These 23 Songs Will Instantly Put You in a Better Mood

>

Society is weird right now, and most of us are looking for anything to boost our moods. If you’re Netflixed out, may I suggest something else? Feel good songs.

Wait, let me back up for a second and explain why everything is weird. With coronavirus social distancing firmly in place, we can’t go about our lives normally at the moment: no nights out with friends at restaurants or bars. No movie theaters. None of that. So how do we pass the time? There’s Netflix and Hulu and Amazon, of course, but that gets old quickly. (If it hasn’t yet, we do have some great recommendations for things to watch.) If you find yourself in this position, then going on a solo walk or having a dance party for one to a soundtrack of songs that make you happy could really help.

It’s science. “Being perceptive and responsive to the ways that music fits into and changes your life experiences can have major benefits,” New York City–based psychotherapist Matt Lundquist tells Glamour. “Just as you put on music that pumps you up before going to the gym or going into a job interview, listening to music that is uplifting during hard times can move you into a better headspace—one that is more prepared to see what brings and brought you happiness.”

But there’s something to remember when using songs to boost your mood. “You can’t simply force a new mood by shoe-horning uplifting music into your life,” Lundquist says. “Forcing yourself to listen to uplifting music while you feel like your life is crumbling around you can feel very disorienting. The right song, at the right time, in the right environment can really pull you up. But the wrong song at the wrong time in the wrong environment can make you forget which way is up.”

Keep all this in mind as you queue up your playlists in the coming weeks. If you are in the right mindset for some feel good songs, these 23 are a solid place to start:

1. “Stupid Love,” Lady Gaga

Gaga’s latest single is a shot of pure adrenaline.

2. “Wind It Up,” Gwen Stefani

This Gwen classic has a sticky, percussion-heavy chorus that compels you to dance.

3. “Work From Home,” Fifth Harmony

An on-the-nose bop for these couch-confined times.

4. “Work Bitch,” Britney Spears

Put this on and run around your apartment for 15 seconds. It will help.

5. “Physical,” Dua Lipa

And if you still have energy, watch the workout video Dua released for “Physical” and mimic the moves.

Most PopularBeauty53 Cool Things to Do With Your Nails This Summer

StyleRita Ora Just Took Her Sheer Dress Obsession to the Next Level

StyleJennifer Lawrence Is Dressed Like Every Girl I Know in Bushwick

6. “Don’t Stop Me Now,” Queen

Queen works for every occasion.

7. “Dancing on My Own,” Robyn

What better choice for your solo dance party than a song literally called “Dancing on My Own?”

8. “Tempo,” Lizzo

This is Lizzo’s best song, and I won’t be challenged.

Most PopularBeauty53 Cool Things to Do With Your Nails This Summer

StyleRita Ora Just Took Her Sheer Dress Obsession to the Next Level

StyleJennifer Lawrence Is Dressed Like Every Girl I Know in Bushwick

9. “On the Floor,” Jennifer Lopez

A shimmery dance anthem that sounds just as good in your bedroom as it does at the club.

10. “Blank Space,” Taylor Swift

A chorus you can scream at the top of your lungs.

11. “Walking on Air,” Katy Perry

This ’90s house-inspired pop jam doesn’t get the same love as songs like “California Gurls” and “Teenage Dream” do, and that’s a shame.

Most PopularBeauty53 Cool Things to Do With Your Nails This Summer

StyleRita Ora Just Took Her Sheer Dress Obsession to the Next Level

StyleJennifer Lawrence Is Dressed Like Every Girl I Know in Bushwick

12. “American Girl,” Bonnie McKee

Speaking of: One of the brains behind some of Katy Perry’s biggest hits has a smash of her own. It’ll put an instant smile on your face.

13. “Brokenhearted,” Karmin

Let’s keep the bombastic bubblegum train going with this gem from 2012.

14. “Yeah,” Usher

We love a good throwback.

Most PopularBeauty53 Cool Things to Do With Your Nails This Summer

StyleRita Ora Just Took Her Sheer Dress Obsession to the Next Level

StyleJennifer Lawrence Is Dressed Like Every Girl I Know in Bushwick

15. “Cut to the Feeling,” Carly Rae Jepsen

We also love any Carly Rae Jepsen song. Ever.

16. “One More Time,” Daft Punk

For the techno fans out there.

17. “Love on Top,” Beyoncé

A feel good songs playlist wouldn’t be complete without… Beyoncé’s most feel good song.

Most PopularBeauty53 Cool Things to Do With Your Nails This Summer

StyleRita Ora Just Took Her Sheer Dress Obsession to the Next Level

StyleJennifer Lawrence Is Dressed Like Every Girl I Know in Bushwick

18. “Venice Bitch,” Lana Del Rey

Take a cardio beak with this chill, sunny Lana track.

19. “Bang Bang,” Jessie J, Ariana Grande, Nicki Minaj

Then pep yourself back up with this 2014 masterpiece.

20. “When the Going Gets Tough, the Tough Get Going,” Billy Ocean

If you need some lyrical inspo.

Most PopularBeauty53 Cool Things to Do With Your Nails This Summer

StyleRita Ora Just Took Her Sheer Dress Obsession to the Next Level

StyleJennifer Lawrence Is Dressed Like Every Girl I Know in Bushwick

21. “Dancing Queen,” Abba

This might be the ultimate dancing song. I mean, try to name one that tops it.

22. “Shakedown Street,” Grateful Dead

So funky and fun.

23. “Hung Up,” Madonna

Let’s end things with a send-off from the Queen of Pop herself.

Most PopularBeauty53 Cool Things to Do With Your Nails This Summer

StyleRita Ora Just Took Her Sheer Dress Obsession to the Next Level

StyleJennifer Lawrence Is Dressed Like Every Girl I Know in Bushwick

Topicspop musicbritney spearslady gagakaty perrybeyoncegwen stefani

Today’s biggest stories, from pop culture to politics—delivered straight to your inbox.