- 6/20/2025
Ready to turn any frown upside down? We’re on a mission to share some of the happiest beats in music history destined to deliver good vibes. Our countdown includes joyful jams from Queen, Bob Marley, Earth, Wind & Fire, Whitney Houston, and more! Which catchy tune brings an instant smile to your face? Let us know in the comments and keep the feel-good hits rolling!
Category
🗞
NewsTranscript
00:00Welcome to Ms. Mojo, and today we're counting down our picks for the most uplifting beats in music guaranteed to leave you grinning.
00:15Number 30. I'm Coming Out. Diana Ross. What can we say? We're coming out, and we want the world to know.
00:33I'm coming out!
00:35Even though it was composed in 1980, Diana Ross' upbeat lyrics have become a modern-day anthem for the LGBTQ plus community, and we get why.
00:47No matter what time of year, listening to it feels like you're in the middle of a pride parade.
00:58It's got style, it's got power, and it's got rhythm for days.
01:02Plus, it has what might be the best trombone solo in music history.
01:07I'm Coming Out practically demands you get on the dance floor and start busting a move.
01:11What's not to love about that?
01:19Number 29. Can't Stop the Feeling. Justin Timberlake.
01:23If anyone knows how to put on a good music number, it's the Trolls.
01:32I know those things I should do, but you dance, dance, dance.
01:35Now, imagine a Trolls song written by Justin Timberlake, and you get Can't Stop the Feeling.
01:41Like its name implies, there's just no slowing down the funky fun of this disco number.
01:46Not that you'd want to.
01:48Sunshine in my pocket. Got that good soul in my feet.
01:51I feel that hot blood in my body when it drops.
01:55It's all about the dance, dance, dance, dance.
01:58You don't have to take our word for it, though.
02:00Can't Stop the Feeling was the best-selling single in the U.S. in 2016.
02:04That's a whole lot of dancing, and you won't hear us complaining about it one bit.
02:14Number 28. Holiday. Madonna.
02:17If there's such thing as a quintessential road trip song, it's Holiday.
02:21And not just because of its name.
02:23Holiday.
02:23The tune is bubbly, brassy, bombastic, and feels like it was written exclusively to crank
02:34on your car's stereo with the windows down.
02:36Bonus points if it's sunny out.
02:38It's time for the good times.
02:42Forget about the bad times.
02:44Oh, yeah.
02:45As part of Madonna's debut album, this song is the queen of pop in her absolute prime.
02:50Her remarkable vocals turn what could have been a grating annoyance into a high-spirited
02:55dance party.
02:56At this point, no vacation is complete without a little holiday on your playlist.
03:08Number 27. Ain't No Mountain High Enough.
03:11Marvin Gaye and Tammy Turrell.
03:13Through any obstacle and any adversity,
03:16this song is a reminder that the people who love you will always be by your side.
03:21Ain't no river wide enough, baby.
03:24If you need me, call me.
03:26No matter where you are.
03:27How does it do it, you ask?
03:29The best way.
03:30With pure, soulful pop.
03:32Whether it's the original version or the Diana Ross single,
03:35the earworm of a beat and iconic lyrics are too gripping to pass up.
03:39No wind, no rain or winter's cold
03:44Can't stop me more
03:46No, no, no, no
03:48In fact, we triple dog dare you to listen to Ain't No Mountain and not tap your toe along.
03:54Spoiler, it's impossible.
03:55Through high mountains, low valleys, and everything in between,
03:59this song hits the joyful mark.
04:01Ain't no valley low enough
04:04Ain't no river wide enough
04:07To keep me from getting up to you
04:10To you
04:10To you
04:11Number 26
04:13I've had the time of my life
04:15Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes
04:18Forget a smile, this song brings out the waterworks too.
04:21It conjures up the inexplicable feeling of love in a way only music can.
04:26So we take each other's hand
04:28Cause we seem to understand the urgency
04:32The way the verses swap between two halves of a couple expressing their devotion
04:38is enough to lift anyone's spirits.
04:40Speaking of lifts, it's impossible to mention time of my life
04:44without crediting the movie scene that made it so iconic.
04:46But dirty dancing aside, the uplifting composition has endured and forged a legacy all to itself.
05:02Whether you hear it on the radio, in the movie theater, or just cueing it on your playlist,
05:06it's guaranteed to give you butterflies.
