Hey Soul Sister – The Song That Made Ukulele Cool Again in Pop Music

How Train’s 2009 hit brought the uke into the mainstream spotlight — and why it remains a go-to for players who want fun, feel-good, performance-ready energy

When Hey Soul Sister was released in 2009, it didn’t just revive Train’s career — it brought ukulele back to the top of the pop charts. Produced by Norwegian duo Espionage and featuring ukulele as its central instrument, the song introduced millions to the upbeat, percussive charm of the uke.

Suddenly, uke was cool again. Music teachers, open mic nights, and YouTube tutorials exploded with new players eager to strum along — and this song was often their first stop.

🎤 A Pop Hit Built on Uke

The ukulele part was played by Espen Lind and recorded using a simple condenser mic and clever compression to make it cut through the mix. That bright, jangly rhythm became the defining sound of the song.

“Hey soul sister, ain’t that Mr. Mister on the radio…”
One of the catchiest lyrics of the 2000s — and perfect for uke singalongs.

🎶 Why It’s a Modern Ukulele Anthem

• Iconic percussive strumming gives the song its bounce

• Only four chords (C, G, Am, F) — beginner-friendly and fun

• Perfect for learning accented rhythm and syncopation

• Still a top-requested tune at festivals, open mics, and gigs

🎶 Want more stories like this? Check out the Island Bazaar Ukulele Blog — your home for tips, song insights, gear ideas, and everything uke.

🎯 Playing Tip: Use the Train Strum

The signature rhythm of this song is often called the “Train strum”:
↓ ↓ ↑ ↑ ↓ ↑
Focus on the groove and accent certain strums to get the bounce right. Using a uke with low action and bright tonewoods like spruce or koa can help the strumming really pop.

Pro tip: Use a strap to stabilize your playing hand so you can stay consistent during faster sections.

🔗 Sources

• Train Interview – Billboard

• SongFacts – Hey Soul Sister

• Ultimate Guitar – Ukulele Tab