Joy! 25 Songs That Make You Feel Good.

 

I suppose this is a continuation of my Songs Of Empathy And Mental Well Being blogs, but “25 songs that make you feel good. Songs Of Empathy And Mental Well Being.” Is far too long a title for a blog. If you want to read the other blogs there are links below.

Songs About Mental Well Being. No.1 Bridge Over Troubled Water.

Songs of Empathy and Mental Well Being. No.2 Shine On You Crazy Diamond.

I hope this blog does what it says on the tin and there’s stuff in it that gives you a wee lift for the day. So here we go…(PS if you enjoy this why not add your songs in the comments bit) 

NUMBER 25. THE BELLAMY BROTHERS. LET YOUR LOVE FLOW.

A wee belter from this country duo. Written by one of Neil Diamond’s roadies. He didn’t want it so this duo took it and turned it into a global hit that is still in regular play today. I’m sure Neil was fine with the missed opportunity.

Good Bit.

There’s a reason
For the sunshine day
There’s a reason
Why I’m feelin’ so high…

 

NUMBER 24. DAFT PUNK. GET LUCKY.

When rumours emerged that Daft Punk were doing a disco LP and working alongside the likes of Giorgio Moroder and Niles Rodgers expectations were high. Written by Daft Punk, Niles Rodgers and rapper Pharrell Williams. The net tells us.  “Get Lucky” is a disco song with lyrics that, according to Williams, are about the good fortune of connecting with someone, as well as sexual chemistry. 

Good Bit. 

Like the legend of the phoenix
All ends with beginnings
What keeps the planet spinning
The force from the beginning. 

 

NUMBER 23. DR AND THE MEDICS. SPIRIT IN THE SKY.

A cover of a song originally by 60s psychedelia merchant Norman Greenbaum.  Although of Jewish faith he tells us he wanted to write a gospel song and this was then end result. I’ve posted the Dr and The Medics version as it rocks a bit more and is just all round dafter. Who wouldn’t want this played at their funeral.

Good Bit. 

Prepare yourself, you know it a must
Gotta have a friend named Jesus
So you know that when you die
It’s gonna recommend you to the spirit in the sky

 

NUMBER 22. AZTEC CAMERA. GOOD MORNING BRITAIN.

The first of what I guess will be a few songs with a political edge. Written by Aztecs Roddy Frame and featuring Mick Jones of The Clash. Now there’s a winning combination. Here’s what the net tells us. “The song is a protest song, listing in its early verses the way that British authorities have marginalised the Celtic communities of Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales. It then continues by implying that it is not the fault of England, and that its citizens are similarly being marginalised, before ending with the hopeful message that standing up to injustice will make the country a better place.”

Good bit. 

Love is international
And if you stand or if you fall,
Just let them know you gave your all,
Worry about it later.

 

NUMBER 21. GORILLAZ. 19-2000 (SOULCHILD REMIX)

Produced by Damien Mendis and Stuart Bradbury. Damon Albarn asked them to remix the original version and turn it into a hit. They seemed to have managed this and then some. Pure joy.

Good bit. 

And if time’s a limitation
Then we’ve got nothin’ to lose
Please repeat the message:
It’s the music that we choose

NUMBER 20. PETER GABRIEL. SOLSBURY HILL.

Mr Gabriel’s first single after leaving Genesis. He sounds in a very good mood after having done so. The net tells us. “Gabriel has said of the song’s meaning, “It’s about being prepared to lose what you have for what you might get … It’s about letting go.” His former bandmate Tony Banks acknowledges that the song reflects Gabriel’s decision to break ties with Genesis, but it can also be applied in a broader sense to situations of letting go in general.”

Good bit. 

Watched by empty silhouettes
Who close their eyes but still can see
No one taught them etiquette
I will show another me

 

NUMBER 19. ELBOW. ONE DAY LIKE THIS.

If you want to use the word uplifting when describing a song then it certainly should be shouted in capital letters when put next to this song by Elbow. They knew when they were writing it that it would change their fortunes and it did when it became a huge hit. Gorgeous video too.

