Ant Thomaz’s Top 10 Songs that Inspire Hope

With all of the horrors, misfortunes, and negativity swirling around, the world yearns for more artists like Ant Thomaz. The singer-songwriter specializes in positivity, making real music that speaks to his listeners at the highest level. A great instance of this is Thomaz’s latest single “Believe.” The song goes out to anyone who has felt underestimated and had to cling to hope to rise above the doubts of others and your own. It was inspired by his daughter Gaia, as Thomaz was so taken with her resilient spirit and self-confidence. Limitations are arbitrary, and they don’t define who we are. Sometimes, you just have to trust yourself.

Thomaz has been on an interesting journey to arrive where he is right now. He calls Glasgow, Scotland, home, but his origins lie within the Bayou region of southern Louisiana. Essentially completely self-taught, he began writing songs when he was 12. He is a natural storyteller and leans deeply into his culture when writing music. It is a fusion of the unique cultural background from which Thomaz comes. He has Scottish, Irish, and Coushatta Indian heritage. His lyrics are a combination of words sung in Scottish Gaelic, Cajun French, and English. Genre really doesn’t matter when it comes to Ant Thomaz. His objective is just to make you feel good.

With faith and positivity the name of the game, Ant Thomaz joins us today to share with us his Top 10 songs that inspire hope.

1. Kings of Leon – “Use Somebody”

“I found comfort in this track years ago, and it still inspires me today. The powerful intro opened up the path for lead vocalist Caleb Followill to deliver his opening line, ‘I’ve been roaming around always looking down at all I see.’ It was this dynamic that truly coerced me into his story. It also stood out because it avoided lofty language, making it accessible to the average listener; this relatability contributes to its enduring appeal.

“Kings of Leon’s message embodied the essence of hope as well as a yearning for connection, ‘You know I could use somebody,’ a thought we all can have, especially during times of doubt regarding the journey of life, at the time resonating with me as I was on my own road to discovery. I feel their Southern background and family connection must give them a bond and patience that allows them to understand the space in songs; this is beautifully echoed throughout. The powerful chorus that conveys a longing for companionship strikes a chord every time.”

2. Corinne Bailey Rae – “Like A Star”

“When this song first aired on the radio, as I was heading to work in Hot Springs, Arkansas. I changed direction and drove to a nearby record store… I just had to buy her music and learn about the artist. Who was Corrine Bailey? Who had crafted such an inspiring and remarkable song with soothing lyrics and melodies? Her distinctive, calming voice is unparalleled, and her entire album is genuinely a work of art.

“The genre feels like a blend of neo-soul and folk; I refer to it as folk because of her lyrical approach to love and hope, which compels you to hang on to every word. It resembles a genuine relationship, as most R&B artists avoid showcasing imperfections; if they do, it’s often an idealized flaw. In contrast, Corinne’s music is lyrical storytelling that feels like real love, capturing both its highs and lows… hypnotizing you.”

3. Paul Brady – “Island”

“I often enjoy popping on my headphones and listening to music as I navigate the vibrant streets of Glasgow… Paul Brady is my go-to. I have long admired the lyrics, the musical essence, and Paul Brady’s distinctive voice. I first came across his work while in Donegal, Ireland, where his unique storytelling style stood out to me. He narrates a tale of conflict and the disorder of our world, with magic, particularly evident in the pre-chorus: ‘But hey, don’t listen to me, this wasn’t meant to be no sad song, I’ve sung too much of that before. Right now, I only want to be here with you till the morning dew comes falling. I want to take you to the island and trace your footprints in the sand.’

“This is a song you feel compelled to hear repeatedly, as it mirrors what one might ponder about the state of the world, within one’s mind and home. However, the essence is that he holds a belief in a brighter future and expresses weariness from endless circular conversations because ultimately, his desire is for tranquillity. Having walked the beaches in Donegal, I crave them.”

