Giving Em’ something they can feel

How music impacts our mood & songs that make us feel good

“I’ve found that no matter what life throws at me, music softens the blow.”– Bryce W. Anderson

From the energy and instruments to the composition and delivery, music makes us FEEL. It influences our moods by enhancing our current emotions and, sometimes, alters what we aren’t even aware that we’re experiencing. 

Intuitively, we know this. Our bodies have their own rhythm when we hear a dope melody. The DJ at the club controls us with each selection from their playlist. The on-air disc jockey has the same power as we listen during our morning commutes. Traffic will either irk the hell out of us or make us chill depending on the station. Music has been around for centuries and specific genres are crafted to amplify a certain mood.

Studies show that dopamine —our feel-good neurotransmitters— is released when we hear music. The more familiar we are with a particular song, the more dopamine is released, and the more pleasure we feel upon hearing it.

From your favorite melancholy breakup ballad to your pregame jam, there’s something about music that just vibes with us. It’s intertwined in our culture, being, and day-to-day realities. It’s in commercials, at cafes and in the elevator. We listen to music when we are on hold with customer service and lean on its lyrics during leg day at the gym. 

For all intents and purposes, music serves as therapy for us, offering an escape from the mundane and sometimes overwhelming cycles of life. In honor of May as Mental Health Awareness Month, here’s a list of feel good tunes to keep us all lifted. 

Happy – Pharrell

The title alone speaks volumes. Pharrell knew what he was doing when he crafted this highly infectious tune.

Lovely Day – Bill Withers

Bill Withers’ oldie but goodie was released nearly 50 years ago, but its message still rings true. The song reminds us that we have the choice to have a good, bad or lovely day no matter what’s happening around us.

I Got You (I Feel Good) – James Brown

When we are feeling down it’s easy to forget what’s going well in our lives, but James Brown reminds us of the importance of focusing on what the world needs more of… love. 

Best Friend – Brandy

Good friends are hard to come by. If you’re lucky enough to have someone to call a friend, then you’ve got more than most. 

It’s A Beautiful Morning – The Rascals

The Rascals remind us that each day brings a new opportunity to create joy. If we simply decide the morning is beautiful then it will be. 

The Power – Snap!

“I’ve got the power!” The message is simple. Whoever controls your mind controls your life. Give yourself the power to focus on what you want. 

Your Love – Nicki Minaj

If you haven’t caught on yet, I’m a lover. There’s just something about a nice love song that makes me feel good … bae or not. 

Art – Tyla

Sometimes you have to take a long pause and focus on what’s going well in life. Tyla’s catchy tune reminds us that we can either be the “artist” of our lives or admire someone who chooses to be a creator.

Blessed – Charlie Wilson

You don’t have to be a person of faith to enjoy this tune by Charlie Wilson. This song reminds us to appreciate the simple things in life. They often come with lots of joy and smiles. 

On My Mama – Victoria Monet 

Listen, sometimes you gotta be your own hype person. If no one else tells you that you “look fly!” and you “look good” you must tell yourself! Don’t depend on the opinions of others to build (or boost) your confidence.

The contents of this article are meant for entertainment purposes only. They are the sole opinions of the author and are not intended to be taken as medical and/or psychiatric advice. If you are suffering from mental illness, please contact a licensed mental health professional.