"5 Years Time" – Noah and the Whale
A cheerful and important reminder that your bad days are all a matter of perspective – and that in about 5 years you’ll probably be laughing at all the mishaps you thought were so important.
"That’s What’s Up" – Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros
This is seriously just one of the happiest songs I’ve ever heard, and it’s actually scientifically impossible to be sad while Edward Sharpe is singing “You’ve got my love to lean on, darlin’, that’s what’s up.”
"Come On Eileen" – Dexy’s Midnight Runners
If your feet can stand still during this fiddle-heavy ode to a girl named Eileen, then you’re not listening to the right song. Bonus points if it becomes the anthem of your next tailgate.
"Are You Gonna Be My Girl" – Jet
Something about electric guitars and those incredible opening notes – I don’t know who you are, Jet, but I definitely want to be your girl. Perfect for any and all air guitar sessions and the only real way to get out of bed for your 8:30.
"It Happens" – Sugarland
Sh(it) definitely happens, and even though we may not have just crashed our Cadillac into our ex and his new girlfriend, this song reminds us to maintain our sense of humor no matter what life throws at us.
"Don’t Bring Me Down" – Electric Light Orchestra
You may laugh at this selection, but there’s nothing like a little ELO, especially alongside an inspirational message like “Don’t bring me down.” Appropriate for long drives, tailgates and impromptu karaoke.
"If It’s Love" – Train
Train got me through middle school and most of high school with their clever lyrics and catchy tunes, and this particular song is no exception. We’ve all got that one person (or people) that get us through life and after all, “I’m not in it to win it, I’m in it for you.”
"Banana Pancakes" – Jack Johnson
It’s the simple things, kids, and even though I hate bananas, I love this song because it sounds like a really beautiful sunny morning with somebody you love. Can’t get much better than that.
"Accidentally in Love" – The Counting Crows
Yeah, I know it’s from Shrek 2, but I also know that the opening chords will turn your day around every single time.
"Brown Eyed Girl" – Van Morrison
Even if you’re not actually a brown eyed girl (I have hazel eyes, go figure), Van Morrison really kills it with the “sha la las”. One of my all time favorites.
"Pennies from Heaven" – Louis Prima
This song is the ultimate silver lining anthem, and there’s nothing that soothes the soul like a little bit of swing and Louis Prima’s voice.
"The Sound of Sunshine" – Michael Franti and Spearhead
If I surfed a lot and lived in Hawaii, this would be the only song I’d ever listen to. I find it hard to be in a bad mood when I’m at the beach and Michael Franti does a damn good job of bringing you there.
"I’m a Believer" – The Monkees
For a little pre-One Direction boy band madness, head on over and a take a listen to one of the classics. Even if nothing seems to be turning out right, there’s always something a little better ahead, and yeah, it could potentially be a really attractive person.
"Mr. Brightside" – The Killers
I dare you to listen to this song and not end up on an elevated surface singing at the top of your lungs. Something about Brandon Flowers and a lot of angsty lyrics really helps.
"There She Goes" – Sixpence None the Richer
Another song you can’t really listen to without smiling. Not only will it probably cause you to reminisce fondly on your younger years, it will remind you that there is probably somebody out there who thinks you’re pretty special – or at least, thinks you’re pretty good looking.
"The Middle" – Jimmy Eat World
This is it. The best song for the bad days, the one that reminds you that even though you might be in the “middle” right now, you’re going to get out and you’re going to be better than you were yesterday.
