Mood-boosting music: Six songs to lift your spirits
Summer is in full swing, the World Cup is on, and the only thing missing is a really good playlist.
If you’re in need of a musical pick-me-up, Music News Blitz writer Megan Hamilton has compiled six songs to lift your spirits: some oldies-but-goodies, some new hits, and some songs waiting for you to discover them.
‘Upside Down’ by Diana Ross
A certified disco hit since its release in 1980, ‘Upside Down’ is a surefire way to get dopamine flowing and an earworm for the rest of the day.
The song was recently featured in the final season of Netflix’s ‘Stranger Things’, so perhaps it will emulate the widespread resonance of fellow soundtrack song ‘Running Up That Hill’ this summer.
‘High Hopes 3000’ by ROLE MODEL
Since it was released in early June, ‘High Hopes 3000’ has probably gone triple platinum in my Spotify listening history.
While remaining cohesive with his previous work and still blending pop with a nostalgic country sound, ROLE MODEL’s new song has an extra edge that is reminiscent of Elton John’s earlier work.
‘I Knew It, I Knew You’ by Taylor Swift
Sticking with a country vibe, Swift’s contribution to the Toy Story 5 soundtrack is the perfect mix of sentimental and groovy that is almost too catchy.
When she stops putting out bangers, I’ll stop putting her in playlists; until then though, Swift is staying firmly put in my list of top artists.
‘Pata Pata’ by Miriam Makeba
As featured in the soundtrack to the successful 2026 film ‘Project Hail Mary’, this 1967 hit has an addictive quality that lends itself to being played on repeat, blending 60s pop with a South-African folk influence.
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‘Runaway’ by Janet Jackson
Sounding almost bubbly with its use of bells, as well as Jackson’s light and airy vocals,’Runaway’ takes you straight to the beach holiday we’re all in need of.
It may be lesser known than some of her other music, but it is no less of a tune.
‘Everybody’s Free (To Wear Sunscreen)’ by Baz Luhrmann
On paper, a seven-minute-long meandering speech set to bongo-heavy backing music sounds incredibly dull, but pay attention to the lyrics in Baz Luhrmann’s ‘Everybody’s Free (To Wear Sunscreen)’ and you’ll see why it’s such a classic.
And trust him on the sunscreen.
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