There’s been a trend of songs coming out that uplift the listener. Some are slow and sweet, and some just want you to stand up, do a high kick, and start dancing. (Or maybe that’s just me.) This post is dedicated to the latter. These are some of the songs and music videos that have been making me smile, start to dance, and just generally feel great about myself and life.
It’s sunny, it’s the summer, it’s a Friday…turn up your volume and have an impromptu dance break with me!
All About That Bass – Meghan Trainor
This song is so so catchy and fun, and the video in all of its pastel glory just makes me smile. Some people see this video as shaming some body types to make others feel better, but I don’t see that. She’s just saying that if someone doesn’t like her as she is, they can move along. Be proud of your body shape, no matter what it is, and get up and dance! Remember: “Every inch of you is perfect, from the bottom to the top!”
Tacky – Weird Al
We all have tacky moments. Why live in embarrassment when you could celebrate them? I challenge you to put this video on and mimic the comedians’ dance moves. You’ll feel awesome, look a bit tacky, and overall have a great time.
Shake it Out – Florence + The Machine
You know those days where you’re just in a funk and keep thinking about past mistakes and regrets? This song will help you shake those thoughts out and move on, in a better mood. I find it works even better if you sing along loudly to the chorus!
Gonna Get Over You – Sara Bareilles
Just got dumped? Fired? This video tells you it’s ok to not feel 100% happy right away, but in an uplifting and ridiculously adorable way.
Marvelous – Adam WarRock
Try not to feel marvelous after this song is over. There’s not a video for this one, but you don’t need anything extra distracting you from the great message.
There are about a thousand other songs that are most likely missing from this list. What are your go-to songs to put you in an instant good mood?
You gave 5, so I shall give 5. I don’t have a happy music collection on the whole, but complexity/”how did they come up with that?!?” makes me happy.
Hybrid, “Snyper” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3TTl4d5IqJo
One of the snappiest swung beats of history meshed with a sympathetic orchestral background. Makes me feel like I can do just about anything.
Jizue, “Unnecessary Pain” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h9sgg7t1HH0
Saw them 2 months ago in Vancouver and they pulled this one off live. So ridiculously intricate.
Mouse on the Keys, “Spectres de Mouse” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PNcXo7_b9M4
Like Jizue, a band flown in from Japan just for a couple Canadian tour dates in the Next Music from Tokyo series. This song is just two keyboards and some drums, but…
Plaid, “Squance” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YOIpHD1nS_A
It just happily does its own IDM thing. Probably the most overtly happy song of this quintet.
Venetian Snares, “Szerencsetlen” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mckssHD-8Dc
And then there’s this one, which is just ridiculous in the best way, and probably the best use of Hungarian orchestral samples known to mankind.
Think of some of the things that have happened in your
life that seemed “awful” to you at the time,
but in hindsight are things you’re incredibly grateful for now.
Try breaking out of your comfort zone and join an activity( walking group, running,
badminton, mountain biking,etc. And so point there that I
want to make is you got to be diligent in maintaining that focus throughout the session.
Hey Tara I definitely recommend that you read this article re: Meghan Trainor and her weird song/video!
http://jennytrout.com/?p=7857
I have read it, and while I agree that the song is not perfect, I can’t help but get down to the beat/melody, and the dancing in the video makes me want to get up and dance as well. I think the best outcome is to do what Kiri had once suggested, and make a parody of the song with new lyrics, cause that melody shouldn’t be wasted!