81 Best Happy Songs

Exciting rhythms and happy lyrics contribute to good mood songs and happy songs, and there are even studies that show upbeat songs have a mood-lifting effect. More generally, we all know that happy songs tend to just make us feel, well, happier.

So let’s explore some of the best songs about being happy!

“Happy” by Pharrell Williams

Song Year: 2013

Finding a happy song does not get much simpler than this classıc by Pharrell Williams. The lyrics and the upbeat rhythms will for sure be a mood booster!

“Don’t Worry Be Happy” by Bobby McFerrin

Song Year: 1988

In contrast wıth the previous upbeat and energetic happy song, this classic by Bobby McFerrin is a much more chilled-out version of capturing happy energy. Put your feet up and give it a listen.

“Happy Together” by The Turtles

Song Year: 1967

This song by The Turtles is a great opportunity to sing along to a happy and romantic song. It’s all about being happy with your partner, and it’s a perfect song to dance to.

“Oh Happy Day” by The Edwin Hawkins Singers

Song Year: 1967

The original music for this song comes from a hymn that dates back to the 1700s, but this arrangement by The Edwin Hawkins Singers puts deeply meaningful happy energy to it in the gospel style.

“My Happy Ending” by Avril Lavigne

Song Year: 2004

From her album Under My Skin, this Avril Lavigne song has a complicated relationship to happiness as it reflects on a past relationship. But its upbeat energy is a great way to get over a gloomy mood and find happy energy again!

“If It Makes You Happy” by Sheryl Crow

Song Year: 1996

This Sheryl Crow song has beautiful lyrics and a chorus that you will quickly memorize the lyrics to. If you want something to sing along to, check out this one.

“Life’s A Happy Song” by Mickey Rooney

Song Year: 2011

Coming from the soundtrack to the Muppets movie, this track will uplift just about any mood. It has a musical style of accompaniment, and both the lyrics and singing quality are simple, happy, and uplifting.

“Happy Trails” by Roy Rogers And Dale Evans

Song Year: 1952

This old tune by Roy Rogers and Dale Evans was the theme song for a radio program from the 1950s. The lyrics and music are all about happiness and optimism.

“Shiny Happy People” by R.E.M.

Song Year: 1991

This track comes from R.E.M.’s seventh album Out of Time, released in 1991. It is all about happiness, love, and people getting along.

“Happy” by The Rolling Stones

Song Year: 1972

This classic Rolling Stones tune is a rock song that will get you moving your body along with the music. It is upbeat and all about love and happiness.

“Sweet Caroline” by Neil Diamond

Song Year: 1969

Have you ever been to a wedding that has not played this classic Neil Diamond tune? There is a reason this is a celebration song: it is happy and uplifting, and just about everyone can sing along!

“Don’t Stop Believin’” by Journey

Song Year: 1981

“Don’t Stop Believin’” is another classic track that almost everybody knows. The lyrics and rock energy of this song will uplift the mood of the whole room as everyone sings along.

“Hey Ya!” by Outcast

Song Year: 2003

The lyrics of this song hint at a topic of potential relationship troubles, but the fast rhythms and exciting chorus justify it to be a happy song. Sometimes the best music shows us that we can still find happiness during hard times.

“Take Me Home, Country Roads” by John Denver

Song Year: 1971

This song has been a classic for a long time, and you have no doubt heard it before. The nice lyrics and gentle music will put you in a relaxing and peaceful mood.

“All-Star” by Smash Mouth

Song Year: 1999

A hallmark of happy music is that you should be able to sing along with it in a group of people. And this Smash Mouth song is one of the most fun and easy tracks to sing along with!

“Dancing Queen” by ABBA

Song Year: 1976

This classic ABBA tune is another sing-along track that has a great chorus. The mood is slower, but there are happy vibes throughout it.

“Crazy in Love” by Beyoncé

Song Year: 2003

Even though love songs deserve a category unto themselves, the theme of love intersects well with happiness. And this Beyoncé song, also featuring Jay-Z, is all about the happiness of love.

“The Power of Love” by Huey Lewis & the News

Song Year: 1985

This upbeat track will make your body move with the beat, something that is a hallmark of happy songs. All of these songs are about happiness, but this is one of the best good mood songs!

“Just The Way You Are” by Bruno Mars

Song Year: 2010

Happiness comes in many flavors, ranging from calm and sentimental to upbeat and exciting. This Bruno Mars tune will put you in that tender mood that appreciates the love in your life.

