Need some positivity? These 8 songs are sure to put a smile on your face

Times have been tough, so why not relax and listen to some songs that are sure to make you smile? From Lizzo to ABBA, this playlist guarantees pure joy!

Let’s state the obvious: 2020 has been rough pretty much across the board. A pandemic, social uprisings, a brutal election, and the list goes on. But there are always little things that can brighten up anyone’s day. For some, it might be a fresh batch of cookies, a nice cocktail, doing a good deed for someone else, seeing a friend (following proper COVID restrictions, of course), or whatever else tickles your fancy. For many of us, though, there’s always that go-to song that will turn a frown upside down.

Some people like to listen to sad music when they’re sad, but these days, there’s enough sadness in the world, don’t you think? So why not brighten up your day with these songs that are guaranteed to put you in a better mood? There’s a little something old, a little something new, and a whole lot of joy!

1. “Happy” by Pharrell Williams

“Happy” definitely gets a bad rap after it was played over and over and over again following its 2013 release. But now that some time has gone by, does it make you smile again? At its core, this Pharrell Williams track is pure joy and nobody can resist singing along, whether they like it or not. So clap along if you do, indeed, feel like a room without a woof, whatever that means!

2. “Walking on Sunshine” by Katrina & The Waves

“Walking on Sunshine” is an absolute classic and maybe a bit of an obvious choice. Sure, it may be cheesy, but can you resist smiling when that drum beat starts? Don’t you get the sudden urge to join in with their joyous “Ow!” It’s one of those songs that everyone seems to know the words to, no matter how old or young. We can all use more sunshine in our life, so why not give it a try?

3. “Good as Hell” by Lizzo

Lizzo has been a human ray of sunshine throughout much of 2020, so it makes sense that her music would have such a strong effect on our emotions. So many of her songs have the power to make us smile and sing along, especially “Truth Hurts,” but “Good as Hell” is probably her most feel-good song. It may be about finding confidence after a breakup, but the message of feeling good as hell about yourself is something that we can all use right now, isn’t it?

4. “Man! I Feel Like a Woman” by Shania Twain

Man or woman, Shania Twain’s classic hit “Man! I Feel Like a Woman” has an instant effect on anyone who hears it. “Let’s go girls!” is a call to all of us to stand up and feel the music, and who can resist belting out every single word along with this Canadian queen? Right now, take your happiness where you can find it, and if that’s in a little Shania sing-a-long, then go for it! Another great Shania song for instant happiness is her 2003 hit “Up,” because there’s no place but up from here!

5. “Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You)” by Kelly Clarkson

Kelly Clarkson is one of the queens of anthemic tracks, and she knows how to write lyrics that will make you want to scream along with her. “Stronger” is about fighting back and getting stronger from all the things holding you back, and that’s something everyone needs to hear right now. When you mix that powerful message into a catchy pop track, you’ve got yourself an instant emotional makeover. Now everybody shout: “WHAT DOESN’T KILL YOU MAKES YOU STRONGER!”

6. “Dancing Queen” by ABBA

This one needs no justification. Everybody loves “Dancing Queen” by ABBA, and if somebody claims they don’t, they’re either lying, or they have no soul. Plain and simple. Now press place, close your eyes, and feel the joy wash over you like a wave.

7. “Keeping Your Head Up” by Birdy

The title of this Birdy track says it all. Times might be tough, and the other songs on this list might not help change your mood at all. But you have to keep trying, keep your head up, things will get better. The promise of a better tomorrow, or knowing that you went through a lot and came out the other side, should be enough to crack a bit of a smile, at least.

8. “One More Time” by Daft Punk

Whether you like electronic music or not, “One More Time” by Daft Punk is one of those classics that you can’t help but love. When the beat builds up, you’ll have no choice but to start bopping your head and then your whole body will get into it. Before you know it, you’ll be screaming “ONE MORE TIME!” and having a blast. This song has the power to put anyone in a better mood, so put it on repeat and bask in all its glory!

What songs always make you smile? Let us know in the comments!