Songs That Make Us Happy

This episode is all about those magical songs that put a spring in our steps and brighten our days. From timeless classics like 'Walking on Sunshine' by Katrina and the Waves to modern hits like Pharrell Williams' 'Happy,' we're celebrating the incredible power of music to spread positive vibes. I'll also share some of my personal favorites that never fail to boost my mood, like Justin Timberlake's 'Can't Stop the Feeling!' and Michael Bublé's 'It's a Beautiful Day.' Whether you're having a great day or need a little pick-me-up, this episode is your perfect companion. Get ready to dance, sing, and let the happiness take over!

SONGS MENTIONED: 

Walking on Sunshine by Katrina and the Waves
Good Vibrations by The Beach Boys
Happy by Pharrell Williams
Don't Stop Me Now by Queen
Dancing Queen by ABBA
I'm a Believer by The Monkees and also by Smash Mouth
Girls Just Wannna Have Fun by Cyndi Lauper
I Wanna Dance With Somebody by Whitney Houston
Can't Stop the Feeling! by Justin Timberlake
It's a Beautiful Day by Michael Buble
I'm Still Standing by Elton John
Hey Ya! by Outkast
Let's Go Crazy by Prince
I Will Survive by Gloria Gaynor

Transcript

Speaker A: 0:21

Welcome back, music lovers, to another episode of the music and me. I'm your host, Terry, and I am so happy that you're tuning in today. I've been feeling a little down lately for some reason, so I thought what better way to lift my spirits than to dive into the world of feel good tunes? You know, music always has this magical way of cheering me up, and I bet it does the same thing for you too. So today's episode is all about those songs that make us happy, the ones that put a smile on our faces and a spring in our steps. From timeless classics to modern hits and some of my personal favorites, we're celebrating the incredible power of music to uplift our moods and spread positive emotions. Whether you're having a great day or need a little pick me up, I've got you covered. So let's dive into some iconic, happy songs that have stood the test of time and never fail to make us smile. These tracks are like little rays of sunshine bursting with joy and good vibes. So get ready to sing, dance and feel the happiness take over. Let's kick things off with a song that always makes me feel like I'm walking on sunshine pun intended there and you'll see why. First up we have walking on Sunshine by Katrina in the waves. You see where the pun was intended there. This song is an absolute dance floor favorite. Every time it plays, it's like a burst of pure joy. Released in 1985, walking on Sunshine became a massive hit for the british band even though it had a slow start when it was first released in 1983. Written by guitarist Kimberly Roux and sung by the electrifying Katrina Liskanika, the song finally got the attention it deserved on its 1985 re release. Skyrocketing to the top ten in several countries, including the US and the UK. With its upbeat tempo, infectious chorus and Katrina's powerful vocals, it's impossible not to feel happy when it comes on. This feel good anthem has been featured in countless movies, tv shows and commercials, making it a go to track for any moment that needs a dose of happiness and carefree vibes. So whether you're dancing around your living room, partying with friends or just need a quick pick me up, walking on sunshine delivers that perfect burst of joy. So next time you're feeling down, just crank up walking on sunshine and let its infectious energy lift your spirits. It's the ultimate reminder that a little sunshine and a great song can make everything feel right in the world. This is one of my favorite songs to dance to every time I hear it. I just want to dance. I love it so much and it makes me happy every time I hear it. Next, let's talk about good vibrations by the Beach Boys. A true classic. Released in 1966, it quickly became one of the most beloved tracks ever written by Brian Wilson and Mike Love, it's a masterpiece of harmonious vocals and surf rock sound. Brian Wilson's innovative production techniques, recording sections of the song in different studios and piecing them together, added to its complex, layered sound. The song is notable for its use of the electrothermin, which gives it its distinctive, eerie tones. With lush harmonies and intricate arrangements, good vibrations captures a sense of euphoria and spiritual uplift. The chorus I'm picking up good vibrations, she's given me expectations conveys joy and excitement, transporting you to a sunny beach paradise and I know I talked about this song in my last episode that was all about the Beach Boys, but good vibrations fits perfectly for this episode as well, so I had to include it. And if you haven't listened to my episode on the Beach Boys and want to know more about them, definitely give it a listen. Upon release, good Vibrations became an instant hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100, and it remains a staple of pop culture. Featured in movies, tv shows, and commercials, this feel good anthem never fails to put a smile on my face. So next time you need a boost, put on good vibrations and let the Beach Boys transport you to a carefree paradise. It's a perfect reminder of the simple joys in life. Okay, now we have Happy by Pharrell Williams, a modern day anthem of positivity and joy. I could not leave this one out because it's literally called happy, and this episode is about happy songs, so of course I had to include Happy by Pharrell Williams. Released in 2013, happy became a global