大象传媒

Times can feel tough at the moment, but when the sun is shining and the music is on, it can really lift your mood.

With that in mind, 大象传媒 Radio 5 Live presenter has enlisted the help of DJs and to put together a list of five tracks that will make you feel good right now.

Arielle says: "It’s a great big dance house track. I love the piano on it. I put it on when I need cheering up - or it’s really good when you’re running or if you’re seeing the sun rise. The lyrics for this track are really apt for the moment too.

"Franky Wah is an amazing producer. He is capable of going from an ethereal, more euphoric sound on a record to making something that’s 90s-inspired and a big dance anthem."

Lliana says: "This track is off The Strokes’ new album - The New Abnormal. It’s their first album in seven years, and everyone is really excited about it. The album title seems kind of apt for the times we are in.

"I was lucky enough to see them at The Roundhouse in February and it was the last time I went out. My last little taste of freedom! And it was fantastic - it was the first time I heard this song."

Arielle says: "This guy is thriving in self-isolation. Elliot Adamson makes hardcore techno tracks and then drops in beautiful re-workings of old soul records, funk records and some Motown bits. This track samples an old 60s Motown song vocal and then he’s made it into this lovely electronic beat.

"I have to dance to this track. It is really uplifting - it’s a theme for me at the moment, to listen to some uplifting house music. Elliot is very funny on social media too, if you ever need cheering up."

Lliana says: "This track is off The Night Chancers album. I like the way he doesn’t sound like he’s singing, it’s almost like you’re listening to an audiobook, it’s got that relaxed quality. I really enjoy his lyrics - they’re just so funny. The video for this song is really worth watching as well.

"Baxter Dury is known as being the son of Ian Dury, but he’s developed his own sound. It’s a really cool, sleazy, grooving sound. I am so obsessed with him at the moment!"

Nihal says: "This is something I’ve just recently rediscovered. It’s my tune of the moment. It’s a funk classic.

"My mate put it on a playlist and I was so pleased. It’s just that piano. When I used to be a bit of an MC, I would rap over that beat. Until recently, I had completely forgotten about this song. It takes me back 30 years."

Nihal is on air Mondays to Thursdays 13:00 - 16:00 on 大象传媒 Radio 5 Live. Listen live on 大象传媒 Sounds.

The Monthly Music Review is at 15:00 on the last Thursday of the month.