The 60 Best Feel-Good Songs That Will Instantly Put You in a Happy Mood
We all have our bad days and sometimes a pick-me-up tune is all we need to turn our mood around (or at least calm us down for a while). Music is a great escape and finding that one, singular song can bring a smile to your face and change your entire state of mind. From ABBA to Lizzo, here are 60 best feel-good songs to have you singing, dancing and manifesting only happy vibes.
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1. “I Got You (I Feel Good)” by James Brown (1964)
It’s worth celebrating the happy moments and James Brown was able to put that sentiment into musical form. The voice of “Godfather of Soul” combined with brass instrumentals will put just the right amount of pep in your step.
2. “Good Vibrations” by Beach Boys (1967)
Here’s proof that good vibes only has always been a mood. The Beach Boys’s distinct vocals make for a mix of rock and pop that defined the late ‘60s.
3. “She’s a Rainbow” by The Rolling Stone (1967)
While the lyrics are the main attraction here, we can’t stop listening to the piano and strings solo, which turns this from rock to classical in seconds.
4. “Here Comes the Sun” by The Beatles (1969)
Get ready to sing along to “Here comes the sun, do, dun, do, do. Here comes the sun, and I say it’s all right…” as you sway to the soft guitar chords.
5. “ABC” by Jackson 5 (1970)
This disco-pop hybrid will have you gathering your siblings (or friends) to recreate the feeling of this family band.
6. “Dancing Queen” by ABBA (1976)
OK, if we’re being honest, any ABBA song puts us in a good mood. But there’s something about this ‘70s number that has us sprinting to the dance floor.
7. “Isn’t She Lovely?” by Stevie Wonder (1976)
It’s hard to choose just one feel-good Stevie Wonder song but this soulful single about loving your child can’t be left out. And don’t sleep on Wonder’s harmonica solos.
8. “Lovely Day” by Bill Withers (1977)
The funky beats (thanks to the bass guitar and percussion) combined with Bill Withers’s vocals (including an 18 second hold at the end, which is the second-longest note in UK history) makes for a lighthearted love song.
9. “Best of My Love” by The Emotions (1977)
There’s something about love that just makes us smile. Lines like, “Doesn’t take much to make me happy and make me smile with glee. Never, never will I feel discouraged, ‘caused our love’s no mystery” has us convinced we know exactly where the happiness is coming from.
10. “Don’t Stop Me Now” by Queen (1978)
The ultimate karaoke song, even if you’re just singing into your hairbrush. Let your inner Freddie Mercury shine.
11. “September” Earth, Wind & Fire (1978)
Admit it, as soon as fall rolls around, you’re blasting this soulful hit. We’re hooked the minute vocalist Maurice White sings, “Do you remember the 21st night of September?”
12. “I’m Every Woman” by Chaka Khan (1978)
This funky disco track will have you busting a move and singing shouting “I’m every woman…” every time the chorus rolls around.
13. “We Are Family” by Sister Sledge (1979)
Thank you to Sister Sledge for dedicating an entire song to the most important people in our lives.
14. “9 to 5” by Dolly Parton (1980)
If the film by the same name brought a smile to your face, chances are this country bop will do the exact same thing. The moment Dolly sings, “Tumble outta bed and I stumble to the kitchen. Pour myself a cup of ambition…,” you know you’ve got to grab hold of your homemade mic to sing along.
15. “I’m Coming Out” by Diana Ross (1980)
We hope your dancing shoes are ready. The horns (aka the trombones) and Diana’s vocals make this a cheerful disco fave.
16. “You Make My Dreams (Come True)” by Hall & Oates (1980)
The pop-rock number has solidified a place in our hearts (and heads) forever. We’d like to thank movies like Step Brothers and shows like The Office for that—in addition to Hall & Oates.
17. “Celebration” by Kool & The Gang (1980)
The number one party song to blast at any wedding, family reunion, quinceañera, bar or bat mitzvah, sweet 16 or even a dance party for one. Gather your friends and family and celebrate the day (or night) away.
18. “I’m So Excited” by The Pointer Sisters (1982)
Here’s a song to express just how excited you are. The Pointer Sisters will have you dancing through your living room, kitchen, bedroom, bathroom and, well, every room in the house.
