Amy Forster, Asst. Production Editor
As the leaves begin their slow descent from the trees, I often find myself strolling through Central Park, reading the stories of love etched into the bench dedications. These tiny declarations are a testament to the fact that love in the city, at some point or another, can be consuming enough that we need to carve it into physical existence. Just beyond the edges of the park, those quiet dedications turn loud, couples sharing scarves, laughing loudly and inconveniently blocking the flow of traffic to stop and stare in each other’s eyes. This reality is in stark contrast to the discussions I have with my friends about the current bleak state of dating in NYC that juxtaposes the cozy energy visible on the streets. Has the general public figured out something we haven’t, or do the colder months just make settling for any Thanksgiving buffer we can find necessary? Either way, this Jasper Jams has a simple mission: Bring back yearning.
Symphonia IX by Current Joys
The cover for this album, an old photo of a young couple in love, fits perfectly with our theme today. The easy, yet almost sad, beat that the song features brings the listener in, preparing them for the hurt this song is about to hit them with. The candor of the first line is startling: it makes you question, what kind of love song would start with the singer upset that they failed to make their lover cry? What you slowly come to understand as the song goes on, is the heartbreak of trying and failing to get any kind of reaction from a person you love. For the singer, this lack of reaction has him yearning for any reaction, even be it tears, to reassure him that they care for him in at least some capacity. Overall, the soothing beat paired with the depth of the singer’s confession really puts you in your feels.
Favorite Lyric: Oh, I would say yes/The need to be the best before the need to rest.
Silver Springs 2004 Remaster by Fleetwood Mac
Was there any way this song would not make the list? The image of Stevie Nicks staring down her ex, Lindsey Buckingham, practically yelling the song at him, is a place I fear we have all been. I like how this song adds a bit of anger to this Jasper Jams. A lot of times, we think of yearning as purely a sad feeling, when in actuality, it can be angry or even happy. The declaration of love in this song is almost made like a threat, positioned as inescapable. There’s something weirdly comforting about thinking we can love so hard it is inevitable.
Favorite Lyric: I’ll follow you down/’til the sound of my voice will haunt you.
Fade into You by Mazzy Star
The acoustic guitar hits so hard in the intro to this song. It, in combination with the lyrics, touches on the need to be closer than physically possible to another person that is so hard to put into words. I don’t know how much I can discuss wanting to literally fade into another person without sounding crazy, but I feel like we’ve all been there. If you want a song that encapsulates that feeling, but with a soft, almost sad undertone, this is for you.
Favorite Lyric: I want to hold the hand inside you/I wanna take the breath that’s true
Anything by Adrianne Lenker
You know the feeling when you’re so in love with someone that talking feels too insignificant? That’s this song. The yearning, and yes I will use that word because it’s the title, just rings through every part of the song from the chorus to the slightly calming beat. It just gets me all in my feels. Whenever I picture this song, I think of a young couple in love, sitting in a car thinking of themselves as the luckiest people in the world because they get to do ordinary things with each other. Adrianne’s ability to encapsulate such a pure and innocent feeling like first love, vulnerability and longing make this a must-listen.
Favorite Lyric: I wanna kiss, kiss your eyes again/Wanna witness your eyes lookin’.
Lover, You Should’ve Come Over by Jeff Buckley
Last but certainly not least, we have the most iconic yearning song. Six minutes and 42 seconds of pure heartache and painful bliss. This song is a testament that heartache and unrequited love will always stand the test of time. Jeff Buckley’s declaration of longing, not for the major aspects of a relationship, but for the small, more intimate moments, encapsulates what it feels like to miss a lost love. Nothing prepares you for when Buckley starts passionately begging, bargaining to do anything just to witness her laughter or smile. His attempt to rationalize what’s happened, blaming himself for the break up is emotionally vulnerable and touching. This song rounds out the heartache of missing your person’s unique presence, yearning for them as an individual rather than as a place holder filling a position or purpose in your life.
Favorite Lyric: It’s never over/My kingdom for a kiss upon her shoulder.