Blue Monday: Fight off the gloom with our playlist of upbeat bangers
Here's our playlist to counter any January blues.
Date published: 16th Jan 2023
Blue Monday happens every January and it is said to be the most depressing day of the year. So, if you're starting to feel those January blues then we thought we'd sort you out with a playlist of upbeat bangers to get you feeling a bit brighter. After all, music is what can lift us up in an instant from slouched over to wildly throwing hands. Here is a more in-depth look at some of the suggestions.
Jessie Ware- Free Yourself
Jessie Ware, we salute you for bringing us 'Free Yourself', a House music banger that will have you up in no time. With its message of empowerment, it is the perfect track to make you feel as if you're headed on the right path. A song that is nothing short of liberating, this one does what it says on the tin.
Tickets for Jessie Ware
The Foundations- Build Me Up Buttercup
When you think of the meaning behind 'Build Me Up Buttercup', it can actually be a bit depressing. But we'll quickly gloss over that fact with the counterpoint that the song sounds absolutely joyous in spite of its meaning. Who can resist the chorus that makes you want to stomp down your street just because you can.
Pharrell Williams- Happy
It feels like we're contractually obligated to add this one in all honesty. A track titled 'Happy' that has well over a billion views on Youtube, it is one that obviously a lot of people use to brighten their day up with. You've heard it everywhere by now, the sound of Pharrell Williams' voice is inescapable.
Tickets for Pharrell Williams
Empire Of The Sun- Walking On A Dream
It is safe to say that Empire Of The Sun are masters of the uplifting banger. The Australian oddballs are known for their extravagant take on synth-pop, especially when it comes to their lyrics. Designed to take you to a higher plane, there's both an excitable and meditative quality to this one.
Tickets for Empire Of The Sun
LCD Soundsystem- All My Friends
One of the essential dance groups out of New York, LCD Soundsytem turned the genre on its head at the dawn of the 00's and it resulted in some incredible tunes. One of the standouts being 'All My Freinds, which clocks in at 6 minutes and it one of the most satisfying releases of energy you'll ever experience.
Tickets for LCD Soundsystem
Cornershop- Brimful Of Asha
Mixed by none other than Mr Norman Cook AKA Fatboy Slim, who has a few uplifting tunes himself, this take on Cornershop's Brimful Of Asha is an absolute ride. If this is your introduction to Northern Soul then there's no better track, an audible party throughout, get ready to have a dance.
Passion Pit- Carried Away
Another one of those that is very sad from a lyrical standpoint but sounds far from it when it comes to the instrumentals. 'Carried Away' is bombastic synth-pop joy from Passion Pit. Each whirr stirs excitement within you and when the chorus lands it is oh-so-satisfying.
Tickets for Passion Pit
Talking Heads- And She Was
At the latter stage of their career, Talking Heads were thinking about life itself and produced the perfect song to summarise the joy of new life being born. 'And She Was has all the hallmarks of a great Talking Heads song from its unorthodox rhythm to David Byrne's truly eccentric vocal delivery.
Gorillaz- On Melancholy Hill
This song was a surprise success to Damon Albarn but what he achieved here was simplicity. 'On Melancholy Hill' isn't the most complex arrangement but it is incredibly effective, with a melody that will run around your head time and time again, it is a beautiful song that leaves you a very happy listener.
Tickets for Gorillaz
The Beach Boys- Good Vibrations
The Beach Boys' discography has a wide range of uplifting tunes but we thought we'd go for one of the most recognisable tunes. 'Good Vibrations' is a song that has endured the test of time and it seems to hold so much nostalgia in its sound and will make you want to run to the seaside in no time.
Here's our playlist to see you through Blue Monday and the rest of January...
Check out our What's On Guide to discover even more rowdy raves and sweaty gigs taking place over the coming weeks and months. For festivals, lifestyle events and more, head on over to our Things To Do page or be inspired by the event selections on our Inspire Me page.