“The Way You Make Me Feel” by Michael Jackson

Song Year: 1987

It is probably not a surprise that Michael Jackson’s music would make it onto a list of happy songs. This groovy music will make you want to dance and sing at the same time!

“Lovely Day” by Bill Withers

Song Year: 1977

This Bill Withers song is about beginning your day in a happy and optimistic mood. It has a calming energy and reflects the happiness of having a loving relationship.

“On Top of the World” by Imagine Dragons

Song Year: 2012

Happy songs blend well with waking up and finding a good mood in the morning. This Imagine Dragons track will help you start your day with positive energy!

“ Best Day Of My Life” by American Authors

Song Year: 2014

This American Authors song, from their 2014 album Best Day of My Life, screams positivity and happiness. Play this track in the morning and you’ll start your day with upbeat and optimistic energy.

“Make Me Wanna Dance All Night” by 3 Speaker High

Song Year: 2005

If you are into electronic music and like the sound of auto-tuned vocals, check out this energetic song about dancing. It is a perfect track to get the whole room dancing with energy!

“Could You Be Loved” by Bob Marley

Song Year: 1980

Bob Marley’s music puts people into that groovy place that is relaxing. This song about love will help you chill out and appreciate love and happiness.

“Graceland” by Paul Simon

Song Year: 1986

This Paul Simon tune is upbeat and hopeful. It is all about moving to a new city and having hope that it will lead to better times in a new life.

“I Love This Bar” by Toby Keith

Song Year: 2003

If you enjoy country music, then “I Love This Bar” by Toby Keith will put you into a celebratory mood. It’s a perfect happy hour song to listen to while you have a relaxing cocktail.

“Day Drinking” by Little Big Town

Song Year: 2014

If you’ve had a long week and need some music to boost your mood and get you ready for a party, this Little Big Town track will do the trick. It belongs on any happy hour playlist!

“It's a Beautiful Day” by Michael Bublé

Song Year: 2013

The title of this song speaks for itself. Listen to this Michael Bublé track anytime you need to lift your mood and appreciate all of the good things that make you smile.

“Dance The Night Away” by Van Halen

Song Year: 1979

Put simply, Van Halen's songs capture perfectly the ability of Rock music to put you into an energetic mood. This track will make you want to dance and have a good time.

“Walking On Sunshine” by Katrina & The Waves

Song Year: 1983

This New Wave rock music, written by Kimberley Rew in 1983, is a classic sing-along and dance piece. Like the lyrics say, it will give you the happy and relaxing vibes of walking in the sunshine.

“Three Little Birds” by Bob Marley & The Wailers

Song Year: 1977

Released as part of their 1977 album Exodus, “Three Little Birds” is one of the most famous songs about relaxing. It will put you in a chilled-out mood and stop you from worrying about stressful things in life.

“Everytime We Touch” by Cascada

Song Year: 2006

This Cascada song is a classic, and it mixes the driving energy of electronic music with beautiful lyrics about love. Consider putting this song on just about any dancing playlist.

“Party All the Time” by Eddie Murphy

Song Year: 1985

This R&B/Soul piece by Eddie Murphy is a mixed song, considering the topic of the lyrics. But the music is upbeat and all about partying, earning it a place on most any happy music playlist.

“Dynamite” by Taio Cruz

Song Year: 2009

As the title of this track suggests, it has an energetic beat that explodes at the chorus with the energy of a dynamite explosion. It’s the type of music that will get the dance floor moving, making it great for weddings and clubs.

“Send Me on My Way” by Rusted Root

Song Year: 1990

You will almost definitely recognize this tune, as many movies and television shows have used it for its happy energy. It has an upbeat and steady rhythm that will leave you with positive vibes, perfect for cruising around in your car.

“All Night Long” by Lionel Richie

Song Year: 1983

From Lionel Richie’s 1983 album Can’t Slow Down—which won a Grammy for best record of the year—“All Night Long” is a fantastic song about having fun. The lyrics and music are all about enjoying life and living to the fullest.

“You Can Call Me Al” by Paul Simon

Song Year: 1986

Another song from Paul Simon’s 1986 album Graceland, this classic track has an introduction that you will immediately recognize. You could think of this as the definition of a feel-good song!

“Dancing With Myself” by Billy Idol

Song Year: 1982

This Billy Idol song is a great reminder that even if yourself alone, you can still have a good time. Besides the optimistic lyrics, the music is upbeat and exciting.

