Are you searching for an upbeat song to get you in that feel-good mood?
We’ve compiled a list of the thirty-five best feel-good songs to brighten up your day.
Music has a wonderful way of changing our emotions, and if you’ve hit a midday lull, these songs will help you to get through.
These artists have succeeded in creating happy, feel-good songs that will make you want to get up and dance!
We hope you find something to add to your playlist, so you can keep that upbeat mood all day.
1. “Run the World (Girls)” by Beyoncé
Everyone knows this classic Beyoncé hit!
Released in 2011 on her studio album 4, the electro-pop/R&B single was a worldwide hit, charting in twenty-seven countries around the world.
It reached number one in the United States Billboard Dance Club Songs chart, selling over four million copies in the country and thus being certified quadruple platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America.
The feel-good song is all about girl power and feeling empowered, as many Beyoncé hits are, and is sure to brighten up your day.
2. “Don’t Stop the Music” by Rihanna
“Don’t Stop the Music” is a 2007 dance-pop hit by Rihanna, released on her third studio album Good Girl Gone Bad.
It reached number one in eighteen different charts globally, becoming one of her most well-known singles.
Selling six million copies in the United States and being awarded six Platinum certifications by the Recording Industry Association of America, it won Best International Song at the NRJ Music Awards and also received a Grammy nomination.
It is the perfect song to have a dance party to, with Pitchfork Media’s Tom Breihan, stating that one of Rihanna’s biggest hits is “an amazing bit of Euroclub insanity combined with synth and bass”.
3. “Positive Vibration” by Bob Marley & The Wailers
“Positive Vibration” was written by Bob Marley, and was produced and recorded by Bob Marley & The Wailers in 1976.
It was released on two studio albums, Rastaman Vibration and two years later on Babylon By Bus (Live).
The upbeat song, which is literal in title, has been performed live countless times and has become a go-to feel-good for people who want to be cheered up.
4. “Starships” by Nicki Minaj
Nicki Minaj released “Starships” as the lead single on her second studio album Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded in 2012.
The hit reached number one in Belgium, Scotland, and the United Kingdom, and reached the top five in countless other countries.
The dance-pop/techno-pop song won eight awards in 2012 and 2013, including Top Dance Song at the Billboard Music Awards, Most Played Music Video at the MTV Platinum Video Plays Awards, and Song of the Year at the BMI R&B/Hip Hop Awards.
5. “i” by Kendrick Lamar Feat. Ronald Isley
“i” is a motivational hip-hop song by Kendrick Lamar featuring singer Ronald Isley of The Isley Brothers.
It featured as the lead single on the former’s third studio album To Pimp a Butterfly, released in 2014.
The song is lyrically about self-empowerment and pride to be oneself and touches on gang culture.
It won two Grammy Awards the year following its release; Best Rap Performance and Best Rap Song.
“i” sold over one million copies in the United States, earning a Platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of America and also charting at number four on the Billboard Rhythmic chart.
6. “Take On Me” by a-ha
The Norwegian synth-pop band a-ha released “Take On Me” in 1984 on their studio album Hunting High and Low.
It has three official releases and received the most success upon its final release in 1985.
The hit reached number one in thirteen different charts globally, selling millions of digital singles in the United States and the United Kingdom.
In 1986, the “Take On Me” music video won six awards at the MTV Video Music Awards.
7. “Just Fine” by Mary J. Blige
“Just Fine” is a feel-good song released on Mary J. Blige’s eighth studio album Growing Pains in 2007.
It met great critical acclaim, receiving two Grammy Award nominations for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance and Best Remixed Recording.
Rolling Stone ranked it as the forty-first best song of 2007 after it reached the number-one spot on the Billboard Dance Club Songs chart in the United States.
It even landed a spot on the well-known compilation album Now That’s What I Call Music! 27.
8. “Good As Hell” by Lizzo
Lizzo released this empowering pop song on her debut extended play Coconut Oil in 2016, and again as a re-release in 2019.
“Good As Hell” became the namesake of her Good As Hell tour, and has become the epitome of feel-good music.
Lyrically, the song is about embracing oneself for who you are and loving yourself despite what the haters say.
It’s a message we can all get behind!
“Good As Hell” reached number one on the United Kingdom Hip Hop/R&B singles chart, as well as on four charts in the United States.
It earned five platinum certifications from the RIAA after selling five million copies in the country.