phenomenon with Pharrell's smooth vocals, infectious beat, and feel good lyrics. Written and produced by Pharrell for the Despicable me two soundtrack. It was originally intended for Ceelo Green, but Pharrell's version perfectly captured its uplifting spirit. Happy quickly climbed the charts, reaching number one in over 20 countries and topping the Billboard Hot 100 for ten consecutive weeks. Its success was boosted by its unique music video featuring people dancing joyfully through the streets of Los Angeles as part of a 24 hours music video project. Wow. The simple yet effective lyrics, like clap along if you feel like a room without a roof, encourages listeners to embrace happiness. This feel good anthem is impossible to resist. Whether you're clapping along or dancing wherever you are, happy is guaranteed to lift your spirits. The song's impact went beyond commercial success, becoming an anthem for positive movements and campaigns and it was featured in countless commercials, tv shows and movies, which seems to be a theme among these songs I'm talking about because, you know, happy songs make people buy things. So I guess that's why they're used in commercials and tv shows and movies. Why not? So the next time you need a boost, put on Happy by Pharrell Williams and let it lift you with positive vibes. It's a reminder that happiness is a choice and sometimes all it takes is a great song to turn your day around. These songs have this incredible ability to transform our moods and make us feel, well, happy walking on sunshine reminds us of carefree moments and good times. Good vibrations transports us to a sunny paradise and happy brings positivity and joy. Whenever it's played, they're like musical pick me ups that remind us to enjoy life and embrace the moment. So whenever you need a little boost, just turn up the volume on these iconic tracks and let the good vibes flow. Alright? Don't go anywhere because I've got more feel good music coming your way. Now that weve danced around with some iconic happy songs, lets dive into a few more tracks that are known to bring smiles and joy to people all around the world. These songs have a magical way of lifting our spirits and making us want to sing and dance along. So lets check them out. First up we have dont stop me now by Queen. Released in 1979, this song is like an adrenaline rush set to music. Freddie Mercury's electrifying vocals, the energetic tempo and those uplifting lyrics make it impossible not to feel empowered and unstoppable. Don't stop me now is written by Freddie Mercury and appears on Queen's album jazz. The song was recorded in August 1978 at Super Bear Studios in Nice, France or Nice. It looks like nice, which is kind of fitting because nice and happy kind of go together. From the moment it starts you're hit with an infectious piano riff that sets the tone for what's to come. Pure exhilaration. Mercury wrote the song during a period of personal euphoria and that feeling of joy and freedom is captured in every note. The lyrics reflect a sense of invincibility and living life to the fullest. Lines like Im a shooting star leaping through the sky and im burning through the sky. Yeah 200 degrees create vivid imagery of unstoppable energy and excitement. One of the most striking elements of Dont stop me now is Mercurys dynamic vocal performance. His voice soars through the song full of passion and power, perfectly complemented by Brian Mays guitar work and Roger Taylors driving drive. The harmony and instrumentation all come together to create a sound thats both exhilarating and liberating. Despite its initial mixed reception and modern chart success, dont stop me now has become one of queens most beloved songs. Over the years it has been embraced by fans for its positive energy and its a staple at concerts, sport events and celebrations around the world. The songs resurgence in popularity was also helped by its inclusion in various films, tv shows and commercials, most notably in the movie Shaun of the Dead where it played during a memorable fight scene. The songs appeal lies in the ability to make you feel like nothing can hold you back. Its a celebration of the moment, an anthem for living life to the fullest. So whether you're getting ready for a night out or need a pick me up during the day, don't stop me now is the perfect anthem to get you pumped up. Imagine blasting the song in your car with the windows down or dancing around your room with abandon. It's impossible not to feel a surge of energy and confidence when you hear it. The lyrics encourage you to seize the moment and enjoy every second, making it a perfect soundtrack for any time you need a boost of motivation and happiness. So the next time you need a little inspiration or a mood lift, turn up dont stop me now and let queens unstoppable energy carry you away. Its a timeless reminder that you can conquer anything when you embrace your inner strength and joy. By the way, Queen is one of my all time favorite rock bands. I love them so much so any song they sing actually makes me happy.

Speaker B: 11:15

Alright now lets talk about dancing queen by Abba. Released in 1976, this song is a timeless disco hit that never fails to get people on their feet. With its catchy melody, joyful lyrics and that infectious beat, Dancing Queen is all about letting loose and having fun. Dancing Queen was written by ABbA members Benny Anderson, Bjorn Olvias and Stig Anderson. The song was inspired by the dance music scene and captures the essence of the disco era.

