20 Best Songs That Make You Feel Good

Feature PhotoPhoto: By NBC Television (eBay item photo front publicity release) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Music has an uncanny ability to elevate the spirit, and this article of the 20 best songs that make you feel good is a journey through genres, decades, and emotions. From timeless classics to innovative masterpieces, each song carries its own story, blending powerful lyrics, dynamic arrangements, and memorable performances to create a mood that uplifts and inspires. This article delves into the unique histories and lyrical beauty of each track, offering not just an exploration of their musicality but an invitation to experience the joy they evoke.

The Beach Boys’ “Good Vibrations” closes the list with its mesmerizing innovation and undeniable energy, while Beverly D’Angelo’s rendition of “Good Morning Starshine” from Hair captures the whimsical, transformative power of song. The Young Rascals appear twice with “A Beautiful Morning,” a burst of radiant optimism, and “Groovin’,” a relaxed ode to carefree love. Laura Nyro’s “Save the Country” stirs the soul with its call for unity, while Al Green’s “Love and Happiness” blends gospel and soul into an anthem of joy. Three Dog Night’s “Out in the Country” reminds us of the healing power of nature, and The Carpenters’ “We’ve Only Just Begun” celebrates beginnings with grace and serenity. U2’s “Beautiful Day” serves as a rallying cry for hope, while James Brown’s “I Got You (I Feel Good)” is pure, unfiltered exuberance. Tom Waits’ “Ol’ ’55” paints a picture of quiet reflection, and Billy Joel’s “Keeping the Faith” humorously celebrates resilience and nostalgia.

Carole King’s “Jazzman” transports listeners with its heartfelt homage to music’s magic, and Grand Funk’s “Some Kind of Wonderful” offers a rollicking declaration of love. John Miles’ “Music” celebrates the transformative power of sound, while Todd Rundgren’s “Bang the Drum All Day” revels in carefree abandon. Chicago’s “Make Me Smile” and The Beatles’ “Getting Better” each shine with emotional exuberance, and Electric Light Orchestra’s “Mr. Blue Sky,” which opens our article, captures the electrifying joy of a sunny day.

# 20 – Mr. Blue Sky – Electric Light Orchestra

One of the most exuberant entries on this list, “Mr. Blue Sky” by Electric Light Orchestra (ELO) radiates pure joy through its bright orchestration and optimistic lyrics. Written and produced by ELO’s frontman, Jeff Lynne, the song was recorded at Musicland Studios in Munich, Germany, during the sessions for the 1977 album Out of the Blue. The recording took place between May and August of that year, with Lynne overseeing the production. A hallmark of the band’s symphonic rock style, “Mr. Blue Sky” featured contributions from the band’s core lineup: Jeff Lynne on vocals and guitar, Bev Bevan on drums, Richard Tandy on keyboards, and Kelly Groucutt on bass, as well as the string section that included Mik Kaminski, Hugh McDowell, and Melvyn Gale.

The song begins with an almost mechanical build-up of sound, setting the stage for a celebratory burst of energy that mirrors the lyrical content. Lynne reportedly wrote the song during a rare break in the gloomy weather while working in Switzerland, and the lyrics directly reflect this experience. Lines such as “The sun is shinin’ in the sky / There ain’t a cloud in sight” paint a picture of relief and happiness, perfectly encapsulating the uplifting theme of this article. This song’s joy is contagious, much like the sense of triumph in other tracks from this list, though it stands apart in its orchestral grandeur and vivid lyrical imagery. Critically, “Mr. Blue Sky” is often heralded as one of ELO’s signature tracks, praised for its sophisticated arrangement and Lynne’s meticulous production. The song climbed to number six on the UK Singles Chart and reached number 35 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States.

# 19 – Getting Better – The Beatles

Optimism takes center stage in “Getting Better,” a track from Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, an album that helped redefine the possibilities of popular music. Recorded between March 9 and March 23, 1967, at EMI Studios in London, the song features the iconic lineup of John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr, with George Martin producing. Each member contributed distinct elements to the track: McCartney’s bouncy bassline, Harrison’s rhythmic guitar riff, and Starr’s precise drumming weave seamlessly into the upbeat arrangement. The inclusion of piano and tamboura, layered expertly under Martin’s guidance, underscores the inventive sound that became a hallmark of this album.

# 18 – Make Me Smile – Chicago

“Make Me Smile” radiates a sense of euphoria and creative vibrancy that exemplifies Chicago’s ability to craft intricate, uplifting music. Recorded in 1969 at Columbia Studios in New York City and released as part of their second album, Chicago (commonly referred to as Chicago II), the song was produced by James William Guercio. This dynamic track is a key component of the album’s ambitious “Ballet for a Girl in Buchannon” suite, composed by trombonist James Pankow. The suite’s melodic and rhythmic complexity is distilled into this standalone single, showcasing Chicago’s fusion of jazz and rock.