9. “Hallucinate” by Dua Lipa
“Hallucinate” is a disco-house song by Dua Lipa, released on her second studio album Future Nostalgia.
The 2020 hit depicts what a crazy whirlwind being in love can be, and contains electronic dance music elements that will make you want to dance.
The feel-good song charted in twenty-five different charts around the world, reaching the top ten in Hungary, New Zealand, and Scotland.
It sold hundreds of thousands of copies globally, including four hundred thousand in the United States.
10. “Dancing Queen” by ABBA
We all know this Europop-disco hit!
The Swedish group ABBA released “Dancing Queen” as the lead single on their fourth studio album Arrival in 1976, and it quickly danced into our hearts.
The Mamma Mia! song, which was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2015, is the perfect mixture of nostalgia, cheese, and good vibes that is sure to brighten up your day if you’re feeling like you need a pep up.
It hit number one in numerous countries globally, selling over four million copies worldwide.
This includes over one million units in both the United States and the United Kingdom.
11. “Put Your Records On” by Corinne Bailey Rae
Corinne Bailey Rae released “Put Your Records On” in 2006 on her self-titled debut studio album.
The feel-good track peaked at the top of the UK R&B and Hip Hop Singles chart
The song became her breakthrough hit and continues to be her most successful single to date, earning two Grammy award nominations in the categories of Song of the Year and Record of the Year in 2007.
It was awarded double platinum certification by the British Phonographic Industry for sales of over two million units in the United Kingdom and also sold over one million copies in the United States.
12. “Walking On Sunshine” by Katrina and the Waves
Written by Kimberley Rew for the rock band Katrina and the Waves, “Walking On Sunshine” was released in 1985 as the lead single and title track on the latter’s debut full-length extended play.
The song was described by Rew as “a piece of simple fun, an optimistic song”, and the listeners agree!
The song is a feel-good, warm, bubbly piece of pop that will certainly wipe away the stress of your day.
Globally it sold over two million copies, with the most success being achieved in the United States and the United Kingdom.
It has grown popular in commercial use, with companies paying over two hundred thousand dollars a year to use the song!
13. “Good Life” by Kanye West Feat. T-Pain
Kanye West released this great collaboration in 2007 on his third studio album Graduation.
The pop-rap hit features T-Pain, as well as backing vocals from Ne-Yo and John Legend.
The single received six awards in 2008 and 2009, including a Grammy Award for Best Rap Song, and a BET Award for Best Collaboration.
It also reached number one on the United States Billboard Hot Rap Songs chart, selling over four million copies in the States and four hundred thousand in the United Kingdom.
14. “Golden” by Jill Scott
Soul and R&B singer Jill Scott released the 2004 hit “Golden” as the lead single on her studio album Beautifully Human: Words and Sounds Vol. 2.
It has since been featured on the soundtrack of three films, and also Grand Theft Auto IV in 2008.
The feel-good song reached number thirty-one on the United States Hot R&B/Hip Hop Songs chart and number fifty-nine on the Singles chart in the United Kingdom.
15. “Love On Top” by Beyoncé
“Love On Top” is an R&B/disco hit by Beyoncé, released on her fourth studio album 4 in 2011.
It is supposed to embody the R&B tunes of the eighties and draws our minds to stars like Stevie Wonder, Janet Jackson, and Huey Lewis.
The upbeat love song reached number one on the United States Hot R&B/Hip Hop Songs chart, as well as on the US Hot Dance Club Songs chart.
It sold over four million copies in the country, with millions more being sold worldwide.
“Love On Top” even earned Beyoncé her seventeenth Grammy
16. “Unwritten” by Natasha Bedingfield
Natasha Bedingfield released the well-known hit “Unwritten” as the third single on her debut studio album of the same name in 2004.
It soared to number one in the Czech Republic, and Poland, and two charts in the United States.
The song is comforting to many, and feels nostalgic and warm, making it one of the best feel-good songs for when your day needs brightening up.
The global hit sold over two million copies in the United States, earning a double platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of America.
17. “9 To 5” by Dolly Parton
“9 To 5” was recorded by Dolly Parton in 1980, and appears on her twenty-third studio album 9 to 5 and Odd Jobs.
The country-pop song, which was written for the film of the same name, is an anthem for workers all over the world.
It ended up winning two Grammy Awards for Best Country Song and Best Country Vocal Performance, Female, as well as amassing four other Grammy nominations and a nomination for an Academy Award.
