12 Songs That Keep it Up | Playlist

5. Andra Day, “Rise Up”

[Cheers to the Fall, 2015]

R&B newcomer Andra Day wasn’t a commercial success upon her arrival in 2015. Despite this, she certainly left her imprint nonetheless. Debut album Cheers to the Fall is a terrific listen, with one of its best moments being “Rise Up.” “Rise Up” is uplifting – clearly meant to inspire. All indications suggest that the inspiration comes from another person, hence the song is told from the perspective of a relationship.

“But I’ll promise we’ll take the world to its feet / and move mountains.”

The best moment clearly comes on the chorus.  The words are simple but thoughtful.  Furthermore, Day’s vocal execution is stunning.

“And I’ll rise up / I’ll rise like the day / I’ll rise up / I’ll rise unafraid / I’ll rise up / and I’ll do it a thousand times again.”

 6. Coldplay, “Up&Up”

[A Head Full of Dreams, 2015]

“Up&Up” serves as the 11^th and final track on Coldplay’s 2015 LP, A Head Full of Dreams. Set in a major key, there is incredible optimism that permeates from the concluding number.  The optimism comes as a result of a number of tough situations.  On the first verse, frontman Chris Martin sings:

“Fixing up the car to drive in it again / searching for water, hoping for the rain / up and up / up and up.”

In addition to its optimistic sounds and specific examples of exiting out of hard times, the chorus is a selling point, chocked full of enthusiasm:

“We’re gonna get it, get it together / I know we’re gonna get it, get it together somehow…”