When it comes to music, my taste is pretty much all over the map. I’ve been checking out all of the songs I have on iTunes and these are the songs that make me happy and pretty much forget everything — even if just for a little while. Music has always articulated things I could’ve never said myself. Not to sound too dramatic but I’m pretty sure music is the reason I made it to my 16th birthday.
I’m definitely aging myself with these picks because none of them are new but I hope you’ll find at least one that might make you happy too. See what I did there? :)
MMMBop – Hanson
Every time I hear this song it makes me laugh. I most recently heard it while we were packing feminine hygiene kits for United Way by way of Comcast Cares Day. This is probably the happiest song on the planet.
What Makes You Beautiful – One Direction
One Direction is a boy band that was definitely not a part of my childhood. I was a diehard Backstreet Boys fan but this song makes me sing along every time.
Tha Crossroads – Bone Thugs ‘N Harmony
I’ve loved this song ever since the first time I heard it. In 1995 I was 12. Whenever I’d hear this song on the radio it gave me goosebumps — it still does. I’d try to catch it on the radio and record it via old school cassette tape. Remember those? When I hear it it brings me right back to middle school. A few years before life got really hard.
American Dreams – Papa Roach
Papa Roach is one of my favorite bands and American Dreams is my favorite song that they perform. I listen to this pretty loudly on my way to work more often than not.
I just saw them for the first time too last month on their tour with Shinedown, they’re amazing! Lots of energy.
Sit Still Look Pretty – Daya
This is definitely an anthem for girls all around the world.
99 Problems/One Step Closer – Jay-Z and Linkin Park
This is one of the best collabs/remixes of all time — in my opinion of course. RIP Chester Bennington. This is always on my workout playlist.
Gangsters and Thugs – The Transplants
I’ve never heard this song and not smiled. It just makes me laugh and I appreciate that.
Work Bitch – Britney Spears
If you need motivation for anything, this song is it. I’ve loved Britney since I first heard …Baby One More Time.
Halo – Soil
This isn’t super popular, but I’ve always loved it. It’s another song that’s on a lot of my workout playlists. It’s an angry-sounding happy. :)
TV II – Ministry
This song just straight up makes me laugh. I’ve never listened to it without laughing. I don’t normally like “angry” music but this song is an exception. It’s just funny!
Debonaire – Dope
This is another song I’ve loved since the first time I heard it. Also very popular on my way to work and it’s on plenty of my workout playlists too.
Centuries – Fall Out Boy
Fall Out Boy is one of my favorite bands ever.
Favorite lyrics:
And you’re a cherry blossom
You’re about to bloom
You look so pretty, but you’re gone so soon
I’m Not Alright – Shinedown
All dressed up
In a white straight jacket
Shut your mouth
No you can’t have it
These lyrics sucked me in from the first time I heard the song and the beat just feels happy to me. I’ve learned to accept my brokenness. Depression has given me an excellent sense of humor. Or maybe God gave me a great sense of humor because of my depression? I have a lot of questions for him, actually.
Devour – Shinedown
Shinedown is my favorite band of all time. I’ve seen them 3 times in concert and they always put on an amazing show. I’ve also seen Backstreet Boys, POD, Three Days Grace, Metallica, Rob Zombie, Kid Rock, Hinder, Slaughter, Skillet, Avenged Sevenfold, Seether, Chevelle, Saliva, Daughtry, Nickelback, Papa Roach, Staind, and others.
My top 3 concerts/performers are easily:
- Shinedown
- Metallica
- Kid Rock
Devour is one of my favorite songs by Shinedown but I love a lot of their stuff. Lead singer Brent Smith has gone from abusing drugs and alcohol to healthy living and fitness and that’s super inspirational to me.
Breakdown – Tantric
I really like the music in this song.
In your life
You seem to have it all
You seem to have control
But deep within your soul
You’re losing it
Those lyrics definitely spoke to me and still do now. Explains my life as a teenager navigating sexual assault: trying to look strong on the outside while breaking down on the inside. Might sound sad but the song does make me happy somehow.
Always Be My Baby – David Cook
Always Be My Baby is my favorite song by Mariah Carey and David Cook was my favorite singer ever on American Idol — I also loved Chris Daughtry. Couple the song and David Cook and it’s a recipe for amazingness. I’m not sure which version I like better! His version is incredible.
Bye Bye Bye – N’Sync
I wasn’t a huge N’Sync fan but this is probably my favorite song they sing. I wish I had said these words a whole lot sooner in so many relationships in my life! Haha.
I’m sure there are others but I’ll leave it at that for now.
Which songs make you happy? I’d love to know!
xo Mindi