Good bit. 

Throw those curtains wide!
One day like this a year would see me right
Throw those curtains wide!
One day like this a year would see me right

 

NUMBER 18. DION. RUNAROUND SUE.

For a man who seems to have a girlfriend who’s shagging her way across America he sounds incredibly happy about it. An old Doowop formula made fresh. Although his wife is called Sue he always denied it was about her…Until a 90s interview with his wife by his side and they confessed it actually was! Ah well time’s a healer.

Good Bit. 

Here’s the moral and the story from the guy who knows
I fell in love and my love still grows
Ask any fool that she ever knew, they’ll say
Keep away from a Runaround Sue

 

NUMBER 17.THE JACKSONS. CAN YOU FEEL IT.

Written by Michael and Jackie, this wasn’t a hit in the states but was a big one in the UK. As a band the Jacksons would often tap into a sound of pure joy. I think they did it best with this one. Stunning video.

Good bit. 

All the colors of the world should be
Lovin’ each other wholeheartedly
Yes, it’s all right
Take my message to your brother and tell him twice

 

NUMBER 16. DEFINITION OF SOUND. WEAR YOUR LOVE LIKE HEAVEN.

When the duo released this in 1990 nearly everybody of my generation said it would go straight to the top of the charts…it got to number 17. However if you ever find yourself at one of those raves for middle aged people (Yes that’s a thing now) then it’s still an absolute dance floor filler.

Good bit. 

I preach my dear friend
You’re about to receive Long John Barleycorn Nicotine
and the temptation of Eve  *raspberry*

 

NUMBER 15. THE DOOBIE BROTHERS. LISTEN TO THE MUSIC.

A hit for these guys in 1972. Here’s what the net tells us.

Writer Tom Johnston described the motivation for the song as a call for world peace:

“The chord structure of it made me think of something positive, so the lyrics that came out of that were based on this utopian idea that if the leaders of the world got together on some grassy hill somewhere and either smoked enough dope or just sat down and just listened to the music and forgot about all this other bullshit, the world would be a much better place. It was very utopian and very unrealistic (laughs). It seemed like a good idea at the time.”

Now who can argue with that!

Good bit. 

What the people need is a way to make them smile
Ain’t so hard to do if you know how
Gotta get a message, get it on through
Oh now momma don’t you ask me why

 

NUMBER 14. THE KILLERS. ALL THESE THINGS THAT I’VE DONE.

One of the great rock-pop anthems. The song has been open to much interpretation. Singer songwriter Brandon Flowers  has been asked to comment on it often. He has said it’s about growing up and trying to improve, it’s about depression, it’s about a record producer who said he was going to work with them then went back on the deal. The singalong, “I got soul but I’m not a soldier.” is about having spirituality but not being a Christian…or perhaps not. Depends what interview you read. The gospel choir on it were founded by Whitney’s mum Cissy Houston.  Now sing the good bit…

Good bit. 

I got soul but I’m not a soldier.
I got soul but I’m not a soldier.
I got soul but I’m not a soldier.
I got soul but I’m not a soldier.

 

NUMBER 13. CHUMBAWAMBA. TUBTHUMPING.

Self proclaimed anarchists and all round protesting about stuff types Chumbawamba hit the mainstream with this singalong anthem. It’s all about the resilience of ordinary people the group tell us. Don’t we all need a bit of that at times. On a personal note I used to sing it whenever I had a bad gig as a comedian. Obviously it’s been years since I’ve ever had to sing it (Or do all that drinking) 😉

Good bit. 

He drinks a Whiskey drink, he drinks a Vodka drink
He drinks a Lager drink, he drinks a Cider drink
He sings the songs that remind him of the good times
He sings the songs that remind him of the best times

 

NUMBER 12. QUEEN. DON’T STOP ME NOW.

