28 Feel-Good Songs That Instantly Boost My Mood
“Music is the medicine of the mind.”
– John A. Logan
I don’t know about you, but music is the one thing I can always count on to boost my mood. Whenever I need a quick pick me up, music never fails me. It’s my little escape from the daily pressures of life and can instantly take me to a different world.
It’s no secret that music can have a profound effect on human beings. A 2020 study by The Global Council on Brain Health (GCBH), “Music on Our Minds,” revealed that music has the ability to transform our emotional state and improve our mood. In fact, music can have a positive effect on dopamine, a brain chemical that is associated with motivation and reward. It’s what makes us feel good!
So, take this as your cue to listen to as much music as possible! It’s likely to improve your overall well-being and help you feel better. If you’re on the lookout for some songs that give you those feel-good vibes, check out some of my go to songs below.
1. “Can’t Stop the Feeling” by Justin Timberlake
A true feel-good song, this is a great track to set your alarm to and start your day off right. This song always makes me excited to get up and live life.
2. “Happy Now” by Kygo feat. Sandro Cavazza
From the beautiful piano melodies to the beautiful lyrics, this song reminds you that sometimes letting go is a sign of strength.
3. “Stronger” by Britney Spears
Any time I hear this song, I feel like a total badass. It makes you feel like you can make it through anything that life throws at you and come out stronger in the end.
4. “Uptown Funk” by Mark Ronson feat. Bruno Mars
A catchy and funky song that is sure to get you on your feet or moving in your chair in no time. The energy this song provides is contagious and is one that never gets old!
5. “Golden” by Harry Styles
This song is filled with summer vibes. I tend to play it after a long work week to get me into chill mode but can play it any time I need an instant pick me up. It’s one song that never gets old for me.
6. “Here Comes The Sun” by The Beatles
Behind every dark or tough period in our life, there is always a sun waiting to break through the clouds. This song reminds you of just that, and that eventually the sun shines again.
7. “Sunny Days” by Armin van Buuren feat. Josh Cumbee
While this Dutch DJ has produced many epic tracks, this song in particular is one of my absolute favs. It’s uplifting, inspirational, and gets you up on your feet.
8. “Good Life” by OneRepublic
Any time it seems that everything is against me or I’m feeling like a victim, I like to think of this song. It reminds me that there is always good in life, even when things don’t go the way we expect them to.
9. “I Still Remember” by Bloc Party
The nostalgia this song brings is no joke. This beautiful song takes me back to sweet memories of young love and believing nothing was impossible.
10. “Physical” by Dua Lipa
Dua Lipa has many noteworthy songs. But for me, “Physical” is one that I like to play on repeat. It gets me pumped up every single time I hear it and you can usually find me dancing by the end of the song.
11. “One More Time” by Daft Punk
A true classic and a masterpiece! The catchy beats of “One More Time” transport you to a magical and carefree world where you can just celebrate the music.
12. “Roar” by Katy Perry
Talk about motivation – this song can give you a sense of confidence and courage to face any obstacle that comes your way.
13. “Hey Ya!” by Outkast
The infectious energy this song provides is sure to get you on your feet in no time! Outkast packs a powerful performance with this song that clearly shines through in the music video.
14. “Three Little Birds” by Bob Marley & The Wailers
A relaxing song that convinces you that everything is going to be just fine. It puts life into perspective and reminds you it’s the simple things in life that truly matter.
15. “Light Switch” by Charlie Puth
I recently heard this song, and it instantly became a part of my playlist. It’s a catchy song with its upbeat tempo and Charlie’s electrifying voice.
16. “The Adventure” by Angels & Airwaves
This is a song that gives me goosebumps. I think it does a brilliant job at letting you know that you can have a fresh start at life anytime you want. It’s totally up to you.
17. “As It Was” by Harry Styles
If this song starts playing, you can bet I’m tapping my foot and bobbing my head back and forth. The cheery tempo gets you moving, and the lyrics remind you that while change can be painful, it is necessary for growth.
18. “Days Go By” by Keith Urban
Just as this song suggests, it makes me want to take a drive on a sunny, warm afternoon with my hand waving out the window. It brings me back to the present moment and reminds me to always live in the now.
19. “The Comeback Kid” by The Midnight
The Midnight gives you a true eighties vibe with all of their music. The lyrics of this particular song remind you we’re all human and make mistakes. That even if we’ve been down for some time, we can always get back up.
20. “Higher Love” by Kygo & Whitney Houston
Kygo’s remix of “Higher Love” is another song that gives me goosebumps. He is able to take an original song and share it with a new generation. And most of all, Whitney’s incredible voice inspires you to feel like you can do absolutely anything.
21. “Don’t Stop the Music” by Rihanna
For me, this song takes me right back to high school. It was a dance floor favorite and still is to this day. The energy of this song is insane and compels you to dance and melt all your stresses away.
22. “22” by Taylor Swift
Aah – to be 22 again. But you can be whenever you listen to this song! No matter your age, you can still be young at heart. And this song reminds you of that.
23. “Don’t Give Up” by Chicane feat. Bryan Adams
This is a song a lot of people have probably never heard. But if you love trance music like I do, this is a classic. The title of the song sums it up perfectly – never, ever give up. And do what ultimately makes you happy.
24. “I’ll Be Here Awhile” by 311
311 is a band known for chill and relaxing music and this song is no exception. “I’ll Be Here Awhile” is a true gem and simply reminds you that everything works out in the end.
25. “Hoppípolla” by Sigur Rós
This song may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but this is what I imagine pure happiness to sound like. Whenever I hear this song, I instantly feel calmer and at peace.
26. “High Hopes” by Panic! At The Disco
Panic! At The Disco came into the music scene as a band when I was a teenager. Now a solo act, they are still topping the charts. “High Hopes” is packed with words of encouragement that inspire you to take that leap you’ve been afraid of taking.
27. “When You Grow Up, Your Heart Dies” by Gunship
While the title itself doesn’t give off a positive vibe, this song is filled with motivation and affirmations to help you keep moving along in this crazy world.
28. “Dig” by Incubus
This song does a beautiful job at pointing out that we all have light and dark in us. We just need to surround ourselves with those who always bring out our light.
I hope you enjoy this list of feel-good songs as much as I do! Are there any songs on this list that boost your mood? If not, what are some songs that you like to go to elevate your mood?