Euphoria in a song comes from a release: the music holds back, then lets everything go at once. In these four songs, you can pin that moment to the second.
2020
“Rise beyond the sky”
It opens with a shout, “Hoo-Hah!”, and a choir far away. Verse and chorus keep building, then at 1:35 the drop arrives and the low end fills the room. At 3:11 it hits a second time.
Turn it up just before 1:35.
Listen to Wildlands
2020
ELYAZ made this festival version of Wildlands during lockdown, as a dedication to the people who make festivals happen. At 126 BPM it moves like a main stage set: the chorus arrives at 1:28, the full bass a few seconds later, and the wave rolls on for about a minute.
Best for the start of a party, or the drive to a festival.
Listen to Wildlands (Festival Anthem)
2021
“Set a course for the shore!”
A quiet verse and a pre-chorus that builds, then at 1:16 a chorus that opens all the way, like a sail catching the wind after a storm. At 3:07 the hook carries it home, toward the island in the sun.
Best for the moment the sun comes out.
Listen to The Place Where We Belong
2018
“Sailing through the air to find a way”
The beat gallops and the chorus is written for a crowd to sing back. It lands early, at 0:44, and returns at 2:14.
Best with the volume up and someone singing next to you.
Listen to Break the DistanceAlso: Songs about nature, the sea and the sun
Also: Travel songs for long roads and faraway places
All of them: hopeful songs that lift you up