Downtown Radio’s 10 happiest lockdown songs

We’ve never needed uplifting and upbeat music more than now 🎶🙌

Author: Emma DicksonPublished 26th Mar 2021

Do you have a particular song that instantly puts a smile on your face when you hear it? At the minute, it can sometimes feel tough being stuck at home. But it's important to find new and fun things to keep us entertained each day!

The potential mental health implications of the coronavirus pandemic and resulting lockdown have been well-documented. But music can play a powerful role in providing mental refreshment.

There are multiple psychological benefit to music, it can relax the mind, energise the body, and even help people better manage pain. Scientists believe that when you listen to music, your brain releases the food-good chemical dopamine.

Downtown Radio asked listeners to send in their favourite uplifting anthems that helped them during another tough lockdown. We’ve pieced together the top ten songs that are either fun, catchy or upbeat and will hopefully make you smile.

There’s a real mix of current hits and retro tracks from all genres, check it out…

Love Inc – Superstar

Get your glow sticks at the ready…we’re all superstars for surviving one year and counting in lockdown!

Pharell Williams – Happy

Nothing puts us in a happier mood than Pharrell's Happy! You can’t not sing and dance around the house with a smile on their face all day, this has got to be the tune for you.

Whitney Houston – I Wanna Dance With Somebody

A timeless and empowering anthem from 1987 – you have to be up on your feet for this one.

Queen – Don’t Stop Me Now

Scientists actually believe this is one of the best feel-good tracks EVER! Their formula looks at beats per minute, different chords and the scale. This hit definitely has up singing along!

The Weekend – Blinding Lights

This one takes us back to the first lockdown and is perhaps 2020’s biggest song. Blinding Lights was already a hit from the Weeknd, then TikTok took over!

Take That – Could it Be Magic

Released almost twenty years ago, you can’t beat a little Take That to help brighten up your day

Black Eyed Peas – I Gotta Feeling

Our listeners are clearly excited to party when this lockdown is lifted…what an anthem!

Carly Rae Jepsen – Call Me Maybe

Justin Bieber once described this hit as ‘possibly the catchiest song I’ve ever heard.’ And he’s not wrong, so many of you voted for Carly as your lockdown saviour.

Bryan Adams – Summer Of 69

If you’re need of a rock anthem with a raspy voice, then Bryan is your man. ‘Summer of 69’ is a classic…arguably his best known and most loved hit.

Kylie Minogue – Spinning Around

Kylie’s comeback to pop was explosive with this hit! The infectious disco production and catchy lyrics will leave you spinning around the kitchen.

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How to listen to Downtown Radio:

Tune into Northern Ireland's Home of Great Music, Downtown Radio on FM, AM, DAB Digital Radio, online, on our Rayo app and by asking your smart speaker to 'Play Downtown Radio'. Gary & Glen kick things off every weekday morning and Neal McClelland brings you home on Downtown Drive.