“When you feel down and out, sing a song (it'll make your day)!” Earth, Wind & Fire sings the truth, and it’s music to our ears.
Research shows that singing can increase positive emotions, reduce stress and fatigue and offer social support for those caring for a spouse, relative or close friend with cancer. Even if you’re not currently a caregiver, singing is a surefire way to boost your mood — whether you’re reaching to hit a high note singing solo in the shower or the car, in the Amen chorus of your church choir or during an in-person or virtual karaoke session with family and friends.
Songs that we love to sing-along with, belted at live-or-Memorex shattering decibels, are usually catchy and oftentimes paint a vivid story about falling in love.
Think about the sweet nothings Whitney Houston coos on “Saving All My Love for You”; Anita Baker’s smoldering ode to her “Sweet Love”; Mary J. Blige putting her hip-hop soul swag on Chaka Khan’s “Sweet Thing”; Alicia Keys pining for her lover on “Fallin’”; and the bliss Beyonce shares with us on “Love on Top.” And whenever Luther Vandross’ rendition of “Superstar” pops up on a playlist (like this one) or Quiet Storm radio, we are convinced we can hang with the R&B superstar’s unmatched, velvety smooth vocals.
“Don't you remember you told me you loved me baby. You said you'd be coming back this way again baby!”
Other snappy songs spark nostalgia for a more carefree time, like Stevie Wonder’s “You Are the Sunshine of My Life”; George Michael’s “Careless Whisper”; DeBarge’s “I Like It”; Prince’s “Kiss”; TLC’s “No Scrubs”; and the Fugees’ version of Roberta Flack’s “Killing Me Softly With His Song.” Still, other unforgettable songs like Aretha Franklin’s “Respect”; Jill Scott’s “Golden”; and Karyn White’s “Superwoman” are empowering anthems that inspire us to believe in ourselves and to live our best lives.
So, press play and sing along with Sisters From AARP. We hope you love these 25 songs as much as we do — and as Karen Carpenter croons on “Sing” — “Don't worry that it's not good enough for anyone else to hear. Just sing, sing a song.”
Mora Vieytes
