Emerging in 2023 and gaining in popularity ever since, “hopecore” is a social trend that blends internet aesthetics, nature and humanism into a philosophy of treating yourself, and those around you, with optimism and compassion. Scrolling through social media platforms, you might come across posts that share sentimental photos, inspirational messages and soothing sceneries, soundtracked by upbeat, soothing music. This online aesthetic is connected to hopecore and its aims.
Over the years, hopecore has blossomed in popularity as a balm for anxious and unpredictable times; a counter to a growing feeling of cynicism and detachment from the world. Hopecore invites people to make a conscious choice to live in the present and find the good in every moment. Hopecore music, then, is a soundtrack to this movement. It centers around eternal themes — the beauty of life and love, the triumph of healing — and conveys them
through a cross-section of genres, blending pop, electronic, R&B, ambient and acoustic styles. The ripples of hopecore can be heard across SoundCloud, too; growing outwards from older songs being shared on social media under the hopecore banner, and towards the creation of new music with hopecore as its guiding force.
One artist who’s embraced hopecore and becoming a leading figure for the trend is Flawed Mangoes. A Boston-based musician and electronic producer, Flawed Mangoes began posting his music online in 2020, and has released two albums: 2023’s ‘Killswitch Melodies’ and 2024’s ‘The Unwavering Hand.’ Blending electric and acoustic guitar, ambient loops, nature recordings and electronic samples, Flawed Mangoes conveys hopecore through lush soundscapes, dreamy riffs and saccharine harmonics.
These elements appear across genres: from the bubblegum pop and hyperpop sounds of Korean groups such as aespa and the grunge-y shoegaze of Rahim Redcar, to the sweetheart R&B of Pink Sweat$ and the hazy funk of Steve Lacy. So, what makes music hopecore? It’s not so much a genre as a guiding principle: malleable sounds that artists can play with to create unique music, while conveying feelings that connect communities globally.
LISTEN TO THE HOPECORE PLAYLIST ON SOUNDCLOUD NOW
Flawed Mangoes, “mk4”
The gentle guitar work and ambient loops of this Boston-based artist leads the hopecore style; “mk4” comes ahead of his anticipated 2025 album.
DJ Seinfeld, “Hopecore”
The Swedish dance DJ and producer gives his uplifting house sound an ethereal edge on this 2024 track, released through long-time label Ninja Tune.
Rahim Redcar, “It's ok to cry (hôtel pour SOPHIE)”
The French artist, formerly known as Christine and the Queens, delivers a tender tribute to the late avant-pop producer SOPHIE, covering her track of the same name.
Kero Kero Bonito, “The Open Road”
The London-based pop trio go bubblegum on this 2019 b-side, with saccharine harmonies and sparkling instrumentation.
aespa, “Whiplash”
Known for bringing hyperpop and internet sounds into Korean pop, girl group aespa keep the energy high on this track, taken from their 2024 full-length of the same name.
Beyoncé, “BREAK MY SOUL”
The first single from Beyoncé’s 2022 ‘Renaissance’ album, “BREAK MY SOUL” soars, inspiring escapist joy with its unbreakable refrain.
RAYE, “Worth It.”
On this track from her 2023 album ‘My 21st Century Blues,’ the British singer-songwriter sings about the hopeful potential of romantic love.
Post Malone, “I Had Some Help” (feat. Morgan Wallen)
A megawatt country crossover collaboration: rapper-turned-singer Post Malone duets with country star Morgan Wallen for this rousing 2024 track.
Latto, “Big Energy”
Rapper Latto swaggers with confidence on this aspirational track, featured on her second album ‘777.’
Jordan Ward, “FAMJAM4000”
The St. Louis-raised, LA-based R&B vocalist reflects on the highs and lows of familial love, taken from his 2023 album ‘FORWARD.’
Steve Lacy, “Give You the World”
R&B vocalist Steve Lacy gets deep in the pocket on this funk-indebted love ballad, taken from his 2022 album, ‘Gemini Rights.’
Pink Sweat$, “I Feel Good”
On this sugar-sweet track, Philadelphia R&B singer Pink Sweat$ takes each beautiful day as it comes.
Fred again.. & Obongjayar - “adore u”
British dance producer Fred again.. links up with Nigerian R&B singer Obongjayar for this euphoric track, led by a simple yet powerful message.
Lizzo, “About Damn Time”
Losing yourself on the dancefloor, leaving your worries behind — Lizzo puts a fresh twist on girl power on this hit track, showing us how to transform your life through optimism.
Kendrick Lamar, “gloria”
The Grammy Award-winning hip-hop artist invites R&B sensation SZA to join him on this confessional, stirring track; it features on his 2024 album, ‘GNX.’
Rahim Redcar, “DEEP HOLES”
Linking up with long-running French dance-pop label Because Music, the artist formerly known as Christine and the Queens leans into a darker 80s sound on this rousing track.
Lana Del Rey, “Get Free”
On this lingering track from her 2017 album ‘Lust for Life,’ Del Rey dreams about what it means to be truly free.
Daniel Caesar, Mustafa, “Toronto 2014”
It’s a Toronto link-up: Caesar blends his R&B with Canadian poet-vocalist Mustafa’s tender lyricism for this oh-so gentle collaboration.
LISTEN TO THE HOPECORE PLAYLIST ON SOUNDCLOUD NOW
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