Musicians and songwriters have been using music since time immemorial to spread the message of hope, and it’s one that we can never get enough of. There’s no better time than now to listen to music that gives us hope in the world!
From the creative minds of musicians across the globe, hope has always been a resonant theme, a tender whisper in the tumult. Right now, isn’t it the perfect time to immerse ourselves in tunes that restore faith and inspire optimism?
Contents
- 1. “Man In The Mirror” By Michael Jackson
- 2. “We Get By” By Mavis Staples (Feat. Ben Harper)
- 3. “Ain’t no mountain high enough” By Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell
- 4. “Just Like Fire” By Pink
- 5. “Somewhere Over The Rainbow” By Israel Kamakawiwo’ole
- 6. “Demons” By Imagine Dragons
- 7. “Hey World (Don’t Give Up)” By Michael Franti
- 9. “Carry On” By Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young
- 10. “I Believe” By Abra Moore
- 11. “Here Comes The Sun” By The Beatles
- 12. “Keep On Truckin” By Eddie Kendricks
- 13. “Coming Out Of The Dark” By Gloria Estefan
- 14. “Imagine” By John Lennon
- 15. “Keep On Pushing” By The Impressions
- 16. “The World Is Ours” By Aloe Blacc and David Correy
- 17. “You’re The Best Around” By Joe Esposito
- 18. “Brave” By Sara Barielles
- 19. “Bridge Over Troubled Water” By Simon and Garfunkel
- 20. “Let It Be” By The Beatles
- Final Thoughts
1. “Man In The Mirror” By Michael Jackson
MJ, our beloved “King of Pop”, gifted us many a foot-tapping track, but none are quite like “Man In The Mirror”. A stirring call to personal and global transformation, this melody reminds us that change starts within. Go on, immerse yourself in this timeless classic about unity, compassion, and hope.
2. “We Get By” By Mavis Staples (Feat. Ben Harper)
Mavis Staples, of the “The Staples Singers” fame, offers a soulful rendition of resilience in “We Get By”. With a place in both the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Blues Hall of Fame, Mavis is no stranger to captivating tunes. This track, all about unity and hope, is sure to help you groove your worries away.
3. “Ain’t no mountain high enough” By Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell
Marvin Gaye, known for the seductive “Sexual Healing”, pairs with Tammi Terrell to bring you “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough”. This upbeat track is an anthem of hope and resilience, encouraging listeners to face challenges head-on. Spin this track when you need that extra dose of motivation.
4. “Just Like Fire” By Pink
Pink, a Grammy award-winner, who’s rocked generations with her hits, brings us “Just Like Fire”. Featured in flicks like Alice Through The Looking Glass, this song is a testament to Pink’s fiery spirit. It’s a powerful, hope-filled anthem urging listeners to break barriers and chase their dreams.
5. “Somewhere Over The Rainbow” By Israel Kamakawiwo’ole
No one does it quite like “IZ”. “Somewhere Over The Rainbow” may have been crafted for The Wizard of Oz, but it’s long since transcended those bounds. This iconic tune offers a metaphorical haven of peace, a place where hardship melts away, and dreams are realized. A must-have for your hope playlist.
6. “Demons” By Imagine Dragons
Imagine Dragons, the American band that set the 2010s ablaze with hit songs like “Radioactive”, “Thunder”, “Believer”, and “Demons”, knows a thing or two about making tunes that hit hard. Their track “Demons” is an emotional journey through the lead singer’s inner battles, with an undertone of hope in healing through connection and love. It’s raw, it’s real, and it’s sure to resonate.
7. “Hey World (Don’t Give Up)” By Michael Franti
Michael Franti’s reggae-infused track “Hey World (Don’t Give Up)” speaks the language of an activist. This song shines a light on the challenges of the world, calling us all to rise up, take action, and instill hope in the face of adversity. If you’re into conscious vibes, this track is for you.
From the mind of American indie pop band FUN comes “Some Nights”, a contemplative track delving into the inner conflicts of self-identity and emotional turmoil. It’s a song for anyone feeling lost, offering a beacon of hope in the journey of self-discovery and emotional honesty.
9. “Carry On” By Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young
Known for their vocal harmony and impact on American culture, CSNY brings us “Carry On”. This tune embodies the spirit of persistence, echoing the band’s personal journey through relationship breakups and their resilience in the face of adversity. It’s a potent reminder that life’s seasons will always change, fueling the hope for better days.