05:20Number 25
05:21All-Star
05:22Smash Mouth
05:23The epitome of a pump-up song, Smash Mouth's trademark hit gets by on pure pulse-pounding adrenaline.
05:29The vibes are just that good.
05:31Hey now, you're an All-Star, get your game on, go play
05:35There's only one way to truly listen to its electric chorus,
05:39and that's strutting down the street with sunglasses on and the sound turned all the way up.
05:44It's tough to maintain such a high tempo over the course of a three-minute song,
05:48but All-Star makes it look easy.
05:50Head to the rules and I'll hit the ground running
05:52Didn't make sense not to live for fun
05:54Your brain gets smart, but your head gets dumb
05:56Still, its biggest claim to fame is that it was good enough to be played over the opening of
06:00Shrek.
06:01If it gets an ogre's seal of approval, who are we to disagree?
06:13Number 24
06:15Don't Stop Believin'
06:16Journey
06:17There are three constants in life
06:19Death, taxes, and Don't Stop Believin' at parties.
06:30It's basically an unwritten rule that every gathering needs some journey to spice up the dance floor,
06:35and nothing fits the bill better than this legendary track.
06:38Everyone knows it, everyone loves it, and everyone will sing along.
06:50Trust us, belting out the chorus to Don't Stop Believin' in a crowd of people is a spiritual experience.
06:55It's one of those rare classics that people of all ages can enjoy.
06:59And at this point, we bet us folks will be humming about that small-town girl for generations to come.
07:05Hold on, Houston to your feelings
07:08Still like fever
07:12Number 23
07:13I Wanna Dance With Somebody Who Loves Me
07:16Whitney Houston
07:17If you wanna feel the heat with someone, look no further
07:20Oh, I wanna dance with somebody
07:23I wanna feel the heat with somebody
07:27Whitney Houston's calling card, I Wanna Dance With Somebody
07:30is pretty much the undisputed theme song for girls' nights across the world.
07:34And boy, does it earn that.
07:36The song builds with so much energy and rhythm,
07:39it'll have you grinning like a madman before it's even done with the first verse.
07:43I need a man who'll take a chance
07:46on a love that burns hot enough to last
07:50That's without even mentioning the chorus.
07:53If you haven't tried belting along to those legendary lyrics,
07:56you've either never heard it or you're lying.
07:58Now, if you'll excuse us, the clock just struck upon the hour
08:02and you know what that means.
08:12Number 22
08:13What A Wonderful World
08:15Louis Armstrong
08:16Whether you need a chill vibe, an enchanting earworm
08:19or just a little pick-me-up, Louis Armstrong has you covered.
08:23I see trees of green
08:27Red roses too
08:29After all, it takes a special kind of song to give you chills in the very first verse.
08:34But that's just part of what makes What A Wonderful World so magical.
08:38For a little over two minutes, something about the beat and vocals makes it feel like everything is going to be okay.
08:51It's a beautiful composition through and through.
08:54And yet its biggest claim to fame is leaving the world a little brighter every time it comes on the radio.
09:00What A Wonderful World
09:07Number 21
09:11Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go
09:13Wham!
09:14If everyone could wake up to this song every day, the world would be a happier place.
09:18Put the great skies out of my way
09:21You make the sunshine brighter than Doris fade
09:24There's simply no way to make it through Wham!'s platinum-ranked hit with a frown on your face.
09:29From the jitterbug that opens it to the utterly unforgettable chorus,
09:33Wake Me Up will have you hooked.
09:35Or should we say, on the edge of a yo-yo.
09:43Either way, this upbeat song exudes so much optimism it should be illegal.
09:48Despite the lyrics, you won't have to worry about going solo when you play this one.
09:52On the contrary, cueing Wake Me Up is pretty much a foolproof way to start a dance party.
10:04Number 20
10:05Walking on Sunshine
10:06Katrina and the Waves
10:14Life always looks that little bit better when the weather's on your side.
10:17But for Katrina and the Waves,
10:19Happiness just doesn't come any stronger than this.
10:30Walking on Sunshine is happy songwriting at its very best.
10:34Coupled with a catchy, can't-get-it-out-of-your-head kind of melody.
10:37I'm walking on Sunshine
10:40A regular on many movie and TV soundtracks,
10:43it's a record best played at the beginning of the day,
10:45and is the perfect fit for any summer playlist.
10:48It'll have you heading to the beach in no time.
