One of the most lovely sounding songs to come out in 2020 was “Black Dog” by Arlo Parks. The song is about a friend or loved one that is in a dark place and Arlo Parks is expressing to them that she is there, mindful of the depression, and willing to assist in comfort, companionship, and support. Being heedful of the declining mental health of those we are close to is important in our every day lives already, but in 2020 many people had an even tougher time with their mental health while in isolation and shelter-in-place. “Black Dog” was a song in which those people were able to find solace.  The song’s thoughtful lyrics and Arlo’s sweet sounding voice made it the soundtrack for many people’s entire year. 

Arlo Parks is the stage name for Anaïs Oluwatoyin Estelle Marinho.  She is a young poet and singer-songwriter from West London. Her debut album Collapsed In Sunbeams finally came out at the end of January 2021 and it included the aforementioned “Black Dog” along with a number of already released songs that garnered some popularity like “Eugene” and “Green Eyes.” 

Arlo Parks is yet another artist I wish 2020 didn’t screw us live music lovers on, but if I put on my optimistic goggles, hopefully she’ll be part of what makes the tail end of 2021 awesome.  She currently has tour dates scheduled for Europe and in two cities in the States (Brooklyn and Los Angeles), but I wouldn’t be surprised if more dates were added once things become more clear and the vaccines become more readily available. 

Order your own copy of Arlo Parks’ album here and check out Arlo and her band performing “Black Dog” virtually in quarantine below.