As the first rays of sunlight peek through the curtains, the A.M. struggle commences. The right tunes get you moving, uplift your mood, and set an optimistic tone. Let an energizing playlist be your alarm clock. These 23 uplifting songs from across genres will transform you from sleepyhead to sunshine spreader.
If you're looking for a song to help you start your day off right, this one is a great choice. It's a feel-good song that will put a smile on your face and make you feel happy and optimistic.
This bubbly 80’s pop hit instantly sparks optimism with its big chorus, driving rhythms, and energetic female vocals. It’s impossible not to feel happy and motivated listening to it. The song sums up the feeling of a fresh start and limitless possibilities that each new morning brings.
Bill Withers brings a relaxed morning through his silky smooth vocals on this 1977 hit. The song's lyrics are full of positive affirmations and encouragement, and the upbeat tempo makes it a perfect song to start your day off on the right foot.
The floating melodies and graceful string arrangements backing Bill Withers’ smooth voice create a comforting, optimistic mood. As he sings charming lyrics like "Just one look at you, and I know it's gonna be a lovely day," the song feels like a reassuring hug first thing in the morning.
This perfectly named 1984 hit instantly sparks energy and smiles. George Michael's enthusiastic voice leads to starting each morning right. His high spirits are contagious as he sings about wanting to share every experience with his love.
The chorus invites you to sing and dance along in your pajamas. Michael's voice smoothly guides you into the day with lines like "Take me dancing tonight!" The song's tempo is fast and energetic, which can help to get your heart rate up and wake you up.
Wake up to some laid-back motivation courtesy of Texas rapper Chamillionaire's mellow rhymes on this low-key hip-hop track. Chamillionaire puts his signature Houston hip-hop style on this track tailor-made for starting your day.
Lines like "I'm waking up like can't nobody mess up my mood" motivate you to shine. As he raps playfully about getting up early, melodic strings and keyboards create a relaxed vibe. Upbeat rhythms drive home his positive outlook.
The opening driving beat and enthusiastic vocals of this indie rock song from Arcade Fire's 2004 album "Funeral" make it an ideal morning energizer. This song is a powerful and anthemic song with a driving indie rock rhythm.
The song begins with a slow, building intro, but quickly explodes into a frenzy of sound. The guitars are loud and distorted, the drums are pounding, and the vocals are passionate and urgent. The song's lyrics are about waking up to the reality of the world and taking action to make it a better place.
Their message of hope and determination is perfectly suited for a morning playlist.
J. Cole brings his signature smooth flow and verbal dexterity to this laid-back 2011 hip-hop track that's perfect for starting your day. The line "Get on your job lil mane, this ain't saturday!" sets the tone for the rest of the track.
J. Cole is addressing a younger version of himself, urging him to get up and start working hard. He reminds the listener that there is no time to waste, and that the only way to achieve their goals is to put in the effort.
Rise and Shine is a perfect song for a morning playlist because it is both motivating and uplifting. The song's energy can help you stay motivated throughout the day.
The upbeat soul sample that opens this 2007 track instantly lifts your mood, making it a great song for greeting the AM. As the Seventies-style funky guitar, cymbal taps, and brass stabs kick in, you can't help but feel a boost.
When Kanye begins rapping with his signature combination of spirit and humor about the day ahead, it further brightens your outlook. His line "Good morning, on this day we become legendary" is the dose of confidence you need to spring out of bed feeling ready for big things.
Let the old school rhythms and Kanye's spirited vocals provide the feel-good fuel to start your day off right.
Transport back to the cheery sounds of 60s pop rock with this upbeat 1968 tune ideal for sunny mornings.
The lyrics are simple but effective, painting a picture of a day full of possibilities. As soon as the bouncy piano chords, swinging drums, and chiming guitar riffs ring out, it's impossible not to smile.
The retro harmonies wishing for many more beautiful mornings like this one provide a dose of feel-good nostalgia. The Rascals provide a timeless soundtrack as you soak up the promise of a new day dawning.
True to its title, this upbeat indie rock song from 2014 will get your day started off right. A propulsive drum beat and jangly guitar riffs create momentum as vocalist Zac Barnett sings cheerfully about all the little things that make life great.
The driving rhythm builds into a huge power-pop chorus where he joyfully belts out "This is gonna be the best day of my life". His unbridled enthusiasm is infectious. The lyrics are positive and optimistic, which can help you start your day off on a good note.
Early risers can dance their way into the day with this 1991 dance-pop song with a catchy beat. Instantly energizing percussion, zippy turntable scratches, and block party whistles kick off the track.
As Mark Wahlberg and his Funky Bunch trade verses singing about feel-good vibrations. The rhythmic blend of hip-hop swag and sunny pop melodies creates an uplifting vibe.
The irrepressibly catchy rhythms will get you on your feet and ready to take on the day.
The cascading guitar and anthemic drum beat that open this 2000 rock song make it clear U2 means business, perfectly setting the stage for singer Bono's soaring vocals. The song is a positive and uplifting anthem about finding beauty in the world, even in the face of adversity.
It begins with a simple piano melody, which is soon joined by the rest of the band. The lyrics are hopeful and optimistic, with Bono singing about how "it's a beautiful day" and how "the heart is a bloom." The song has a driving beat that makes it perfect for getting up and moving, and the overall message of positivity is sure to put a smile on your face.
Let this Grammy winner make your morning feel full of hope and promise.
Let Bob Marley's tranquil reggae rhythms provide reassurance first thing in the morning. Taken from his legendary 1977 album Exodus, this song's breezy sound instantly puts the mind at ease.
