# Help me assemble a playlist of uplifiting songs by male performers. **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [June 8, 2011, 6:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-assemble-a-playlist-of-uplifiting-songs-by-male-performers/584766 "2011-06-08T18:57:29Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ecccb3/32.png) [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skald_the_Rhymer)\ **Post date:** [June 8, 2011, 6:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-assemble-a-playlist-of-uplifiting-songs-by-male-performers/584766/1 "2011-06-08T18:57:29Z")
That seems simple enough, yes? The first two entries are Seal’s [Don’t Cry](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TXsAtWbEoRU) and Rick Astley’s [Cry for Help](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pfRfPon9vmU). Any other suggestions? ---
**Author:** ![Chefguy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chefguy/32/138_2.png) [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Post date:** [June 8, 2011, 7:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-assemble-a-playlist-of-uplifiting-songs-by-male-performers/584766/2 "2011-06-08T19:21:51Z")
Neil Diamond: _Coming To America_. It’s a bit schlocky, but not a bad song. Rod Stuart: _Rhythm of My Heart_ McCartney: _Mull of Kintyre_ Tubthumping: _I Get Knocked Down_ ---
**Author:** ![JpnDude](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/838e76/32.png) [@JpnDude](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JpnDude)\ **Post date:** [June 9, 2011, 4:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-assemble-a-playlist-of-uplifiting-songs-by-male-performers/584766/3 "2011-06-09T04:36:27Z")
A lot of songs by Howard Jones tend to be uplifting, inspirational or motivational. My favorite is “No One is to Blame.” ---
**Author:** ![koeeoaddi](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/koeeoaddi/32/408_2.png) [@koeeoaddi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/koeeoaddi)\ **Post date:** [June 9, 2011, 4:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-assemble-a-playlist-of-uplifiting-songs-by-male-performers/584766/4 "2011-06-09T04:58:44Z")
[Chin Up, Cheer Up](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6yeRkMM2L5g) - Ryan Adams [I Was Made to Love Her](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9pYux5-d1Es) - Stevie Wonder [Rainbows All Over Your Blues](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mlxi1bqcacY) - John Sebastian [Stay Around a Little Longer](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=emyt-agLE_s) - Buddy Guy (with B.B. King) ---
**Author:** ![Sunshine\_and\_Smiles](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a5b964/32.png) [@Sunshine\_and\_Smiles](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sunshine_and_Smiles)\ **Post date:** [June 9, 2011, 5:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-assemble-a-playlist-of-uplifiting-songs-by-male-performers/584766/5 "2011-06-09T05:19:01Z")
Ice Cube - [It was a Good Day](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QWfbGGZE07M) 🆒 ---
**Author:** ![Maggie\_the\_Ocelot](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/df705f/32.png) [@Maggie\_the\_Ocelot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Maggie_the_Ocelot)\ **Post date:** [June 9, 2011, 5:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-assemble-a-playlist-of-uplifiting-songs-by-male-performers/584766/6 "2011-06-09T05:25:33Z")
David Bowie [“Rock and Roll Suicide”](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CbDNfdctoWI) Depeche Mode’s [“But Not Tonight”](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YrzPAiKEu6s) Funkadelic [“One Nation Under a Groove”](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wjbVmX1_wh8) Simon & Garfunkel, [“59th Street Bridge Song (Feelin’ Groovy)”](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TBQxG0Z72qM) Possibly the happiest song ever. BONUS: Video features a very very young S&G, and the Brothers Smothers. Black 47 [“Different Drummer”](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7HbDcQAaBJc) More in a few ---
