Dilovely’s Playlist: 20 Favourite Pick-Me-Up Songs

As promised ages ago, I have made y’all a playlist of “uppers”, as my brother calls them: songs that I put on when I need a mood-lifter, ones that are infectiously happy, or just have a melody that makes a body feel good. These are by no means the only 20 songs I would put in such a list – in fact, there could probably be many more volumes.

Just so you know, I have lots of related playlists brewing, such as “Songs for Grooving to with a Baby”, “Songs that Rock My Socks”, “Beautiful Songs that Pluck My Heartstrings”, “Symphonic Music That Makes the World Better”, “Must-Dance Songs”, and “Canadian Songs that Shall Be Immortal”. Please stay tuned.

I hope you will

a) enjoy perusing the list and perhaps checking out some songs, because we can all use another pick-me-up; and

b) add to the list!! It is fascinating to know what songs make people grin or dance like fools or belt out loud in their cars or kitchens. Please share with me.

Dilovely’s Playlist of 20 Favourite Pick-Me-Up Songs:

1. You Make My Dreams (1980), by Hall & Oates. I’m a sucker for 80s pop – just so happy.
2. Accidentally in Love (2004), by Counting Crows. I can feel myself turning a little faster and jumping a little higher.
3. Don’t Go Breaking My Heart (1976), by Elton John and Kiki Dee. Too fun to be glum – or sit still, for that matter.
4. Only One (2007), by Jeremy Kay. You stimulate my mind too, Jeremy – thanks.
5. Good Lovin’ (1966), by The Rascals. I’m also a sucker for oldies with tight harmonies.
6. Shine (2007), by Take That. We are AWESOME! We are the best, shiniest people ever.
7. Right by Your Side (1983), by Eurythmics. It’s not often we get such a burst of euphoria from Annie Lennox… and I like it.
8. Love You I Do (2006, a la 1963), sung by Jennifer Hudson, from the Dreamgirls Soundtrack. You just can’t beat exuberant Motown brass.
9. Every Little Thing She Does is Magic (1981), by the Police. A perfect combination of epic and ecstatic – plus, really fun video! I just discovered it today.
10. Procura (1997), by Chichi Peralta. It’s everything I love about Latin music – and you should have seen my Grade 2 music class go nuts for it!
11. Down Rideau Canal (2006), by James Hill. This Canuck ukulele artist is just… amazing. I dare you to watch this without smiling. Also, the most shimmying I’ve ever done was a solo to this song (the CD version is a whole minute longer).
12. Don’t Stop Me Now (1978), by Queen. If Freddy wants to make a super-sonic woman outta me, I won’t stop him.
13. Birdhouse in Your Soul (1990), by They Might Be Giants. After 20 years, I still have no idea what they’re talking about, but the glorious song lives on.
14. The Set-Up (1998), by Reel Big Fish. Immature punks with potty mouths… and incredible musical talent. (Actually, no real swearing in this one.)
15. Take Me Down (1996), by Phil Collins. Isn’t it amazing how these balding, middle-aged dudes can rock? It doesn’t hurt that I’m also a sucker for the African influence.
16. Lovin’ Each Day (2000), by Ronan Keating. The epitome of catchiness, in a good way. Don’t be afraid to bop along.
17. Jump (1984), by Van Halen. So hard-core, and yet so sweet! Let’s jump, people.
18. Soul Man (1967), by Sam and Dave. I know I’m not qualified to say this, but leave it to a black musician (Isaac Hayes) to take inspiration from the Detroit Street Riot and turn it into the funkiest, foot-tappingest, proudest anthem you could ask for.
19. Koff Drops (1989), by Moe Koffman. A fantastic Canadian jazz flautist re-imagines a Bach (?) sonata and it’s pure awesomeness. It was also the theme for CBC’s As It Happens for a while, and when I was a kid I always looked forward to the few moments we got to hear this song – right around dinnertime.
20. C’est l’amour (2002), by Youssou N’Dour. From a very political artist, a simple and beautiful song about how you can’t eat or sleep when you’re wishing for the one you love. (I’d think whoever she was, she could’ve been won over with this.)