1. "Follow The Sun" by Xavier Rudd
Tomorrow's a new day for everyone
A brand new moon and a brand new sun
This song has a misty, foot-tapping ballad that's as easy on the ears as the lyrics are. It's all about the brightness that the future holds, and how each day is better than the last.
2. "It Don't Matter" by Donavon Frankenreiter
Everyday people like you and me
Just want to live naturally
Frankenreiter has a soft, almost scratchy voice that flows prettily. The words to his song encourage you to let all your fears go, and to keep your head up--something we all need to hear every once in awhile.
3. "Above The Bones" by Mishka
Our hearts open as the endless sky
Just a reflection of the natural high
"Above The Bones" is a slow, reggae-sounding ballad reminding you to focus on the good times instead of the bad. This song, essentially, sounds like a sunny day.
4. "Yellow Bird" by Pretty Lights
Yellow bird, yellow bird, yellow bird don't fly away
No, not today
Though this song doesn't have much in terms of lyrics, it makes up for that in its plethora of pretty sounds and dreamlike beats. Definitely the kind of song you want to listen to while swingin' in a hammock.
5. "Drive" by Jai Wolf
Please let me lay my head in your garden
Just let me fall asleep in your garden
The chiming bells and steady, slow tempo of this song are quite reminiscent of the gentle sway of a warm breeze. It's the kind of song you want to fall asleep inside of.
6. "Come Let Go" by Xavier Rudd
Come the winter, come the summer, come autumn, come spring, do your thing
Come the river, come the mountain, come the ocean,come the trees, you will see
Another smooth reggae ballad with lyrics urging you to forget all your worries. And if you listen to the whole thing, you just might.
7. "Over The Rainbow" by Israel Kamakawiwo'ole
Where trouble melts like lemon drops, high above the chimney top
That's where you'll find me
This tune is nothing but a gentle strum of a ukulele and a sweet sounding voice. It's simple, calming, and paints the perfect pretty picture.
8. "Naked Kids" by Grouplove
Just one of those days, had a blue, perfect wave
Come out and join, you'll see
A true head-bobber. The lyrics detail the perfect day, and it's a song that you'll find yourself tapping your foot to--for days after you listened to it.
9. "Gone" by JR JR
I can't be everything you want me to be
Finally, I can see the light through the leaves
Acceptance is the theme in this song, and the upbeat sound of it keeps the positive attitude strong. A really good pick-me-upper.
10. "Cecilia" by Simon & Garfunkel
Jubilation, she loves me again
I fall on the floor and I'm laughing
This song is a goofy ode to a woman, but the hip-swaying country-style beat makes it even sillier. It's cute, and it's a guarantee that it'll give you the urge to square dance.
11. "Daylight" by Matt & Kim
And in the daylight I don't pick up my phone
'Cause in the daylight anywhere feels like home
A song about taking charge and doing what you want as opposed to what you're "supposed" to do. The lyrics will make you listen, and the happy beat will make you want to get up and do something with your life.
12. "Indian Summer" by Jai Wolf
Not exactly any decipherable (or even English) lyrics in this tune, but sometimes it's not about the lyrics, it's about feeling the music. And this song is perfect for just that: feeling.
13. "In The Sun" by She & Him
We all get the slip sometimes every day,
I'll just keep it to myself, in the sun
This song is great to listen to when you need that reassurance that everything will be okay. Plus, the lulling vocals make it that much better.
14. "Tongue Tied" by Grouplove
My eyes on your eyes, like Peter Pan up in the sky
My best friend's house tonight, let's bump the beats till beddy-bye
The ultimate "get-on-your-feet-right-this-second-and-dance-your-heart-out" song. Need I say more?
15. "Come On Eileen" by Dexys Midnight Runners
Come on Eileen, oh, I swear (what he means)
At this moment, you mean everything
Though you may not be able to understand what the lyrics of this song--or what he's even saying half the time--it's a true classic. When you're listening to it, there's simply no option but to start swing dancing.
16. "Three Little Birds" by Bob Marley
Don't worry about a thing,
'Cause every little thing is gonna be all right
It's impossible not to smile when you hear this slow, beachy tune. The lyrics focus on nothing but positivity, and it'll wash all your worries away.
17. "Here Comes The Sun" by The Beatles
Little darling, the smiles returning to faces
Little darling, it seems like years since it's been here
This song has the perfect combination of feel-better lyrics, pretty guitar strums and smooth drum beats, and soft singing voices. A classic.
18. "Banana Pancakes" by Jack Johnson
When the whole world fits inside of your arms
Do we really need to pay attention to the alarm?
This tune is quite literally about sleeping in, being lazy and making pancakes. Sounds silly enough, but it's the perfect song to dance around in your underwear to.