10:51Number 19
10:52Dancing Queen
10:53ABBA
10:54Whether it really is Friday Night and the Lights Are Low, or just any other evening of the week,
11:08this song will always leave you smiling from ear to ear.
11:11A worldwide number one hit for Swedish Euro disco pioneers ABBA,
11:24Dancing Queen is probably one of the most iconic records of the 20th century.
11:28From the piano intro to the harmonic fade out,
11:31we've been digging the Dancing Queen for decades now.
11:42And we'll likely do so for decades to come as well.
11:45Number 18
11:46Mr. Blue Sky
11:47Electric Light Orchestra
11:49Sun is shining in the sky
11:52There ain't a cloud and a sight
11:56Another weather-related record at number 18,
11:59and one of the most instantly upbeat songs ever sung.
12:02With lyrics that literally play out the replacement of a rainy day with a sunny one,
12:07Mr. Blue Sky personifies the summer sky itself,
12:10and turns him into one hell of a hero.
12:13Just tell us why you had to hide away for so long
12:19Written by Jeff Lynne during a stay in the Swiss Alps,
12:22the ELO frontman had struggled for inspiration during a dark and misty two weeks in the country.
12:28So pleased to be with you
12:30Look around, see what you do
12:33But then the weather brightened up, and so too did his writing.
12:36Thus came the record you're probably singing along to right now.
12:40Number 17
12:47I Want You Back
12:49The Jackson 5
12:50The Jackson 5 had more skill than most when it came to making us smile,
13:03and though we almost went with the iconic ABC,
13:06I Want You Back just about edges it.
13:12The very first Jackson 5 single to be released by Motown Records,
13:16it launched the five piece on their way to worldwide fame,
13:19and showcased to everybody the pop king potential of one Michael Jackson.
13:23Despite its love-lost lyrics, the song is infectiously uplifting, no matter how hard your day has been.
13:38Number 16
13:44Uptown Funk
13:45Mark Ronson featuring Bruno Mars
13:47A supremely standout song from more recent memory,
13:54Uptown Funk flows through just about everybody's veins when this record plays.
13:58And that's definitely something to smile about.
14:01Saturday night and we in the spot
14:03Don't believe me just watch
14:05Come on
14:06Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars bring out the very best in each other for this one,
14:12to create a worldwide hit with playful lyrics and a party-startin' belter of a beat.
14:17Mars had previously got us grinning with the lazy song, but while chillin' in our snuggies sounds good,
14:28hittin' our hallelujah sounds even better.
14:35Number 15
14:36I Got You, I Feel Good
14:38James Brown
14:39Uptown Funk might never have been a thing at all were it not for our next artist.
14:50Widely considered the founding father of funk in general,
14:53James Brown could tap into human happiness unlike anybody else.
14:58I got you as a signature tune and a go-to record for anyone who feels like getting their groove on.
15:21Dancing and smiling comes naturally whenever and wherever this song plays,
15:25and we all but guarantee that you're at least tapping your toes this very second.
15:36Number 14
15:37Happy, Pharrell Williams
15:48Forgive us if this choice seems a little on the nose,
15:51but Happy will have its listener feeling just that.
15:54When the song plays,
15:56smile seems to flow as freely as Pharrell Williams' award-winning vocal work.
16:01Because I'm happy
16:02Clap along if you feel like a room without a roof
16:07Because I'm happy
16:08A track produced as part of the Despicable Me 2 soundtrack,
16:11it features in the film at a pivotal moment when supervillain Gru has fallen in love.
16:16The character dances through the streets saving ducklings and catching frisbees,
16:29inspiring us all to get out and do the same thing.
16:31Clap along if you know that's what you won't do
16:36Number 13
16:37Sweet Caroline
16:39Neil Diamond
16:40Where it began
16:42I can't begin to know it
16:46Ever since its release in 1969, the song has developed its own unique history.
16:51Hands
16:52Touching hands
16:54Touching hands
16:57Originally, Diamond stated that it was written for JFK's daughter, Caroline Kennedy.
17:02However, he later admitted that he was writing it for his wife, Marsha.
17:06Sweet Marsha just doesn't flow the same.
17:09Sweet Caroline
17:13The time never seemed so good
17:17It developed a strong significance for the people of Boston,
17:20as it has been played at every Boston Red Sox home game since 2002.
17:24Need to hear everybody sing it!
17:27In 2013, Diamond announced that he would donate the royalties
17:31to help victims of the Boston Marathon attack.
