Music has a wonderful impact on people. It can start and end their day wonderfully, it can fill gaps with quiet tones and peaceful sounds., and can motivate and inspire people and give them a lift through a challenging day. That applies across all genres of music. Whether it’s rock, funk, classical, punk, metal, or whatever is your preferred option, there is something there to fit your mood and your needs at almost any given time. What a powerful tool that is for us all to use.
We don't always use it to the full extent though. We should all vow to make more use of the fabulous range of music that is so readily to hand these days. It could be as useful as a caffeine boost or a mild painkiller and far better for your health too. Make yourself a note to either do it now or save it for when you need a resolution you can actually keep.
Streaming platforms like Spotify usually have whole collections of music by type, day, season and goodness knows how many other categories. They may be quite stingy with the artist's payouts but they know how to make an algorithm work and find the right mix of music for your tastes. Sometimes though you just want to have your own choice of uplifting sounds to boost that moment. As an example here are six of my favorite go-to songs for an energizing kick, or at times a kickback, or for a bright uplifting movement of audio sunshine.
Fabulously uplifting classic rock songs
Bob Geldof - “The Great Song Of Indifference”
Bob Geldof wasn't hugely successful as a solo artist after his heyday with the Boomtown Rats. no matter though has has his place in history all the same. This solo release of his from 1990 is a great tune though. I label it as a F*** You! Song for its irreverence, tone, and style. It’s a perfect antidote and way to respond to one of those moments when it seems the world or your boss is against you. Have a listen to the lyrics, sing them out loud (in private ideally) as it plays and the world seems a better place. A perfect quick fix.
The Alarm - “Sixty Eight Guns”
This song could be used in the same mode as the Geldof one above. But it’s far more effective as a rousing tune to get you going and motivated. It’s full of energy and drive and gets the blood flowing for sure. Originally based on a story about gangs in Glasgow it has an air of invincibility about it and could make you ready to take on all comers. it came out in 1983 as a single for the Welsh band The Alarm and was one of those sounds that made you stop and listen when you first heard it. It’s still very effective and powerful now.
Plastic Bertrand - “Ca Plane Pour Moi”
Simple but effective, this 1977 single does a great job as a pick-me-up tune. It’s very catchy and has a great hook, the fact that it’s in a foreign language adds to its charm and impact. The song is a bit tongue-in-cheek in its design, a punk pastiche perhaps. But it works so well and is so full of energy that you can't help bopping, or perhaps pogoing, along to it.
Mind you if you did want the full pogo effect then the B side, “Pogo Pop” may be for you. It was originally to be the A side until flipped at the last minute. A wise decision there! Back to the A side and Roger Jouret, to give him his real name. He has his Plastic Bertrand pants on and is spitting out the lyrics to this sparky tune. It’s a mix of the up yours as per Geldof and the rousing mood of “Sixty Eight Guns” and ideal if that's what you need.
Three more classic rock tunes to brighten your day
John Miles - "Music
Let's switch to more classic sounds . Feel-good songs that you can't help admiring and respecting while they brighten your day. First up on my list of those favorites comes this anthem of a song from John Miles. This was his biggest hit and deservedly so, icking up an Ivor Novello Award in 1977.
It’s an epic song as it builds and flows through various stages. From a soft start and simple piano, there’s a brilliant guitar riff and then we are off on a journey. If you need an uplifting sound, a warm comfortable, wrap-around musical blanket, this is it.
Stevie Wonder - “Sir Duke”
For the second of my goto bright and happy songs it’s the funky tones of Stevie Wonder and “Sir Duke”. I could have chosen several of his songs, but this one always has an edge for me. It might be the relentless beat, it could well be the opening horn sound, or it may even be the funky strut to the whole tune. It’s uplifting and fits the bill of brightening things up for anyone listening. You can't go wrong with a bit of Wonder in your life.
ELO -” Mr Blue Sky”
Surely the ultimate song for a sunny day feeling. Taken from the classic ELO album Out Of The Blue it was inspired by a day of blue sky and sunshine after a long rainy period when Jeff Lynne was writing the album. Incidentally, that double album took him just three and a half weeks to write, what a genius!
So if we want any of that talent to rub off on us, let's start with this song to get us in a creative and happy mood. You can't help but smile as the song unfolds. From thumping beats and cowbells to operatic sounds, maybe this is what someone had in mind when they said ELO were like the sons of The Beatles. It’s always a go-to song for a cheer-up moment.