As winter’s chill sets in, the combination of cold, rain, and boring routines can sometimes get us in a rut. This list is perfect for a mix of lesser-known tunes and more familiar ones that will put you in a good mood. With everything from reminiscent throwbacks to relatively recent upbeat releases, this list is sure to encompass the musical preference of just about everyone. Without further ado, open up Spotify and check out these feel-good songs!

1. “Blackbird” by The Beatles (1968) – One of the well-received improvements of 2016 has been the British invasion of Spotify, Apple Music, and many other streaming services. On January 1^st, the entire Beatles catalogue became available on various popular music platforms. “Blackbird” has an inspiring message about overcoming challenges and its writer, Paul McCartney, even analogized it to the Civil Rights movement. This hit was featured on the White Album and it continues to be a popular lighthearted tune.
2. “Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)” by Marvin Gaye (1971) – While this song’s progressive lyrics sadly describe a troubled environment, its nostalgic sound makes it a pleasant reflection of the past. The range of instruments featured in this song refreshingly contrast the mainstream music of today and it continues to be an enjoyable way to reminisce about the good ol’ days. As this song’s theme addresses an issue still relevant to today’s world, it is able to transcend eras for reasons other than its blissful melody.
3. “Dancing in the Moonlight” by King Harvest (1973) – In ’73, this number thirteen hit on the Billboard Hot 100 encompassed the modern-day meaning of youth. The lyrical aspect of this song describes the carefree feeling of just having a good time with friends. The simplicity of this work’s meaning makes it sentimental to many and continues to serve as a way remember that sometimes the most basic things in life are the most enjoyable.
4. “Saturday In The Park” by Chicago (1975) – The picture that this song paints is enough to brighten just about any day. Over the years it has been one of the band’s most popular songs and even made it to number three on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart upon its release. Now a days, it can be heard in Wrigley Field and Yankee Stadium whenever there is a Saturday afternoon ball game.
5. “Sultans of Swing” by Dire Straits (1978) –This ‘70s hit became one of the most popular songs in the US and the UK after its release. It has achieved a spot on the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s Top 500 Songs That Shaped Rock and Roll and made it to Guitar World’s number twenty-two spot on the list of greatest guitar solos. Rolling Stone even compared the song to the likes of Bob Dylan and described it as having an “inescapable hook”.
6. “Touch of Grey” by Grateful Dead (1987) – This happy-go-lucky tune is a great mood booster because of its motivational lyrics. The Grateful Dead’s message of going with the flow has been around since the Woodstock days and this song is no different. This song was accompanied by the Grateful Dead’s first ever music video and proved to be a popular choice for MTV. This song remains a hit because of its timeless lyrics about perseverance.
7. “Ever Really Wanted” by Slightly Stoopid (2007) – The release of Slightly Stoopid’s sixth album included this reggae based track and lived up to the group’s precedent of mellow hits. This album as a whole perfectly showcased the group’s ability to combine the genres of reggae and the acoustic aspect of southern rock. Slightly Stoopid as a whole hardly disappoints and their range of sound has something for just about everyone.
8. “Here It Goes Again” by OK Go (2007) – This song keeps its energizing momentum from beginning to end with the use of classic rock instruments. Its upbeat rhythm keeps listeners’ attention and has even been featured on the popular video game Guitar Hero. With the combination of pick-me-up beats and captivating speed, this song is sure to improve any mood.
9. “In The Grass” by Vacationer (2014) –This artist, while unfamiliar to many, has a reputation for making uplifting music with encouraging lyrics. With songs titled “Good as New”, “Paradise Waiting”, and “Onward and Upward”, it’s no surprise that their common message lies in positivity and perseverance. This song in particular focuses on the beauty of nature and its free-flowing sound makes it nearly impossible to feel down.
10. “Just Jammin’” by Gramatik– This mostly instrumental track combines an electronic sound with classic jazz instruments. Gramatik is a group that combines excerpts from songs of the past with contemporary beats and blues influences. “Just Jammin’”, along with “Hit That Jive” and “Lonely & Cold” off of Gramatik’s SB2 album, showcase the Slovenian artist’s talent for transcending not only genres, but eras as well.