**Author:** ![Boyo\_Jim](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/87869e/32.png) [@Boyo\_Jim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Boyo_Jim)\ **Post date:** [June 9, 2011, 5:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-assemble-a-playlist-of-uplifiting-songs-by-male-performers/584766/7 "2011-06-09T05:37:35Z")
Your definition is a little vague. My playlist is all over the map. We’re in This Love Together - Al Jarreau Mr. Wendal - Arrested Development Lean on Me - Bill Withers He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother - Hollies Dream - Everly Brothers Beyond the Sea - Bobby Darin Peace Train - Cat Stevens Wasted on the Way - Crosby, Stills, Nash The Wanderer - Dion On Broadway - George Benson Two Tickets to Paradise - Eddie Money Jailhouse Rock - Elvis Reach Out I’ll be there - Four Tops Can’t Take My Eyes Off You - Frankie Valli Before the Next Teardrop Falls - Freddie Fender Share The Land - The Guess Who Your Love Keeps Lifting Me Higher And Higher - Jackie Wilson How Sweet It Is - James Taylor You Are So Beautiful - Joe Cocker Hurt So Good - John Mellencamp I Walk The Line - Johnny Cash Danny’s Song - Loggins & Messina Ain’t No Mountain High Enough - Marvin Gaye Let the Good Times Roll - Muddy Waters Laughter In the Rain - Neil Sedaka Fields Of Gold - Police I Just Want To Celebrate - Rare Earth I’ve Got A Woman - Ray Charles Everything Is Beautiful - Ray Stevens Unchained Melody - The Righteous Brothers Simply Irresistible - Robert Palmer The Way You Look Tonight - Rod Stewart What I LIke About You - The Romantics Bridge Over Troubled Water - Simon and Garfunkel You Got It - Roy Orbison For Once In My Life - Stevie Wonder Come Sail Away -Styx I Won’t Back Down - Tom Petty The Best Is Yet to Come - Tony Bennett Moondance - Van Morrison Street Corner Serenade - Wet Willie Sailing - Christopher Cross Squeeze Box - The Who Sloop John B. - Beach Boys It’s Been A Long, Long Time - Bing Crosby One Love - Bob Marly Let’s Work Together - Canned Heat ---
**Author:** ![TriPolar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripolar/32/3008_2.png) [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)\ **Post date:** [June 9, 2011, 5:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-assemble-a-playlist-of-uplifiting-songs-by-male-performers/584766/8 "2011-06-09T05:50:42Z")
[The\* Ballad of the Green Berets \*by SSgt Barry Sandler](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LH4-tOqLH94) ---
**Author:** ![Sigmagirl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/c89c15/32.png) [@Sigmagirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sigmagirl)\ **Post date:** [June 9, 2011, 12:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-assemble-a-playlist-of-uplifiting-songs-by-male-performers/584766/9 "2011-06-09T12:19:57Z")
“The Rain, the Park, and Other Things” and “Indian Lake” – The Cowsills (Bill sings lead) “Sweet Lorraine” – Nat “King” Cole “As Long As I’m Singing” – Bobby Darin ---
**Author:** ![Living\_Well\_Is\_Best\_Revenge](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/6bbea6/32.png) [@Living\_Well\_Is\_Best\_Revenge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Living_Well_Is_Best_Revenge)\ **Post date:** [June 9, 2011, 12:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-assemble-a-playlist-of-uplifiting-songs-by-male-performers/584766/10 "2011-06-09T12:59:11Z")
I Am Superman, R.E.M. ---
**Author:** ![JoelUpchurch](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/f05b48/32.png) [@JoelUpchurch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JoelUpchurch)\ **Post date:** [June 9, 2011, 1:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-assemble-a-playlist-of-uplifiting-songs-by-male-performers/584766/11 "2011-06-09T13:22:07Z")
Peter Cetera - Glory of Love ---
**Author:** ![Chefguy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chefguy/32/138_2.png) [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Post date:** [June 9, 2011, 1:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-assemble-a-playlist-of-uplifiting-songs-by-male-performers/584766/12 "2011-06-09T13:46:51Z")
**Feeling Good** - Nina Simone ---
**Author:** ![Annie-Xmas](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ecc23a/32.png) [@Annie-Xmas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Annie-Xmas)\ **Post date:** [June 9, 2011, 1:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-assemble-a-playlist-of-uplifiting-songs-by-male-performers/584766/13 "2011-06-09T13:56:02Z")
> [@Chefguy](#): > > **Feeling Good** - Nina Simone Nina’s a male??? ---
