10 Happiest Songs In Rock Music

Feature Photo: Jaguar PS / Shutterstock.com

Our “10 Happiest Songs in Rock Music” article presents a group of rock songs that simply make you feel happy. Who doesn’t want to be happy? Well, I guess there are some people who actually enjoy being miserable. It’s funny that they actually find happiness in being miserable. But that’s not the audience we’re writing this list for. No, we are creating our “10 Happy Songs in Rock Music” list for those who enjoy listening to happy songs or maybe are just looking for something to put them in a good mood and make them feel happy. There’s really no specific criteria for this list other than coming up with songs that make you feel happy—songs which we believe are the happiest in rock music.

# 10 – So Happy – Steve Vai

If you’ve never heard of this one, you’re in for something unique. It might be a stretch to call this a song since there really is no melody except for some cool guitar improvisations at the end. Yet, this is just so brilliant we cannot ignore this salute to happiness and maybe insanity at the same time. Wait a second; I think there may be a connection there. Hey, where are my balloons?

# 9 – I’ve Got The Music In Me – The Kiki Dee Band

“I’ve Got the Music in Me” by Kiki Dee is one of those tracks that, if it doesn’t put you in a good mood and get you dancing with a big smile on your face, then there’s just nothing more we can do! Released in the early ’70s, this song was a huge hit. While many people remember Kiki Dee for her duet with Elton John, “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart,” she put out a lot of great records, and “I’ve Got the Music in Me” was one of her most successful singles. Just listen to that groove and the bass—doesn’t it just feel good?

# 8 – Saturday In The Park – Chicago

“Saturday in the Park” by Chicago opens with what is probably the most joyful piano introduction in rock music. You know the song instantly when you hear those chords slamming down. And then there’s Robert Lamn’s and Peter Cetera’s spirited vocals that always put you in a good mood. This song is so cinematic—you can see the park, you can feel the park, and you can feel the joy all around you. It’s the ultimate summer song. This gem dates back to Chicago’s fifth album.

# 7 – You’ve Made Me So Very Happy – Blood Sweat & Tears

It’s fitting to have Chicago and Blood, Sweat & Tears back-to-back on this list. The bands were similar in many ways as they both employed horn sections, jazz, a little bit of R&B, and powerful rock and roll rhythms into one fabulous sound. “You Made Me So Very Happy” was a huge hit by Blood, Sweat & Tears. It starts with a nice, sweet mellow opening that ultimately explodes into a powerhouse chorus that is as unforgettable as it gets.

# 6 – So Happy It Hurts – Bryan Adams

Out of all the songs on this list, this may be the one you’re most unfamiliar with. And that’s a shame because it’s a great rock and roll tune. Bryan Adams has always been one of our favorite rock and roll stars because his songs are always filled with such great melodies, lyrics, and energy. This one is high-energy, my friends. It also has a fun video. If you’ve never heard the song before, try popping it on your turntable—well, maybe your CD player, or probably your favorite streaming service. Who knows anymore?

# 5 – Happy – The Rolling Stones

There is just something about Keith Richards that makes us all happy. The guy is virtually indestructible, as we all say. I recently saw the Rolling Stones at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, and watching these guys in their late seventies and early eighties still play with such raw power, high energy, and emotion was just so inspiring. Some people get old, retire, and fade away. Not these guys. They’re still smacking people in the face, yelling at them to get up and dance. Don’t be a fool; don’t be a “Fool to Cry.” You know what I’m talking about; you know what I mean.

# 4 – Good Morning Starshine – Hair Soundtrack

How could this song not make you happy? Many people who grew up in the ’60s remember the version by Oliver that was a huge hit. However, the recording of this song that I’ve always enjoyed the most was featured in the 1979 film adaptation of the Broadway musical Hair. Just watching Beverly D’Angelo in the front seats, with that big smile on her face, the wind blowing in her hair, and the sun shining on the rest of the crew, just made you feel good. I saw this movie when I was 17 years old, and it had a major influence on my life. If you’ve never seen Hair, I highly recommend that you take a chance on it. It’s just a stunning movie.

# 3 – Dancing In The Moonlight – King Harvest

I don’t think I’ve ever met a person in my life that didn’t like this song. It’s just something really special about that electronic piano introduction and that super cool vocal line. King Harvest never had any other hits that were as big as this one but sometimes all you need is one to be remembered forever and this one definitely was it. This was a group of musicians who originally came out of upstate New York and then all moved to Paris to work as individual studio musicians. Eventually, they reformed together as a group in Paris, and the rest is history.

# 2 – Joy To The World – Three Dog Night

Whenever we get a chance to celebrate one of our favorite bands of all time, Three Dog Night, we’re going to take it. Now, while most hardcore Three Dog Night fans pretty much ignore this song in the band’s repertoire because of its mainstream success, there’s no denying how huge a hit this was in the early 1970s. If there ever was a song that cried out in celebration of life and the pursuit of happiness, it was this wonderful song by one of the greatest rock and roll bands of our time.

# 1 – Happy Together – The Turtles

Now, I know all of you knew this song was going to be number one. I mean, how could it not be? The Turtles’ “Happy Together” is one of the most joyous songs ever written and recorded. In typical Turtles fashion, the song starts out in a minor key, setting up for that moment when the chorus slams you in the face in all its major key glory. This was such a perfect recording that not many people have attempted to do cover versions of it. There really is only one “Happy Together,” and that’s by The Turtles.