Top 10 Sad Sounding Songs That Are Actually Joyous

MsMojo

Prepare to have your musical perceptions challenged! We're diving into songs that sound melancholic but actually carry uplifting messages. From rock ballads to classic pop, these tracks prove that sometimes the most profound joy comes wrapped in a seemingly sad package.

Transcript

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,

13:12and be sure to subscribe and ring the bell to be notified about our latest videos.

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