Music is the best mood enhancer I know. Seeing as I don’t drink alcohol or take any drugs, it’s kind of all I have anyway. I use music to enforce a mood- be it a dark and unhappy one or a lonely and soulful one. But I also use music to reinforce happiness. These songs are the best I know for when you’re feeling like you could jump over the moon.
The Jam- Beat Surrender
The Jam were such an upbeat band anyway, and I am a massive Paul Weller fan. He certainly has a way with love songs, such as his solo hit “You Do Something to Me” and with the Style Council “You’re The Best Thing” but this song has a crazy rhythm and a demands you sing every word. A great one for having a little Snoopy dance of joy around your house.
The Ramones- Baby I Love You
The Ramones hit the nail square on the head with this song; it’s so sweet and simple, like a lullaby. I love this song; it’s perfect for those soppy happy moods. “My heat can’t wait another day, when you kiss me I just gotta, kiss me I just gotta, kiss me I just gotta say, baby, I love you.”
Daryl Hall and John Oates- You Make My Dreams Come True
I am not even sorry that I love this song. It’s the happiest little song ever, so sweet and cute. I know that you all know every single word to it as well. “Well well you, you make my dreams come true”
Lighting Seeds- Change
I know the Lighting Seeds are one of those weird bands it isn’t really very cool to like, but this song is adorable. I first heard it on the soundtrack to the film “Clueless” (a favourite, come on now, it’s hilarious.) What a sweet little song “Oh you’re a silly thing, you’re such a pretty thing. Don’t ever change.”
Haircut 100- Fantastic Day
This is a brilliant song. I know it and you know it. Absolutely the best song ever for reinforcing a good mood. When I heard I’d got the job I do now, this song came straight on the MP3 player.
The Four Tops- Sugar Pie Honey Bunch
I listen to a lot of soul music, and this is one of my favourites. What a beautiful song. “I can’t help myself; I love you and nobody else.”
The Waterboys- The Whole of the Moon
I listened to this song as me and my better half drove through Snowdonia National Park. An epic song for an epic time- it will always put me in a good mood. Just listening to it feels like a triumph.
T-Rex- 20th Century Boy
Cards on the table time, if I was forced to name the best song ever, this would probably be it. I love, love T-Rex anyway, and this song is incredible. Always puts me in a great mood because it’s just total genius.
PJ Harvey- Good Fortune
Beautiful song, beautiful melody. I can play this on the guitar (I can play this and Wonderwall, don’t be thinking I have mad Zakk Wylde skills.) The last line of the final verse in this song is so stunning- “I paint pictures to remember, you’re too beautiful, to put into words.”
Royksopp- Happy Up Here
Title says it all really. My friend didn’t like this song until I pointed out it sounded like someone had remixed the old Sonic music on the Sega Megadrive- and now we love it.
Kimbra- Warrior
Do not even speak to me about that filth this woman put out with whatever his name is- the guy who painted himself in the nude. This is the first release from Kimbra’s solo album, and I love it. She has a beautiful voice. This song is great for when you have succeeded at something – “I’ll be a warrior”.
Lloyd Cole & The Commotions- Perfect Skin
I don’t know why this song makes me so happy, it just does. I think it’s probably the totally genius line – “She’s got cheekbones like geometry and eyes like sin, and she’s sexually enlightened by Cosmopolitan.”
Shanice- I Love Your Smile
You know I’m right.
Supergrass- Sun Hits the Sky
I think Supergrass are a severely underrated band. This song is a beauty, it just feels like summer. It’s very upbeat and very cheerful, and as sweet and gentle as all the band’s music.
Bill Withers- Lovely Day
I always listen to this song when me and the better half have a rare day off together. It’s just lovely. Does anyone else remember the Tetley adverts they used this on? “Then I look at you, and the worlds all right with me. Just one look at you, and I know it’s going to be, a lovely day today.”
Modern English- Melt With You
The new-waver’s love song of choice. I think it’s very cute, and it always puts me in a great mood. “I’ll stop the world and melt with you.”
The Prodigy- Stand Up
Amazing to think what a moving song this is because it doesn’t actually have any lyrics to it at all. It’s just an instrumental piece. If you haven’t heard it before, give it a go, and just see how brilliant it makes you feel.
Semisonic- FNT
This song is just lovely, simple as that. “I’m surprised that you’ve never been told before, that you’re lovely, and you’re perfect, and that somebody wants you.”
Republica- Ready To Go
This song was everywhere in the 90’s, but I still love it. A total triumph of happiness.
Queen- You’re My Best Friend
There isn’t a person alive who doesn’t completely adore this song. It’s just perfect.
