00:00♪ You may say I'm a dreamer ♪
00:04Welcome to Ms. Mojo, and today we're counting down our picks for the most
00:08downbeat tracks that contain a much more uplifting message.
00:12♪ How wonderful life is while you're in the world ♪
00:20Number 10, A Groovy Kind of Love, Phil Collins.
00:24♪ Ooh, ooh ♪
00:29Rather than making this cover a big, bold pop number, Phil Collins goes to the piano.
00:35♪ When I'm feeling blue, all I have to do is smile ♪
00:47The arrangement, therefore, places an emphasis on the lyrics, which show a man
00:51championing his relationship and acknowledging the greatness of a tender love story.
01:06Collins provides a graceful take on this classic, giving it a 1980s treatment like few others could.
01:12The artist serenades you through a moving tale about devotion to your partner. This
01:17chart topper finds the singer in fine form,
01:20showing the man's softer side while also giving him a reason to be happy.
01:39Before the 1990s, Metallica was best known for heavy metal.
01:43The band then changed up their sound with this single.
01:47Nothing Else Matters is a ballad with James Hetfield singing about opening up to a girlfriend.
01:59Inspired by his long-distance romance,
02:01the singer creates a swirl of emotions under his tough exterior.
02:05Day for a something new, open wide for a different view.
02:14The delicate guitar work pulls you into a much different world,
02:17with the songwriting demonstrating a romantic side.
02:20The singer might be missing his partner, but he's also thankful for the bond that they share.
02:30Even one of the loudest bands ever can dig deep and find something to smile about.
02:358. Perfect Day – Lou Reed
02:54In both The Velvet Underground and his solo career,
02:58Lou Reed often painted portraits of outcasts,
03:01those with substance use disorder, and tortured artists.
03:12Perfect Day sounds like it might follow in that tradition until it does something else.
03:17The piano track plays underneath Reed's deep voice,
03:20with the singer describing a joyful day around New York.
03:32There aren't any violent or tragic twists either.
03:34It's all about a wonderful date filled with drinks, time in the park, and a stop at the movies.
03:46Even though he's known for darker stories,
03:49the musician here takes time for a much brighter detour.
03:527. Smile – Nat King Cole
04:08The tune Smile, written by Charlie Chaplin,
04:10became something of a standard after it was given words.
04:14The lyrics confront the pain and sorrow of existence through positivity.
04:18Things might seem down for many of us, but the song asks us to be strong and smile.
04:36There's ultimately a positive message behind the song,
04:40and relatable troubles like heartbreak.
04:45Nat King Cole's version features one of the best vocalists ever singing a timeless melody.
04:51His voice highlights every meaningful phrase,
04:54letting the viewers enjoy this reflective piece even more.
05:03It's also a perfect reminder that even the gloomiest days can turn into sunshine.
05:096. Your Song – Elton John
05:27Have you ever fallen head over heels for someone?
05:30That feeling is hard to describe without the help of songs like Your Song.
05:40Elton John's music and Bernie Taupin's words combine to create a beautiful work.
05:51While it sounds like it's going to be sad,
05:54the lyrics turn around and tell the tale of a promising love story.
05:58And you can tell everybody that's your song.
06:05The protagonist reveals his adoration for someone with poetic details.
06:09It might choke you up, but it's all in service of a seemingly genuine connection.
06:14John's singing hammers home the incredible journey that love takes you on.
06:18It sets up a potential future between two people, with listeners everywhere hoping for the best.
06:285. In Your Eyes – Peter Gabriel
06:42This track is much more than a needle drop for a famous film.
06:51Written by Peter Gabriel, In Your Eyes also contains one of the purest statements about love.
06:58Gabriel crafts an inspired hit with a heavenly sound, mixing pop and world beat sounds together.
07:21His lyrics talk about falling under someone's spell.
07:24Presenting the healing properties of love,
07:26the single reminds you of the inspiring parts of a great relationship.
07:33There's a hopeful feeling that comes from the message and music itself.
07:37By the outro, you might even have a burst of energy before the triumphant finish.
07:464. You've Got a Friend – James Taylor
07:54Few things are more important than friendship. In this legendary cover of Carole King's song,
08:05James Taylor shows appreciation for these cherished people.
08:08He sings about supporting them when they're feeling bad,
08:23offering a helping hand during bad times. We all wish we could have someone like that to help.
08:28You've got a friend is like a warm hug, making us all thankful for the people in our inner circle.
08:39Carole King's original words carry a timeless quality that we keep coming back to years later.
08:45Considering that Taylor and King are buddies in real life, this rendition is even more meaningful.
08:51You've got a friend is like a warm hug, making us all thankful for the people in our inner circle.
08:553. What a Wonderful World – Louis Armstrong
09:06Later in his career, this jazz icon recorded one of his most recognizable hits.
09:15What a Wonderful World celebrates the small joys in life.
09:18Louis Armstrong's unique voice fills out this uplifting track,
09:22reminding us all of the natural beauty we take for granted.
09:37The string arrangement does give you a nostalgic feeling that might start to bring you down.
09:42However, the singer's delivery and words are all in service of a happier tone.
09:48Armstrong helps to create a warmth that simply washes over the listener. As an
09:58enduring classic, this song still promotes a healthy dose of reflection and gratitude.
10:102. Imagine – John Lennon
10:13Imagine there's no heaven.
10:16It's his most famous solo song, perhaps because it conveys a profound meaning.
10:34Imagine remains a controversial, inspirational, and much-debated track to this day. John Lennon's
10:40masterwork includes his thoughts about what would make a better world.
10:53With the intention of bringing people together,
10:56these lyrics ask people to consider what's important in life.
10:59Imagine no possessions.
11:05I wonder if you can.
11:08You might not agree with him, but you can at least admire his interest in improving the world.
11:13Lennon's music might make you cry happy tears as you think about the future.
11:17This universal question powers a positive anthem for progress,
11:21asking audiences everywhere to dream big.
11:291. Let It Be – The Beatles
11:49When I find myself in times of trouble, Mother Mary comes to me.
11:55While the famous slow piano part might be associated with a bit of melancholy,
12:00this legendary Beatles song ultimately has a brighter feeling.
12:03Paul McCartney was inspired by a dream where his mother comforted him.
12:13Her words of wisdom translated to these lyrics,
12:16later resonating with an international audience.
12:192. Let It Be – The Beatles
12:23Let It Be asks people to forget the past and move forward.
12:27The positive message takes on different definitions depending on the listener,
12:31with each one bringing their own personal connection to it.
12:39McCartney's voice helps to quell your worries in a beautiful arrangement.
12:43As the centerpiece of the final Beatles album,
12:46this track will offer you guidance each time you listen.
12:55Did we forget another sad-sounding hit that's happier than it seems?
12:59Let us know in the comments.
13:08Do you agree with our picks? Check out this other recent clip from MsMojo,
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