Speaker A: 11:50

The lyrics tell the story of a.

Speaker B: 11:51

Young girl experiencing the joy and excitement of dancing at a club. With its lush production and harmonious vocals, Dancing Queen quickly became an international hit, topping charts in multiple countries including the US, UK and Australia. One of the reasons this song resonates so deeply is its universal theme of joy and celebration. The opening piano Glissando immediately grabs your attention and the melody invites you to join in the fun. Whenever this song plays, you cant help but feel like youre a dancing queen young and sweet only 17. Its pure, unadulterated fun in musical form and its enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless appeal. ABBA is another band that whatever song they sing, I love and it instantly makes me happy. And yes, I do like ABBA because of the musical mamma mia. But they have great songs so yay that they made a musical about it. Alright, who can forget I'm a believer by the Monkeys released in 1966, this song is an upbeat, feel good anthem thats all about love and belief. Written by Neil diamond. Im a believer was a major hit for the monkeys, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and staying there for seven weeks. The songs infectious chorus and cheerful vibe make it a perfect song to lift your spirits. The monkeys, originally formed for a television show, quickly became a real band and this song showcased their talent and charisma. Now my mom always told me that she loved the monkeys better than the Beatles. Now me, I like the Beatles better than the monkeys, but I like both of them. And the monkey songs are great. The lyrics speak to the joy of newfound love and the uplifting power of belief. Lines like then I saw her face, now I'm a believer capture the excitement and optimism that comes with falling in love. The song's message about finding love and being a believer in good things resonates with everyone, making it a timeless favorite. It's one of those tracks that you can't help but sing along to no.

Speaker A: 14:18

Matter where you are spreading happiness with every note.

Speaker B: 14:22

Now I first heard this song and my favorite version of this song came from the Shrek soundtrack which was done by smash mouth. But I also like the Monkees version.

Speaker A: 14:35

But every time I hear this song.

Speaker B: 14:37

I think of Shrek and eventually I.

Speaker A: 14:41

Am going to do a Shrek episode.

Speaker B: 14:44

Because the soundtrack to the movies is awesome and there's also a Shrek the.

Speaker A: 14:49

Musical which is great.

Speaker B: 14:50

One of my favorite musicals ever because.

Speaker A: 14:53

I have always liked Shrek.

Speaker B: 14:55

Shrek is one of my favorite characters of all time.

