I don't know about anyone else, but I'd like to think that I'm not the only person on the planet that has a list of songs that they keep handy for those times when they just need a little musical something to make them feel good. Whether it's mental or actually saved somewhere like Spotify or iTunes, there's nothing like a playlist that has the power to pick you up when you're not doing so hot, or better yet, to make you feel even greater when you're already doing well.
In no particular order, here are some tunes that I hope you'll consider the next time you find yourself feeling down and out:
1) Fly-Sugar Ray
I must admit that I know approximately zero of any other Sugar Ray music, but this song has honestly been one of my go-to happy tunes for quite some time. There's just something about the energy that surrounds its simplistic composition that lends itself to good feelings and fun. If you ask me, it'll send some of you and some of your negative feelings flying in no time.
2) Three Little Birds-Bob Marley and The Wailers
Bob Marley, reggae, and feeling good all intertwine? What a shock! Super cliche, I know, but you heard those three little birds: They said that every little thing is gonna be alright... Need I say more?
3) Summer of '69- Bryan Adams
Bryan Adams created a lot of music during his time that went unnoticed, but I'm pretty sure that most people that have heard this particular song can't help but sing along when they hear the opening chords and lyrics. With it's reminiscent tone, it awakens feelings of nostalgia and thoughts of carefree living. Even if you didn't actually live during the summer of 1969, there's nothing like being musically brought back to a time when you felt as if your worries ceased to exist.
4) Don't Wanna Fight- Alabama Shakes
Alabama Shakes is a modern band that has recently been taking the alternative genre by storm. This song grabbed me from first listen, mainly with it's driving rhythms and subtle high energy. Sometimes, it's not the lyrics or the meaning behind a song, but simply the musical nature of it, that has the power to lift spirits. As a side note, this song also gets me so pumped to the point that I feel as if I should sing along and unleash my inner blues singer (even if in reality, I probably shouldn't on account of the serious mediocrity of my vocal skills.) ...Sorry neighbors.
5) Ob La Di, Ob La Da-The Beatles
The Beatles are honestly my happiness in a nutshell, so it's no surprise that I had to pick at least one of their songs for this list. It appears as if YouTube has decided to block the goodness that is the original recording of this song from the entirety of the world, but I suppose that this live performance by one quarter of the Fab Four will suffice. Anyway, what other way to feel better on a cloudy day than to hear the happy voices of the Beatles telling you that life goes on? If you ask me, there's really no good answer to that question.
6) Don't Do Me Like That-Tom Petty
Tom Petty should honestly be crowned as an "easy listening" genius, because mostly everything that he ever created musically is just that. I'm personally a big fan of a decent amount of his music, especially when I feel as if I am in times of trouble, but this particular tune of his just happens to to be my current favorite.
7) Semi-Charmed Life-Third Eye Blind
Third Eye Blind has such a wide array of music. Although I'm not entirely sure what it is about this song that makes me happy, it has definitely been a favorite for a long time. In the end, there's no bones about the fact that It's fun, it's singable, and most of all, it just has the power to take the edge off of even some of the roughest of days.
8) What I Got-Sublime
Anything by Sublime tends to give off a carefree sort of vibe, and this song is no exception. Personally, it reminds me to be grateful for what I have, and to appreciate the little things. This return to life's simplicity often has a positive effect on my mood, and lets me know that whatever I'm going through is not nearly as bad as what others may have to deal with.
9) Sir Duke-Stevie Wonder
Stevie Wonder is such an uplifting artist when it comes to anything that he ever composed. Although I like the majority of his music, this is my personal favorite, particularly because of the high energy and prominence of the horn section. The fun atmosphere that surrounds this tune is undoubtedly what gives it the ability to make the world seem just a little bit brighter.