4. Mumford & Sons – “Awake My Soul”

“My wife and I share a profound admiration for this song; the quality of Marcus Mumford’s voice, the lyrics, the musicianship and the harmonies are truly impressive. The central message exudes positivity. It appears that he is struggling with his inner thoughts while also sharing insights about hope. This is the first time I’ve encountered a track where the artist communicates a universal message that resonates with everyone, featuring lyrics like ‘In these bodies we will live, in these bodies we will die. And where you invest your love, you invest your life.’

“For me, it serves as a powerful reminder or anthem, prompting us to recognize the broader perspective and appreciate the importance of our daily choices to love and support one another.”

5. Don Williams – “You’re My Best Friend”

“I cherish all of Don’s music; this particular song was a significant part of my childhood, embodying his optimism, authenticity, and tranquillity. Its message is clear and straightforward, a hallmark of Don’s creativity. His manner of taking his time to express his thoughts reflects both hope and genuine Southern warmth. He writes about his wife in such a way that demonstrates humility, optimism, and peace, illustrating that calling your beloved your best friend is a lesson everyone should aspire to learn.”

6. 2Pac – “Unconditional Love”

“In my younger years, this song filled me with hope. I believe his uplifting themes are often overshadowed by his more confrontational later works. During my childhood days, whenever I felt down, I would turn to 2Pac. The lyrics inspire resilience, creating a sense that someone is always looking out for you. He discusses childhood friendships fading due to life’s obligations while maintaining an optimistic outlook, and the mutual respect they have for each other without judgment makes it an enchanting piece.”

7. Natalia Lafourcade – “Hasta La Raíz”

“Identity and culture can sit quite heavily on one’s mind if you don’t have a family or a belonging to. With my Cajun and Coushatta roots, it felt natural to pick Natalia. I feel connected with her journey of discovery in her music, the Spanish rhythm has been around me all my life. This song is extraordinary; I admire her entire body of work, but this track particularly resonates with me for its message of hope. It explores themes of love, memory, and discovering one’s inner strength. It conveys resilience, appreciation for life’s journey, and the importance of human connections… as you discover who you are in the world reflecting from your past and ancestors.”

8. Billy Joel – “Vienna”

“The lyrics of this song remind me of my grandfather’s encouragement, instilling hope. It’s undoubtedly a classic, offering wisdom about hope while acknowledging that one may be too young and rushed to fully understand it. Nevertheless, love remains patient until you’re ready. Billy Joel’s knack for writing from a third-person viewpoint is a remarkable skill; I know each line of this song by heart. Simple expressions like, ‘You always know when you’re wrong, but you never know when you’re right… You’re right!’ It resonates profoundly.”

9. Paul McCartney – “Maybe I’m Amazed”

“My family here in Scotland is my world. It deeply resonates with themes of family. Although I have great admiration for The Beatles, Paul’s songwriting has always grabbed my attention. When my daughter was born, I was already aware of this song, but it truly struck a chord with me following her arrival. The strong connection I share with my wife—our friendship and the dynamic as a trio—renders this song an ideal reflection of our journey. It stands out as the ultimate anthem of hope.

“I appreciate his sincere expression of gratitude, love, and reliance on family, recognizing his wife and daughter as his pillars of strength and stability. Exactly where I am in life right now.”

10. Sade – “Cherish The Day”

“This song brings me joy and instills hope in me whenever I listen to it. I greatly admire Sade for her style, tone, lyrics, and her ability to navigate her career. I appreciate that she does not overly pursue fame, nor does she focus solely on themes of money and materialism. Initially, I found her sound simple when I first heard ‘Cherish The Day,’ but as I have experienced more in life, I have come to understand the profound nature of love that she conveys. Her lyrics capture the complexity and depth of this theme beautifully.

“I admire that Sade and her band take five years to create albums, which is evident in the passion they exhibit in their music. This dedication is rare in the industry, contributing to the excitement surrounding their return. This song, in particular, is one of my favourite love songs, with a universally appealing melody. I appreciate that she does not oversing; the focus is on the journey.

“One key observation about Sade is that her race is seldom mentioned; she is simply regarded as Sade, one of the best artists in the world, without comparison to others. I aspire to have a career like hers.”