The musicianship on “Make Me Smile” is remarkable. Robert Lamm’s rhythmic keyboard work anchors the track, while Terry Kath’s emotive lead vocals and dazzling guitar solo add depth and intensity. The horn section—comprising Pankow on trombone, Lee Loughnane on trumpet, and Walter Parazaider on woodwinds—soars throughout, offering bright, brassy interjections that contribute to the song’s exuberant energy. Danny Seraphine’s intricate drumming keeps the dynamic structure cohesive, while Peter Cetera’s basslines underscore the song with rhythmic precision.

# 17 – Bang The Drum All Day – Todd Rundgren

Released in 1983 as part of his album The Ever Popular Tortured Artist Effect, the song was recorded in Rundgren’s home studio and self-produced, exemplifying his reputation as a one-man band. Rundgren played every instrument on the track, crafting its infectious rhythm with synthesizers, a catchy drum beat, and his signature wit. This DIY approach adds a personal, unpolished charm to the song, amplifying its playful and rebellious nature.

# 16 – Sunshine On My Shoulder – John Denver

It’s John Denver, the man who made everyone happy. It’s as simple at that.

# 15 – Music – John Miles

“Music” by John Miles captures the transformative power of music in a way that few songs achieve, blending grandeur with heartfelt emotion. Featured on his debut album, Rebel, the song was recorded in 1975 at Abbey Road Studios in London, with production by Alan Parsons. Miles, a multi-talented musician, played piano, guitar, and provided lead vocals, while the intricate orchestral arrangement, conducted by Andrew Powell, added a cinematic depth to the track. The fusion of rock instrumentation with classical influences demonstrates Miles’ ambition and artistic range.

If you have never heard this song, I highly recommend that you take the time to watch the video below. This is truly a breathtaking musical piece and performance.

# 14 – Some Kind Of Wonderful – Grand Funk

Grand Funk’s rendition of “Some Kind of Wonderful” encapsulates the pure joy of love with an infectious groove and soulful delivery. Originally written by John Ellison and first recorded by the Soul Brothers Six in 1967, Grand Funk took the track to new heights when they recorded it for their 1974 album All the Girls in the World Beware!!!. Produced by Jimmy Ienner, the song was recorded at The Swamp in Florida, with Mark Farner on rhythm guitar and lead vocals, Don Brewer on drums and backing vocals, and Mel Schacher on bass. This minimalist lineup brought raw energy and authenticity to the track, stripping it down to its core elements of rhythm and soul.

# 13 – Jazzman – Carole King

Carole King’s “Jazzman” embodies the soul-stirring joy of music and its ability to transport listeners to a euphoric state. Released in 1974 as part of her album Wrap Around Joy, the song was recorded at A&M Studios in Hollywood under the production of King herself alongside Lou Adler. Written by King and lyricist David Palmer, “Jazzman” showcases King’s ability to blend pop sensibilities with jazz influences, resulting in a track that is as musically rich as it is uplifting. Tom Scott’s iconic saxophone solo, which punctuates the song with emotional intensity, is a defining feature, complementing King’s warm, resonant vocals.

# 12 – Keeping The Faith – Billy Joel

Billy Joel’s “Keeping the Faith” is a lively ode to nostalgia and optimism, blending humor with sincerity to create a feel-good anthem. Released in 1983 as the closing track on his An Innocent Man album, the song was recorded at Chelsea Sound and A&R Recording Studios in New York City under the production of Phil Ramone. Joel, known for his versatile musicality, performed lead vocals and played piano, accompanied by a lineup that included Doug Stegmeyer on bass, Liberty DeVitto on drums, and David Brown on guitar. The vibrant horn arrangement, contributed by Mark Rivera, adds a soulful layer to the song, emphasizing its celebratory tone.

# 11 – Ol 55 – Tom Waits

Tom Waits’ “Ol’ ’55” exudes a warm, reflective charm that captures the bittersweet beauty of life’s small, joyful moments. Opening Closing Time, his debut album released in 1973, the song was recorded at Sunset Sound Recorders in Los Angeles under the production of Jerry Yester. Waits, whose evocative songwriting was already evident, played piano and provided the song’s heartfelt lead vocal. The arrangement features subtle contributions from musicians including Bill Plummer on bass and Jesse Ehrlich on cello, enhancing the track’s delicate, wistful tone.

# 10 – I Feel Good – James Brown

Released as a single in October 1965, the track was recorded earlier that year at Criteria Studios in Miami, Florida, under the production of James Brown and Nat Jones. Featuring Brown’s unmistakable vocal delivery and a blistering horn arrangement, the song became one of the defining moments in Brown’s career and a landmark in the evolution of funk and soul music. The band, known as the Famous Flames, included Maceo Parker on saxophone, which added a dynamic, celebratory energy to the performance.

# 9 – Beautiful Day – U2

U2’s “Beautiful Day” is an anthem of resilience and hope, merging heartfelt lyrics with an uplifting arrangement that captures the spirit of renewal. Released in 2000 as the lead single from their album All That You Can’t Leave Behind, the song was recorded at Hanover Quay Studios in Dublin and South of France studios, with production by Brian Eno and Daniel Lanois. The band—Bono (vocals), The Edge (guitar, keyboards), Adam Clayton (bass), and Larry Mullen Jr. (drums)—crafted a track that balances their signature atmospheric sound with a message of optimism.

