13 Beats: Sunny Day Songs

As the sun becomes more known in Hamilton, a proper playlist is necessary for when you’re blasting music in your AirPods walking to class or with the windows down driving through the windy backroads of upstate New York. Here is a list of feel-good songs across all music genres that will surely brighten your day. Arguably the best part of the changing seasons is the new music that invites sunshine and happiness into everyone’s lives. These songs will make you feel good, bust out a move, or maybe both! 

“The Man Who Can’t Be Moved,” The Script (2008)

Describing a man that cares for a girl so profoundly he will wait for her no matter the circumstances, this song encapsulates true love and the extent individuals will go to for their loved ones. The upbeat melody and instrumentals mixed with a catchy chorus instill a sense of hope in the listener that things will work out in the end. This song makes the audience feel good about themselves and those around them.

“Tears Dry on Their Own,” Amy Winehouse (2006)

The album this track is a part of, “Back to Black,” was written during a hard time in Winehouse’s life while grappling with a breakup and other difficult circumstances. However, in “Tears Dry on Their Own,” Winehouse accepts and makes the most out of the difficulties. Through its inspiring lyrics, this song artistically voices Winehouse’s belief in moving upward from relationships that provide minimal benefits to one’s life.

“You Make Me Feel Like Dancing,” Leo Sayer (1976)

Describing the feeling of loving someone so much they make you “wanna dance the night away,” Sayer describes the pure joy his lover makes him feel. He also describes the youthful aura of their love and the lightheartedness’s impact on his overall well-being, instilling a sense of joy in the audience.

“Alive,” Empire of the Sun, (2013)

This song falls into the genre of electronic music, mixing artificial beats with inspiring lyrics of an individual that took the singer out of a slump and made them feel–get this–alive again. The transition into the upbeat background music successfully displays the feeling of getting out of being in a rut and eventually overpowering the abysmal senses that come with it.

“It Never Rains in Southern California,” Albert Hammond (1972)

When I listen to this song, I envision myself in 20th-century Hollywood, rolling through the Pacific Coast Highway without care. The lack of rain described in the song alludes to California’s constant state of sunshine and the happiness it brings its inhabitants. However, after being interviewed about the meaning behind the song, Hammond explains that it describes a struggle. This song describes Hammond’s lack of faith in himself that he once felt before making it big and the lack of confidence rising musicians feel regarding making it big in Hollywood.

“Viva La Vida,” Coldplay (2008)

As described in the title “Long live life,” this song accurately describes life’s many beauties and the importance of cherishing every moment with loved ones. The lingering background violins and lyrics expressing the hopes Chris Martin has for the future evoke positivity from the audience. In contrast, Martin tells the story of his life and the obstacles he has overcome to achieve his newfound success.

“Move Your Feet,” Junior Senior (2002)

A classic party tune released in the early 2000s, this song will put a smile on your face and make you inclined to bust out a move or two. A Danish pop/electronic music duo, Junior Senior, released this song. Explaining music’s ability to unite people through dancing, this song always excites people in group settings and is bound to be a crowd-pleaser.

“Good Life,” OneRepublic (2009)

Released in 2009, “Good Life” can be found on OneRepublic’s album “Waking Up.” Best encapsulated with the lines, “When you’re happy like a fool, Let it take you over. When everything is out, You gotta take it in.” “Good Life” reminds the listener of the importance of living life with no regrets. It also serves as a reminder to let the insignificant things roll off your shoulder and focus more on the good, memorable moments.

“Ventura Highway,” America, George Martin (1972)

Whenever I listen to this song, I am transported to Ventura Highway in California, lined with palm trees and the sun shining. Written during a time of social and political unrest, this song remained a positive force in the art sphere, instilling a sense of hope in a time when many were hopeless. Dewey Bunnell, who wrote the song, explained in an interview that he wrote this song in an attempt to encapsulate the vibes of an adventure and the start of a new chapter in one’s life. His excitement for the new adventure indeed shows through this song with its hopeful, happy-go-lucky lyrics and inclusion of guitar instrumentals. 

“Yes, I’m Changing,” Tame Impala (2015)

Yet another electronic pop song mixed with some indie undertones, “Yes I’m Changing,” first appeared in Tame Impala’s well-known album, “Currents.” It sits on this album with other remarkable songs, including “The Less I Know, the Better” and “Let it Happen.” The mellow electronic beat and the lyrics explaining the singer’s ability to move on to bigger and better things following a heart-wrenching breakup remind me of the transition from gloomy winter into a more sunny, hope-filled spring.

“Come To Me,” The Goo Goo Dolls (2013)

What would a song list be without including the Goo Goo Dolls? The diversification of the band’s music best displays its greatness and ability to summarize every prominent emotion through its music. Specifically, in the song “Come to Me,” the singer describes the feeling he anticipates when he meets his dream girl and invariably falls in love with her. He describes the best feelings of falling in love, leaving the audience joyful and hopeful for the singer and their future selves.

“She’s A Rainbow,” The Rolling Stones (1967)

Whenever I’m asked, “What is the theme song to your life?” I always answer “She’s a Rainbow” by The Rolling Stones. The mixture of the piano with guitar and the persistent tambourine, the music evokes a feel-good beat that coincides perfectly with the lyrics describing the perfection of a lover. Lead singer Mick Jagger compares his love to a rainbow filled with gold, alluding to her perfection and the true joy she brings to his life.

“Chiquitita,” ABBA, (1979) 

From the inspiring lyrics to the musical break that concludes the song, this song perfectly encapsulates the feeling of happiness that follows the shining sun on your skin. The term “Chiquitita” is an endearing word for females, which makes sense when realizing the larger message behind the song. The singer reminds the audience to look past the bad things that enchain one’s life and build a life you are genuinely content with. The ability to make this transition is best displayed through the ending musical break that contains an overpowering piano piece that would play at the end of a coming-of-age movie as the protagonist has a life-altering realization.