Music has a direct effect on our mood. It has the ability to calm us and therefore it reduces stress. Music can be a type of therapy for the brain.
Here is a music playlist curated with precision to make your life less boring and more happy.
Listen
I’ve started a playlist on Spotify. You can check it out right now, click here. It’s a 12-track playlist made of bops that I think we are all in need of at the moment. The track list has a variety of genres and artists that seem to mesh well together. Provided below, I’ll go more into detail about the playlist and song choice.
“Hush Puppy”
The playlist name might sound like a probable misnomer. I’ve named it after those adorable plushies (stuffed toys) you can get on Amazon, right here. They are cute pups. Come on, who doesn’t like puppies? They are just charming. Once upon a time, I think I had one or two.
The title “Hush Puppy” is purposeful. Not only can you find this playlist with ease because of the name, but it is meant to induce pleasant thoughts. I think “cuddly” and “warm”. What about you?
The tunes
- Vitamin C – Smile — Born in the 90s into a world of hits. You feel me? The songs says “Life, it ain’t easy. It’s so tough.” So what are you going to do? “Put a smile on your face.” This song sets the playlist with our vibe.
- Kygo – Sunrise — One of my favorite artists is Norwegian DJ and songwriter, Kyrre Gørvell-Dahll, known as Kygo. His music is chill and is very reminiscent of beaches and beautiful morning views.
- Third Eye Blind – Semi-Charmed Life — There is some explanation of this song out there. I dismiss it. My take on it is completely different. The line that I sing out loud is “Keep on smiling what we go through“. You can’t deny this catchy rock song the minute it starts. I also really like the voice of lead singer Stephan Jenkins. This band is from San Francisco and they are still two-thumbs up.
- Coldplay – Don’t Let It Break Your Heart — It’s easy to feel down, but like Chris Martin says, “Even in your rains and shadows, Still we’re never going to part… Don’t let it break your heart.” Their entire album “Mylo Xyloto” is my favorite and it is in my top 10 albums of all time. For a period, their “Mylo Xyloto” album was the soundtrack to my life. I recommend.
- Capital Cities – Safe And Sound — The title of this one says it all. The song is lyrically well-executed. Example, “Even if the sky is falling down…Even in a hurricane of frowns, I know that we’ll be safe and sound.” Dance to it and shake off those pesky bad vibes.
- Years & Years – Shine — Who is the “you” in this song? Sure, it can be a significant other, but it can also just be ourselves. “I’ll be redefined… It’s you that I’ve been waiting to find.” A song that reminds us perhaps that we should not forget that it is us that “shines”. Empowering song? No doubt.
- Metric – Gimme Sympathy — I discovered this artist when I was listening to the “Twilight” soundtracks. (Fact: I like “Twilight”. The books/movies about vampires and wolves. Team Edward here.) A fantastic tune that speaks, “You’re gonna make mistakes.” Mistakes are a normal part of life. We live and learn.
- B*Witched – C’est La Vie — Super 90s song. Even the sound of this one is so 90s. A happy song you can even “Riverdance” to like Michael Flatley in “Lord of The Dance”.
- Spice Girls – Stop — Start playing this fun song and embrace your inner Spice Girl. Go, Girl power!
- Savage Garden – Affirmation — I appreciate good writing and excellent lyrics. This: “I believe forgiveness is the key to your unhappiness. I believe in Karma, what you give is what you get returned. I believe the grass is no more greener on the other side”. Applause.
- Backstreet Boys – In A World Like This — I grew up listening and really liking this band. (Hello, Nick Carter!) Their music has evolved throughout the years and I still enjoy their sound. This song has a very good message. We should all take a moment to appreciate the people in our lives.
- The Killers – Be Still — The best song to conclude the playlist. This is another of my favorite bands. Brandon Flowers is a golden lyricist. In a time of trouble or chaos, “be still. Don’t break character. You’ve got so much heart… Rise up like the sun and labor ’til the work is done.” Love that lyric.
And it’s you that I’ve been waiting to find.”
Enjoy
Headphones on or speakers? No wrong way to go on this one. Play away. Go to the playlist by clicking here→ Take me to the playlist!
What are your favorite upbeat songs? Please share. I love finding out about new artists and songs!
Stay happy and healthy,