Speaker A: 14:59

Another song that always brings a smile is girls just want to have fun by Cindy Lauper. Released in 1983, this song became an instant feminist anthem and a celebration of freedom and fun. Girls Just Want to have Fun was written by Robert Hazzard and became a massive hit for Cyndi Lauper, reaching the top of the charts in multiple countries. The upbeat tempo, catchy chorus and Cyndi Lauper's playful, energetic vocals make it an irresistible track that encourages everyone to let loose and enjoy life. The music video featuring colorful, whimsical imagery helped cement the song's status as an anthem for fun and empowerment. The song's message is clear. It's all about having fun and not taking things too seriously, which I love because I'm never too serious. I mean, I'm hardly ever serious, actually. Whoppers distinctive voice and the infectious melody make it impossible to listen without smiling. So whenever this song comes on, it's a call to embrace your inner child and just have a good time. It celebrates individuality and the joy of living in the moment, making it a beloved anthem for generations. For the last song in this section, we have I want to dance with somebody by Whitney Houston. Released in 1987, this song is a powerful, upbeat anthem that's all about the joy of dancing and the desire for companionship. Written by George Merrill and Shannon Rubicon, I want to dance with somebody was a chart topping hit for Whitney Houston. Showcasing her incredible vocal range and infectious energy, the song won a Grammy award for best female pop Vocal Performance and became one of Houston's signature tracks. The lyrics convey a longing for connection and the joy that comes from dancing with someone special. Whitney's incredible vocals, the infectious beat and the heartfelt lyrics make it a perfect song to lift your spirits. The production invites you to dance along and feel the joy. Its one of those tracks that you cant help but dance to whether youre alone in your room or out with friends. The songs energy and joy are simply contagious, making it a timeless favorite for all ages. And once again, I love to dance to this song. And once again, all of Whitney Houstons songs make me happy. But I cant include every song in this episode or wed be here for days. These songs have an incredible ability to make people happy because they combine catchy melodies, uplifting lyrics and energetic performances that resonate with listeners. They remind us to have fun, embrace the moment and celebrate the joys of life. In the next section, we're going to shift gears a bit and talk about some of my personal favorites that never fail to make me happy. Before that, here's my interesting fact of the week. Welcome to my interesting fact. Did you know that the tempo of a song can significantly influence how happy it makes you feel? Happy songs typically have a fast tempo around 150 beats per minute, which can get your heart racing and fill you with excitement. But here's where it gets even more fun. These upbeat tunes are perfect for dancing. Imagine cranking up a fast paced song like walking on sunshine by Katrina in the waves and letting the rhythm take you over. Your feet start tapping, your body starts swaying and before you know it, you're dancing like nobody's watching. It's not just about the music, it's about the movement. Dancing to these energetic beats not only boosts your happiness, but also creates a contagious vibe that can make everyone around you want to join in. Think about how infectious it feels when you see someone breaking out into a joyful dance. It's almost impossible not to smile and join the font. No wonder most of my favorite dance songs make me so happy. There's actual science behind this too. The fast tempo increases your heart rate, mimicking the effects of exercise which releases endorphins, those wonderful chemicals in your brain that make you feel good. Plus, dancing itself is a form of physical activity that also releases endorphins. Its a double dose of happiness. Next time you need a pick me up, put on a fast paced happy song and dance like nobodys watching. Whether its in your living room, at a party or even in the grocery store aisle, just let loose and feel the joy. You might find that a spontaneous dance party is exactly what you needed to turn your day around. And now back to our episode. Alright, welcome back everyone. Now that weve explored some of the top songs that make people happy, I want to share some of my personal favorites that never fail to lift my spirits. These are the tracks that get me moving and put a big smile on my face. First up is cant stop the feeling by Justin Timberlake. This song just radiates happiness. Released in 2016 as part of the Trolls movie soundtrack, it quickly became a feel good anthem. Whenever I hear it, I cant help but dance along. In fact its one of the main tracks in one of my dance workouts and I really get into the groove because the song is just so catchy. Justin's smooth vocals combined with the infectious beat make it impossible to sit still. The lyrics are all about feeling good and letting the music take over, which is exactly what happens every time I play this song. It's the perfect tune to lift your mood, get your body moving and just let loose. So whether I'm at home, in the car or working out can't stop the feeling always brings a burst of joy and energy into my day. So if you haven't heard this song already, give it a listen and let yourself be swept away by its irresistible rhythm. I promise it will make you want to get up and dance too. Next up on my list of personal favorites is it's a beautiful day by Michael Buble. This song is an absolute gem and it has a magical way of making me feel better. No matter what's happening in my life, the minute I hear it, I immediately feel a wave of positivity wash over me. Released in 2013, it's a beautiful day is all about embracing the bright side of life. Even when things don't go as planned, Michael Buble's smooth and charismatic voice, combined with the upbeat and cheerful melody creates a song that's pure joy from start to finish. The lyrics remind us to look on the bright side and find happiness in the little things. I love this song so much because it's like a musical pick me up. No matter how down I might be feeling, it's a beautiful day never fails to lift my spirits and put a smile on my face. It's the perfect reminder that even when things aren't perfect, there's always something beautiful to appreciate. So if you're ever in the need of a mood booster, give this song a listen and let its positive vibes brighten your day. The other day I was walking into work listening to my happy playlist and this song came on and I was smiling all the way into work even though work stresses me out. But whenever I heard it, like during break or at my lunch, it made me smile again. So every time it makes me smile. Great, great song. And Michael Buble what a voice. Okay, now let's talk about one of my all time favorite