20 Songs That Cheer Me Up When I’m Sad Or Depressed

I’ve seen a few people ask for music to help them cheer up when they’re down, sad, and depressed, so here is a selection of 20 songs and tunes from my own playlist (actually, it’s more now as I keep finding new music to add):

Alright by Supergrass

This song makes me smile every time I hear it, especially if I’m watching this video version of it.

Apache by The Shadows

This piece brings back happy memories from my teens.

Beautiful Noise by Neil Diamond

I find this song very energizing.

Ca Plane Pour Moi by Plastic Bertrand

I remember when this song came out, and even though the words make little to no sense at all, I have always loved this song because it’s one of the most high-energy songs I think I’ve ever heard.

Dalalai by Bond

I love the quirkiness of this tune.

Equinoxe 5 by Jean Michel Jarre

I first heard this when he did his live Rendez-vous Houston concert back in 1986, and loved it immediately.

Extreme Ways by Moby

I came across this via the Jason Bourne movies, and there is something about the rhythm and the tone of voice that I find really soothing.

Good Vibrations by The Beach Boys

This is a classic feel-good song from the 1960s.

Grand Masquerade by The Trouble Notes

I’m not usually a big fan of seeing music played live, but this performance is fun and hard not to smile at, and the tune itself is light and cheery.

I’m Still Standing by Elton John

I think it’s the sentiment of the title and words that make this one a positive song for me.

Irish Tavern Music

I have only recently discovered this type of music, and this is the one I came across first. It’s cheerful and lively, and I find it difficult to remain sad when I hear it. (I have a growing playlist with more of this style of music here.)

Misirlou by Dick Dale & The Del Tones

Ever since I first heard this when I was watching Pulp Fiction, I loved the energy of it.

Neutron Dance by The Pointer Sisters

The fact that I first heard this song during a car chase scene in Beverly Hills Cop probably explains why I associate it with energy and action.

One Way Or Another by Blondie

Another of my favourites from decades ago.

Run Boy Run by Woodkid

It seems a lot of my favourite music comes from movies, and this is from Divergent. Again, it’s the rhythm and energy that I love.

The Intergalactic Laxative by Donovan

I first heard this back in the 1970s, and although the lyrics are probably deemed rude by many people, I think it’s one of the funniest songs I’ve ever heard, and it makes me laugh every time I hear it.

The Pushbike Song by The Mixtures

This old black and white video is what takes this song to the next level – it adds fun to an already bizarre song with a strange motif.

Tobacco Road by The Nashville Teens

I’m not sure where I first heard this – probably on a compilation album – but there’s something about it that I’ve always found fun and uplifting.

Turning Japanese by The Vapors

The rhythm and pace are what I love about this song, and the lyrics are fun too.

Vietnamese Dan Bau Music

I have only recently discovered this type of music, by accident. It’s haunting, hypnotic, relaxing, soothing, and I can’t stop listenting to it. (I have a growing playlist with more of this style of music here.)

Whatever You Want by Status Quo

I’m not usually a fan of specific artists or groups, but I have been a long-time lover of Status Quo’s music, and this one is one of my favourites, including both the intro and the lyrics.

Side By Side by Jonas Steur & Julie Thompson

I couldn’t leave this list without also including one of my late wife’s favourites. She was really into trance and electronic music, and this is the one that comes to mind when I think of her.

I hope you enjoy some of my own personal favourites, and that you are inspired to create your own playlist of music you can turn to when you’re feeling blue.