Music remains one of the most powerful and mysterious tools to make us feel better. The right song, the right riff, the right groove just works every time. It’s why composers and music supervisors are hired to elevate a scene in a film or TV show. Some scenes require more than a great script, actors, and visuals. There’s another gear in the emotional engine that only music can put into motion.

And here’s another interesting thing about songs. Not every uplifting track is happy. Blues songs are supposed to be sad, but those sad ballads can also, strangely, make us feel good. But we’re not talking ballads here. These classic rock songs will, at least temporarily, heal your blues, and a pro football team has already proven (with a heavy dose of superstition) how it works.

“Renegade” by Styx

Pittsburgh Steelers fans are well aware of this track’s uplifting ability. In a 2002 playoff game, the home team was losing to the Cleveland Browns. During a commercial break, the stadium’s producer cued up a highlight reel featuring “Renegade” by Styx. The song sent depressed Steelers fans into a frenzy, and it ignited the team to a come-from-behind victory. It’s remained a tradition in Pittsburgh to hype fans, and Styx’s outlaw rocker might make you feel the same way.

“Thunderstruck” by AC/DC

Angus Young’s guitar intro feels urgent. As he plays, the rest of AC/DC slowly joins in, building in anticipation behind a flurry of notes. But the band drags out the anticipation. “For Those About To Rock (We Salute You)” has a similar feel. This thing’s going to explode at some point; you just don’t know when. It’s a classic rock battle cry, which has kept “Thunderstruck” a go-to hype song in sports stadiums. When it finally crashes in, it’s pure wonder, like the title suggests.

“Crazy Train” by Ozzy Osbourne

When Ozzy Osbourne began his solo career, critics thought he was washed up. After a successful run fronting Black Sabbath, he seemed to go out of his way to sabotage his career. His drug and alcohol addiction and unpredictable behavior led to an unceremonious ousting from Black Sabbath. But then something happened. His future wife, Sharon Arden, offered to manage him. Soon, a young guitarist named Randy Rhoads arrived and composed one of the most iconic guitar riffs in rock history. Osbourne was back, and “Crazy Train” remains a heavy metal anthem. If you need to lift your mood, crank this one and give a little nod to the Prince of Darkness.

Photo by Fin Costello/Redferns