1. Smile by Vitamin C

iTunes: itunes.apple.com

This is one of the best songs to cheer you up! I mean, come on, the name of the song is SMILE! The music is upbeat and happy and the lyrics talk about the need to smile even when life isn’t easy. Whenever I’m feeling down about something I love to blast this song, it truly does make me feel better!

2. (Say Hey) I Love You by Michael Franti & Spearhead

iTunes: itunes.apple.com

I find it impossible to sit still when this song is playing! The beat gets me tapping my feet and the catchy chorus has me singing along every time. It is just an overall happy song about being able to find love even though the world might be in disarray. Even if you don’t listen to the lyrics, the music itself has an uplifting tone and will have a smile tugging at the corners of your mouth in no time!

3. Raise Your Glass by Pink

iTunes: itunes.apple.com

Everyone knows this song, it’s the anthem of underdogs everywhere and it’s a great song to get you to loosen up and shake off your sour mood. You can sing, dance and shout to this song, let out your frustration and your sadness. This is a great song about being proud of who you are and what you do regardless of what other people may think.

4. Always Look on the Bright Side of Life (from Monty Python) by Eric Idle

iTunes: itunes.apple.com

Always Look on the Bright Side of Life is a cheeky song but it’s actually full of some pretty good advice! In particular, “If life seems jolly rotten, there's something you've forgotten and that's to laugh and smile and dance and sing. When you're feeling in the dumps, don't be silly chumps; just purse your lips and whistle - that's the thing.” The song is funny so it should make you laugh, but even if it doesn’t, hopefully the meaning behind the lyrics will at least make you reevaluate why you’re feeling so down.

5. Put Your Records on by Corinne Bailey Rae

iTunes: itunes.apple.com

This is a more mellow song but it always gets me singing. It is such a beautiful song sung with an amazing voice. The lyrics include lines such as, “You’re gonna find yourself somewhere, somehow,” and “Three little birds sat on my window, and they told me I don’t need to worry.” The lyrics and melody to this song are so soothing that I almost find it addicting to listen to. It is a very reassuring song and should definitely be on everyone’s “feel good” playlist!

6. The Lazy Song by Bruno Mars

iTunes: itunes.apple.com

I know that this song isn’t technically happy or sad, but when I’m feeling down in the dumps I don’t feel like doing anything. I feel like lounging in my pajamas, watching TV and cutting off communication for the day. This song embodies all of that and makes me feel less alone in my thoughts and feelings. The song is fairly cheery and allows you to revel in the fact that you’re having a “lazy day” and lets you feel more okay about it.

7. Don’t Worry Be Happy by Bobby McFerrin

iTunes: itunes.apple.com

This list wouldn’t be complete without Bobby McFerrin! It is almost a challenge to listen to this song or watch this video and not crack a smile. The song title says it all, don’t worry, be happy! Even when things seem to suck there is always something about your life that you can be happy about. Focus on that and push your troubles out of your mind, at least for a little while.

Youtube is a wonderful resource. I have tons of “cheer up” and “happy” playlists on there as well as on my iPod. It is amazing to me how much a simple happy tune can lighten the mood, even just a little bit. Make yourself a playlist of all the songs that make you happy and save it for a day when you’re feeling sad, then blast it as loud as you can and belt out the lyrics at the top of your lungs! What tops your list of songs that cheer you up?