It's Time To Smile, Here Are 75 Happy Songs That Will Make You Feel Great

There are certain songs that just make you feel happy. Some can pep up your morning, some make you want to dance like no one’s watching, and others can get a party started after just a few notes. Some happy songs have stood the test of time, while other newer fun songs became must-plays for when you need a boost. Now, more than ever we could use a little extra happiness and upbeat music in our life. So whether you want to celebrate feeling great or just need a pick-me-up, these are the best happy songs of all time that you definitely want in your regular music rotation.

Top 75 Happy Songs

1. “September” — Earth, Wind & Fire

Earth, Wind & Fire released this catchy song celebrating gorgeous fall weather in the late '70s and it was an instant hit. While it’s technically about September, it’s an upbeat song that’ll have you smiling no matter when it gets airplay.

2. “Happy” — Pharrell Williams

While the title clearly speaks for itself, the song’s catchy beat and fun lyrics make a go-to when you’re feeling amazing. Hardly shocking: “Happy” was the bestselling song of 2014 in the U.S.

Related: New Year's Eve Songs

3. “Walking on Sunshine” — Katrina & The Waves

Perfect for those times when you just need to live out loud, Katrina & The Waves’ hit has been celebrating happiness for more than three decades. This upbeat, fun song was originally going to be a ballad, but lead singer Katrina Leskanich decided to make it peppier instead.

4. “I’m Coming Out” — Diana Ross

Diana Ross’ dance-friendly single was released as she was leaving Motown Records and “coming out” from under her management. Since it was released in 1980, the song has shown up in a slew of popular movies, including Pets.

5. “Can’t Stop the Feeling!” — Justin Timberlake

This disco-pop song appeared on the soundtrack for the original Trolls, but it was released by Justin Timberlake six months before the movie came out—and it was an instant hit. This fun song didn’t stop there: It ended up becoming the best-selling song of 2016.

6. “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” — Cyndi Lauper

Cyndi Lauper’s anthem is all but guaranteed to get women on the dance floor. While this "fun" song peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard charts, it was a breakthrough single for Lauper and continues to be one of the most popular pop songs of all time.

7. “I Want to Dance with Somebody” — Whitney Houston

Released in 1987, this single became Whitney Houston’s fourth consecutive No. 1 single and sold over a million copies. It’s continued to make people want to get up and dance, and was even the first dance for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at their wedding. (In 2016, Markle said it was her “happy song” during an interview.)

8. “Shut Up and Dance” — Walk the Moon

The catchy song is based on an experience Walk the Moon lead singer Nicholas Petricca had at a club after his girlfriend asked him to dance. It became a huge single for the band in 2015 and continues to get regular airplay.

9. “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” — Bobby McFerrin

Released in September 1988, “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” was the first a cappella song to reach No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song appeared as a single on the movie soundtrack for Cocktail.

10. “Feel Good Inc” — Gorillaz

While the song peaked at No. 14 in the U.S., it has an instantly recognizable opening beat that gets people dancing. Its catchiness has helped it land on several “best of” lists since its 2005 release.

11. “Geronimo” — Sheppard

“Geronimo” was written by Sheppard band members Jason Bovino with the brother-sister due of George and Amy Sheppard. Its name is a reference to Apache leader Geronimo’s custom of yelling his name before he did something brave.

12. “Thunder” — Imagine Dragons

With a driving bass line, it’s hard not to tap your feet when this song comes on. The music video, which features Imagine Dragons lead singer Dan Reynolds with aliens, has been seen more than 2 billion times on the band’s YouTube channel.

13. “Shake It” — Metro Station

“Shake It” peaked at just No.10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, but it was everywhere when it was released in 2008. Metro Station, which was fronted by Miley Cyrus’ brother Trace Cyrus, parted ways with its original members two years later, reunited down the road, and then broke up for good in 2017.

14. “Good Life” — OneRepublic

An ode to travel, “Good Life” has gotten props from fans around the world for its feel-good vibes and memorable tune. The music video, which is largely shot in stop-motion, features cameos by Cate Blanchett, Anne Hathaway, NicholasCage, and Russell Crowe.

15. “Get Lucky” — Daft Punk feat. Pharrell Williams

“Get Lucky” was released in 2013, but has a heavy disco beat. The song later won Record of the Year and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance at the 56th Annual Grammy Awards.

16. “Lovely Day” — Bill Withers

While the song was released in 1977, it’s still well-known today. Fun fact: Singer Bill Withers sustains a note at the end that is 18 seconds long, one of the longest notes ever recorded in a song.

17. “MMMBop” — Hanson

You couldn’t go anywhere in 1997 without hearing Hanson’s breakout hit. The members of the band later said in an interview that, while the phrase “MMMBop,” doesn’t really mean anything, the song is about holding onto the things in life that matter.

18. “Sir Duke” — Stevie Wonder

Released as a single in the late '70s, Stevie Wonder’s song that was written in tribute to jazz great Duke Ellington quickly hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. Wonder later said that he wanted to write the song to show his appreciation for Ellington and other famous musicians who had inspired him.