10. “I Believe” By Abra Moore
This song can be considered the hero in this group of songs about hope. Abra is singing about the hope she has for a loved one whose trauma and conflicting experiences cause them to be filled with anger and hatred. She has the utmost optimistic expectation for this person to one day get to the point of healing and finding peace.
11. “Here Comes The Sun” By The Beatles
The Beatles, a group that needs no introduction, bring us the beautifully optimistic “Here Comes The Sun”. A ray of musical sunshine penned by George Harrison amidst the dreariness of winter and tiring business meetings. This tune’s a friendly reminder to cherish life’s simple joys, like the kiss of sun after a prolonged winter, giving us hope that brighter days are always on the horizon.
12. “Keep On Truckin” By Eddie Kendricks
R&B/Soul artist Eddie Kendricks delivers an energetic beat with “Keep On Truckin”. This groovy anthem encourages listeners to keep moving forward, no matter the hurdles they face. Part motivational hymn, part tribute to a dance move, it’s a tune that won’t just lift your spirits, but also get your foot tapping.
13. “Coming Out Of The Dark” By Gloria Estefan
Gloria Estefan’s powerful ballad “Coming Out Of The Dark” was born out of personal tragedy. A devastating accident left her and her family with serious injuries, but instead of succumbing to despair, Gloria found hope. This song stands as a testament to her resilience, reflecting the love and support that fueled her recovery.
14. “Imagine” By John Lennon
“Imagine” by John Lennon, the poet and songwriter from The Beatles, invites listeners into a world of unity and peace. A world unburdened by materialism, borders, or religion. It’s more than just a song, it’s a hopeful plea for a world where love triumphs over divisions.
15. “Keep On Pushing” By The Impressions
Curtis Mayfield and The Impressions bring us “Keep On Pushing”, a soulful tribute to determination and resilience. Crafted during the civil rights movements, it carries the echoes of a tumultuous era, instilling hope for a future of peace and unity. This track serves as a beacon of light for anyone navigating through challenging times.
16. “The World Is Ours” By Aloe Blacc and David Correy
Aloe Blacc, famously known for his song “Wake Me Up” with Avicii and The Man collaborates with American singer David Correy on this song that was initially meant to harbor the excitement of the 2014 World Cup but also displays messages of inclusivity, celebration, and happiness. The overall feel of this song about hope is definitely uplifting.
17. “You’re The Best Around” By Joe Esposito
Joe Esposito’s “You’re The Best Around” is an adrenaline-fueled anthem that makes you feel unstoppable. Its contagious optimism will remind you of your inner champion and inspire you to keep pushing, no matter what life throws at you. Immortalized by the 1984 movie, The Karate Kid, it’s been pumping up audiences in film and TV ever since.
18. “Brave” By Sara Barielles
Sara Bareilles’ heartfelt hit, “Brave”, is a deeply personal exploration of resilience in the face of adversity. Drawing inspiration from a friend’s journey of coming out, the song encourages listeners to tap into their inner courage and embrace their authentic selves. Let this song guide you through the storm and into the light at the end of the tunnel.
19. “Bridge Over Troubled Water” By Simon and Garfunkel
“Bridge Over Troubled Water” by Simon and Garfunkel is a classic ballad of comfort and solace, covered by the likes of Elvis Presley and Aretha Franklin. It’s a musical promise that, in the face of despair, you’re not alone. In the harshest storms, this song offers a bridge to hope and reassurance that it’ll be alright in the end.
20. “Let It Be” By The Beatles
Rounding out our list is another gem from The Beatles – “Let It Be”. Born from a dream Paul McCartney had about his late mother, the song acts as a balm for worry and anxiety, encouraging us to let go and trust in the flow of life. When things seem overwhelming, this tune is a serene reminder that everything will work itself out.
Final Thoughts
Each of these songs brings a unique blend of hope and positivity, resonating with listeners in ways as diverse as the stories they tell. But whether they echo your own experiences or offer a different perspective, they all share a common thread – the power to uplift and inspire.
Music’s therapeutic magic can be a salve for everyday struggles and a catalyst for hope. If you ever find yourself in need of a little lift, these tunes will always be here, ready to help you find your groove again.