19. “Walking on Sunshine” by Katrina and the Waves (1983)
The title alone will inject some happiness into your day. The upbeat instrumentals and the chorus with lyrics like “I’m walking on sunshine and don’t it feel good” makes this ‘80s song worth playing over and over again.
20. “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” by Cyndi Lauper (1983)
When Cyndi Lauper says “Oh girls, they wanna have fun,” it’s only right to gather some friends, dress in ‘80s gear and get down to this classic bop.
21. “Let’s Go Crazy” by Prince (1984)
Whether it’s the iconic opening lines, (“Dearly beloved, we have gathered here today to get through this thing called life…”) or the guitar riffs and easily recognizable beats, Prince will have you going crazy—in a good way.
22. “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go” by Wham! (1984)
One word: Jitterbug. This fun pop song is pretty much guaranteed to put a smile on your face.
23. “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” by Whitney Houston (1987)
Take those lyrics to heart, grab dance partner and bust a move to this Grammy award-winning classic. Come on, it's Whitney Houston.
24. “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” by Bobby McFerrin (1988)
Start whistling (or perfecting your ‘ohs’). Between the jazz singer’s croons to his little quips, you’ll be singing along in no time.
25. “Man! I Feel Like a Woman” by Shania Twain (1997)
The country pop track is just one more reason to convince your best friends to join in on the fun.
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26. “Believe” by Cher (1998)
Forget all about your bad day and spend some time jamming out to this Cher hit.
27. “Doo Wop (That Thing)” by Lauryn Hill (1998)
Doo-wops, Lauryn Hill’s rapping (and singing) plus a chorus calling out everyone to join in—what more could you want in a song?
28. “All Star” by Smash Mouth (1999)
This hit defined a generation. Rock on with the iconic chorus as you yell out, “Hey now, you’re an all star. Get your game on, go play…”
29. “Let’s Get Loud” by Jennifer Lopez (1999)
Show off your salsa moves with this Latin number. Lines like “Life’s a party, make it hot. Dance don’t ever stop whatever rhythm…” is just what you need to pump your mood up.
30. “That’s The Way It Is” by Celine Dion (1999)
This empowering Celine Dion song is the type of warm and fuzzy bop we need whenever we’re feeling down.
31. “Hey Ya!” by Outkast (2003)
When you hear “Shake it like a Polaroid picture,” you already know it’s time to dance your heart out.
32. “Unwritten” by Natasha Bedingfield by (2004)
The choir, the incredible vocals, the theme song of The Hills, should we keep going?
33. “Suddenly I See” by KT Tunstall (2005)
Your gals can be the key motivation to following your dreams—just listen to this indie rock song that explains exactly how you can find inspo from the badass women around you.
34. “Put Your Records On” by Corinne Bailey Rae (2006)
Let Corinne Bailey Rae transport you to a wonderful place filled with blue skies, faded jeans and of course, your favorite song playing on repeat.
35. “Valerie” by Mark Ronson ft. Amy Winehouse (2007)
Amy Winehouse’s voice instantly puts us in a happy mood. This pop-jazzy hit will have you dancing every time she croons the name Valerie.
36. “Just Fine” by Mary J. Blige (2007)
With lines like, “No time for moping around, are you kidding. And no time for negative vibes, cause I’m winning” is just the self-love anthem we need to boost our emotions.
37. “Pocketful of Sunshine” by Natasha Bedingfield (2007)
You can’t make a feel-good list without including this 2007 masterpiece. The English singer-songwriter knew exactly how to help us escape into our happy place.
38. “So What” by Pink (2008)
Say goodbye to the negativity. With lyrics like, “I’m a rock star, I got my rock moves and I don’t need you. And guess what? I’m having more fun,” Pink isn’t letting anything damper her mood (and you shouldn’t either).
39. “I’m Yours” by Jason Mraz (2008)
This 2008 single just screams long walks on the beach and nice weather with its especially soft melodies.
40. “Halo” by Beyonce (2008)
Here’s an R&B ballad from Beyonce that will definitely have you in your feelings. Her vocals plus the mix of piano, string and percussions make for the perfect dedication to a special someone.
41. “I Gotta Feeling” by The Black Eyed Peas (2009)
The opening lines, “I gotta feeling that tonight is going to be a good night…” is enough to start your day (or evening) on a positive note. The 2009 pop song is all about manifesting all-around good vibes—what more could you need?
