If you’re like me, your choice in music is dictated by your current mood; whether I’m feeling happy, disappointed, or angry, the tone of my music usually mirrors how I’m feeling. However, there is one exception to this trend: lately, when I’ve been feeling sad I’ve decided to listen to music that cheers me up. It may sound pretty simple, but I had gotten into the habit of listening to sad-sounding music whenever I was sad, which only made me feel more sad. As of late, I’ve switched to listening to music that will lift me up instead of bringing me down. The following are some of my favorite songs that will instantly brighten your mood and bring a smile to your face.
1. Come On Eileen by Dexys Midnight Runners
I first heard this song while watching The Perks of Being a Wallflower and I haven’t been able to stop listening to it since. This song can easily lift your spirits enough to want to dance just like Sam and Patrick at homecoming.
2. I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles) by The Proclaimers
Let’s be honest: if you say that you can listen to this song without smiling and do-si-do-ing, you’re lying to yourself.
3. Follow Your Arrow by Kacey Musgraves
Not only does this song have an insanely upbeat and happy sound to it, it also has a message that encourages being yourself without worrying about the judgment of others.
4.Biscuits by Kacey Musgraves
What can I say? I’m a sucker for Kacey Musgraves and her upbeat music that is full positive messages about living life without judging others or worrying about their judgments.
5. Best Day Of My Life by American Authors
Sometimes in order to have the best day of your life, you just need to listen to a song that encourages you to make it the best day of your life.
6. On Top Of The World by Imagine Dragons
Because we can all relate to the line “I’ve been waiting to smile, been holding it in for a while.”
7. Two Princes by Spin Doctors
Nothing makes you smile quite like trying really hard to scat along with the song and not quite knowing what to say, resulting in making random sounds that sounds similar to the scatting pattern.
8. Uptown Girl by Billy Joel
How to cheer up: listen to this song and know that the “uptown girl” that Billy Joel is talking about is actually you. Yes you. No matter what gender you are, you are Billy Joel’s “uptown girl.”
9. Follow Me by Uncle Cracker
Let’s just ignore the lyrics of questionable morals and focus on the general cheeriness of the song.
10. Don’t Worry Be Happy by Bobby McFerrin
Feeling sad? Take some of Bobby McFerrin’s advice.
11. Sweet Pea by Amos Lee
This is just one of those songs that are just so precious that whenever you listen to it you can’t help but smile because it is just so darn cute.
12. Gold by Britt Nicole
“Whatever you've been told, you're worth more than gold. So hold your head up high, it's your time to shine. From the inside out it shows you're worth more than gold.” How can you listen to lyrics like that and not smile? Spoiler alert: you can’t.
13. Someone New by Hozier
This is just one of those songs that will make you want to buy the biggest bundle of flowers that you see and hand them out to strangers that you meet along the street. Or maybe that’s just me. Either way, this song is absolutely precious.
14. 50 Ways to Say Goodbye by Train
The lyrics to this song are somewhat macabre, but are hilarious none the less. Besides, what could be better than a list of different obscure causes of death set to mariachi style music?
15. Pretty Girl Rock by Keri Hilson
Sometimes you just need to listen to the encouraging words of a strong, confident woman to feel better.
16. Mr. Blue Sky by Electric Light Orchestra
This song just sounds like the song that would be playing in a movie when the protagonist steps out of their house to be greeted by a sunny day and a flash mob of dancers.
17. Mambo No. 5 (A Little Bit of…) by Lou Bega
Again, look over the questionable morals for the upbeat tune and general happy feel of the song.
18. Wake Me up Before You Go-Go by Wham!
This is another one of those songs where if you say that listening to this song doesn’t immediately put a smile on your face, you’re lying.
19. Sweet Caroline by Neil Diamond
Because – after all – the good times never seemed so good.
20. Dog Days Are Over by Florence + The Machine
Even if your dog days aren’t quite over, this song can help keep your hopes up as you trek on.
21. (What A) Wonderful World by Sam Cooke
Something about older love songs just makes you carry a huge cheesy grin without question.
22. Everyday by Buddy Holly.
If the pure cheesiness of the lyrics doesn’t make you smile, Buddy Holly’s “aha” sounds are sure to give you a chuckle.
23. It’s a Beautiful Day by Michael Bublé.
Because Michael Bublé’s post-breakup positivity is pretty darn contagious.
24. Honey, I’m Good by Andy Grammer
Yet another song with questionable morals but a good-time feel that completely makes up for it.
25. Stand By You by Rachel Platten
This is my go-to song when I’m down and need to be picked up. Not only does it make me happy when I’m feeling sad, but it helps me wake up when coffee just isn’t doing its job.