17:34This wholesome history only improves the smile factor of this song.
17:37Good times really never looked so good.
17:40Good times never seemed so good
17:45Number 12
17:46Here Comes the Sun
17:48The Beatles
17:49Here comes the sun
17:50Here comes the sun
17:52Here comes the sun
17:54Clearly, the 60s were a decade well worth smiling about.
17:58Up next, the Beatles, who, with Here Comes the Sun, created one of the most hummable hooks ever known.
18:04It's a record that we owe entirely to George Harrison, who wrote it in Eric Clapton's garden, and using one of Clapton's acoustic guitars.
18:16Here comes the sun
18:18As I say
18:19It's alright
18:21A song saturated in positivity, All You Need Is Love might have made our Beatles entry, but Here Comes the Sun has our smile just that bit broader.
18:33Number 11
18:34My Girl
18:35The Temptations
18:36Our faces might ache from having smiled so much so far, but buckle up, because we're only halfway there.
18:48A record with nothing but positive energy running through it, My Girl's lyrics are romantic beyond comparison.
18:54I've got a sweeter song than the birds in the trees
19:01And it's rhythmic, wave-like delivery helps lighten the mood of anybody listening.
19:06If you've had a hard day at the office or gotten a poor grade at school, throw this on and dance away.
19:11Nothing can make you smile like My Girl.
19:22Number 10
19:23Three Little Birds
19:24Bob Marley and the Wailers
19:26Don't worry about a thing
19:30This laid-back reggae beat is a great way to start your day, or to finish it off.
19:35Legend has it that the song was inspired by canaries that used to visit Marley at his home.
19:40While this has not been proven, it is a wholesome thought.
19:43Cause every little thing is gonna be alright
19:47The song's lyrics are timeless, and send the message of letting go and accepting the way things are.
19:52Because eventually, everything works out.
19:55This message combined with the reggae rhythm makes it a relaxing song perfect for those days you're feeling down,
20:00or if you just wanna lay back and watch the world go by.
20:04I won't worry
20:05Every little thing
20:07Gonna be alright
20:09Number 9
20:10Waka Waka
20:11This time for Africa
20:13Shakira
20:14You're in good soul time
20:15Choosing your battle
20:17The FIFA World Cup is a time of excitement, and where athletes push themselves to their physical limits.
20:23In 2010, it created one of the happiest anthems in the history of sports to commemorate the event.
20:32It has everything you could want from a pump-up song, with inspirational lyrics, Afro-Colombian rhythm, and a catchy beat.
20:43The song did face controversy though, as many felt like an African artist should have been chosen since Africa was hosting the event.
20:50Despite this controversy, the song has experienced international success, and continues to bring smiles to athletes and non-athletes alike.
21:02Number 8
21:04Move On Up
21:05Curtis Mayfield
21:06If you need nine minutes of uninterrupted happiness in your life, and really, who doesn't, then look no further than Move On Up.
21:18A combination of 70s soul and funk, it was released on Mayfield's debut solo album, titled Curtis.
21:25Just move on up!
21:26Mayfield
21:27Mayfield sings about the rollercoaster ride that is life. At times, it may get rocky, but you should forever keep moving and never give up.
21:33The song has been influential in soul music and beyond, so it made sense when Kanye West used a sample of the iconic song in his 2006 single, Touch The Sky.
21:43I gotta testify, come up in the spot looking extra fly
21:48Detailing his rise to fame, Kanye's version only reasserts the message in Move On Up.
21:53I'm, I'm sky high, I'm, I'm sky high
21:57Number 7
21:58You Can Call Me Al
21:59Paul Simon
22:00You know that when a song has a penny whistle solo, you're in for a good time.
22:14The title and chorus of the song was born out of a funny encounter where composer-conductor Pierre Boulez called Paul and his wife Peggy by the names Al and Betty.
22:23We've all had those moments, but like Bob Ross might say, this proved to be a happy little accident.
22:28And created this gem of a song.
22:36The actual meaning of the song is open to interpretation due to its metaphors.
22:40But generally, it's all about finding yourself in the world, something that definitely needs some musical inspiration.
22:49Number 6
22:50Don't Stop Till You Get Enough
22:52Michael Jackson
22:53Have you had enough yet? No? Then we're not stopping here.
22:58There are so many great Michael Jackson songs to choose from, but ultimately, we went with Don't Stop Till You Get Enough, since it marked many firsts in what would be a historic career.
