These Songs Are Total Earworms
The right song is a mood-booster. A few simple notes or bars can make you smile and turn around the worst day. It’s all about making that playlist with songs that are cheerful, happy, and make you want to move. Here are 20 cheerful songs that can instantly bring your mood up.
1. “Walking on Sunshine” by Katrina and the Waves
In 1983, Katrina and the Waves released a song that would become synonymous with happiness. “Walking on Sunshine” was an enormous hit for the English rock band and would be featured in films like High Fidelity.
2. “Shake It Off” by Taylor Swift
Not sure if you’ve heard, but Taylor Swift knows how to crank out a cheerful and catchy tune. You can take your pick from her song library, but we’d go with “Shake It Off”. We dare you to try listening to it and not skipping down the street.
3. “Dancing Queen” by ABBA
If feeling like you’re being whisked away to a gorgeous Greek Island doesn’t boost your mood, then “Dancing Queen” isn’t for you. For most, this hit song from 1976 makes us wonder who our real father is and puts us in a light, bubbly mood.
4. “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” by Whitney Houston
Listening to Whitney’s sublime singing voice is the ultimate mood enhancer. “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” might be her crowning achievement, and that’s saying a lot. While it won’t help you win the Grammy for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance, as it did for her, it will still lift your mood.
5. “Good Vibrations” by The Beach Boys
Listening to The Beach Boys is basically the same as going surfing in the Pacific Ocean on a hot summer day. If you’re looking to exchange your sadness for a dose of happiness, then go with “Good Vibrations”, but do not think the Marky Mark version is a worthy substitution because it is not.
6. “Come On Eileen” by Dexy Midnight Runners
Even one-hit wonders can produce a tune that will make us feel better on any given day. “Come On Eileen” is jaunty and infectious, and the perfect cheerful song to listen to on a gloomy day.
7. “I’m Still Standing” by Elton John
Some cheerful songs can also be inspirational, making us feel like we can tackle anything regardless of our mood. “I’m Still Standing” is one of those songs. When you’re feeling overwhelmed, pop in your earbuds, play this Elton John hit, and you’re good to go.
8. “You Make My Dreams” by Hall & Oates
Hall & Oates are the quintessential pop duo, and many of their songs have appeared in movies, TV shows, and commercials, usually when happy things are occurring. “You Make My Dreams” is arguably their biggest hit, and its bass line alone will have you tapping your foot.
9. “Beautiful Day” by U2
U2 is more known for power ballads than cheerful songs, but “Beautiful Day” is their rare exception. It has an empowering message and a rhythm that anyone can drum along to with their fingers.
10. “Hey Ya” by Outkast
You should absolutely not shake a Polaroid picture, but you’ll want to when listening to the catchiest song of 2003. Outkast released a few bangers in their day, but “Hey Ya” is the best of them, especially when you’re looking to brighten your day for a few minutes.
11. “A-Punk” by Vampire Weekend
Vampire Weekend wouldn’t know a morose song if it bit them on the neck. “A-Punk” is more deliberately slower-paced than other cheerful songs, but that doesn’t make it any less catchy. It’s the perfect song to play if you’re annoyed while stuck in traffic.
12. “Just the Way You Are” by Bruno Mars
“Just the Way You Are” is a melodic and lyrically sweet song that will not only make you happier, but can also hit your romantic bone. It’s a feel-good love song that’s like a warm embrace, no matter how in the doldrums you are.
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13. “Brave” by Sarah Bareilles
“Brave” is the rare song that’s upbeat and inspiring without making you feel too corny for listening to it with the windows down. It’s impossible not to sing along with every word and forget your troubles for a moment.
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14. “So What” by Pink
Pink is a pop-rock goddess with a library of songs that act as endorphins. “So What” might not be her best song, but it’s perfect if you need a pick-me-up in the middle of the day as you prepare for a long, boring meeting.
15. “Happy Together” by The Turtles
The 1960s produced a ton of upbeat, cheerful songs, and “Happy Together” is part of that illustrious canon. Its timeless harmonies and slow groove vibe are ideal for anyone looking for a quick hit of happiness via their Spotify playlist.
16. “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” by Cyndi Lauper
In the 1980s, Cyndi Lauper was the pop queen and “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” became the anthem of every teen girl annoyed with having a curfew. Her impressive vocals blend seamlessly with some of the ‘80s more classic sounds and beats.
17. “This Is Me” by Keala Settle
We had to include at least one song from a musical on this list. “This Is Me” is a rousing tune with a strong message that can help anyone feeling down and misunderstood.
18. “Hey, Soul Sister” by Train
The lyrics might not make any sense, but “Hey, Soul Sister” will have you bopping and feeling good from the first musical note onward. It’s the kind of song that will make you stop whatever you’re doing and dance for a few minutes.
“19. Happy” by Pharrell Williams
The aptly-titled “Happy” might be synonymous with Minions, but it’ll make you feel anything but despicable. It’ll inspire you to wear a cartoonishly big hat and dance along the sidewalk. Check out the music video if you don’t believe us.
20. “Some Nights” by fun.
“Some Nights” is an eclectic tune that can put you in the mood for a night of bar hopping with friends. It’s quick, unique, and a lot of fun to listen to, making it an elixir for any sour mood.
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