Over the past decade, publications like The New York Times and Psychology Today have published countless articles discussing the effects of music on the human brain. Music can improve worker productivity, they say. Music can improve your mood, so much so that it is now a recognized form of treatment, complete with its own association. Music has the power to direct our thoughts. Websites like Pop Sugar, have Pintrests where writers and editors curate playlists with themes ranging from songs for an epic road trip to songs for cleaning.
An avid singer, writer, and spoken word poet, I can say personally that music is a staple in my daily life. I listen to it all day long—while studying, while working, in the car with friends; I’m listening to it as I write this article. I know that when I am in a bad mood, I can turn on upbeat music and be happy again in a matter of minutes. I know that when I need to calm down, music can help me regulate my breathing. I know that music is so much a part of me that I couldn’t go a day without it. And during the rare times that I have to go without, I feel like something is missing.
That being said, I’ve compiled a list of my ten favorite songs to improve your mood. Whether the songs are old favorites, or ones you are discovering for the first time, I hope you find something to brighten your day!
10. Einhorn, Sam Friend
Sam Friend is a singer/songwriter based in Brooklyn and Miami and the only artist on this list that I actually know. Einhorn is the fifth track off of Sam’s third record, Spirit Mirrir and possibly my favorite song on the record. With folk, jazz, and rock and roll undertones, as well as a harmony of standing bass, guitar, and keyboards, Einhorn is a song that always reminds me to be aware of, and use, my gifts. It reminds us all to keep using our gifts to move through the world.
After all, one of the lines is, “Use the gifts you’ve been given.”
Listen to the full Spirit Mirrir record, here.
9. You and I, Ingrid Michaelson
This is the quintessential love song about loving each other when nothing and no one seems to be on your side. With its stereotypically Hawaiian sounding melody, even before the first lyric breaks, the chords have me smiling. If you’re aren’t humming the melody to yourself or singing along after one listen, I’ll renounce my title as EIC. (Just kidding)
But seriously, with adorable lyrics like, “Let’s get rich and buy our parents homes in the South of France. Let’s get rich and give everybody nice sweaters and teach them how to dance,” how could you not fall in love?
Listen to the full song, here.
8. Yummy, Gwen Stefani featuring Pharrell Williams
Every girl needs her sexy song and this is (one of) mine. This record, off Stefani’s second solo album, The Sweet Escape, is the song you want to put on if you need a self-love pick-me up. It’s definitely for the woman (or man) who knows what they want and isn’t afraid to go after it. After listening, you, and all the people around you will be, “feeling yummy head to toe.”
Satisfy your cravings, and listen to the full song, here.
7.Don’t Stop, Fleetwood Mac
Fleetwood Mac is my favorite band ever, and the only act I have ever seen in concert. This song is the fourth track off the band’s iconic 1977 album Rumours, and fittingly the happiest. This song reminds us that every day is a new one. No matter what happened the day before, no matter the mistakes we made, we always have the chance to start again.
So, “don’t stop thinking about tomorrow. Don’t stop, it will soon be here. It’ll be better than before. Yesterday’s gone, yesterday’s gone.”
Listen to the song, here, and don’t stop!
6. Rise Up, Andra Day
Every time I am feeling like I have nothing left, or no reason to keep moving, I put this song on and instantly feel better. This is the song for anyone who needs a little courage, an ally in song, or just a reminder that they are stronger than they realize.
Let’s rise up and listen to the song together. You can stream Andra’s album, “Cheers to the Fall” on Amazon Prime, or listen to the single track, here.
5. Bohemian Rhapsody, Queen
Although not a happy song by nature, I chose Bohemian Rhapsody because it makes a great karaoke song. The few times I have sung this at karaoke, it’s always been in a group of eight or more people, and we always passed the mic around making sure that each person got to sing a few lines. It’s always fun, everyone knows it, and it’s a timeless classic that never gets old.
You’ve heard it before, but listen again. And if someone tells you not to, get rid of them. You don’t need that kind of negativity in your life.
4. Ain’t Nothing Wrong with That, Randolph and the Family Band
This is a track I stumbled upon while searching Youtube, and I am glad I found it! The electric guitar riffs and clapping are the backbeat to this song, which is all about being true to yourself.
“East Coast or West Coast, it don’t matter. Down south or up north, it don’t matter. Hollywood or in the hood, it don’t matter. Either way, its all good."
There ain’t nothing wrong with listening to this song on repeat. Check out the video, here.
3. Thriller, Michael Jackson
I mean, who doesn’t love this song?! The minute it comes on, everyone is dancing like zombies and the Vincent Price voice over just adds to the creepy factor. Not to mention the fact that Michael Jackson himself is telling you he’ll give you a thrill. I don’t know about you, but I’m in.
Get your thrills, by watching the video, here.
2. Absolutely (Story of A Girl), Nine Days
My high school best friend, Heather, made this song the one she would hear every time I called her phone. I guess you could say it was a bit of a theme song for me, as I imagine it was one for a lot of other girls too. A song about loving someone, because of their imperfections, “Absolutely” is one that I’m still listening to years after its release. I wonder how many of you are too.
Take some time out today to re-experience, the story of a girl.
1. Sing, Pentatonix
If you haven’t heard of Pentatonix, I urge you to head on over to Youtube and listen to one of their playlists. Now. Although best known as an a cappella group that sings enhanced arrangements of popular songs, “Sing” is a track off the group’s self-titled original album. The song title speaks for itself; the band wants you to sing. It doesn’t matter if you can carry a tune or not. All that matters is that you sing. It’s the ultimate anthem for boosting your mood!
“It doesn’t matter if your days are long. It doesn’t matter if your night’s gone wrong. Just sing along!
These songs are just a handful of ones that I love, and I would love to hear your picks for the songs that improve your mood. Leave a comment on the article and let me know what songs make you happy!
