Reviewed by Craig Hoffman
“I’m sick and tired of being sick and tired.”- Fannie Lou Hamer 

Aren’t we all in 2020?

Hopefully, you are doing your best to avoid catching or are recovering from the coronavirus. Here’s a list of songs related to life, masks, quarantine and social distancing. They were written long before the events of modern day, but their lyrics offer timely advice in the present. 

Do you agree? Let the Icon know what tunes are on your pandemic playlist while sitting at home.

“Behind the Mask”- Fleetwood Mac
The album got a so-so reaction from the critics upon its release in 1990. But its message is spot on in 2020. “Don't you come too close to me/You're dangerous, can't you see,” starts “Behind the mask.” Those lyrics touch everyone who has been affected by the pandemic. The song has more to do with love than a virus. But a perfect tune to listen to while wearing your mask.

“Virus”- Iron Maiden
“Virus” is a single from Iron Maiden, released in 1996. Lead singer Blaze Bayley powers through this song. It is unquestionably an  Iron Maiden masterpiece, and Bailey is at his peak. It’s relevance to society today is prophetic. 

“Isolation”- Joy Division
Forty years on, due to coronavirus, this feels like the theme song of 2020. “Isolation” uses a false ending where the music suddenly stops before starting once more. It seems an apt metaphor for this past year in life and music. The track has an infectious post-punk beat too. (No pun intended.)

“Dancing With Myself”- Billy Idol
If you don't dance to this, you are not technically alive. This 1981 Billy Idol chart topper was inspired by young adults inside a mirrored Tokyo dance club who were dancing alongside their own reflections. That’s about the only safe way to dance these days.

“Antisocial”- Anthrax
American thrash metal band Anthrax covered the French-language song, using the alternate English lyrics, on their 1988 album State of Euphoria. With restaurants closing due to the coronavirus, for the moment, people are antisocial in 2020. Until we can safely gather again, “Antisocial” will help pass the time.

“I Drink Alone”- George Thorogood & the Destroyers
A friend once asked me, “What's your favorite drink?” I said, “The next one.” And while I disagree with Homer Simpson’s assertion, that alcohol is “...the cause and the solution to all (of) life’s problems,” “I Drink Alone” is relatable in 2020 as people drink responsibly to wash away their troubles.

“My Life”- Billy Joel
“Go ahead with your own life, leave me alone,” Billy Joel sings in a tune from 1978. His words are appropriate during the pandemic. Something about Billy Joel’s music makes fans feel better when they are going through troubled times. “My Life” reminds me that the best thing about human existence is that, “It goes on.”

Final Take: A tough year, but “I Will Survive.” (Gloria Gaynor, 1978) And so will you if you “Don’t Stand So Close to Me.” (Police, 1980) Mask up, people! Pandemic: 0/5

Craig Hoffman is a music graduate of Ohio Northern University and The University of Akron School of Music. He also serves as the Icon’s Japan correspondent.