I wrote a list of my top 10 Favourite F-Bomb Dropping Tunes and this one would have been #11 if I'd continued it. There has never been such a cheerful song that says "f*** you" 30+ times.
Happiest Lyric: "F*** you. F*** you very, very much."
19. Sing Sing Sing (With A Swing) - Benny Goodman and His Orchestra
If swing music doesn't make you tap your foot and make your mouth smile, then I don't know how to help you. I first heard this song in a Chips Ahoy commercial where two cookies were dancing. My mom and I used to get up and dance to it because really, how can you not? If this one isn't for you, skip down to #17 to jam with Glenn Miller.
Happiest Lyric: There aren't any in this version, ironically enough. But those trumpets are saying something cheerful.
18. Be As - Prozzak
Prozzak, Canada's favourite virtual band (apologies for the blurry pic. 2003, am I right?) They're no Gorillaz, but they're the best we have, okay? And I personally think they're great. "Be As" is an overlooked anthem, begging listeners to be whatever they want to be, however they want to be, wherever they want to be and let others do the same. I've adored this song ever since I heard it about 10 years ago. It always gives me a little bit of hope that we can overcome intolerance.
Happiest Lyric: "And if there is a way that you and I could both be free. Have a little understanding and we will be."
17. In The Mood - Glenn Miller Orchestra
It only takes about the first four notes of this song hitting my ears to put a smile on my face. There's a scene in The Parent Trap (you know, that movie where Lindsay Lohan is adorable and not on drugs) where this song is playing and it's just lovely. That movie, by the way, had one of the happiest (and arguably best) soundtracks of all time, which can perhaps be proven by the fact that (spoiler alert!) the #1 song on this list was also featured in the film.
Happiest Lyric: Doesn't even need any!
16. Like Wow! - Leslie CarterThis song might have been higher on the list if it wasn't a hurtful reminder that Leslie Carter passed away last year (may she rest peacefully). I love all kinds of music and I am most definitely not above bubblegum pop. This song in particular has always been one of my favourites and may even rival Britney and Christina when it comes to this genre. The lyrics aren't deep or anything, but sometimes simplicity is better.
Happiest Lyric: "Feeling higher than a cloud. All my senses are like 'wow.'"
15. Knee Deep - Zac Brown Band
Zac Brown and his band are the kings of summer songs. Between "Toes," "Chicken Fried" and "Knee Deep," picking a favourite is hard. I've chosen this one though, although I can't tell you why. It just makes my happiness meter go a little higher, I guess. (And also because Jimmy Buffet lends his talents to the tune.)
Happiest Lyric: "Never been so happy. Never felt so high. And I think I might have found me my own kind of paradise."
Now, there are two versions of this song and it must be noted that "Spotlight (Oh Nostalgia)" is not on this list. Not because it isn't good. But because it's a little slower and is just lacking a certain something to make it happy enough (Although Oh Nostalgia is the version that Patrick decided to release as a single and make a music video for. The video is amazing. Watch it.) That being said, the lyrics are inspiring and I can't comprehend why anyone wouldn't love Patrick Stump. He's adorable.
Happiest Lyric: "You could be your own spotlight."
13. Lookin' Out my Back Door - Creedence Clearwater Revival
The rumour is that this song is about drugs (would we be shocked?) but the other rumour is that John Fogerty wrote this for his three year old son. Regardless of the inspiration for it, I'm just happy that it exists. For me, this song represents summer, roadtrips and family. And those are like my three favourite things.
Happiest Lyric: "Look at all the happy creatures dancing on the lawn."
12. The Bicycle Song - Best Before
No one knows this band and that kind of makes me sad. Their debut album "Colours" is actually one of the happiest discs I've ever listened to. Go buy it on iTunes! Nooow! Also, they're Australian so you already know that their attractiveness level is high. (Note: I actually don't think that these guys are a band anymore. Which is a real shame because their stuff is awesome.)
Happiest Lyric: "Oh what a feeling! Whoa oh oh whoa oh."
11. Steal My Sunshine - LenI don't actually think this song necessarily has the happiest message (it's hopeful for the future, I guess), but it's unbelievably catchy and it's great for driving fast on the open road. And it was featured on YTV Big Fun Party Mix 2, so I don't really know how you can go wrong here. (Haha, no one knows what YTV Big Fun Party Mix is unless they grew up in the late 90s/early 2000s in Canada. So, like 74 people.) Also, Leslie Knope listens to it on repeat in the Parks and Recreation episode "Camping." Fun fact.
Happiest Lyric: There honestly isn't a lot of happy happening in these lyrics. Just focus on the music.
