Everyone has songs that make them feel good -- songs that make you smile so much your singing ability just goes out the window, or perks you up and reminds you that life isn't so bad. With the absurd amount of driving I do, I have to consistently be finding new music so I don't get bored to tears on road trips! So hear are five songs that never fail to make me smile no matter how bad the day was or how late at night I'm on the road.
1. "Don't Stop Me Now" by Queen.
Whether you know this song from "Shaun of the Dead" like me, or from somewhere else, I don't know a single person that can get through this song with a straight face. It's impossible not to shout the lyrics to this absolutely ridiculous song, especially at two in the morning with a car full of friends.
2. "Home" by Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeroes.
This song is probably one of the silliest, cutest love songs I've ever heard in my life. Part of that is because it doesn't actually sound like a love song until you're actively paying attention to the lyrics, There's shouting in the background, fast music, an adorable back and forth between two lovers, and it's just so darn happy. My go-to song for cruising down the road on a bright sunny day! Or any day, for that matter.
3. "We Are Going To Be Friends" by The White Stripes.
This is, in my opinion, the purest song in the history of any song ever. It is genuinely a lighthearted, happy little song about elementary school friends. From the light, sweet, vocals to the easy, pleasant and low-key instruments, this song is pure gold for putting you in a good mood. A gentle way to make you evaluate your friendships and really appreciate them.
4. "Geronimo" by Sheppard.
Honestly, I don't know what exactly it is about this song, but it always makes me want to go on an adventure. Like going on an impromptu road trip or going cliff jumping! Just something exhilarating to match the fast pace of the song and the excited tone. This song might not always make me openly grin, but it always gets me pumped to face whatever is coming my way!
5. "I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)" by The Proclaimers.
I'm finishing off this list with another classic! "500 Miles," as it's most commonly known, is probably one of the more ridiculous songs in existence. Not so much because of the lyrics, but because no matter who is singing it, they're not only shouting the lyrics, they're mimicking the very prevalent accent for the entirety of the song. There's no way to sing this sweet, goofy song with cracking a smile and letting some laughter slip out too.
I kept this list short intentionally -- it's really hard to read an article online and be able to immediately go listen to the songs if the list is 20+ songs long. A short break from work to listen to this list will put you in a great mood (if this is your cup of tea) and hopefully brighten your day a bit!