On days when you're feeling sad, I don't recommend listening to sad music- that's bad! So when it's raining outside, and you're feeling blue, here's a list of happy songs (across multiple genres) just for you. (Complete with YouTube links to music videos!)
1. Gorillaz: "Feel Good Inc."
"Feel Good Inc." is a great song that is happy, but it isn't super in your face about it. The bass, mixed with the super fitting title, definitely makes this a good "happy song".
2. The All-American Rejects: "Gives You Hell"
"Gives You Hell" has single-handedly helped me get over many heartaches. The upbeat tune, mixed with empowering lyrics about moving on and being successful, makes this song one that can pull you out of the slums.
3. The Beach Boys: "Good Vibrations"
Turning to more classical songs, this Beach Boys hit is a very upbeat song while still remaining very out of your face, much like "Feel Good Inc." The mixture of talented voices and classic tropical music make this song super peppy!
4. Queen: "Don't Stop Me Now"
"Don't Stop Me Now" is a seriously happy and positive song about having a great time. With the lyrics, rock instruments, and a piano (as well as Freddie Mercury's amazing voice), you have a song that'll turn any rainy day into sunshine!
5. Toto: "Africa"
This is a classic go-to, feel-good, dance-your-pants-off song. Need I say more?
6. Dierks Bentley: "Somewhere On A Beach"
Although I'm not a fan of country music, "Somewhere On A Beach" is a great song about moving forward and being happy with yourself. Mix an AWESOME music video (seriously, watch it, it's adorable) and an electric guitar against Dierks Bentley's country voice and trust me, you'll fall in love with this song.
7. Garth Brooks: "Rodeo"
Again, to reiterate, I am no country fan, but, "Rodeo" is a great song, and although the lyrics may not be relatable to say, a college kid like me, the instrumentation of the song is worth it all.
8. J. Geils Band: "Centerfold"
The upbeat instrumentation mixed with some awesome dance moves in the music video make "Centerfold" a song that brings a smile to your face. Also, a song about having a crush on someone and being super pumped about it with a fast-paced song? Yes!
9. Caravan Palace: "Rock It For Me"
This song fits into an up-and-coming genre of music called "electro swing". Just listen to the classic swing mixed with influences of modern electronic music; it'll make you want to dance. Extra points for an adorable music video with a dancing robot!
10. Electric Light Orchestra: "Mr. Blue Sky"
"Mr. Blue Sky" is literally about being happy with blue skies and sunshine. Also, ELO is awesome, yeah? Yeah.
11. "Dear Evan Hansen" Original Broadway Cast Recording: "Sincerely, Me"
For all my fellow theatre kids, or those not quite yet hooked on theatre, this is your ultimate pick-me-up song. The instrumentation, mixed with the humor in the song, can get you super hooked on Broadway.
12. Bo Burnham: "words, words, words."
The puns in "words, words, words." are genius, and never fail to always make me smile. Believe it or not, the more you listen, the more puns you understand! Also, the cute background music and the creative music video are awesome.
13. Marina and the Diamonds: "Oh No!"
"Oh No!" is an upbeat pop song, and it doubles as a really empowering song about being successful and happy. The fast pace is sure to help you feel awesome again!
14. AJR: "Bud Like You"
A friend shared "Bud Like You" with me, and the diverse and exciting instrumentation immediately had me smiling. The song also helps show you the importance of having great friends to rely on, which can make you feel much better!
15. The Greatest Showman: "This Is Me"
Although this song is much slower than the others before it, "This Is Me" is very powerful and gives off the message of being yourself. It can definitely bring a tear to your eye, but it'll totally make you feel better and give you the strength to persist and be you.
Gloominess, the blues, sadness- they all creep over us from time to time. Listen to some good songs, appreciate the good stuff in life, and smile more!
