Things Can Only Get Better

🌈 Track by Track: Your Hope Reboot Mixtape

1. Howard Jones – Things Can Only Get Better
The synth-pop manifesto for the mildly discouraged. It’s your musical life coach in a skinny tie.

2. Yazz – The Only Way Is Up
The ultimate mood elevator — like espresso for your soul.

3. Billy Ocean – When the Going Gets Tough, the Tough Get Going
For when your inner Rocky needs a pep talk. Bonus points if you sing it in front of the mirror with dramatic hand gestures.

4. The Human League – (Keep Feeling) Fascination
This one reminds you to stay curious. Wonder is the best antidote to apathy.

5. Timbuk 3 – The Future’s So Bright, I Gotta Wear Shades
Even if it was written as sarcasm, it works. Fake optimism until it sticks.

6. Steve Winwood – Higher Love
How Aqua Net lifted our hair in the 80s — but for your spirit

7. Robbie Nevil – C’est La Vie
Shrug it off, strut it out, move on. The French have a phrase for everything.

8. Elton John – I’m Still Standing
The comeback anthem. You’ve tried, you’ve cried, but you’re still standing — and that’s fabulous.

9. Swing Out Sister – Breakout
For anyone tired of feeling small. Play this, and remember your power shoulder pads are metaphorical and emotional.

10. Frankie Goes to Hollywood – Relax (Come Fighting)
Your stress detox in musical form. Breathe, baby, breathe.

11. Wang Chung – Everybody Have Fun Tonight
Just try saying "Everybody Wang Chung Tonight" without smiling. Never underestimate the healing power of silliness.

12. Club Nouveau – Lean on Me
Proof that leaning doesn’t mean weakness. It’s community with a wicked bass line.

13. Howard Jones – Life in One Day
Life’s short, stop scheduling your happiness. Be here now (with synths).

14. General Public – Tenderness
A reminder that toughness is great, but tenderness gets you through.

15. Huey Lewis & The News – I Want a New Drug
You don’t need a new drug, just a new song. Instant serotonin.

16. Go West – The King of Wishful Thinking
A healthy dose of denial — sometimes it’s a survival skill.

17. Climie Fisher – Love Changes (Everything)
Love really does change everything — especially your playlist energy.

18. Irene Cara – Flashdance… What a Feeling
If joy had choreography, this would be it. Feel first, figure it out later.

19. Madonna – Holiday
Escapism counts as therapy. Call it emotional paid time off.

20. George Michael – Faith
Grab your leather jacket, strut through your problems, and don’t look back.

21. Patti LaBelle – New Attitude
This song is the makeover montage. Strut into your next chapter, feathered hair optional.

22. Van Halen – Jump
Sometimes optimism is a leap, not a ladder. Take it.

23. Luba – Let It Go
Let. It. Go. (Luba did it long before Elsa — and with better synths.)

24. The Parachute Club – Rise Up
The anthem for collective hope. The world gets brighter when we all lift together.

25. Corey Hart – Never Surrender
Corey makes perseverance sound cinematic — a rally cry for anyone who’s still showing up.

26. Black – Wonderful Life
Soft optimism. For those who prefer to whisper rather than shout their feelings.

27. Talk Talk – Life’s What You Make It
A wise, grounded ending. You can’t control everything, but you can control your vibe. And right now? It’s hopeful.

Bad day? We’ve all been there. The coffee spilled, the inbox exploded, and your vibe feels more gray than neon. But here’s the good news: the 80s left us a secret weapon against bad moods — the ultimate feel-good soundtrack. So pull on those legwarmers and let these essential 80s anthems pull you out of your funk and drop you straight into a mental roller rink, where the lights are flashing, and the world feels full of possibility again.