“Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything.” –Plato
Loads of research shows that music can uplift and restore the spirit — so much so, in fact, that I have a “go-to” playlist of music that makes me feel happy. At the top of my list? “I Can See Clearly Now” by Ray Charles, “Best Day of My Life” by American Authors, “Girl on Fire,” by Alicia Keys, “Life is Beautiful” by Keb Mo’, “Love Don’t Wait” by Michael Franti, “Happy” by Martin Sexton, and “Maybe I’m Amazed” by Paul McCartney.
Take Action: With so many online services offering free music (I like Pandora and Spotify) it is easy to make a go-to happiness playlist. Make yours today. What’s on it? Music preference is highly individual, but knowing what’s on other people’s lists can help us get started.
Join the Discussion: Help others by listing the songs that uplift your spirit and bring you joy in the comment box below. (In addition, please contribute to the discussion on Facebook here.)
Image courtesy of thegirlone
Walking on Sunshine by Katrina & The Waves
Happy Girl by Martina McBride
I have a playlist for grumpy mornings with my kids that includes “Happy” by Pharell, “Brave” by Sara Bareilles and “Roar” by Katie Perry. It really helps pull them out of their grumpies and reminds them to try being brave and confident as they go out into the world.
“Life is Beautiful” by The Afters and “It’s A Beautiful Day” by Jamie Grace
Any song on Two Door Cinema Club’s, “Tourist History” album makes me happy and “Reflections” by MisterWives.
I have compiled a list of 700+ positive uplifting songs. Here are a few…
Catch Me (Short) Ali Tabatabaee/Krebitz/Riemann Bandits [1999 Sire]
You Can’t Stop the Beat Hairspray (Collector’s Edition Soundtrack) Soundtrack
Never Gonna Break My Faith Aretha Franklin & Mary J. Blige Bobby Soundtrack
Hakuna Matata Baha Men Disneymania Children’s
Fun, Fun, Fun The Beach Boys The Greatest Hits, Vol. 1 Rock
Good Vibrations The Beach Boys The Greatest Hits, Vol. 1 Rock
Yellow Submarine The Beatles 1962-1966 [Disc 2] Pop
All You Need Is Love The Beatles 1967-1970 Pop
Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da The Beatles 1967-1970 Pop
With My Own Two Hands Ben Harper Diamonds On The Inside Other
Three Little Birds Bob Marley Africa Unite – The Singles Co Reggae
One Love Bob Marley One Love: The Best of Bob Reggae
Get Up, Stand Up Bob Marley Africa Unite Reggae
Closer to Free The BoDeans Best of Bodeans: Slash & Burn Rock
Bubbly Colbie Caillat Bravo The Hits 2007 Blues
Darlin` Do Not Fear Brett Dennen So Much More Blues
Child Of Mine Carole King Folk
Dreamer Chris Brown Dreamer – Single R&B/Soul
Forever Chris Brown Forever – Single R&B/Soul
Shine Collective Soul Hints, Allegations, and Thing Rock
Push It to the Limit Corbin Bleu Jump In! Soundtrack
Accidentally In Love Counting Crows Shrek 2 Soundtrack
I Like It Dixie Chicks Taking the Long Way Country
Pon de Replay Rihanna Music of the Sun Rap & Hip Hop
You’ll Be Blessed Elton John Made in England Slow Rock
(What’s So Funny ‘Bout) Peace, Love and Understanding Elvis Costello & the Attractions The Best of Elvis Costello & the Attractions Rock
Champion Flipsyde Champion – Single Hip Hop/Rap
Let’s Live for Today The Grass Roots The Best of the Grass Roots Rock
Time of Your Life Green Day Punk
Sweet Escape Gwen Stefani Sweet Escape (Feat. Akon) Pop
I Am Not My Hair India Arie w/Akon Testimony: Vol. 1 Soul and R&B
Flashdance (What a Feeling) Irene Cara Flashdance Soundtrack
Love and Some Verses Iron & Wine Our Endless Numbered Days Rock
Over The Rainbow 3:32 Iz Kamakawiwo’ole Alone In Iz World World
Somewhere Over The Rainbow Iz Kamakawiwo’ole Facing Future World
We’re Going To Be Friends Jack Johnson Sing-A-Longs & Lull. Childrens’
With My Own Two Hands Jack Johnson Sing-A-Longs & Lull. Childrens’
Supposed To Be Jack Johnson Sing-A-Longs & Lull. Childrens’
Good Mother Jan Arden Living Under June Pop
Thank yous Janis Ian Stars Rock
Molly Smiles Jesse Spencer Uptown Girls Soundtrack
I’ve Just Seen a Face Jim Sturgess Across the Universe Soundtrack
Margaritaville Jimmy Buffett Boats, Beaches, Bars & Ballads Pop
Brown Eyed Girl Jimmy Buffett Boats, Beaches, Bars & Ballads Pop
The Middle Jimmy Eat World Jimmy Eat World Alternative
Imagine John Lennon The John Lennon Collection Rock
Beautiful Boy (Darling Boy) John Lennon The John Lennon Collection Rock
Smile Like You Mean It The Killers
I Believe In You Kylie Minogue Ultimate Kylie Dance
Just Dance Lady GaGa & Colby O’Donis The Fame Pop
Cannibals Mark Knopfler Golden Heart Other
Martina McBride Happy Girl Martina McBride Country
Love Wins Every Time McMaster and James
I Will Never Be the Same Melissa Etheridge Yes I Am Rock
Dream On Aerosmith Gold Rock
Joy Mick Jagger Goddess In the Doorway Rock
Don’t Look Back Mick Jagger/Peter Tosh Inna Reggae Stylee Reggae
Live For Today Natalie Grant Deeper Life Religious
Legacy Nicole Nordeman Woven and Spun
Any song on Terry Garthwaite’s “Joy of Sound” album
Dear Christine your “Free Weekly Happiness Tips” pop up acts like a browser hijacker. It keeps the close X out of range. Can’t read your page.
Ugh. So sorry about that. We thought we fixed that! Thanks for letting us know.
I love this post, Christine! For folks wanting to make a playlist and share it with others, I suggest 8tracks.com. Here’s one I made and posted there with the theme of kindness:
https://8tracks.com/kindnessandy/only-kindness-matters
–Andy
I love this playlist (nothing like a little Billy Joel) AND knowing about 8tracks.com! Thanks, Andy!