Songs To Get Your Day Started
And leave you in a good mood.
It’s probably fair to say that this isn’t the 2021 we’d imagined. The monotony of the daily grind and being trapped indoors is beginning to grate on all of us. Moreover, the novelty of baking banana bread or attempting to get that six-pack has worn off, and the motivation reserves are running low. Even the extra peppy people are starting to lose the will to live.
I have certainly fallen into that slump. Sometimes it’s a literal fight just to crawl out of bed, and I think we all know that feeling. But then I remembered something important the other day while racking my brain for article inspiration:
Music will always be there for us.
Whether you’re feeling melancholy, angry, or just happy as Larry, music will always have your back. So I decided it’s about bloody time we change our tune (excuse the pun) — the days are getting longer and the flower buds are starting to grow. It, therefore, seems like the perfect moment to create a playlist that’ll give us all that motivation because lord knows we’re in need of some.
So, I say, get your arse out of bed, turn your speakers on full blast, and dance around in your PJ’s while you get your morning coffee sorted!
Move On Up — Curtis Mayfield
It goes without saying that any positive playlist has to feature Curtis Mayfield. I don’t know how anyone can dislike this song — it’s an absolute classic. So I recommend you get your butt down to the kitchen and make those eggs while you dance because this has Sunday brunch written all over it.
It Runs Through Me — Tom Misch
Let’s to take it down a notch with this one. Tom Misch is just the King of all things jazz and funk, making this a brilliant morning song. His velvety vocals are mixed with the jazz guitar and funky maracas to make it an all-round shoulder bopping tune. A great partner to your morning cuppa.
Love You For A Long Time — Maggie Rogers
This one is for the country and folk lovers. All I have to say is that Maggie Rogers hits the nail on the head here. It’s just a beautiful, catchy song featuring her trademark harmonies. Now’s the time to get yourself out of the house for a morning walk with this one on repeat. I can guarantee you’ll be singing it all day.
Juice — Lizzo
I think it’s fair to say that no motivation playlist can exist without a dash of Lizzo. Her body positivity is infectious and transcends into her music, making this one ideal for anyone needing that extra push. ‘Juice’ just has that oomph you’ll need to get your day started off on the right foot. Have this song on full blast while you’re getting dressed or putting your make-up on.
Loving Is Easy — Rex Orange County
This is the kind of song that gives you a big warm musical hug. Rex has a gorgeously smooth voice and utilises it to the max with his luscious harmonies at the end of the chorus. It’s just a sweet little number about being in love — what’s not to like? Play this one while you get dressed or set it as your alarm.
Lovely day — Bill Withers
I mean, the clue is in the name! You will have a lovely day because Bill says so. Another classic feel-good tune and I fail to see why you wouldn’t feel better after listening to this one. That is all.
Busy Earnin’ — Jungle
Need the workout motivation? Jungle absolutely nails that upbeat electronic-funk vibe and this is great for those gym-goers that like alternative workout tunes. Just listen to the intro and you’ll instantly feel like a badass! For the full effect, this one works best with headphones.
Praise You — Fatboy Slim
I mean, need I say more? Have a cheeky dance in your living room or sweat it out on the bike and let it all out. Better yet, if you don’t fancy having a jig, you need only watch the video and this one will start your day off right for sure!
Think That I Don’t Need Your Love — Joesef
After pumping out all that energy, we’ll bring the levels back down a peg or two. ‘Think That I Don’t Need Your Love’ radiates a more chilled out vibe, which is perfect after a big dancing session. If you’ve not heard Joesef’s music, then I highly recommend you give him a listen. He’s got a beautifully distinctive voice where jazz meets the 21st century and is the perfect ingredient to a morning coffee.
Don’t Feel Like Crying — Sigrid
To be honest, any of Sigrid’s songs would probably start your day off in the perfect way. Her music is the epitome of upbeat pop which is perfect for a feel-good playlist. Whether you’re going through a break-up, or just feeling down this is a great song to channel some positive energy. Like Sigrid says:
Wallowing in it would be such a waste. That isn’t gonna fix it anyway.
Keep putting one foot in front of the other because you are doing so well!
Are You Ready For Love — Elton John
We’ll stay aboard the positivity train because this one is an absolute tune and I argue Elton’s best song. Come at me trolls! It’s the perfect mixture of sweet lyrics, disco vibes, and a catchy hook. Grab a loved one and have a little boogie with them.
The Bird — Anderson .Paak
If you like a trumpet, well then you’re in for a treat because that brass really rounds out the song. I’m not sure what else to say other than Anderson .Paak is so damn cool ‘The Bird’ is just full of so much soul, so give it a good listen. Try setting this one as a wake-up song.
Remember Where You Are — Jessie Ware
I swear Jessie Ware’s music just gets better and better. This song features on Obama’s Favourite Songs of 2020, so it’s got to be good! She encapsulates an old-school kind of soul with an orchestra and choir behind her powerhouse of a voice. It’s big in its production but the ambience is relaxed and kind of reminds me of a beautiful spring day. I recommend listening to the full version to take in the atmosphere.
Unwritten — Natasha Bedingfield
I’m closing out with a classic guilty pleasure because it’s important to finish on a high note (excuse the pun again, I’m actually terrible). Listening to a song is good but singing along is even better it releases endorphins and is a natural antidepressant.
‘Unwritten’ is all about seizing the day and being open to whatever the world throws at you. In the words of Natasha herself:
Live your life with arms wide open, today is where your book begins.
And that is where I say, DO IT! Open up those lungs and sing at the top of your voice because I’m almost certain you’ll feel better after doing so!
I hope that hearing these songs lift your spirits and get you ready for the day. Just remember that you’re doing fab so keep going!
You can check all these songs out on my Spotify playlist here:
