30 Happy Songs to Play When You Just Want to Feel Good
Cue James Brown.
According to research done by Harvard Medical School, music can have a myriad of positive effects on the brain, from keeping people relaxed during medical procedures to improving exercise endurance. In short, when you're feeling blue, a happy song can work wonders, infusing joy into your day.
Some of these upbeat tracks are rapturous love songs about the wonderful sensation of knowing you're wanted (Beyoncé's "Love On Top," Ric Wilson's "Yellowbrick"). Others focus on the exhilaration that can be gained from persevering through adversity (Kelly Clarkson's "Stronger," Swift's "Shake It Off"). And, of course, we've included pop songs about how good it feels to...feel good (Pharrell's "Happy"). Some of these happy songs even emulate the carefree freedom of a great road trip (CRUISR's "Go For It," Cyndi Lauper's "Girls Just Want to Have Fun"). Songs like "Walking on Sunshine," by Katrina and the Waves, and "Here Comes the Sun," by the Beatles, might even inspire you to soak up some vitamin D outdoors.
As world news continues on its pessimistic trajectory, we're all working hard to keep our outlook cheery. With all the anxiety and stress we're facing on a daily basis, one of the things we should regularly prioritize is our happiness. But let's face it: Sometimes we could use some help in this department. Our recommendation? Take a look at these songs, turn on your favorite pump up track, and turn up the volume to get the party started, even if it's for a party of one.
"Say Yes," by Michelle Williams feat. Beyoncé and Kelly Rowland
On this 2014 gospel song, Michelle Williams collaborated with her former Destiny's Child band members, Beyoncé
and Kelly Rowland. The message promoted throughout this uplifting tune is that you can overcome any trial or tribulation through positive thinking and prayer.
"Valerie," by Mark Ronson feat. Amy Winehouse
Super producer Mark Ronson released this addictive, high-energy song with the late superstar Amy Winehouse in 2007. Its old-school vibe will have you smiling while dancing to the funky beat.
"Let's Go Crazy," by Prince
When you need some assistance getting "through this thing called life," turn up the volume on Prince's 1984 single "Let's Go Crazy." And while you're at it, abandon your inhibitions, as the song encourages listeners.
"Tightrope," by Janelle Monáe
Janelle Monáe's "Tightrope" is all about keeping a can-do attitude in the midst of naysayers. When you need an extra boost of confidence or just an anthem to sing along to while pumping your fists in the air, play this catchy, futuristic song.
"Walking on Sunshine," by Katrina and the Waves
Renditions of this karaoke-night favorite have been featured in films like Look Who’s Talking and Herbie: Fully Loaded. Even Dolly Parton recorded a version.
“I Got You (I Feel Good),” by James Brown
So good! The "Godfather of Soul" knew what he'd make you do with this one—dance. Released in 1960s, the funky instrumentals stand the test of time.
"Uptown Funk," by Mark Ronson feat. Bruno Mars
A team of 11 writers worked together on Ronson's smash—and it paid off. "Uptown Funk" won the 2016 Grammy for Record of the Year.
“Happy,” by Pharrell Williams
Who didn't "clap along" to this at Pharrell's command? Featured on the Despicable Me 2 soundtrack, "Happy" inspired so many fan tributes that Pharrell burst into tears discussing its success on Oprah Prime.
“(You Make Me Feel Like) a Natural Woman,” by Aretha Franklin
Though her vocals were nearly unparalleled, the late Aretha Franklin didn't praise them. "I knew I could sing a little bit," she humbly told Barbara Walters in 2008.
“I Gotta Feeling,” by the Black Eyed Peas
Before pressing play, make sure the champagne is chilled for this quintessential party anthem.
“Love On Top,” by Beyoncé
This soulful record would have been at home in the Motown era. Near its end, get ready for Bey's final key change.
“Just Fine,” by Mary J. Blige
Cue up Mary J. Blige when, as she suggests, you finally decide not to let anything get in your way.
"Don't Worry, Be Happy," by Bobby McFerrin
Repeating the name of this simple tune could turn your day around. After its 1988 release, "Don't Worry, Be Happy" was in the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100.
“Girls Just Want to Have Fun,” by Cyndi Lauper
Cyndi Lauper's catchy single will prompt you to call your best friend, and maybe jump up and down a bit.
"Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You)," by Kelly Clarkson
The powerhouse vocalist delivers a valuable life lesson here: You can get through anything.
"Can't Stop the Feeling!" by Justin Timberlake
Similar to Pharrell Williams's "Happy," this chart-topper led the soundtrack to Trolls, encouraging fans to dance, dance, dance.
"Pocket Full of Sunshine," by Natasha Bedingfield
"In the darkness, there's light," croons Natasha Bedingfield. Released in 2008, this tune about seeing the glass half full is the perfect escape.
"Good Life," by One Republic
The infectious whistling throughout this ditty will hook you. Plus, lyrics like “We all got our stories, but please tell me what there is to complain about?” are set to rewire your frame of mind.
"Shake It Off," by Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift's lead single on 1989 doubles as a jingle for rising above the haters.
"Sunday Candy," by Donnie Trumpet and the Social Experiment
As sweet as its title suggests, "Sunday Candy" is a charming ode to grandparents and their important role in Black family life. Chance the Rapper and Jamila Woods offer uplifting vocals, and the instrumental, which blends gospel, juke, and hip-hop, is pure Chicago.
Michelle is the Culture & News Writer for OprahMag.com, where she writes about celebrities (she considers herself an expert on Beyoncé and Reese Witherspoon), plus the latest in pop-culture news, binge-worthy TV shows, and movies. The transplanted Southerner turned ambitious New Yorker lives her best life by listening to hip-hop and Pod Save America, watching The Office on repeat, quoting Oprah-isms, eating dessert before dinner, and avoiding avocado. Seriously, she doesn’t get the hype.
It should say, “Michelle is the former Culture & News Writer for Oprahmag.com...”
Grant Rindner is a culture and music journalist in New York. He has written for Billboard, Complex, and i-D, among other outlets.
Jane Burnett is an Assistant Editor at Oprah Daily, where she writes a variety of lifestyle content for the editorial team. She's a journalist with a pop culture sweet tooth—when she isn't catching up on celebrity news, she's usually listening to a podcast! Jane was previously an on-air reporter in local news, and worked at Thrive Global, Ladders News, and Reuters. She also interned at CNBC through the Emma Bowen Foundation, and is a member of the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ).
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