10 Happiest Songs In Rock Music

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Some rock songs do more than entertain us; they can change the entire mood of a room within seconds. These ten selections celebrate the tracks that radiate joy through bright melodies, uplifting lyrics, irresistible rhythms, and performances that make it nearly impossible not to smile.

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 find happiness in being miserable. But that’s not the audience we’re writing this list for. No, we are creating our “10 Happiest Songs in Rock Music” list for those who enjoy listening to happy songs or are just looking for something to put them in a good mood. There are no specific criteria for this list other than choosing songs that make you feel happy, songs that we believe are among the happiest in rock music.

# 10 – “So Happy” – Steve Vai

If you’ve never heard this one, you’re in for something unique. It might be a stretch to call this a song, since there is really no melody aside from some cool guitar improvisations at the end. Yet, this is just so brilliant that we cannot ignore this salute to happiness and perhaps 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 the Kiki Dee Band 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 is just nothing more we can do. Released in 1974, the song became a major hit. While many people remember Kiki Dee for her duet with Elton John, “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart,” she released many 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 feel good?

# 8 – “Saturday in the Park” – Chicago

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

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

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

# 6 – “So Happy It Hurts” – Bryan Adams

Of all the songs on this list, this may be the one you are least familiar with. That is a shame because it is a great rock-and-roll tune. Bryan Adams has always been one of our favorite rock stars because his songs are filled with 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 putting it on your turntable, 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 saw the Rolling Stones at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, and watching these guys in their late 70s and early 80s still play with such raw power, high energy, and emotion was inspiring. Some people get old, retire, and fade away. Not these guys. They are still smacking people in the face and 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 1960s remember the version by Oliver that became a huge hit. However, the recording of this song that I have always enjoyed 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 through her hair, and the sun shining on the rest of the group made you feel good. I saw this movie when I was 17, and it had a major influence on my life. If you’ve never seen Hair, I highly recommend giving it a chance. It is a stunning movie.

# 3 – “Dancing in the Moonlight” – King Harvest

I don’t think I have ever met anyone in my life who didn’t like this song. There is something special about that electric-piano introduction and the super-cool vocal line. King Harvest never had another hit as big as this one, but sometimes all you need is one song to be remembered forever, and this one definitely was. This was a group of musicians who originally came from upstate New York and then moved to Paris to work as individual studio musicians. Eventually, they reunited 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’ll take it. While some hardcore Three Dog Night fans may overlook this song because of its massive mainstream success, there is no denying how huge a hit it 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 recording 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 would 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 in a minor key, setting up the 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 cover it. There really is only one “Happy Together,” and that is by the Turtles.