore what it is I'm actually feeling. My personal relationship with music tremendously helps my mental health because it allows me to get into a headspace I otherwise wouldn't be able to get to on my own. Through my highs and lows music allows me to better understand my own feelings and puts me in a position to process them in a way that would be more difficult without the help of music.
Connor Milstead, Class of ‘25
4. That’s So True by Gracie Abrams
I picked this song because it has been on repeat for the past few weeks. I love this song so much and listen to it while I am getting ready, walking to class, hanging out with friends, and even at the gym. This song is just very relatable and speaks to me on a deeper level, but is also very catchy. My personal relationship with music definitely helps my mental health, I always have an outlet and a sense of comfort.
Jenna Yount, Class of ‘28
5. Orphans by Coldplay
This song encapsulates how I want to feel every day. Something about both the instrumental and the lyrics remind me to take a second and remember what it means to be alive - getting the opportunity to know the highs and lows, people, places, sensations, and the human experience. If I ever feel out of touch with myself or the world, this is the song that helps me to remember my place and feel everything deeply again.
Matt Bourguignon, Class of ‘26
6. Back Home by Andy Grammer
This song is constantly played at my job where I grew up. Like its name, it reminds me of home which always cheers me up.
Shaan Mehta, Class of ‘26
7. East Side of Sorrow by Zach Bryan
This song signifies how possible it is to leave your troubles in the past and keep moving forward when you focus on the right things.
Lily Engles, Class of ‘27
8. I Don’t Want to Be by Gavin DeGraw
This song reminds me that I don’t need to pretend to be someone I’m not for people who would prefer for me to change in order to be liked or accepted. I don’t need the acceptance of people who aren’t invested in my best interest, and this song is a great reminder of that.
Elicia Estevez, Class of ‘25
9. Come On Eileen by Dexy’s Midnight Runners
This song reminds me of the summertime and honestly just sounds like joy to me. I feel a little happier when I listen to it, which I think is the beauty of music to me - to be with you whenever and in whatever you’re feeling. Listening to and making music are both my main outlets when I’m feeling tense and has helped my mental health in more ways than I realize.
Michelle Ferrone, Class of ‘27
10. Liar by The Arcadian Wild
This is a song I listen to a lot when experiencing anxious moments. It has very powerful instrumentals undertoning the vocals of the song and just turning it up heavily and vibing along with it is so beneficial with clearing my head and allowing me to just let myself give in to the music. I think music as a whole is incredibly beneficial to mental health, it gives people a moment to have something fill their heads outside of just their rampant thoughts.
Will Rothschild, Class of ‘25
11. Human by Christina Perri
This song is just so real and expresses so many emotions that one feels all the time. Also, it’s musically interesting and can make you feel better, keep you feeling good, or just let you embrace a negative emotion.
Morgan Grygiel, Class of ‘26
12. Lately by Dan and Shay
This is my current favorite song. I can listen to it anywhere whether I am showering or in the gym. It is upbeat and happy and doesn’t fail to put me in a good mood.
Gavin Swartz, Class of ‘27
Sincerely,
Innuendo Acapella, Wake Forest University
Connect With Us
To follow IfYoureReadingThis at Wake Forest on Instagram, get in touch with our chapter, and learn about more resources available to Wake Forest students, visit our chapter’s homepage.
