“I Can See Clearly Now” by Johnny Nash (1972)

If I were forced—say, at gunpoint—to name my top ten favorite songs of all time, this might be one of them. I absolutely adore the sound, the nimble reggae beat, and the Atlantic Records-esque soul vibe. But most of all, I dig the pure, unadulterated joy of this track. If this song doesn’t make you happy—at least for a moment—it’s time to see a professional.

Every once in a while you have some good fortune. Maybe it comes after a long period of drudgery, or regret, or poor health. Sometimes you get some great news that turns everything around. Or maybe it’s more subtle: one morning, you wake up and you feel a little bit better. And you want to celebrate.

It’s time for this track by Mr. Nash.

I can see clearly now, the rain is gone
I can see all obstacles in my way
Gone are the dark clouds that had me blind
It’s gonna be a bright, bright
Sunshiny day!

(Thanks MicroNik95 for the YouTube upload with the great pics)

“Orinoco Flow” by Enya (1988)

They say music soothes the savage breast (and it is “breast,” not “beast”). And I agree, that’s one of my few convictions. And I walk that talk. I use music to soothe my savage breast all the time.

There is a LOT of music out there to help you get centered. For a brief but intense time, Enya’s music really helped me out. During the “first” Gulf “War,” Enya’s music gave me some respite. Surrounded by patriotic anthems and pounding rock/country/metal incitements to violence and mindless jingoism, I could retreat to my little compact disc player, and spin some Enya.

Enya’s Celtic and classical pop is truly beautiful. Layers and layers of vocals and strings surround terrific melodies.

If you ever need to soothe something savage, check out Enya.

“I’ll Take You There” by The Staple Singers (1972)

I’m not particularly religious. We’ll have that discussion later. But there’s nothing like a fantastic gospel act, like The Staple Singers. You can’t beat the energy, the power, and the promise of hope and glory that explodes forth from really good gospel music.

This track takes gospel and frames it with a terrific soul/funk/R&B vibe. Everything else is still there. Along with some sharp social commentary, if you can hear it (investigate “smilin’ faces” and “lying to the races,” for a start).

Whatever your religious inclinations, you can still benefit from the wonderful, positive beauty and groove of gospel music.

“Over the Rainbow” performed by Israel Kamakawiwo’ole (1993)

There’s just something about Hawai’i that’s magical. And I’m not just talking about the stunning landscape and pristine beaches. I’m talking about the lifestyle, the laid-back refusal to take part in the rat race. There is a reverence and respect for the land, and a great appreciation of music and expression.

Mr. Kamakawiwo’ole has a beautiful, gentle voice that floats over the strumming of his ukulele, reducing songs to an almost primal state of purity. Sadly, he passed away, but not without touching millions of people with his music, especially this track, which gained some well-deserved notoriety.

“Over the Rainbow” was Judy Garland’s signature tune from “The Wizard of Oz.” It’s a powerful song about hope and better days ahead. Not surprisingly, this song became something of an anthem for soldiers fighting overseas in World War II, a little piece of sanity for them to hold onto inside the madness of war. It’s an important song. Mr. Kamakawiwo’ole also adds a bit of “What a Wonderful World,” another important song which I’ll probably post for you very soon.

(Thanks to xTacoBellxx for the nice upload of this track to YouTube)

“Uninvited” by Alanis Morissette (1998)

Alanis Morissette had a huge album in 1995, “Jagged Little Pill,” which took the world by storm. It’s a great record which was overshadowed a bit by idiotic controversy over some of her lyrics. Apparently, if you’re a man, you can get away with “dirty” words, but if you’re a woman, you’ll offend someone’s sensibilities. Proof that women still have a ways to go in our society if they want equal treatment.

This song was recorded for a movie soundtrack, and it was, I think, the first recording she did since the success of “Jagged Little Pill.” I couldn’t imagine the pressure she must have been under to follow up on her previous album.

But then she gave us this magnificent jewel. The production is terrific, a live, cavernous vibe that still sounds intimate. It’s gentle and soothing, yet strong and fierce at the same time. And who can resist Ms. Morissette’s powerful, expressive voice? It works perfectly with the intricate flow and phrasing of her words.

Everyone who worked and performed on this track should be mighty proud.

This is a “headphone song.” Put on a good pair, shut the door, and let it envelop you.

“The Richest Man in Babylon” by Thievery Corporation (2002)

Thievery Corporation was started by a couple of blokes from Washington DC who wanted to meld club/dance music with jazz, dub, and latin styles of music. It’s probably considered “downtempo” music, or “trip hop” by some, but whatever category you put it in, it’s fine music that lifts you up while easing your mind at the same time. At least it does for me.

I particularly like this track, although in this case the subject may not ease your mind. It mixes a lilting, reggae groove with dancehall horns and floating, intriguing vocals. And hidden in the beautiful music is a stark social critique about the direction of our civilization.

“The wicked stench of exploitation
Hangs in the air and lingers on”

“Twist In My Sobriety” by Tanita Tikaram (1988)

Oh how I love the album “Ancient Heart” by Tanita Tikaram. It was a great friend during some hard times.

I adore this track, but I’ve never analyzed the lyrics or tried to determine its exact subject. I don’t think I ever really wanted to. Or needed to. I could absorb and interpret what I needed.

What I needed was its empathy. The relentless ache and anxiety that resonated so deeply at the time. Just to know that there was at least ONE other person out there that felt the same thing. A shoulder to lean on, to steady me.

Good music can do that for you.

(thanks to Diaboldik2 for the YouTube upload with lyrics, which I guess could force me to analyze the meaning now….)

“Everybody’s Gotta Live” by Love (1975)

Love was a fantastic and unique band that played a terrific mix of folk, rock, blues, psychedelia, and pop. They started in the 1960’s and were led by the great Arthur Lee (who is really the only remaining original member of Love by the time they recorded this track in 1975).

I just really dig the vibe of Arthur Lee’s music. It’s great on lonely days, and it’s great to play at parties. And I just wanted you to know about this band.

“I had a dream the other night, baby
I dreamt that I was all alone
But when I woke up I took another look around myself
And I was surrounded by fifty million songs”

(thanks to rsensorat3 for the images and upload to YouTube)

“Isn’t She Lovely” by Stevie Wonder (1976)

Just because it’s time for more Stevie.

He wrote this song when his daughter was born. I’m wondering if every parent who has ever heard this song has, at one point, sang the words or hummed the melody to his/her new daughter.

I remember singing it to you, quietly, when you were tiny and bundled in a blanket that seemed to outweigh you.

Does the melody sound awfully familiar to you? It should.

“Singin’ in the Rain” performed by Gene Kelly (1952)

What’s not to like about this song? It’s got a great melody with a jaunty, swingin’ rhythm, and it’s all about being happy. And Mr. Kelly’s performance is just stellar. Watching this performance never fails to lift my spirits, no small feat considering the tonnage of said spirits at times.

I have deep respect and admiration for Gene Kelly. A dancer, singer, actor, writer, director, choreographer, labor leader (with the Writer’s Guild of America), and political activist, he was a giant in Hollywood. But most of all he gave a lot of joy to a lot of people on this planet through his works.

I hope you get a chance to see and appreciate his movies, such as this one and, definitely, “An American in Paris.”

And don’t forget to go play out in the rain once in a while!