“We like to Party!” by Vengaboys

Song Year: 1999

From the Vengaboys’ 1999 album The Party Album, this track is Eurodance-style music all about partying. The lyrics are all about hopping on a party bus to have a good time.

“Higher Power” by Coldplay

Song Year: 2021

From their newest album Music of the Spheres, Coldplay’s “Higher Power” is a song about finding your inner happiness, even during difficult times. And the music video is worth seeing as well!

“Savage Love” by Jason Derulo

Song Year: 2020

This Jason Derulo song has lyrics that are all about the complications of love and relationships, but his beautiful voice and upbeat music counter those challenges. This track will lift your mood, even during difficult times.

“Up” by Cardi B

Song Year: 2021

This high-energy song will change your mood exactly as the title suggest: it will go up! The fast lyrics and driving beat will inject you with energy and good vibes.

“Imagine” by Ben Platt

Song Year: 2021

Put simply, this is a love song about appreciating a loving relationship. The music is hopeful and Platt’s voice projects positive and happy energy.

“Best Friend” by Saweetie

Song Year: 2021

If you are into rap music and want a song about celebrating friendship, you should consider this track by Saweetie. It is energetic and celebrates best friends and soul mates.

“You Belong With Me” by Taylor Swift

Song Year: 2008

This Taylor Swift song, from her 2008 album Fearless, will put you in a sentimental and peaceful kind of happy mood. And the build to each chorus is sure to give you a boost of energy!

“Wannabe” by Spice Girls

Song Year: 1996

The Spice Girls covered a huge range of genres, and so many of their songs work for both dancing and singing. The track “Wannabe” is fun and exciting and it deserves a spot on any party playlist.

“Party in the U.S.A.” by Miley Cyrus

Song Year: 2009

When it comes to finding the positive and happy party energy, this Miley Cryus tune will pump the crowd up. The lyrics are fantastic and just about everyone will know them and sing (or scream) along!

“Since U Been Gone” by Kelly Clarkson

Song Year: 2004

It might sound weird that a breakup song can be happy, but this Kelly Clarkson tune shows that getting over a breakup can be a powerfully positive form of music-making. Turn the volume up on this one and let people scream along to the chorus.

“Don’t Stop Me Now” by Queen

Song Year: 1979

When listening to the soaring vocals of Freddy Mercury, it’s almost impossible not to get into a good mood. Blast this Queen song on the way to your next party. 

“Tightrope” by Janelle Monáe

Song Year: 2010

The exciting beat and rhythms of this tune will increase your energy and get you moving your body around. And if you check out the music video, you’ll also see some amazing dance moves.

“Good as Hell” by Lizzo

Song Year: 2016

“Good as Hell” is a track from Lizzo’s album Cuz I Love You, and it has the right groove to make you feel good about yourself. The chorus includes powerful marching band accompaniments.

“Let’s Go Crazy” by Prince

Song Year: 1984

This Prince song, from his 1984 album Purple Rain, has that classic fun 80s sound quality. Whether you need a dancing song or just want to boost your mood, this song brings the happy energy.

“Shout” by The Isley Brothers

Song Year: 1959

There are many versions of “Shout” that people play at weddings and other dance parties. But this original recording by The Isley Brothers is a classic.

“I Don’t Want It at All” by Kim Petras

Song Year: 2017

Kim Petras said that she wrote “I Don’t Want It at All” to capture a bratty and sugar-baby character. The tune succeeds at that and will also put you in a way better mood.

“22” by Taylor Swift

Song Year: 2012

This tune, from Taylor Swift’s 2012 album Red, is a great song to jam out to while hanging with friends. Everyone will be in a good mood listening to this one!

“Can’t Stop the Feeling” by Justin Timberlake

Song Year: 2016

Justin Timberlake’s music tends to have uplifting energy to it, and “Can’t Stop the Feeling” is no exception. The lyrics and upbeat energy are all about feeling happy and celebrating it.

“Love on Top” by Beyoncé

Song Year: 2011

Besides the lyrics all about love, the music in this Beyoncé track manages to consistently build the energy for our four minutes. The musical key keeps getting higher and the energy is explosive by the end.

“I’m Coming Out” by Diana Ross

Song Year: 1980

Almost everybody knows the lyrics to this classic song. It is celebratory, and you will have a fun time singing along to it.

“Girls Just Want to Have Fun” by Cyndi Lauper

Song Year: 1983

As the title suggests, this Cyndi Lauper tune is great music to play on a girl’s night out. The music will lift everyone’s mood and people will surely sing along to it.

