Positive Vibes From Top 8 Classic Hits Keeping Americans Happy

“Music has charms to soothe a savage breast.” That’s not a typo. In fact, the original quote from The Mourning Bride, a play written by English poet William Congreve, uses the phrase “savage breast.” However, down through the years, that phrase has been misquoted so many times, we all know it as: “Music has charms to soothe a savage beast.” Either way, we know positive music can ease our troubled minds and souls.

Generally, Americans are a positive people. Of course, you run into negative people in your daily life. They’re everywhere. But, when you do run into someone in a bad mood, the best thing to do is lift them up with some positive messages.

To that end, a recent study conducted by Preply shows that 1 in 4 Americans regularly weave positive phrases into their daily conversation. Furthermore, over half of us like to use positive language in our social media posts and texts. In the Preply article, written by Matt Zajechowski, nearly 8 in 10 Americans believe in the power of positive thought, language and music.

So, what are the positive phrases we like best? According to the survey, they are:

Moreover, the respondents were also asked which phrases keep them calm during troubling times. Here are the “calming” results:

In truth, I noticed the similarities in these lists too. Nevertheless, I feel calmer and more positive just reading those lists!

Before we get to the top 8 classic hits that Americans love for passing along positive messages, let’s look at the optimistic phrases in newer music that Americans are loving:

All things considered, are you feeling better yet? I know I am. At this point, let’s check out the top 8 optimistic phrases and positive music songs from the classic hits era. Enjoy!

Elton John went through some tough personal experiences during the latter half of the 1970's and early 1980's. He survived a cocaine overdose and also battled bulimia. So, when "I'm Still Standing" was released as the lead single from his 1983 album Less Than Zero, we all believed this was Elton's personal proclamation that he was back, sober, and making hit music. The reality is that his songwriting partner and lyricist, Bernie Taupin, wrote the lyrics for this song. He intended it to be more of a song about surviving the breakup of a bad relationship. Either way, it is an uplifting and positive song.

Here's 80s movie music from the film Cocktail. This unique and happy hit went all the way to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in September 1988. "Don't Worry, Be Happy" was the first a cappella song to ever reach the top of that chart. Bobby McFerrin provided all the singing and sounds on the record. No instruments were used at all. McFerrin would go on to win the Grammy Awards for Song of the Year, Record of the Year, and Best Male Pop Vocal Performance. And positive vibes? The title says it all. It's a quote from Indian mystic Meher Baby who was noted for using that phrase often.

From the opening drumbeats of this fast-paced smash, you knew you'd be having some fun when you heard Katrina & The Waves belt out this tune. This song hit the top 10 on the pop charts in Australia, Canada, Ireland, and in the band's home country of England in 1985. Here in the U.S.A. it also reached #9 on the Billboard Hot 100. This upbeat, positive song, was written by the band's guitarist, Kimberly Rew. However, the four members of the band decided to split the publishing royalties evenly, and they've made a lot of money through the years off of this song because it's been used in lots of movies, tv shows, and commercials.

Everyone knows by now that John Lennon and Paul McCartney are one of the most successful songwriting partners of all time. They were responsible for writing most of the hits by The Beatles. However, on the 1969 album Abbey Road, George Harrison got to contribute two of the songs he wrote. The love ballad "Something," and this positive, uplifting song, "Here Comes The Sun." Harrison also sings lead on this tune which was never released as a single. However, it is the most-streamed song by The Beatles on Spotify, surpassing the 1 billion plays milestone in May 2023.

Jazz great Louis Armstrong recorded and released this song on ABC Records in 1967. However, the president of the label at the time, Larry Newton, disliked the song so much, he refused to promote it. So, even though it hit #1 in England, "What A Wonderful World" performed poorly here in the United States. Fast forward to 1986 when it was featured in the film Good Morning, Vietnam starring Robin Williams. Radio stations began playing it again when it was re-issued as a single. It reached #32 on the Billboard Hot 100 in February 1988. Armstrong's gravelly voice melts your heart. If you close your eyes and listen, you'll be able to picture all the heart-warming scenes mentioned in they lyrics in your mind.

Although a great many songs from the "disco era" are truly forgettable, there are some that stand the test of time. "I Will Survive" by Gloria Gaynor is one of those songs that would be a #1 hit in any era, and it's certainly not because of the disco beat. It's because of the empowering lyrics. This song spent a total of three weeks at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1979. That was a year in which the top spot on the pop chart was dominated by disco songs. Interestingly, disco was so popular at that time that they finally added a "Best Disco Song" category at the Grammy Awards. "I Will Survive" won the award. But then the disco backlash was so fervent, they never handed out a "Best Disco Song" Grammy Award again.

Journey certainly hit their stride with the release of their 1981 album, Escape. It featured the hits "Who's Crying Now," "Open Arms," "Still They Ride," and this uplifting song, "Don't Stop Believin'." The album cemented Journey as one of the top arena rock acts of the decade, as this music video proves. Steve Perry's voice soars, Jonathan Cain's infectious opening keyboard riff motivates, and Neal Schon's guitar solos make you want to break out your air guitar. This song became the most digitally downloaded song of the 20th century, with over 7 million copies sold. In 2021, it received the Grammy Hall of Fame award. And the lyrics? Well, when you're going through tough times, "Don't Stop Believin'!"

You may not recognize the actual title of this song, but there it is. "Three Little Birds." However, most people call it "Every Little Thing Is Gonna Be Alright," or "Don't Worry About A Thing." It was featured on the group's 1977 album Exodus, but was not released as a single until 1980. It is one of Bob Marley's most recognizable songs even though it never charted in the U.S.A. However, it did reach the top 20 in England. It's also been covered by many other artists down through the years, including Maroon 5. They collaborated with auto manufacturer Hyundai to have their version featured in commercials for three different Hyundai models.