The hit reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100, the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart, and the Hot Country Songs chart in the United States, as well as topping the Canada Top Singles chart.
It has been streamed twenty-four million times in Sweden!
18. “Dog Days Are Over” by Florence + The Machine
Indie rock band Florence + The Machine released “Dog Days Are Over” in 2009 on their debut studio album Lungs.
It has become one of their most famous songs, selling over three million copies in the United States and two million in the United Kingdom.
19. “Let’s Hear It for the Boy” by Deniece Williams
Deniece Williams released “Let’s Hear It for the Boy” in 1983, and it achieved much of its success due to it being featured on Footloose: Original Soundtrack of the Paramount Motion Picture.
Also appearing on her studio album of the same name, the feel-good hit topped multiple charts in the United States and Canada, selling over one million copies in the former and earning a platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of America.
20. “Boy with Luv” by BTS Feat. Halsey
This funk-pop song is well-known as a feel-good song and has become a popular choice for when we need a pick-me-up due to its content about happiness and love.
“Boy with Luv” was released in 2019, and is the result of a collaboration between South Korean boyband BTS and American singer Halsey.
It was released as the lead single on the former’s sixth extended play, Map of the Soul: Persona.
The hit has won twelve awards, including Song of the Year at the Melon Music Awards, Best K-Pop at the MTV Video Music Awards, Choice Collaboration at the Teen Choice Awards, and Song of the Year at the Mnet Asian Music Awards.
21. “I’m Like a Bird” by Nelly Furtado
“I’m Like a Bird” is a folk-pop song that was released in 2000 by Canadian singer-songwriter Nelly Furtado.
Featuring her debut studio album Woah, Nelly!, the song became a worldwide hit and many turn to it when they need an upbeat tune.
Two years after its release it won the Grammy award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance, earning Furtado the title of being the first female act to win this award with their debut single since Mariah Carey ten years prior.
It charted in over thirty countries around the world, reaching number one in Portugal and Selling over one million copies in the United States.
It was subsequently awarded a Platinum certification by the Recording Industry Association of America.
22. “Suddenly I See” by KT Tunstall
Scottish singer KT Tunstall released her debut studio album Eye to the Telescope in 2004, which featured the feel-good single “Suddenly I See”.
Lyrically, the song is inspired by Patti Smith and is about feminine power.
It is about how Tunstall began her music career and depicts the strength and confidence needed to achieve your dreams.
The hit reached the top ten in a multitude of countries and sold over six hundred thousand copies in the United Kingdom.
23. “Ironic” by Alanis Morissette
“Ironic” is a 1996 song by Alanis Morissette, a Canadian singer.
It was released on her third studio album Jagged Little Pill as the third track, and earned a nomination at the 1997 Grammy Awards for Record of the Year.
The humorous irony of the song’s lyrics makes it a popular choice for a cheery, upbeat song and it quickly soared to number one in Canada and the United States.
In total, it sold over two million copies globally.
24. “Love Song” by Sara Bareilles
Sara Bareilles released “Love Song” in 2007 on her debut album Little Voice.
The pop-rock hit lasted for forty-one weeks on the United States Billboard Hot 100 and reached number one in four other charts around the world.
Bareilles stated that the song was “very honest”, and came to her shortly after her label at the time demanding new, radio-friendly music.
This song is catchy in a unique way and is sure you brighten your day.
At the 2009 Grammy Award ceremony it earned two nominations for Song of the Year and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance.
25. “Lovely Day” by Bill Withers
“Lovely Day” is an R&B/soul/funk song written by Bill Withers and Skip Scarborough, released by the former in 1977 on his studio album Menagerie.
It broke the record of having the longest note ever recorded in an American pop song, at eighteen seconds.
It charted in a multitude of countries, including hitting number one in France and number six on the United States Hot R&B/Hip Hop Songs chart.
It received a lot of acclaim in the United Kingdom, where it sold one million copies and was certified Platinum by the British Phonographic Industry.
26. “Groove Is in The Heart” by Deee-Lite
The dance band Deee-Lite released the well-known feel-good song “Groove Is in the Heart” in 1990 on their studio album World Clique.
It is one of the most critically acclaimed disco songs of its time and is sure to brighten your day.
It reached number one on the Melody Maker Singles of the Year list in the United Kingdom and also landed on many other Best Songs lists.
