Lenten Playlist: A Soundtrack for Reflection and Renewal

As Orthodox Christians embark on the journey of Great Lent, a period of repentance, prayer, fasting, and almsgiving leading up to Pascha, a curated playlist offers a unique avenue for deepening the experience. This year, the “7 Weeks Without” campaign has inspired a musical accompaniment, with each song chosen to resonate with the weekly theme of emotional exploration.

The “7 Weeks Without” Playlist: A Week-by-Week Guide

Editor and music critic Claudius Grigat has selected tracks that not only stand alone as compelling music but also provide a sonic landscape for the introspective work of Lent. The playlist aims to connect the emotional themes of the campaign with the power of music to evoke and explore feelings.

Week 1: Longing – Masha Qrella, “Woanders” (2021)

The Lenten journey begins with the theme of “Longing.” Grigat’s choice, “Woanders” by Masha Qrella, perfectly encapsulates this sentiment. The song’s resonance stems from Qrella’s upbringing in East Berlin and her yearning for life in the West, mirroring a universal desire for something beyond the present.

Week 2: Wideness – Bronski Beat, “Smalltown Boy” (1984)

As Lent progresses to the theme of “Wideness,” Grigat suggests “Smalltown Boy” by Bronski Beat. The song tells the story of a young man leaving the confines of his provincial hometown to embrace the vastness of the world, symbolizing a move towards broader horizons and new experiences.

Week 3: Vulnerability – Il Civetto, “Boys Do Cry (feat. Trille)” (2024)

The third week focuses on “Vulnerability,” and Il Civetto’s “Boys Do Cry” (featuring Trille) is a fitting selection. The title, a play on The Cure’s iconic “Boys Don’t Cry” (1979), acknowledges the often-suppressed emotional expression of men, highlighting the courage it takes to be open and vulnerable.

Week 4: Compassion – The Black Eyed Peas, “Where Is the Love?” (2003)

“Compassion” is the focus of the fourth week, and Grigat chooses The Black Eyed Peas’ “Where Is the Love?” The song, released in 2003 in the aftermath of the September 11th attacks and during the Iraq War, poses a poignant question about the presence of love and compassion in a world often marked by conflict and suffering.

Week 5: Questioning – Inspiral Carpets, “This Is How It Feels” (1990)

The fifth week encourages “Questioning,” and Inspiral Carpets’ “This Is How It Feels” provides a lyrical exploration of this theme. The Britpop track from Manchester delves into feelings of loneliness, insignificance, and the powerlessness that can accompany unanswered questions.

Week 6: Soft Tones – Roberta Flack, “Killing Me Softly” (1973)

As Lent nears its conclusion, the theme shifts to “Soft Tones,” and Roberta Flack’s “Killing Me Softly” is a natural choice. The song’s universally recognized melody and lyrics create an atmosphere of intimacy and emotional resonance, inviting quiet contemplation.

Week 7: Fear and Joy – Saint Etienne, “Glad” (2025)

The final week of Lent encompasses the complex emotions of “Fear and Joy,” and Grigat recommends “Glad” by Saint Etienne. The song captures the multifaceted feelings associated with Easter – sadness, fear, and joy – with nuanced lyrics and evocative music.

The Full Playlist

The complete seven-song playlist, curated by Claudius Grigat, offers a powerful soundtrack for navigating the emotional landscape of Lent and preparing for the celebration of Pascha.