10. Brown Eyed Girl - Van Morrison
Did Van Morrison ever do anything that wasn't amazing? Don't think so. Who can resist belting "Sha la la la la la la la la la la te da!" when this song comes on? The devil. Only the devil can resist it.
Happiest Lyric: "Standing in the sunlight, laughing. Hiding behind a rainbow's wall. Slipping and sliding all along the waterfall with you."
9. Love To You - The Summer Set
I believe this song was written with romantic love in mind, but I think it can be applied to any kind of love you want to apply it to (if you take the occasional lyric about touching hypothetically or something, I guess). Isn't that the best kind of love song? Brian Dales, lead singer and songwriter said, "This song is either a personal song about trying to maintain a friendship with a girl I've been in love with, or it's about my dog. I'll let you decide." (This is from an Alternative Press article, in case you're wondering for some reason.) Another plus for this song, making the ukulele sound anything but happy is next to impossible. This band is on the rise, so look out for them! They just released a new album. Go listen!
Happiest Lyric: "You and I could be the best of friends."
8. Let's Dance To Joy Division - The Wombats
If you know anything about British rock bands from the 70s, you know that Joy Division was not the most cheerful of bands. (Their biggest hit, Love Will Tear Us Apart was released weeks before the lead singer, 23 year old Ian Curtis, committed suicide.) This song is filled with references to Joy Division (I'm sure you've guessed that already.) However, it's asking us to look past the sad parts of life and celebrate the good things. As a fan of irony, this song would make me smile even if the music wasn't so foot-tap worthy.
Happiest Lyric: "Everything is going wrong but we're so happy."
7. Orange Colored Sky - Nat King Cole
"Flash! Bam! Alakazam!" Any song that incorporates those words is fun, right? There have been a ton of versions recorded, but Nat King Cole is amazing, so this is the version I prefer to jam to. His daughter, Natalie does a great rendition as well.
Happiest Lyric: "I was humming a tune, drinking in sunshine, when out of that orange colored view, flash, bam, alakazam, I got a look at you."
6. Bucket - Carly Rae Jepson
What? Carly Rae Jepson existed before "Call Me Maybe?!" Yes, she did. And her entire album "Tug Of War" was fantastic. (I've liked her since she was on Canadian Idol. Did you know she was on Canadian Idol? Did you know that Canadian Idol existed? All of these things are true.) Sandcastle imagery. Summery vibe. AND reference to "There's A Hole In My Bucket?!" I don't know what else is needed for a happy song.
Happiest Lyric: "I've been waiting to recognize that sparkle that's in your eyes."5. Walking On Sunshine - Katrina and the Waves
You're actually not allowed to make a list about happy songs without including this song or you'll be swallowed up by monsters.
Happiest Lyric: "I'm walking on sunshine and don't it feel good."
4. September - Earth, Wind & Fire
How can you deny this song when it has been used as background music for every happy moment that has ever occurred in a movie, ever? You can't. Also, that horn section!
Happiest Lyric: "The bells were ringing in the key that our souls were singing as we danced in the night."
3. It's A Great Day To Be Alive - Travis Tritt
Enjoying the simple things in life is harder than it sounds. But Travis Tritt is able to do this with one of the most perfect songs I've ever heard. I dare to not howl at the moon along with the rest of the crowd. "Aooooooooooooo!"
Happiest Lyric: "It's a great day to be alive. I know the sun's still shinin' when I close my eyes."
2. Accidentally In Love - Counting Crows
Let's all think back to the moment we first fell in love with this song. Was it the first scene of Shrek 2? Most likely. I don't even know what it is about this song. There's no denying it, there's no chance you won't be smiling during it. It should be on the radio every day because if it were, everyone would be happy. All the time.
Happiest Lyric: "Come on, come on. Jump a little higher. Come on, come on. If you feel a little lighter."
#1 and #2 are basically interchangeable, but I've placed this one at #1 because it basically sums up the entire list by claiming (correctly so, I think) that music is magical and liberating and "makes you feel happy like an old time movie." As I mentioned before, this song was featured in one of my favourite childhood films, The Parent Trap. And that's where I heard it first. (It played during the scene where Annie is teaching Hallie the secret handshake she has with her butler.) If you haven't heard this song, then you're probably missing an important part of your soul, okay? (Some younger people might know this song as performed by Aly and AJ. Whoever the heck that is.) My favourite part about this song is that it touches on the fact that it doesn't matter what kind of music it is, just listen to it and let it make you feel good. That's perfect.
Happiest Lyric: "It'll start with a smile. It won't wipe off your face, no matter how hard you try."