“Feel Good Inc” by Gorillaz

Song Year: 2005

From their 2005 album Demon Days, this Gorillaz song is alternative hip hop music that will put you in a chilled-out mood. The beat is groovy and you will have an easy time singing along to the chorus.

“Shake It” by Metro Station

Song Year: 2007

Electronic dance music is one of those genres that guarantees a boost in energy. This song by Metro Station is a mix of punky singing and electronic dance style that will surely get you moving.

“Good Life” by OneRepublic

Song Year: 2009

From their 2009 album Waking Up, “Good Life” by OneRepublic is a great mix of relaxing energy and upbeat rhythms. The singing is relaxing but the beat underneath maintains steady energy.

“Geronimo” by Sheppard

Song Year: 2014

This high-energy song by Sheppard has lyrics about living life to the fullest. And the fast tempo and steady drumming patterns will give you energy and bring out happy vibes.

“Shut Up and Dance” by Walk the Moon

Song Year: 2014

As the title suggests, this tune is all about energy and dancing. Even if you don’t know all the lyrics, you will recognize the chorus and find yourself singing and dancing along to it.

“I Want to Dance with Somebody” by Whitney Houston

Song Year: 1987

Whitney Houston had unique energy among singers and musicians, and before her gigantic hit “I Will Always Love You”, this song was her most admired. It is fast, steady, and filled with happy energy.

“September” by Earth, Wind & Fire

Song Year: 1978

Even if you are not a fan of the band, you will recognize the groove and lyrics of this Earth, Wind & Fire song, especially the chorus!

“Baby” by Justin Bieber

Song Year: 2010

This Justin Bieber has great energy and is filled with hopeful energy that will boost your happiness to a new level!

“Stereo Love” by Edward Maya

Song Year: 2009

From his 2009 album by the same name, the song “Stereo Love” is another example of how the dance/electronic genre is fantastic at invoking positive energy.

“Kickstart My Heart” by Mötley Crüe

Song Year: 1989

Mötley Crüe captures the classic energy of rock music, and this song will get any room dancing and screaming with high-energy party vibes.

“Algo Me Gusta De Ti” by Wisin & Yandel

Song Year: 2012

You might have to understand some Spanish to connect to some of the lyrics of this tune, but the music is energetic enough on its own to get you moving. And there are English verses featuring Chris Brown and T-Pain.

“Nobody But You” by Blake Shelton

Song Year: 2004

Not everyone is into the vibe of country music, but if you are, then you will almost definitely enjoy “Nobody But You” by Blake Shelton. It’s all about love and happiness and will put you in a great mood.

“I’m Yours” by Jason Mraz

Song Year: 2008

There are different moods of happy emotion, and this song captures the calm and peaceful version of being happy and in love.

“Gym Class Heroes” by Stereo Hearts

Song Year: 2011

The beat is slower on this song, but it has a unique vibe and positive energy that earns it a place in this collection of happy songs.

“Afterglow” by Ed Sheeran

Song Year: 2020

Instead of the high-energy dance music that other tracks have, this Ed Sheeran song is calming and reflective, a more peaceful way to be happy.

“I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)” by The Proclaimers

Song Year: 1987

There’s something about music from the 1980s that makes it particularly fun and high-energy. Be sure to put this Proclaimers song on your party playlist.

“Worship You” by Kane Brown

Song Year: 2021

If you like country music and have not yet heard this new Kane Brown song, check it out to invoke those happy relationship emotions.

“La Vida Loca” by Ricky Martin

Song Year: 1999

This Ricky Martin song was a hit when it came out for a reason: people love how it boosts their mood and energy. Your playlist deserves a throwback to this classic!

“Yeah!” by Usher

Song Year: 2004

The opening riff to this Usher song might be one of the most famous introductions from that decade of music. It will pump up the energy of any room!

“Shake it Off” by Taylor Swift

Song Year: 2014

There’s a reason there are so many Taylor Swift tunes in this collection: she’s great at making fun and energetic music. “Shake it Off” is no exception because it will get you dancing and feeling good.

“I Gotta Feeling” by The Black Eyed Peas

Song Year: 2009

If you were in college sometime around the 2009 release date of this Black Eyed Peas song, then you already know how it can charge people up for a party.

Top Songs About Being Happy, Final Thoughts

As you can see, there is no shortage of happy songs out there, and they come in a variety of flavors. Whether you are looking for electronic dance music, uplifting morning songs to start your day, or party-themed music to make people energetic and happy, there is something for you.

So start collecting some of these great songs into a happy playlist!