There are certain songs that just make you feel happy. Some can pep up your morning, some make you want to dance like no one’s watching, and others can get a party started after just a few notes. Some happy songs have stood the test of time, while other newer fun songs became must-plays for when you need a boost. Now, more than ever we could use a little extra happiness and upbeat music in our life.
There’s nothing like lounging around on a summer day with the sound of good music in your ears. For many people, sunshine is already a wellbeing booster, as the sun’s rays boost vitamin D in the body, and it’s even been linked to an increase in the ‘happy’ hormone serotonin.
Raising your vibrations with music is a great way to help kick-start your day. Songs have the scientific* power to boost our mood, helping us to feel good and boost our confidence when we’re feeling down.
We know that everyone has their own vibe. Your music taste can change as easily as your mood. So to ensure we covered all bases, we looked at thousands of Spotify playlists around ‘girl power, ‘love yourself, ‘best friends’, ‘seize the day and ‘bath time’ to find the most featured songs. Add a feel-good playlist into the mix, and you’ve got a recipe for a soothing, supportive day.
1. “I Don’t Want It at All” by Kim Petras
The only thing I don’t want is to sit still while I’m listening to this bop. You can catch me outside dancing while blasting this all summer long. Sorry to my neighbors!
2. “Valerie” by Mark Ronson ft. Amy Winehouse
This song has been covered a million times over but the Amy Winehouse version is I-CON-IC. It’s so damn catchy that it sticks in your head all day and you’re not even mad about it.
3. “Sunday Best” by Surfaces
If any song could give your soul a big warm hug, it’d be this song right here. It’s so darn comforting.
4. “Can’t Stop the Feeling” by Justin Timberlake
It’s true, you can’t stop the feeling, and that feeling, my friends, is happiness. I mean, this song was made for the freakin’ Trolls movie, which is literally about tiny, adorable, overly-happy trolls. The melody was basically concocted in a lab to put a smile on your face!
5. “22” by Taylor Swift
Putting on a red lip à la Taylor Swift because that’s the proper way to jam out to 22, brb.
6. “Dancing Queen” by ABBA
The second the DJ throws on “Dancing Queen,” you KNOW you and your girls are about to hit the dance floor like it’s 2003 and you’re at your crush’s bat mitzvah.
7. “I’m Coming Out” by Diana Ross
Am I gonna play this every single day of quarantine until we’re actually allowed out of the house? You better freaking believe it, my dude.
8. “Shut Up and Dance” by Walk the Moon
I’m no psychic but I’m pretty sure that ~shut up and dance~ is exactly what you’re gonna do the instant this tune starts coming out of your speakers.
9. “Good as Hell” by Lizzo
Of all the songs Lizzo has blessed our eardrums with, this one will have you feeling yourself the hardest.
10. “Love on Top” by Beyoncé
Does anything bring you more joy than Beyoncé singing about being head over heels in love? Methinks not.
11. “Spice Up Your Life” by Spice Girls
Spice Girls stans (assuming that’s all of you, yes?) already know that the group made so many crazy-good jams back in the day, but “Spice Up Your Life” is the crème de la crème IMO. How else would any of us know to slam it to the left if we’re having a good time and shake it to the right if we know that we feel fine?!
12. “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” by Whitney Houston
Whitney has such an amazing, t-r-u-l-y unmatchable voice, but if you want to sing along and ruin it for your roommates, I’ll forgive you.
13. “Why Not” by Hilary Duff
Pretty much every Hilary Duff song is going to have you off your couch seat, belting out the words and shaking your bum. But even still, there’s something special about the queen of the early aughts’ “Why Not” in particular.
14. “What Makes You Beautiful” by One Direction
Between the catchy tune and Harry Styles’ beautiful face, I promise you won’t be able to *not* smile while committing this music video to memory.
15. “Put Your Records On” by Corinne Bailey Rae
This karaoke night favorite conjures up imagery of summers filled with double-dutch and road-side bars.
16. “I Gotta Feeling” by The Black Eyed Peas
If this party anthem doesn’t make you want to get up and dance, nothing will.
17. “Good Vibrations” by The Beach Boys
The Beach Boys’ catchy beat and light-hearted lyrics will transport you to sunnier days.
18. “Unwritten” by Natasha Bedingfield
Best enjoyed at full volume with the windows down. It’s mandatory you shout out the chorus, too.
19. “9 to 5” by Dolly Parton
Working 9 to 5 can be a drag, but listening to this song is the equivalent of chugging “a cup of ambition.”
20. “Uptown Funk” by Mark Ronson feat. Bruno Mars
The smash success won the 2016 Grammy for Record of the Year, and for good reason. Get ready to get funky!