42. “Good Life’ by One Republic (2009)
Reminisce on happy memories while embracing the now with lyrics like “When you’re happy like a fool, let it take over. When everything is out, you gotta take in…”
43. “Party in the U.S.A” by Miley Cyrus (2009)
Let’s face it—this pop song was peak early 2000s. You’ll sing out “And the Jay-Z song was on,” while putting your hands up as soon as Miley starts belting out the lyrics.
44. “Dog Days Are Over” by Florence + The Machine (2009)
Sing at the top of your lungs “Dog days are over. Dog days are done. Can’t you hear the horses, ‘cause here they come…” while trying to keep up with Florence’s impressive vocals. This is one tune that’s sure to turn your day around.
45. “Hey, Soul Sister” by Train (2009)
You know it's a feel-good song when a ukulele is involved. Add in lead singer Patrick Monahan and you have a 2009 hit.
46. “Tightrope” by Janelle Monae (2010)
Janelle Monae’s vocals and this song’s funky beats (thanks to the horn section) is a Grammy-nominated tune worth adding to your playlist.
47. “Firework” by Katy Perry (2010)
With iconic lyrics like “do you ever feel like a plastic bag, drifting through the wind, wanting to start again?’ you can’t help but sing along to Katy Perry’s self-love anthem.
48. “Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You) by Kelly Clarkson (2011)
If you’re in need of a pick-me-up, look no further than this empowering single. Kelly Clarkson sings about lifting your head up and not letting any obstacles get in the way of finding happiness. It should help get shake that feeling of being down in the dumps.
49. “What Makes You Beautiful” by One Direction (2011)
And suddenly we’re back to our teenage years. The pop song will make you blush and smile as the boy band expresses what makes you beautiful.
50. “Born This Way” Lady Gaga (2011)
It’s one of the best-selling singles of all-time for a reason. The inspiring message behind this Lady Gaga tune is just one reason why we’ll never get tired of playing it on repeat.
51. “Happy” by Pharrell Williams (2013)
“Clap along if you feel like happiness is the truth because I’m happy…” are just the words to spark joy and Pharrell Williams has just the pop song to do it.
52. “Keep Your Head Up” by Andy Grammer (2013)
Lift your spirits with a pop-rock hit that’s all about looking on the bright side of things. The bridge alone, “Only rainbows when it rains. The sun will always come again…” can turn your day around—even if you woke up on the wrong side of the bed.
53. “Brave” by Sara Bareilles (2013)
Looking for motivation? This 2013 track nudges you to take a leap of faith and it just might give you the final push you were searching for.
54. “Uptown Funk” by Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars (2014)
Just a heads up: You’ll be dancing from start to finish. Whether you’re grooving to the chorus (“Don’t believe me just watch…) or jamming out to the verses (like “Girls hit your hallelujah”), this tune will encourage you to start a party anywhere, anytime.
55. “Shake It Off” by Taylor Swift (2014)
We love Taylor Swift’s love ballads, but this 2014 single uplifts our mood in an instant.
56. “Best Day of My Life” by American Authors (2014)
Do you remember the best day of your life? Well, let this indie band help you relive your fave memories (or at least make the most out of today).
57. “Good as Hell” by Lizzo (2016)
FYI, Lizzo is our go-to motivator. When she says, “I do my hair toss, check my nails, baby how you feelin?,” we’re immediately doing a self-care check and speaking positive vibes into existence.
58. “Can’t Stop the Feeling” by Justin Timberlake (2017)
The Trolls theme song has everyone of all ages grooving to the beat. Lyrics like “cause I got that sunshine in my pocket, got that good soul in my feet…” will get you pumped, ten times over.
59. “This Is Me” by Keala Settle and The Greatest Showman Ensemble (2017)
After you have a chance to check out The Greatest Showman, give the movie’s soundtrack a second listen. This showstopper is all about embracing your originality and Keala Settle’s high notes will give you chills (just check out how Hugh Jackman watched her perform it in rehearsals, for proof).
60. “Watermelon Sugar” by Harry Styles (2019)
You’ll be dreaming about summer all year round (or at least stocking up on some sweet fruit on your next trip to the grocery store). The English heartthrob belts out this pop song with a jazzy melody to match.
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