Our editors handpick the products that we feature. We may earn commission from the links on this page.
Amanda Goldstein / Courtesy
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.
1 of 30
"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.
LISTEN NOW
2 of 30
"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.
LISTEN NOW
3 of 30
"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.
LISTEN NOW
4 of 30
"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.
LISTEN NOW
5 of 30
"Walking on Sunshine," by Katrina and the Waves
6 of 30
“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.
Listen Now
7 of 30
"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.
Listen Now
8 of 30
“Happy,” by Pharrell Williams
9 of 30
“(You Make Me Feel Like) a Natural Woman,” by Aretha Franklin
10 of 30
“I Gotta Feeling,” by the Black Eyed Peas
11 of 30
“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.
Listen Now
12 of 30
“Just Fine,” by Mary J. Blige
13 of 30
"Don't Worry, Be Happy," by Bobby McFerrin
14 of 30
“Girls Just Want to Have Fun,” by Cyndi Lauper
15 of 30
"Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You)," by Kelly Clarkson
16 of 30
"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.
Listen Now
17 of 30
"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.
Listen Now
18 of 30
"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.
Listen Now
19 of 30
"Shake It Off," by Taylor Swift
Taylor
Swift's lead single on
1989doubles as a jingle for rising above the haters.
Listen Now
20 of 30
"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.
Listen Now
21 of 30
"Go For It," by CRUISR
Philly pop group CRUISR specializes in that driving-with-the-top-down feeling that we often crave but can't quite attain. "Go For It" is one of their most infectious and joyous tracks.
Listen Now
22 of 30
"Juice," by Lizzo
Lizzo's "Juice" is an instant confidence booster. The track justifiably made the Michigan multi-hyphenate musician a superstar. Those shimmering guitar chords remain a surefire way to get a little serotonin boost.
"If I'm shinin', everybody gonna shine / I was born like this, don't even gotta try," Lizzo proclaims.
Listen Now
23 of 30
"Give a Little," by Maggie Rogers
Inspired by the work of young anti-gun violence advocates around the country, Maggie Rogers' "Give a Little" is a political song built around not the despair of the present but hope for the future. When her soaring vocals hit on the chorus, you can't help but feel that better days are ahead if we all put in the work. "This is a song about empathy," Rogers explained.
Listen Now
24 of 30
"Toast," by Koffee
At just 18, Jamaican singer Koffee became a reggae phenom with the bouncy single "Toast." In the song's verses and hooks, she reflects on hard-earned victories, the blessings she and her circle have experienced, and the importance of having gratitude throughout the highs and lows.
Listen Now
25 of 30
"Rosalita (Come Out Tonight)," by Bruce Springsteen
This seven-minute Bruce Springsteen opus is a pure, concentrated dose of happy with its booming saxophone and chugging guitar. It also features some of Springsteen's most colorful lyrics, as he sets the scene of the kind of wild party where "Rosalita" played all through the '70s.
26 of 30
"Dynamite," by BTS
The BTS catalog isn't short on feel-good songs, but their summer 2020 hit "Dynamite" is perhaps the group's most undeniably joyous. Anchored by peppy, neo-disco production, the song particularly serves as a showcase for the rapping of RM, and the delicate vocals of Jungkook.
27 of 30
"I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)," by Whitney Houston
When things get all too much, it's safe to say that we all want to let loose and dance with somebody. Whitney Houston's 1987 song remains every bit as rapturous 30-plus years later.
28 of 30
"Golden," by Jill Scott
How could anyone not love this song? Jill Scott's rich vocals will instantly boost your mood and inspire you to reach for the stars.
LISTEN NOW
29 of 30
"Here Comes the Sun," by the Beatles
What a classic. This remastered version of the song is from the iconic Abbey Road album by the Beatles, released in 1969.
LISTEN NOW
30 of 30
"This Is What You Came For," by Calvin Harris and Rihanna
This upbeat track will quickly turn your living room into a dance floor. So why wait another minute?
LISTEN NOW
Michelle Darrisaw Culture & News Writer 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.
Grant Rindner Grant Rindner is a culture and music journalist in New York.
Jane Burnett Assistant Editor Jane Burnett is an Assistant Editor at Oprah Daily, where she writes a variety of lifestyle content for the editorial team.