Voted the greatest song to drive to of all time. However, there is a dark undercurrent to the song lyrics. Brian May admits to finding elements of the song difficult as it is from a time when Freddie was living an extremely hedonistic life. Over the years it has gone on to be one of their most celebrated songs. For at least one night, every now and then, it perhaps is good to go with the original sentiment…But history tells us…don’t over do it.

Good bit. 

Oh, I’m burnin’ through the sky yeah
Two hundred degrees
That’s why they call me Mister Fahrenheit
I’m trav’ling at the speed of light

 

NUMBER 11. THE STYLE COUNCIL. SHOUT TO THE TOP.

What! Not something by the Jam? One of Paul Weller’s great compositions. A song all about Thatcher’s divided Britain. The video features paintings that represent the miners strike. He got political often and this is one of his best sentiments. The “Top” in the song are the government/establishment. It feels about time this song was on regular rotation again…Oh and it’s in this list because it sounds great.

Good bit. 

So when you’re knocked on your back an’ your life’s a flop 
And when you’re down on the bottom there’s nothing else 
But to shout to the top (shout)
Well, we’re gonna shout to the top (shout)

NUMBER 10. THE WATERBOYS. THE WHOLE OF THE MOON.

Mike Scott’s ode to inspiration and inspirational people. We’ve all known a few. Euphoric is the apt way to describe this number. Here’s what the net tells us, “Like The Waterboys’ first single “A Girl Called Johnny”, the song is a tribute to an inspirational figure or figures. In each line, the singer describes his own perspective and immediately contrasts it with that of the song’s subject, summarizing the difference with the line “I saw the crescent / You saw the whole of the moon”. 
Personally I’ve always seen it as a song about people who teach you things. Teachers are good people. I’m married to one.

Good bit. 

You climbed on the ladder
With the wind in your sails
You came like comet
BLAZING YOUR TRAIL! 

 

NUMBER 9. IDLES. GREAT.

Who? Idles are a new British post punk band very much on the up and up. Their first LP got to number 64, their second, released just 18 months later, got to number 5. It’s hard driving stuff with a wink and a sense of humour woven into the fabric. Hang in for the chorus that’s when their ear for melody takes flight. The Great in the title is a reference to Great Britain and the post EU referendum shape/mess we find ourselves in.

Good bit. 

Islam didn’t eat your hamster
Change isn’t a crime
So won’t you take my hand sister
And sing with me in time….G.R.E.A.T!

 

NUMBER 8. R.E.M. IT’S THE END OF THE WORLD AS WE KNOW IT (AND I FEEL FINE)

A shopping list song such as that invented by Bob Dylan on Subterranean Homesick Blues. A stream of consciousness that gets a whole world of stuff in there. Never has armageddon sounded such an appealing prospect. Here’s what the net says.  Stipe explained to Q Magazine in 1992. “I’m extremely aware of everything around me, whether I am in a sleeping state, awake, dream-state or just in day to day life, so that ended up in the song along with a lot of stuff I’d seen when I was flipping TV channels. It’s a collection of streams of consciousness.”

Good bit. 

The other night I drifted nice continental drift divide
Mountains sit in a line, LEONARD BERNSTEIN!

 

NUMBER 7. THE DIVINE COMEDY. THE GIN SOAKED BOY.

Another shopping list song, only this one full of paradoxes. What’s it about. Singer songwriter Neil Hannon was famous for staying tight lipped. i found this in an interview, Did you ever divulge the meaning? ” I think I did. You know what, the first person who got it was my mum, which I thought was brilliant as she clearly knows the workings of my mind! The answer is ‘spirit’. Gin, spirit, you know…and you can go through all the other ones, pretty much. That’s certainly what I was thinking. Usually people go, “Uh?”

So there you. This was another one of those songs that when you heard it you said, That’s going to number 1…It scrapped to 38 and disappeared, resulting in the band taking a hiatus. There’s been a hell of a lot of criminality in those charts over the years.

Good bit. 

