A collection of songs to help lift your mood. From The Beach Boys to Bill Withers
(1) God only knows. The Beach Boys
This is one of the most special pieces of music ever composed. The lyric is poetic in its simplest yet most effective form, and is for my ears, Brian Wilson’s masterpiece. From the melodic intro to the stunning power of the line “God only knows what I’d be without you”. You simply cannot get better.
(2) Something in the Way. The Beatles
One of the Beatles greatest moments. A great song should create a mood, it should invite the listener into that environment and take them away from where they are. Something in the way is an incredibly gentle song yet it has the power to put every hair on the back of your neck standing on end.
(3) Mr. Bluesky. Elo
When I first heard this song I had to replay it almost twenty times as it lifted my mood so much. It has its foundations in positive psychology, as Jeff Lynne shows such gratitude for a beautiful day. You can imagine the writing process and the fun the band had in the studio while tracking this. It’s exploding with positive energy and should be the alarm clock song automatically loaded up to all smart phones.
(4) Mr. E’s beautiful blues. The Eels
A song that would lift anyone’s soul. The chorus lyric “God damn right it’s a beautiful day” just demands positivity. The song is slightly melancholic but the simple melody is enough to balance its quirkiness.
(5) Hoppipolla. Sigur Ros
This song is the perfect orchestra of emotions. It soaring piano line and euphoric string arrangement really lends itself to every feeling, from sadness to a special type of happiness. The massive crescendo at the end has gotten me through many a tough day.
(6) Grapefruit Moon. Tom Waits
Ironically as a teenager I felt Tom Waits was depressing. As I grew older, Closing time, his iconic album became the most important album in my life. I used this record to help with my social anxiety. For example, I used to dread getting on the underground in London and so I would put this record on and pretend I was in a bar in New York listening to Tom singing this record to me. I would close my eyes and put on my iPod and it calmed me down.
This song, towards the end of the album always had such a profound impact on me. The string section as the end just lifts my spirit so much, and if I ever get married this will be close to my first dance.
(7) Caravan of Love The Housemartins
Just listen to it. One big massive serotonin rush in a three minute pop song.
(8) Follow the day. The Polyphonic spree
This song is in the key of positivity. The hopeful guitar intro leads simple yet touching lyrics before the choir and band ignite with a song that’s custom made to start your day off in the best possible way.
(9) Happy. C2C
The chorus lyric of this jazz/blues infused modern masterpiece states “you’ll never be happy, until you try”, gifted me many moments of clarity, Although a simple phrase it certainly has its merits. In order to deal with our issues and ultimately embrace life we have to sometimes seek happiness. It may not fall on our laps but quite often it’s more rewarding when you find it.
(10) Lovely day. Bill Withers
A classic, a genius, this song needs no introduction. I owe it so much.
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