Feeling Down? Our "Happy Tunes" Playlist Will Leave a Smile on Your Face

Oftentimes, humans have bad days. How do we combat these bad days? Music. According to Classic FM, a new study shows that just listening to music takes 9 minutes to make you happy. Music is a great way to help you get out of a funk from a weird day. So, here are NWP's picks for the best songs to cheer you up!

1. "Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head" - B.J. Thomas

B.J. Thomas' "Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head" was first introduced in the 1969 movie, "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid". The song was written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David. The primary refrain is

"Raindrops keep falling on my head

But that doesn't mean my eyes will soon be turning red

Crying's not for me

'Cause I'm never gonna stop the rain by complaining

Because I'm free

Nothing's worrying me."

Which is a very joyful refrain. This song is sure to leave a smile on your face.

2. "Mr. Blue Sky" - Electric Light Orchestra

This song is widely regarded as one of ELO's best. It is a "gorgeous update on Beatlesque, '60s psychedelic pop," says Mercury News' Jim Harrington. According to Songfacts, the song is about the joy in the air when the sun comes out, and realizing that the sky is, in fact, a cheerful shade of blue.

3. "Way Less Sad" - AJR

"Way Less Sad" isn't your typical "life is great" song, but finds a way of letting the listener come into reality, realizing that, they're better than they were, and that they are "way less sad". According to 104.3 HIT FM, the song samples a riff from Simon & Garfunkle's "My Little Town". AJR's Jack Met explains that the group loved Simon & Garfunkel growing up and that the catchiest part of the song was in the last three seconds. They loved the riff, so they incorporated it into their song... with Paul Simon's approval. This song doesn't highlight all the happiness in the world but shows that it's okay to be sad... but to try to "shut up and just enjoy this feeling".

4. "Tonight Tonight" - Hot Chelle Rae

Unlike "Way Less Sad", Hot Chelle Rae's "Tonight Tonight" is about not worrying too much about the little things, hence the album title "Whatever", and the main chorus in the song being "la, la, la, whatever, la, la, la, it doesn't matter". This song was 32nd on Billboards' year-end Top 100 Chart for 2011.

5. "I Can See Clearly Now" - Johnny Nash

"I Can See Clearly Now" is a classic song from 1972 about being able to see all obstacles in your way and the rain leaving and the sunshine coming in. The main refrain:

"I can see clearly now,

The rain is gone."

The refrain shows that all things will pass and that when they do, you will feel better and be better. Always remember; it's "gonna be a bright, bright, sun-shiny day".

6. "Beautiful Life" - Cobra Starship

"Beautiful Day" is from Cobra Starships' latest album "Tracks to the Future". Cobra Starship released this album following the band's breakup in 2015. The song highlights the good in the world and that you can be happy and "find a little good in everything". It also shows that you can make it through the darkness to the "light on the other side". This song is a shining example of a feel-good song. If this doesn't make you smile, then our next songs surely will... so keep reading and listening!

7. "Someone to You" - BANNERS

In this song, BANNERS captures the idea of being somebody and wanting to succeed. The song inspires us to not be "invisible" or unnoticeable and to be yourself and love. This song was featured in the trailers for the Apple TV original movie "Luck". The music video for this song is one of the best. It is linked here.

8. "All Star" - Smash Mouth

This classic 90s bop by Smash Mouth is guaranteed to pump you up. "All Star" is a song designed to boost your self-confidence, as shown by the main chorus, which is "hey-now, you're an all-star," along with the lyrics "hey-now, you're a rock star, get the show on, get paid." If this song can get Shrek happy in the movie "Shrek", then it can certainly get you pumped up for your day.

9. "Better Together" - Jack Johnson

Jack Johnson's stellar vocals are soothing and moving all in one. This song is about the joys of being with the people that you love. "Better Together" highlights the joy of love, which is one of the most important lessons from everyday life.

10. "Lay Your Head on Me" - Juanes

This song from the popular movie "Ferdinand" is a mix of Spanish and English vocals from singer Juanes. The lyrics say that "through all the ups and downs", love will prevail. A moving message and a poppy song for a bad day.

11. "Believe It or Not (Theme from 'Greatest American Hero')" - Joey Scarbury

Originally the theme song to "The Greatest American Hero", this song became a sensation and is still played on many radio stations today.

12. "You Will Be Found" - Ben Platt & The Cast of "Dear Evan Hansen"

This song is one of Broadway's biggest hits and its moving message has inspired many. This song is about being found in the darkness and that no matter how bad, everything will be OK.

13. "I Just Called to Say I Love You" - Stevie Wonder

This Stevie Wonder classic is played all the time and has been featured on The Cosby Show. This is a joyful song about being loved.

14. "Thank You for Being a Friend" - Andrew Gold

This song, originally performed by Andrew Gold, was adapted to be the theme song to "The Golden Girls". This is a song about being thankful for your friendships.

15. "Jubilee" - The Human Hands

This song is performed by the Human Hands, an alternative rock band from the late 1970s and early 1980s. The lead singer, David Wiley, and the rest of the band combine to create a unique sound for all to enjoy. One of their most notable concerts was in Los Angeles, with '80s pop group the Go-Gos being the opening act.

16. "Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)" - Green Day

This Green Day song is about having the "Time of Your Life" and enjoying life to the best of your ability. This is a beautiful acoustic song, straying away from Green Day's usual punk-rock style.

17. "It's Gonna Be a Lovely Day" - LunchMoney Lewis

This song by LunchMoney Lewis was featured in The Secret Life of Pets 2, and samples parts of Bill Wither's "Lovely Day". This song brings a happy and pop-like vibe to what was an originally slow song ("Lovely Day").

18. "Good Vibrations" - The Beach Boys

"I'm pickin' up Good Vibrations" is one of the most American lyrics in music history. This song is among The Beach Boys' most famous songs. According to NPR, this song was composed by Brian Wilson and features the unique sounds of a theremin, which is an electronic musical instrument, according to Encyclopedia Brittanica.

19. "I Lived" - OneRepublic

OneRepublic brings more joy to our playlist with "I Lived". According to an anonymous user on lyricsinterpritation.com, this song means to "make sure that you indulge in the days, good or bad." No matter how bad the times, the hope is that in the end, you'll say "I swear I lived".

20. "Here Comes the Sun" - The Beatles

Released in 1969, the Beatles released "Here Comes the Sun" on their hit album Abbey Road. This song says that the sun is coming up and "it's alright". This song encourages the listener to be positive even about the bed things and to never lose sight that the sun will come up the next day.

This is NWP's "Happy Tunes" playlist. If we left a smile on your face, then love this article and leave a comment! Have a joyful day.

Stay tuned for our next playlist!