30 Happy Songs to Play When You Just Want to Feel Good (2024)

FAQs

What is the #1 happiest song? ›

His study revealed that “Good Vibrations” by The Beach Boys is the top song that makes people the happiest. Dr. Bonshor says the structure of the 1966 hit single checks all of the boxes when it comes to producing positive emotions in listeners.

Faster music tends to induce more positive emotions than slower music. Research suggests that music that is perceived as happy is usually performed at a tempo between 140 and 150 beats per minute (BPM). Songs people have said they use to improve their mood include Queen's Don't Stop Me Now at 156 BPM.

The Beach Boys “Good Vibrations” tops the list as the song that makes people the happiest, according to a university professor's scientific formula. The iconic 1966 anthem is #1 in Dr. Michael Bonshor's formula. He has a PhD in music psychology and studies music in relation to well-being extensively.

"I Gotta Feeling" by The Black Eyed Peas.

Researchers have revealed strong links between music and happiness, suggesting that music not only makes you emotive but also correlates positively with overall health, emotional wellbeing, and productivity.

What is positive music? ›

Short for positive music, posi music is categorized by its intention to have a positive effect on the listener. Musicians who write and perform posi music profess a desire for their music to unite and inspire their audience and make them feel better.

Our favorite melodies release dopamine, known as the feel-good hormone, which activates our brain's pleasure and reward system.

Music with a slow steady rhythm, such as meditative music, is shown to reduce stress by altering inherent body rhythms, such as heart rate, resulting in greater relaxation. Simple music at a soft listening level is psychologically soothing.

Upbeat genres like soul gospel, smooth jazz, or even video game soundtracks have been shown to stimulate the release of dopamine in the brain – a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward. Listening to these genres can boost our spirits and infuse us with positive energy.

The No. 1 favorite song of the year, according to readers, is Elton John and Britney Spears' duet “Hold Me Closer.” The track, which debuted in August and peaked at No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100, secured a whopping 45% of the vote, likely thanks to fans voracious appetite for a much-deserved Britney comeback.

Rolling Stone updated its list of the 500 greatest songs of all-time – its first update in 17 years. The Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin, took home the top spot for her version of "Respect," which was originally recorded by Otis Redding. Snagging second place was Public Enemy's "Fight the Power."