If you're anything like me, your days can get stressful and you're often left with an overall "screw this crap, I'm out" kind of mood. That's been my mindset practically all this week. But, a good mood equalizer for me is always a good playlist. A set list of songs that instantly brighten my mood and take me from a "screw this crap" kind of mood to an "I'm a badass bitch" kind of mood always helps. Here's my list of top ten feel-good songs.
1. "Can't Hold Us Down" (ft. Lil' Kim) by Christina Aguilera
This song never fails to make me feel like the badass bitch I know I am. With its hip hop beats infused with Aguilera's powerhouse vocals and Lil' Kim's killer rap, it's sure to put me in a kickass mood anytime I listen to it.
2. "Cheap Thrills (ft. Sean Paul)" by Sia
This song starts off with the "island tropical" rap of Sean Paul, and that's totally awesome on its own. But, the song gets even better when Sia's unique voice comes through, and her deliverance of the lyrics make the song absolutely amazing.
3. "Defying Gravity" by Idina Menzel
If you're anything like me, a couple of killer show tunes never fails to boost your mood. The original version of the song is in the musical Wicked, but this stand-alone version is just as killer. Menzel's powerful vocal performance, coupled with equally powerful lyrics make this song an absolute staple in my mood-boosting playlist.
4. "Don't Stop" by Fleetwood Mac
Fun fact about me: Fleetwood Mac is my absolute favorite band of all time. Their album "Rumors" is honestly one of the best albums ever written, in my personal opinion. I grew up listening to this song playing on the radio in my dad's old truck, and any time I hear this song I'm instantly reminded of happy memories. Also, the phrase: "Don't stop thinking about tomorrow/Don't stop, it'll soon be here" is probably one of the most encouraging phrases in contemporary music.
5. "Free Fallin'" by Tom Petty
This song kind of speaks for itself, in terms of why I included it in this list. Tom Petty is one of those iconic American Rock figures that have songs that just speak to what it means to be young in America. The phrase: "she's a good girl/loves her mama/loves Jesus, and America, too/" is one that conjures up images of Apple Pie and backyard barbecues in the summer. I personally can't have a feel-good playlist without at least one Tom Petty song.
6. "Get Yer Yah-Yah's Out" by Emily Osment
I'm just going to be real here for a second. I love this song because of its tempo and its beat. The lyrics are super fun, and it's your typical "dance club party" kind of song. But, every playlist has to have that one "killer beat" kind of song, and this one is mine.
7. "Howlin' For You" by The Black Keys
This song is on my list strictly because of the singer's unique vocal tone and the beginning guitar riff. It's your typical "Indie Rock" kind of song, and I absolutely love the ad-libbing part in there too!
8. "Kite Like Girl" by Gavin DeGraw
Let me just say that this man's songwriting style and his amazing vocals are what instantly drew me to this song. But, the phrase: "She's a kite like girl/ you gotta let her fly away/" is what cemented this song's spot on my top ten feel-good songs playlist.
9. "What I Like About You" by Lillix
The original song was done by The Romantics, but the female-led rock band, Lillix does an amazing cover. This song always makes me feel just a little bit happier, with its rocking guitar riffs and incredibly strong female-led vocals.
10. "Workin' It Out" by Hilary Duff
This is another childhood favorite song of mine. Her first album "Metamorphosis" was actually one of the first CDs that I had ever owned, and I love this song for the way it's written and also for its empowering message. The entire chorus of the song leaves the basic message that "sometimes life is hard, but you can't ever give up/life gets better." I loved this message as a child, and I actually love it even more as an adult.
- This is my feel-good/mood boosting playlist, and I hope y'all like at least one of these songs!
Energetic dance performance under the spotlight.
Taylor Swift in a purple coat, captivating the crowd on stage.
Taylor Swift shines on stage in a sparkling outfit and boots.
Taylor Swift and Phoebe Bridgers sharing a joyful duet on stage.
