I remember the first time I heard Unfinished Sympathy because it was whilst watching a music channel on TV, also for the first time (I was hyped). The video for the song is gorgeous and that was not lost on me – I could watch that vid on loop for eternity and never get sick of it, but it was the haunting vocals of Shara Nelson accompanied by a hypnotic slow beat, strings and occasional chords that drew me in. I think it’s the simplicity of the track that got to me – the period in my life when I revisited the song after that first encounter was a difficult one. I was attempting to deal with a mess of feelings and emotions that were consuming me and I didn’t know why (in a few months all became clear as I would be diagnosed with quite severe depression and put on the required medication, thankfully). Everyday was a struggle and I felt filled up with rage, despondency, and apathy – I needed something that could calm me down and for a few precious minutes, transport me away from my life of turmoil – to my own private oasis, where everything was beautifully simple and tranquility was the order of the day. Unfinished Sympathy became that oasis – I spent a lot of time tuning in and then tuning out.

Even now, with my depression kept at bay I’m always drawn to the song when feeling a bit low, or when I need a little piece of time to reflect on things and collect myself. Yet I can also immerse myself in the song during happier times – it accompanies me on walks, doing university work, and when I’m writing. Unfinished Sympathy changed my life in a multitude of ways and I will forever be grateful.