It also hit number one in lots of charts globally, including in Australia, Canada, and the United States.
27. “Believe” by Cher
“Believe” is a dance-pop/electro-pop hit that appears on Cher’s twenty-second studio album of the same name in 1998.
The feel-good song landed a place on many Best Songs lists, including number sixty-four on “Billboard‘s Top Songs of the ’90s”.
It reached number one in thirty different charts around the world, selling nearly two million copies in the United States, over one million in Germany, and two and a half million in the United Kingdom.
28. “Why Not” by Hilary Duff
“Why Not” is an upbeat pop-rock song that was released by Hilary Duff in 2003 on the Lizzie McGuire Movie soundtrack and the studio album Metamorphosis.
The song differs slightly in each, featuring different verses in the movie soundtrack.
The song reached number fourteen in Australia, number twenty in the Netherlands, and number fifteen in New Zealand.
29. “Come On Over Baby (All I Want Is You)” by Christina Aguilera
Christian Aguilera released “Come On Over Baby (All I Want Is You)” on her self-titled debut studio album in 1999.
The upbeat hit reached the top of the charts in Guatemala, the United States, and Venezuela.
It earned a platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of America after selling over one million copies in the United States.
Mia Nazareno of Billboard enjoyed the song’s “addictive” and “danceable” sound – it’s sure to brighten your day!
30. “Happy” by Pharrell Williams
Everyone knows this feel-good tune!
Pharrell Williams released “Happy” in 2013 on his studio album Girl.
The hit also appears on the Despicable Me 2: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack.
The upbeat song hit number one on fifty different charts around the world, selling over fifteen million copies globally.
It sold over eleven million copies in the United States alone, earning eleven Platinum certifications from the Recording Industry Association of America.
31. “I Like It” by Cardi B, Bad Bunny & J Balvin
Cardi B teamed up with Bad Bunny and J Balvin to release “I Like It”, a Latin trap and hip-hop song.
It was released in 2018 as the fourth track on her debut studio album Invasion of Privacy.
It ranked at number one on the four Best Songs of 2018 lists and reached number one in multiple countries.
It sold over eleven million copies in the United States, subsequently being awarded eleven Platinum certifications by the RIAA.
The hit won eight awards, including Song of Summer at the MTV Video Music Awards, Song of the Year at the El Premio ASCAP Awards, and Top Rap Song at the Billboard Music Awards.
32. “That’s the Way It Is” by Céline Dion
“That’s the Way It Is” is a pop song that was released by Céline Dion in 1999 on her greatest hits compilation album All the Way… A Decade of Song.
It reached number one in Canada, the Czech Republic, Quebec, and the United States.
The well-known, feel-good song sold nearly one million copies around the world, achieving the most success in the United States with sales of over two hundred and fifty thousand.
33. “Wannabe” by Spice Girls
“Wannabe” is the debut single of the Spice Girls, released in 1996 on the studio album Spice.
The “iconic, girl-power anthem” is sure to get you up and dancing, and is known as one of the catchiest songs of the last six decades.
It reached number one in numerous countries worldwide, selling nearly three million copies each in the United States and the United Kingdom.
34. “Hips Don’t Lie” by Shakira Feat. Wyclef Jean
Shakira’s signature song “Hips Don’t Lie”, which features Wyclef Jean, was released in 2006 on her studio album Oral Fixation, Vol. 2.
It sold over thirteen million copies around the world, reaching number one in several countries.
The hit dance song won five awards, including Hot Latin Song of the Year-Vocal Duet or Collaboration at the Latin Billboard Music Awards and Song of the Year at Los Premios MTV Latinoamérica.
It was also nominated for a Grammy Award.
35. “Lucky Star” by Madonna
Madonna’s most well-known hit, “Lucky Star” was released on her self-titled debut studio album in 1983.
It soared to number one on the United States Billboard Dance Club Songs chart, both on the weekly chart and the year-end list.
Critics enjoyed the song’s “optimistic sound”, and it is sure to brighten up your day.
Best Feel-Good Songs to Brighten Up Your Day – Final Thoughts
That was our list of the thirty-five best feel-good songs to brighten up your day.
When you’ve got the Monday blues or you’re feeling down, the songs in this article are sure to get you through.
Whether it’s a dance-pop classic or an upbeat rap, there’s something on this list for everyone.
We hope you can make use of these excellent songs, and they brighten your day as much as they’ve brightened ours!
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