5 Songs That Take Me to My Happy Place

In my radio years I had a few songs that lifted my spirits instantly. They still do.

Music was a big part of my life for a long time. I used to wish that I was tested on rock bands instead of Maths. It used to be meaningful and it used to be BIG. I made a radio career out of my passion. However, in the past few years music has fizzled out. I don't seem to have dedicated time to listening to my favourite music. I seem to listen to whatever is on the radio.

“Rock?”

No, more like whatever I find pleasing in the moment. Still, there are a few songs that take me back to that good place when I listen to them and none of them seem to be rock. Go figure.

No. 1 - Bluebeard, Cocteau Twins

They say about Liz Fraser's voice that if you die and go to heaven that's what you'll hear. I agree. There is nothing more crystalline and uplifting than her vocals. I find "Bluebeard" from Four Calendar Cafe album particularly uplifting because it was a dream come true. I wrote to the 4AD label and they sent me their CD to play on the radio. It's from a time when everything was possible. Endless potential. Happiness.

No. 2 - Cloudbusting, Kate Bush

Kate Bush has a special place in my heart, and this song is the one that doesn't make me sad, it makes me strong and fearless. I am a sucker for those strings, they lift me up completely. Oooooo, I just know that something good is gonna happen....Yeee, ye, ye, ye....

No. 3 - Love is A Beautiful Thing, Al Green

Have you heard Al Green singing ever? Well, have you? Then you know why I am attracted to his voice. But this song takes me to a place where I clap my hands in joy.

No. 4 - Here's Where the Story Ends, The Sundays

Loved Harriet Wheeler's voice and thought it sounded like Elizabeth's a little. But this song in particular, makes me happy. Here's Where The Story Ends is full of youth and freedom, of changing your mind, of looking forward.

No. 5 - Hit, The Sugarcubes

Bjork couldn't have been fuller with childish charm in this video. Released in 1991, her face, voice, style and signature was a true revelation, so different than anything ever before. I was instantly hooked and stayed like this for a long time. Poppy, uplifting song.