# 8 – We’ve Only Just Begun – The Carpenters

The Carpenters’ “We’ve Only Just Begun” is a heartfelt anthem of optimism and new beginnings, infused with a tender sincerity that has made it timeless. Released in 1970 on their album Close to You, the song was recorded at A&M Studios in Los Angeles under the meticulous production of Richard Carpenter and Jack Daugherty. Written by Paul Williams and Roger Nichols, the track was originally conceived as part of a commercial for a California bank but quickly evolved into a full-fledged ballad. Richard Carpenter’s lush arrangement, combined with Karen Carpenter’s velvety vocals, creates a delicate yet emotionally powerful listening experience.

# 7 – Out In The Country – Three Dog Night

“Out in the Country” by Three Dog Night captures the universal longing for escape and renewal, offering a tranquil yet evocative meditation on finding solace in nature. Written by Paul Williams and Roger Nichols, the song was recorded in 1970 and featured on the album It Ain’t Easy. Produced by Richard Podolor, the track showcases the group’s signature blend of harmony-rich vocals and thoughtful instrumentation. Lead vocals by Chuck Negron convey both a yearning and a peaceful resolve, supported by the band’s impeccable arrangements and subtle yet effective acoustic and electric textures.

# 6 – Love And Happiness – Al Green

“Love and Happiness” by Al Green captures the essence of soul music with its seamless blend of heartfelt lyrics, infectious grooves, and an electrifying vocal performance. Released in 1972 as part of the album I’m Still in Love with You, the song was recorded at Royal Studios in Memphis, Tennessee, under the production of Willie Mitchell. Al Green, a master of soul’s golden era, co-wrote the song with Mitchell, who crafted its dynamic arrangement, highlighting Green’s emotional delivery and the Memphis sound’s signature balance of rhythm and melody. The song features contributions from the Hi Rhythm Section, including Teenie Hodges on guitar, Charles Hodges on organ, Leroy Hodges on bass, and Howard Grimes on drums.

# 5 – Save The Country – Laura Nyro

Laura Nyro’s “Save the Country” is a passionate call for unity and social change, delivered with the soulful intensity that defined her music. Written and recorded in 1968, the song emerged as a response to the turbulent political and social climate of the late 1960s, particularly the assassinations of Robert F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King Jr. The track was later re-recorded for her 1969 album New York Tendaberry, produced by Nyro herself, and showcases her distinct ability to blend genres like gospel, folk, and soul into a cohesive, emotionally charged composition.

# 4 – A Beautiful Morning – Young Rascals

“A Beautiful Morning” by The Young Rascals embodies the joy of starting fresh and celebrating life’s simple pleasures. Released as a single in March 1968, the song marked a shift for the band, embracing a lighter, more reflective tone compared to their earlier rhythm-and-blues-influenced hits. Written by Felix Cavaliere and Eddie Brigati, the track was recorded at A&R Studios in New York City and produced by the band’s frequent collaborator, Arif Mardin. Cavaliere’s lead vocals, paired with the lush instrumentation, create a track that radiates positivity.

# 3 – Groovin’ – Young Rascals

The Young Rascals’ “Groovin’” perfectly captures the bliss of a carefree Sunday afternoon, offering listeners a melodic escape into a world of relaxation and love. Written by Felix Cavaliere and Eddie Brigati, the song was recorded in March 1967 at A&R Studios in New York City and produced by Arif Mardin. Featured on their album Groovin’, the track showcases the band’s ability to blend genres, infusing elements of Latin, soul, and pop into a laid-back yet vibrant arrangement. Cavaliere’s tender vocals, accompanied by Gene Cornish’s conga-driven rhythm and Brigati’s harmonies, make this track a quintessential feel-good anthem.

# 2 – Good Morning Starshine – Hair Soundtrack

The transcendent beauty of “Good Morning Starshine,” performed by Beverly D’Angelo in the film adaptation of Hair, is a luminous celebration of hope and connection. Originally written by Galt MacDermot, James Rado, and Gerome Ragni for the 1967 musical Hair, the song was later featured on the Hair: Original Soundtrack Recording in 1979. Beverly D’Angelo’s ethereal rendition in the film, directed by Miloš Forman, elevates the song’s emotional resonance with her captivating voice and on-screen presence, making this version a definitive highlight.

# 1 – Good Vibrations – The Beach Boys

Closing this list with “Good Vibrations” by The Beach Boys feels like the perfect choice, as the song embodies pure joy and creative brilliance. Released in 1966 as a standalone single, it was recorded over several months at multiple studios, including Western Recorders, Gold Star Studios, and Sunset Sound in Los Angeles. Produced by Brian Wilson, the track features contributions from The Wrecking Crew, a legendary group of session musicians, alongside The Beach Boys themselves: the late Brian Wilson, Carl Wilson, Dennis Wilson, Mike Love, and Al Jardine. The recording process was groundbreaking, with Wilson piecing together modular sections recorded separately, creating a sonic tapestry that was both intricate and exhilarating.