Music is like time travel; it can transport us to another time and place in our minds. It can also help improve our mood and put a bit of sparkle in our step.

In fact, research from Harvard University suggests music – and music as therapy – has many health benefits including connecting with others, easing transition into sleep (as a method of relaxation), finding motivation for exercise through dancing and improving self-expression through singing.

Below are some handpicked songs* that might lift your mojo.

1. Back to Life, Soul II Soul

Released in May 1989 and stayed at number one in the UK for four weeks, great track for remembering to occupy the now.

2. I’m Every Woman, Whitney Houston

Originally released by Chaka Khan in 1978, this empowering song was later covered in this Whitney Houston version in 1993, with Chaka on backing vocals!

3. Never Gonna Give You Up, Rick Astley

Just had to be done because Rick will never let you down. Released in 1987 and still a popular track today.

4. U Can’t Touch This, M.C. Hammer

The lyrics literally say to go with the flow; this track was released in 1990, and won an MTV Music Award the same year for best rap video.

5. Walking on Sunshine, Katrina and The Waves

Proper feel-good vibes in this track, released in 1985, and went to number 8 in the U.K. charts. In 2010, it was re-recorded to mark the 25th anniversary of the song.

6. Happy, Pharrell Williams

Released in 2013, it was the best-selling song of 2014 in the United States with 6.45 million copies sold for the year, went to number one in more than 20 countries including the U.S. and the U.K. A real pick-me-up song.

7. The Only Way is Up, Yazz

A feel-good message which was released in 1988 by Yazz, spending five weeks at number one in the U.K. – but first recorded by Otis Clay in 1980.

8. Lovely Day, Bill Withers

Gorgeous track of hope, released in 1977, the song peaked at number six on the Billboard R&B chart.

8. Moving on Up, M People

Nothing can stop you with this track released in 1993, the song went to number two on the U.K. charts, the best selling single for M People.

9. Reach, S Club

Ain’t no part like an S Club party which is why they feature in this list twice! This track, released in 2000, reached number 2 in the U.K. charts and stayed there for three weeks selling over 600,000 copies in the U.K.

10. Shiny, Happy, People, REM

Apparently written for a joke, this song was released in 1991, reaching number six in the U.K. singles chart.

11. Dancing Queen, ABBA

Legendary song, released in 1976. Enough said.

12. Parklife, Blur

This track even describes what’s good for your well-being! Released in 1994, debuted at number one at stayed in the U.K. charts for 90 weeks!

13. Proud, Heather Small

Beautiful song, the debut solo single by M People singer Heather Small, released on 8 May 2000. 

14. Roll With It, Oasis

Cheeky entry into this top 20, this track released in 1995. When Oasis played “Roll with It” on Top of the Pops the same year, they were required to mime the song; so the Gallagher brothers reportedly switched roles with Liam pretending to play guitar and Noel pretending to sing.

15. Shake It Off, Taylor Swift

Tay always knows what to say. Released in 2014, and thought to be one of Swift’s biggest successes, this video has been watched more than 3 billion times!

16. Dance the Night, Dua Lipa

Ultimate sing-along-song about perseverence, released in 2023, a soundtrack for the spectacular Barbie movie and went to number one in the U.K. music charts.

17. Gotta Get Thru This

The title says it all; released in 2001, the song went to number one in the U.K. singles charts.

18. I Ain’t Worried, One Republic

A reminder to take each moment as it comes with this track, released in 2022, and used in the movie Top Gun: Maverick.

19. Can’t Stop the Feeling, Justin Timberlake

Put some sunshine in your pocket with this track, released in 2016, and the lead soundtrack to the movie Trolls.

20. Don’t Stop Movin’, S Club

Moving is good for your health and S Club has it covered. Released in 2001, and sold over 1 million copies in the United Kingdom.

Why not create your own music playlist to help you sparkle?

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*This list was compiled with the help of members of my Facebook group. For the invite to join, subscribe to my weekly newsletter, Monday Mojo™.

Delphi is the author of Answers In The Dark: Grief, Sleep and How Dreams Can Help You Heal, out now on Amazon and Hive.  You might also like Monday Mojo™. The Helping You Sparkle™ magazine is part of the Helping You Sparkle™ portfolio.

© Delphi Ellis 2023