I’m the catcher in the rye
I’m the twinkle in her eye
I’m Jeff Goldblum in “The Fly”
Well, who am I?

 

NUMBER 6. PUBLIC IMAGE LIMITED. RISE.

John Lydon may not spring immediately to mind when you think of good feelings. I would argue has had many a moment of inducing just that. This is probably his most melodic. Here’s what the net tells us. “The song was written by John Lydon and Bill Laswell about apartheid in South Africa, specifically about Nelson Mandela as Lydon stated in a 2013 Glastonbury interview. Lydon also referred to Northern Irish RUC interrogation techniques, such as electric torture, in an MTV interview in 1987. The song contains the phrase ‘may the road rise with you’, which is a direct translation of the old Irish blessing “go n-éirí an bothar leat” (usually translated as “may the road rise up to meet you”).

Good bit. 

Anger is an energy
Anger is an energy
Anger is an energy
Anger is an energy

 

NUMBER 5. DANCING QUEEN. ABBA.

ABBA get called Europop. Piss off! This is disco at its most sublime. As always they were ahead of the game. The chorus tugs at the heart and if you’re still seated when it comes on you’re probably dead. From the sound of those voices to the lush arrangements there’s plenty to fall in love with/to on this song. The video alone has 282 MILLION views on YouTube. Nothing more to say really.

Good bit. 

You can dance, you can jive
Having the time of your life
Ooh, see that girl, watch that scene
Digging the dancing queen

 

NUMBER 4. MORRISSEY. FIRST OF THE GANG TO DIE.

Due to his shitty behaviour I was going to omit him from this list. Unfortunately as a fan I can’t get away from how much I’ve enjoyed this song since it’s release. It’s so good it actually stands out among a pile of strong anthems he’s recorded. When he’s good, he’s really, really good…But when he’s bad…

Good bit. 

And he stole from the rich and the poor 
And the not-very-rich and the very poor
And he stole all hearts away
He stole all hearts away

 

NUMBER 3. PULP. COMMON PEOPLE.

It has been called the defining moment of Britpop. Many would agree with that apart from the band themselves. If you’re working class this song probably means something to you. I actually remember where I was when I first heard it (In my bedroom listening to the radio)  Here’s what the net/Jarvis tells us.   “In a 2012 question and answer session on BBC Radio 5 Live Cocker said that he was having a conversation with the girl at the bar at college because he was attracted to her, although he found some aspects of her personality unpleasant. He remembered that at one point she had told him she “wanted to move to Hackney and live like ‘the common people’ ”. Cocker used this phrase as the starting point for the song and embellished the situation for dramatic effect, for example reversing the situation in the song when the female character declares that “I want to sleep with common people like you” (Cocker said that in real life he had been the one wanting to sleep with the girl, while she had not been interested in him)”

Good bit. 

Laugh along with the common people,
Laugh along even though they’re laughing at you,
And the stupid things that you do.
Because you think that poor is cool.

 

NUMBER 2. BLONDIE. DREAMING.

I could have put around five Blondie songs in this list. Nobody does euphoria quite like they do. It’s in Debbie Harry’s voice and the band as a whole. This is one of their most driving tracks. The band themselves say it’s their go at doing Dancing Queen. They’re still going strong today and the world is a happier place for that.

Good bit. 

Beat feet, walking a two-mile
Meet me, meet me at the turnstile
I never met him, I’ll never forget him
Dream dream, even for a little while

 

NUMBER 1. E.L.O. MR BLUE SKY.

This entire list was inspired by the feelings this song induces. The list really is in no particular order, but if you were to put a gun to my head and pick a number 1 then this would be it. As the joke goes, How the Beatles could have sounded if they didn’t split up. It’s such a decent stab at doing that Beatles thing dare we say they might even have equaled/topped them. It’s called Mr Blue Sky and it’s meant to make you feel good. It’s as simple as that.

Good bit. 

Hey you with the pretty face
Welcome to the human race
A celebration, mister blue sky’s up there waitin’
And today is the day we’ve waited for