In the dreary month of November, there is only one band that suits my mood: The National. Every single song is dripping with nostalgia that stems from a memory the listener doesn’t have. Songs like “Mr. November,” from the 2005 album Alligator, emulate the cold rain of November, and leaves the listener longing for warmer, sunny days.
The National has consistently created music that emulates the cold, harshness of November. Matt Berninger’s voice has always been low, but in their newer albums, his vocals have deepened. His low growl is not solely responsible for the band’s sadness, but it definitely contributes.
“Bloodbuzz Ohio,” is a song that hangs over the rest of the album, High Violet, like a storm cloud. Berninger’s vocals are the thunder in a late-fall thunderstorm. The National makes walking to class an emotional journey. The band creates the perfect soundtrack for splashing through puddles and wallowing in emotions.
The band’s sound has never changed dramatically, even after 18 years together. Any change in sound has been natural, maturing as the band ages. Songs on the band’s 2017 album Sleep Well Beast took advantage of Berninger’s aging voice, remaining serious but adding more guitar and reaching out of the boundaries that their past albums remained in. Tracks such as “The System Only Dreams in Total Darkness,” from the newest album, shows The National’s maturity and growth.
Hailing from Cincinnati, The National’s growth never sounds unnatural from its upbringing. Every song has — in my experience — a midwestern sadness that hits every November at the midpoint in the semester.
The vividity of the lyrics makes the naturally depressing sound even more despondent. Each song has a story that forces the listener to feel the same intensity of emotions as the narrator. Whatever pain the band has felt, they emulate it so the listener understands where the raw emotions came from.
On rainy days in November, The National suits the mood if feeling happy isn’t on the table. The depression built up through lyrics and music makes The National the best sad mood band, especially in the colder months of the year.
Shelby Campbell is a freshman studying journalism and political science at Ohio University. Please note that the views and opinions of the columnists do not reflect those of The Post. Do you listen to The National? Let Shelby know by tweeting her @bloodbuzzohioan.