songs. I'm still standing by Elton John. This song is an absolute classic and it never fails to put me in a great mood. Released in 1983, it's a defiant anthem of resilience and strength. The upbeat tempo, Elton's powerful vocals, and the catchy melody make this song so much fun to sing and dance to. Whenever it comes on, I can't help but turn up the volume and let loose. The lyrics about overcoming challenges and standing tall resonate with me on a personal level, reminding me that no matter what life throws at me, I can still keep going. I'm still standing has this incredible energy that just lifts my spirits every time I hear it. It's a song of victory and celebration and it's impossible not to feel empowered when you listen to it. Plus, it's just so much fun. Whether im dancing in my room or singing along in the car, this song always brings a smile to my face. If you need a boost of confidence or just want to rock out to a timeless anthem, Im still standing is the perfect choice. Trust me, youll be singing and dancing along in no time. Its just so darn catchy. Its one of my favorite workout songs too, which most of these are. Alright everyone, let's keep the good vibes rolling with another one of my absolute favorites, heya by Outkast. This track is pure happiness and always puts me in an amazing mood. Released in 2003, it's a funky, infectious song that's impossible not to dance to. Do you see a theme here? I dance to all these songs because they're so fun and catchy and happy. With the upbeat tempo, catchy chorus and playful lyrics, it's a perfect combination that just makes you want to move. Hey is one of those songs that brings people together on the dance floor and creates unforgettable moments. I love this song so much because it's a burst of pure joy. It's all about having fun and living in the moment. So whenever Heya comes on I can't help but turn up the volume, sing along and dance like no one's watching. Its my go to song for lifting my spirits and shaking off any stress. Plus its just so infectious and fun that its guaranteed to make you smile. So if you havent heard this song, give it a listen and let its upbeat energy and positive vibes brighten your day because trust me, youll be dancing and singing along. Alright music enthusiasts, lets keep the energy high with one of the most electrifying songs ever, let's go crazy by Prince. This track is an absolute powerhouse of energy and excitement and it never fails to make me smile and want to go crazy in the best possible way. Released in 1984, let's Go Crazy is a classic anthem of living life to the fullest and celebrating every moment. From the moment Prince's iconic guitar riff kicks in, I'm immediately hooked. The infectious energy, the electrifying vocals and the pure passion in every note. It's a song that demands to be played loud and enjoyed to the fullest. I love this song because it's just so full of life and enthusiasm. It's a reminder to embrace spontaneity, have fun and let go of inhibitions. Every time I hear let's go crazy it puts a big smile on my face and gets me moving. Plus it holds a special place in my heart because it reminds me of the movie sing two where it was featured and added an extra layer of joy to an already incredible song. So if you're looking to add a little excitement and happiness to your day, turn up let's go crazy and let Prince's infectious spirit and energy inspire you to let loose and have a great time. The other day before I got ready to record this podcast episode, I did two workouts and let's go crazy was one of the songs that was in one of the videos I worked out to, and the other one was walking on sunshine. Of course. Now let's talk about a song that's not only a classic anthem, but also one of my personal favorites. Yes, I have another personal favorite, I will survive by Gloria Gaynor. This song is a powerful reminder that no matter what life throws at you, you can overcome it and come out stronger. Released in 1978, I will survive became an instant hit in an anthem of empowerment and resilience. Gloria Gaynor's soulful vocals and the empowering lyrics make this song a timeless masterpiece. It's a song that's all about inner strength, perseverance, and celebrating personal growth. Whenever I hear I will survive, I can't help but feel uplifted and motivated. It's a song that inspires me to keep going no matter what challenges I face. The upbeat tempo, the catchy chorus, and the powerful message make it impossible not to sing along and dance. It's like a musical pep talk that reminds me of my own strength and resilience. This song holds a special place in my heart because it always puts a smile on my face and fills me with positivity. It's one of those songs that you just have to sing and dance to, whether you're alone in your room or out with your friends. So if youre feeling down need a boost of confidence, put on the song and let its empowering energy lift your spirits and remind you that you can conquer anything. So today weve explored just a handful of the many songs that bring joy and happiness into our lives. From timeless classics to modern anthems, these tracks have the power to lift our spirits and make us feel alive. But remember, these are just a few of the countless songs out there that have the ability to cheer us up. We all have those special songs that bring a smile to our faces and make us instantly happier. The beauty of music is that it's personal. What resonates with me might not be the same for you, so take the time to discover your own feel good playlist filled with the songs that lift your mood and make you want to dance. Whether youre belting out lyrics in the car, dancing around your living room, or simply enjoying the melody, music has a unique way of bringing joy into our lives. I may do this theme again in a future episode so I can explore even more songs that make us happy. But for now, these were just a few that always cheer me up and others. So go find the songs that make your heart sing and embrace the happiness they bring. And that wraps up today's episode of the music and me, where we've explored some of the songs that bring happiness and joy into our lives.

Speaker B: 29:53

From classics that never fail to lift.

Speaker A: 29:55

Our spirits to personal favorites that make me want to dance, music truly has a magical way of brightening our days. Remember, everyone has their own special songs that bring a smile to their face. I hope today's episode inspired you to create your own feel good playlist and dance like nobody's watching. If you enjoyed today's episode, please consider sharing it with your friends and family.

Speaker B: 30:20

You can also connect with me on.

Speaker A: 30:22

Social media to stay updated on all things music and podcast related.

Speaker B: 30:27

So I'll be back next week with.

Speaker A: 30:29

More about my favorite subject music.

Speaker B: 30:32

Until then, keep the music playing and.

Speaker A: 30:34

Keep those spirits high. Peace out everyone.