**Author:** ![fervour](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/ce7236/32.png) [@fervour](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/fervour)\ **Post date:** [June 9, 2011, 1:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-assemble-a-playlist-of-uplifiting-songs-by-male-performers/584766/14 "2011-06-09T13:59:49Z")
High - James Blunt House of Stone and Light - Martin Page I can see clearly now - Johnny Nash Angels - Robbie Williams Here comes the sun - the Beatles ---
**Author:** ![Chefguy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chefguy/32/138_2.png) [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Post date:** [June 9, 2011, 2:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-assemble-a-playlist-of-uplifiting-songs-by-male-performers/584766/15 "2011-06-09T14:15:27Z")
> [@Annie-Xmas](#): > > Nina’s a male??? 😃 Should have reread the OP, I guess. ---
**Author:** ![Jackmannii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jackmannii/32/311_2.png) [@Jackmannii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackmannii)\ **Post date:** [June 9, 2011, 2:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-assemble-a-playlist-of-uplifiting-songs-by-male-performers/584766/16 "2011-06-09T14:21:59Z")
“Somewhere My Love Lies Sleeping” with a male chorus. ---
**Author:** ![Glory](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/7cd45c/32.png) [@Glory](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Glory)\ **Post date:** [June 9, 2011, 2:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-assemble-a-playlist-of-uplifiting-songs-by-male-performers/584766/17 "2011-06-09T14:50:51Z")
Josh Groban - You Raise Me Up _You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains; You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas; I am strong, when I am on your shoulders; You raise me up: To more than I can be._ ---
**Author:** ![kiz](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/7feea3/32.png) [@kiz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kiz)\ **Post date:** [June 9, 2011, 2:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-assemble-a-playlist-of-uplifiting-songs-by-male-performers/584766/18 "2011-06-09T14:53:49Z")
Do all-male groups count? _Love Train_ = the O’Jays ---
**Author:** ![cjepson](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/a9adbd/32.png) [@cjepson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cjepson)\ **Post date:** [June 9, 2011, 3:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-assemble-a-playlist-of-uplifiting-songs-by-male-performers/584766/19 "2011-06-09T15:48:02Z")
"[Benedictus"](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=StcMnwyhpdQ)and “[Lay Down](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OvFb3UME6PM)” by Strawbs. "[Fearless"](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sIl6xUFsujM) by Pink Floyd. (Sorry, only cover versions available) [“Nobody Can Turn Me Around”](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jd80qgorr7k) by the Magnificent Men. Any of various versions of “You’ll Never Walk Alone”. ---
**Author:** ![Thudlow\_Boink](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thudlow_boink/32/320_2.png) [@Thudlow\_Boink](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Thudlow_Boink)\ **Post date:** [June 9, 2011, 4:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-assemble-a-playlist-of-uplifiting-songs-by-male-performers/584766/20 "2011-06-09T16:27:42Z")
> [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](#): > > That seems simple enough, yes? Not really, no. “Uplifting” might very well mean a song that has an energetic, cheerful, major-key sound, and/or one that has happy, sunny lyrics (e.g. Katrina & the Waves’s “Walking On Sunshine,” even though it doesn’t fit the “male performer” part)—but from the examples you gave, it sounds like that’s totally not what you’re going for. I’d really like a more detailed explanation of what you are looking for. I admit, the first song I though of—even though I don’t really think it fits either—is [“You Take Me Up”](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gqbbqzwTpyM) by The Thompson Twins (which I hadn’t previously thought of in years). The second song I thought of was [“Better Things”](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OdCVlmmnOzA) by The Kinks. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-assemble-a-playlist-of-uplifiting-songs-by-male-performers/584766.md?page=2)