We all suffer hardships, hurt feelings, and low points in life and we all need little pick-me-ups. This short list includes songs from multiple genres, eras, and styles-- all with the sound and lyrics needed to get you out of your funk and feeling funky fresh.
1. "Lust For Life" by Iggy Pop
You know that stomp-dance you do whenever a song is so raw and powerful? "Lust For Life" has that strong beat, a fun tambourine, and weird lyrics to make you forget your problems and dance. Co-written by David Bowie and Iggy Pop, this song touches on Iggy's struggle with drugs and his choice to take charge of his life, taking the power away from his addiction. He's got a "lust for life," and after a listen, you will too.
2. "Walk On" by Neil Young
This song is a laid-back jam that anyone can sing to. Neil Young's scratchy, high voice sings "I hear some people been talkin' me down, / Bring up my name, pass it 'round... / They do their thing, I'll do mine," and reminds us to relax. Don't let others get you down. We all have to live our lives in our own way and "walk on."
3. "Queen" by Perfume Genius
Solo artist Mike Hadreas, otherwise known as Perfume Genius, crafted this song to feel mysteriously empowering. The deep beat and the high-pitched keyboard of the chorus meld together to create a feel of power in the darkness. The repeating line, "Don't you know your queen," can be understood in two different lights: as if asking the public if they are aware of this queen in all her glory, and as if the listener knows they are a queen, able to do and be so many great things.
4. "Blue Sky" by The Allman Brothers Band
When listening to a straightforward, happy guitar riffs and lyrics like, "Walk along the river, sweet lullaby, it just keeps on flowing, / It don't worry 'bout where it's going, no, no," how could you ever feel down? Blue Sky is a sunny, warm song that can put you in a great mood without sacrificing any artistry. The Allman Brothers were masters of their instruments and you can hear proof in the fun bass lines and overlapping guitar solos. These guys were kings of creating feel good jams.
5. "Get Up Offa That Thing" by James Brown
James Brown. The Hardest Working Man in Show Business. The Godfather of Soul. If the Soul Brother Number One directs you to "get up off that thing, / and dance til you feel better," then that's what you do. The booming drums and singing horns in this song have the ability to lift moods to the sky and keep them there. No matter the issue, you can clap your hands and dance til' you feel better to this staple of funk.
6. "If You Want to Sing Out, Sing Out" by Cat Stevens
Cat Stevens, now known as Yusuf Islam, wrote this song in 1971 in response to the tumultuous events of the 60's counter-culture movement. The lyrics reflect the utopian ideals of love, peace, and living to one's own calling. This song can remind us that although there is opposition, we do have the power of choice. We can choose to let obstacles hold us back, or we can choose to greet the new day singing.
7. "Better Things" by The Kinks
The Kinks had a knack for creating catchy, sing-able songs that could please even the most high-brow music connoisseur. "Better Things" is no exception. It's bright and happy tune and hopeful lyrics allow listeners to simply sit back, tap a foot, and enjoy.
8. "Goddess" by Banks
Jillian Rose Banks created one of the best, most empowering break up songs I can think of. Her music and lyrics do not allow for self pity, but instead, she gives us that strong boost that all women need: the reminder that we are goddesses. The resonant, smooth soundscape moves listeners to feel every word Banks sings. The dissonant beats add punctuating power to Banks' "You put her down, you liked her hopeless / to walk around, feeling unnoticed / you shoulda crowned her, 'cause she's a goddess."
9. "New Beat" by Toro Y Moi
This new age funk groove is perfect for a stroll/dance to and from class. Right out of the gate, this song is easy to jam to; its got a 70's disco vibe and the sophistication of modern day indie. Chazwick Bradley Bundick, known as Toro Y Moi, morphs together his soft voice and cool funk to create a light-hearted sound that can make anyone brighten up.
10. "Pretty As You Feel" by Jefferson Airplane
"Pretty As You Feel" slows life down and smooths it out. Listening to this gem feels like laying on a chaise lounge basking in the sun. The jazz influences are heard throughout, especially in Grace Slick's crooning voice singing, "You're only pretty as you feel / just as pretty as you feel inside." The softness of the song moves into a harder, more pronounced sound just as the lyrics state "now you're ready to face the world girl / now you're feelin' good." And you should.