As Marley's gentle vocals sing encouraging lyrics like "Don't worry, about a thing", light guitar upstrokes remain steady like a heartbeat. Brief organ notes add to the laid-back style.
By the time he guarantees every little thing is gonna be alright, any stress or anxiety washes away. The simple melodies let Marley's message shine through, making this the ideal track for a peaceful start to your day.
This funky song instantly puts you in a positive mood thanks to its energetic sound, inspiring lyrics, and Pharrell's joyful delivery.
From the get-go, the lively rhythms of "Happy" get your head bobbing and feet tapping. The handclaps and retro-styled drums create a smile-inducing, funky groove.
Pharrell's smooth vocals have an infectious enthusiasm as he sings about being happy like it's the easiest choice.
His energetic ad-libs like "Clap along if you feel like a room without a roof" capture unrestrained joy.
Wake up ready to live out loud thanks to Nina Simone's spine-tingling vocals on this jazz standard. First performed on Broadway in 1964, Nina makes it her own by boldly announcing a new dawn. The song begins with the lyrics "Birds flying high, you know how I feel.
Sun in the sky, you know how I feel." This immediately sets the tone for the song, creating a sense of joy and optimism. The music follows suit, with a bright and cheerful melody.
This is why "Feeling Good" is a great song to have in your morning playlist.
Let Jeff Lynne and ELO deliver you from any rainy day gloom with this sunny classic rock gem from 1977. After a mini intro, Lynne's voice shines with childlike optimism as he sings about saying goodbye to storms and greeting blue skies and sunlight.
The cheerful strings and Beatles-like melodies sound like they were made for cartwheels through the countryside, capturing the essence of carefree mornings. It's impossible to listen to this song without feeling uplifted.
It was released in 2005 as the lead single from her third studio album, Most Wanted. The song is a dance-pop anthem with a positive and empowering message. It encourages listeners to embrace life to the fullest and seize every moment with enthusiasm and excitement.
The song's upbeat tempo and catchy melody make it an instant mood lifter. The lyrics are simple but effective, and they are sure to get stuck in your head. The song also features a powerful message about self-empowerment and self-love.
It was released in 2013 and became a worldwide hit, reaching number one in over 20 countries. The song is a combination of electronic dance music and folk music, with a catchy melody and uplifting lyrics. The song is perfect for a morning playlist because it is both energizing and relaxing.
The electronic dance music elements of the song will help you wake up and feel motivated, while the folk music elements will help you feel calm and relaxed. The lyrics of the song are also positive and uplifting, which can help you start your day off on the right foot.
Wake up to the warm vibes of the original version of this 80s classic from reggae legend Eddy Grant. Released in 1979, Eddy brings an easygoing summery feel to the track with his smooth and soulful vocals. The song's title is a metaphor for feeling happy and carefree like you're floating on air. The laid-back reggae swing makes this the perfect tune for easing into the morning with a smile. Eddy radiates positivity on this classic upbeat.
The opening twinkling piano notes of this track from OneRepublic's 2009 album Waking Up instantly evoke optimism. As lead singer Ryan Tedder's earnest and uplifting vocals enter over acoustic guitar, the song's positive outlook comes into focus.
He gratefully sings about life's simple blessings, like friends, family, and new places. The celebratory chorus opens up into an anthem affirming gratitude for another day.
OneRepublic builds layered melodies together to create a communal vibe. This pop song and its unifying message helps you start your morning off right.
Wake up ready to take on the day with this energizing 2012 pop/rock anthem from Irish trio The Script. A driving drum beat and sharp guitar riffs supply momentum from the opening notes. Lead singer Danny O'Donoghue's passionate voice urges you to believe in yourself and push your limits up.
The song mixes genres seamlessly, blending electronic and classical touches alongside rock bombast. Lyrics celebrating standing on top of the world pair perfectly with the track's triumphant vibe. Let The Script's musical fusion inspire greatness from the moment you wake up.
The upbeat indie pop song "Good Morning" by Max Frost has an infectious positivity and feel-good vibe that makes it perfectly suited for motivating morning playlists. Released in 2018, the song's melodies, rhythms, and lyrics help kickstart your day with optimism and energy.
The chorus is where the track's positive mood becomes contagious. As Frost sings " Good morning, The rest of my life gon' start today" his voice rises hopefully and the handclaps pick up pace.
The lyrics celebrate embracing each new day with joy and open arms. The melodies are catchy without being too saccharine.
Wake up feeling the comforts of home with this folky 2009 indie hit led by vocalist Alex Ebert's earnest energy. Acoustic guitar combines with upbeat whistling and percussion that beckons you into the day.
As Ebert sings nostalgically about the joy of being with loved ones, band yells and hand claps add to the communal mood.
When voices join in unison for the chorus "Home is wherever I'm with, it feels like enjoying the warmth of a campfire.
Edward Sharpe and company create a feel-good sound perfect for gratitude-filled mornings.
Start your morning with limitless energy thanks to Queen's adrenaline-inducing 1978 rock anthem by Queen. The lyrics encourage the listener to seize the moment and have fun, regardless of what might be going on in their life.
The song is full of catchy melodies and harmonies, and the tempo is fast and driving. It's the perfect song to get you moving and feeling good in the morning.
The song's relentless momentum and spirit of living life in the fast lane provides the ultimate morning motivation.
Wake up ready to seize the day with these upbeat hits spanning different eras and genres.
As you read about the feel-good melodies, driving rhythms, and positive vibes that make each song perfect for starting your morning, discover new additions to your ultimate feel-good playlist.