Music can definitely make us feel powerful emotions. Whether if it is associated with memories of a time long gone, or simply the mood created by a cleverly composed melody. Every now and then, a behemoth of a pop song brings messages of resilience and hopefulness into the collective zeitgeist that we can’t help but be changed for the better. In this list article, we showcase the 10 biggest chart toppers guaranteed to lift your spirits.
Hero – Mariah Carey (1993)
Truly a force to be reckoned with in the 90s, Mariah Carey has 19 number one hits in the US. Her most personal and inspirational song came in a form of a simple piano ballad about finding one’s strength within. Beautifully delivered without her gimmicky dolphin whistle register (some say scalded rats) voice, Hero struck a chord with fans and non-fans alike. On the Christmas of 1993, Hero aptly came through as the chart champion.
Coming Out Of The Dark – Gloria Estefan (1991)
On 20 March 1990, a serious road accident left Gloria Estefan nearly dead. Upon recovery, she released this heartfelt soul ballad about faith and hope. The gospel arrangement pushes the song into the ethereal realm, and it does sound like what a church choir would sing.
That’s What Friends Are For – Dionne and Friends (1986)
It turns out that Dionne Warwick’s friends are Gladys Knight, Stevie Wonder and Elton John. It doesn’t take a psychic to predict the inevitability of this song’s popularity. In fact, by the end of 1986, Billboard Magazine ranked That’s What Friends Are For the biggest song of the year. With it’s instantly recognizable harmonica intro performed by the great Stevie Wonder, and the timeless lyrics about friendship, this one-off collaboration is made even more meaningful by it’s true purpose, that is to raise funds for AIDS research.
We Are The World – USA for Africa (1985)
Written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie, We Are The World is the first ever single to be certified multi-platinum. Star power aside, the song’s message about love and unity prevailed on top of the glitzy publicity and charitable intentions. A disappointing remake of the song in 2010 failed to recreate even a fraction of the original’s success and mastery, proving the point that some magic can only happen once.
Happy – Pharrell Williams (2014)
Another champion on Billboard’s year end song chart, Pharrell Williams stayed at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 for ten weeks! But why a room would be happy without a roof will be a mystery for many. Written for the animated film Despicable Me 2, Happy carries the films upbeat message and set up the blueprint for success which Justin Timberlake’s Can’t Stop The Feeling borrowed. Right down to the video.
Fireworks – Katy Perry (2010)
Maybe it’s the way Ms Perry slayed this vocally challenging song. Maybe it’s the politically-correct and empowering music video. Maybe it’s the line “Maybe the reason why all the doors are closed, so you could open one that leads you down the perfect road.” This record certainly paved the way for other inspirational chart toppers like “Roar” and “Part of Me“. Raise your hands if you danced to this song on the Countdown to 2011 New Year’s Eve party.
The Promise of a New Day – Paula Abdul (1991)
The younger generation will only remember Paula Abdul as an occasionally tipsy judge on American Idol. That’s such a shame. Before becoming a pop sensation in the late 80s, Paula Abdul was already choreographing dance moves for the Lakers Girls. And boy, can she move. For her sixth and final number-one hit, Paula Abdul left behind a legacy in the form of an optimistic and environmentally-themed dance record.
Hold On- Wilson Phillips (1990)
Hold On’s lyrics were inspired by Alcoholic Anonymous principles of beating addiction one day at a time. At times it feels like the song is admonishing the listener. But this is tough love, so suck it up. Due to the song’s enduring popularity, it was featured in the 2011 film Bridesmaid, with all three group members lip-synching the song themselves.
Don’t Worry Be Happy – Bobby McFerrin (1988)
This is the only acapella song to reach number one on the Billboard Hot 100. Don’t Worry Be Happy also won the Grammys for Record of the Year and Song of the Year. The music video is tinged with poignant irony as it features the late Robin Williams in a cameo.
With A Little Luck – Wings (1978)
After The Beatles disbanded, Paul McCartney arguably had the most success compared to his ex-band members. In 1978, Mull of Kintyre had just become the best selling single in the UK, and Paul McCartney scored his sixth post-Beatles number-one song on the Billboard Hot 100. Always the more optimistic half of the Lennon/ McCartney partnership, Paul’s music had never been more hopeful than on this record.
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