23:07It was Michael's first solo record under Epic Records. It marked his first solo Grammy and American Music Award. And it also presented his signature vocal hiccup.
23:20The song is pure electricity.
23:30And it's next to impossible not to dance when it starts to play.
23:37Number 5
23:39Wouldn't It Be Nice
23:40The Beach Boys
23:49As with many entries on today's countdown, the idea of happiness is often synonymous with an idea of innocence.
23:55But in no other song is that relationship better felt than in this one.
24:07Wouldn't It Be Nice is an idealized version of the future, sung from one love-struck sweetheart to another.
24:12Fairly conservative as far as rock and roll records go, it served as the opener to The Beach Boys' legendary Pet Sounds album.
24:18And has become a must-listen for any soon-to-be-married couple.
24:37Number 4
24:38Celebration
24:39Cool and the Gang
24:44Basically, all you need to know about the next entry is the title.
24:47When this little number starts to play, your body moves with a will of its own.
24:59Celebration was written with help from all 9 members of the gang.
25:02With so many talented artists coming together, it's no wonder that it's experienced international success.
25:11A staple for parties and weddings, it guarantees that everyone will come to the dance floor and have a good time.
25:16You don't even need a reason to put this on, so what are you waiting for?
25:19Why not go and put it on right this second and celebrate?
25:22It's got groove that will make you move, plus it's certified gold, baby!
25:27This was songwriter Ally Willis' first attempt at writing for the band.
25:31She learned from Maurice White, the band's frontman, that sometimes the groove is more important than the lyric.
25:37Which explains the repetition of Bada-Yah.
25:38It's the very groove of the song, the seamless flow of the lyrics, and White's peppy tenor that makes it such a joy to listen to.
25:42A perfect way to chase away the blues.
25:45A perfect way to chase away the blues.
25:46A perfect way to chase away the blues.
25:47Who you remember far, never without a day.
25:48Now.
25:49Number 2.
25:50Don't worry, be happy.
25:51Bobby McFerrin
25:52of Bada Ya.
26:01It's the very groove of the song, the seamless flow of the lyrics, and White's peppy tenor
26:06that makes it such a joy to listen to, a perfect way to chase away the blues.
26:12Well, you heard the man, or in some cases that freaky singing fish hung on the wall.
26:34Fish aside, this was the first a cappella song to take the number one spot on the Billboard
26:38Hot 100 chart, and even knocked out Guns N' Roses' sweet child of mine in the process.
26:51The simple mantra of Don't Worry Be Happy was actually inspired by Mare Baba, a spiritual
26:57master who would repeat this message to his followers.
27:00Those uplifting four words combined with the song's soothing melody are bound to melt anyone's
27:04worries away.
27:11Before we continue, be sure to subscribe to our channel and ring the bell to get notified
27:15about our latest videos.
27:17You have the option to be notified for occasional videos or all of them.
27:21If you're on your phone, make sure you go into your settings and switch on notifications.
27:27Number one, Don't Stop Me Now, Queen.
27:35Queen songs can make you happy just singing along.
27:37This is partly because the lyrics always flow seamlessly with the music.
27:45Don't Stop Me Now is definitely no different.
27:48It's fast, upbeat, and with lyrics like a tiger defying the laws of gravity, this song
27:53will have you feeling indestructible.
27:55I like a tiger defying the laws of gravity.
27:59For reasons that defy logic, it didn't receive immediate success in the US, and took some time
28:04to climb the charts.
28:05Nevertheless, it's a timeless track now, and never fails to brighten up the room, no matter
28:18the occasion.
28:20What song always lifts your spirits?
28:27Share the positivity in the comments below.
28:29I've got a pocket, got a pocket full of sunshine, I got a lot of fun and a note, but it's
28:46all I know.
28:48Bye.
28:49Bye.
28:50Bye.
28:51Bye.
28:52Bye.
28:52Bye.
28:53Bye.
28:54Bye.
28:54Bye.
28:54Bye.
28:54Bye.
28:54Bye.
28:55Bye.
28:55Bye.
28:55Bye.
28:56Bye.
28:56Bye.
28:57Bye.
Recommended
12:36
|
Up next
11:27
21:02
29:29
12:52
11:27
13:17
21:29
11:15
27:42
13:10
19:06
12:15
13:25
22:27
12:12
21:35
12:12
14:09
12:32
4:38