20 Songs to Cheer up a Friend

Listening to music helps relieve stress and improves our mood. There’s just something about music that can instantly make us feel better.

When someone close to you is feeling down, the last thing they need is for you to be down as well. The best way to show your support is by cheering them up with some upbeat music! Here are 20 songs that will put a smile on your friend’s face and help them feel better.

1. “Happy” by Pharrell Williams

We are starting off the list with a feel-good song. “Happy” by Pharrell Williams is an instant mood booster. It’s impossible to listen to this song without grooving to the beat and tapping your feet along. The title itself says it all – “Happy”!

2. “I Got You (I Feel Good)” by James Brown & The Famous Flames

This song is another great one to make you feel good. “I Got You (I Feel Good)” by James Brown & The Famous Flames is all about feeling confident and just living your best life.

The positive sentiments and cheerful music will undoubtedly brighten your friend’s day. It’s one of those classics that never gets old.

3. “The Remedy” by Jason Mraz

“The Remedy” is a feel-good song about finding happiness in the simple things in life. It’s the ideal pick-me-up for a friend who needs some cheering up. No matter what, Jason Mraz always brings the good vibes with his music and this song is no different.

4. “Good as Hell” by Lizzo

Feeling good as hell is the perfect way to describe how this song makes you feel. It’s confident, empowering, and will make your friend feel like they can take on the world. Lizzo is all about self-love and that’s exactly what your friend needs to hear.

5. “Here Comes The Sun” by The Beatles

There’s nothing more special than hearing a classic Beatles song. “Here Comes The Sun” is hopeful, optimistic, and will remind them that there’s always sunshine after the rain. Sadness can’t last forever and this song is a beautiful reminder of that.

6. “The Middle” by Jimmy Eat World

Jimmy Eat World’s “The Middle” is the perfect song for a friend who’s going through a rough patch. If you’re struggling to find the right words to say, this song says it all. It was released in 2001 as part of the Bleed American album.

7. “Walking on Sunshine” by Katrina & The Waves

This song is the epitome of a feel-good song. It’s impossible to listen to it without smiling and your friend will appreciate the pick-me-up. Katrina & The Waves know how to write a good old fashioned sing-along song and “Walking on Sunshine” is one of their best songs released.

8. “Shake It Off” by Taylor Swift

This list wouldn’t be complete without a Taylor Swift song. “Shake It Off” is the perfect choice for a friend who needs to hear that it’s okay to not be everyone’s type.

We all meet the wrong people sometimes, but what matters is how we learn from them and move on. Shake everything off and start fresh with this song as your anthem.

9. “Dancing In The Moonlight” by Toploader

“Dancing In The Moonlight” is a song that’s guaranteed to put a smile on your friend’s face. It’s about enjoying the simple things in life and letting go of all your troubles. The next time you or your friend is feeling down, put this song on and let Toploader take you away.

10. “Lovely Day” by Bill Withers

Judging by the title, you can probably guess what this song is about. It’s all about having a lovely day and enjoying the good moments in life. Listening to a cheerful and optimistic track is a great way to cheer up a friend, and this song perfectly encapsulates that sentiment.

11. “Good Time” by Owl City and Carly Rae Jepsen

Who remembers the Carly Rae Jepsen song “Call Me Maybe?” It was pretty much unavoidable a few years ago, and for good reason.

“Good Time” is in the same vein, and it’s sure to give your friend a much-needed break from their current funk. It’s an upbeat and fun track that you can’t help but sing and dance along to.

12. “On Top Of The World” by Imagine Dragons

Feeling a little down? Imagine Dragons have got you covered with their hit song “On Top Of The World.”

This song is all about staying positive and keeping your head up, no matter what life throws your way. With over 300 million views on Youtube, it’s clear that this song has resonated with a lot of people.

13. “Pocketful of Sunshine” by Natasha Beddingfield

Remind your friend that there’s always a silver lining with Natasha Beddingfield’s “Pocketful of Sunshine.”

Whenever they feel down, all they need to do is take out this song and remember that good times are on the way. You can still stream this classic track on all music platforms out there.

14. “Hey Ho” by The Lumineers

The Lumineers’ “Hey Ho” is another cheery tune that’s perfect for cheering up a friend. This song is all about making the best of a bad situation and moving on from the past. It was released in 2012 and can be found on the Night Visions album.

15. “Cecilia” by Simon and Garfunkel

Another song that will ultimately cheer up your friend is Simon and Garfunkel’s “Cecilia.” The track was released back in 1970 and is all about finding the good in someone, even when they’re driving you crazy. Anybody can appreciate that sentiment, making this song a great pick to lift your friend’s spirits.

16. “Firework” by Katy Perry

“Baby you’re a firework / Come on let your colors burst” are lyrics from Katy Perry’s hit song “Firework” that just about anybody could use as a nudge to cheer up.

The track is all about self-empowerment and believing in oneself, which is something your friend might need to hear in times of hardship. You can stream it on all music platforms.

17. “You’ve Got a Friend” by Carole King

Having someone to rely on is a feeling that’s expertly captured in Carole King’s 1971 classic “You’ve Got a Friend.”

The song is about being there for somebody no matter what and knowing that they’ll do the same for you. It’s a sweet sentiment that will definitely cheer up your friend in need of some support.

18. “Happy Together” by The Turtles

Nothing beats the classics. The Turtles’ “Happy Together” has been a feel-good staple since 1967, and for good reason — it’s just downright peppy.

If you know someone who’s down in the dumps, this might be just the track to turn their mood around. Tune in, turn up, and watch those frowns turn upside down.

19. “Ain’t no mountain high enough” by Marvin Gaye

Allow your friend to be transported to a better mood with this soulful ballad from the one and only Marvin Gaye. “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” is an anthem of hope and resilience, two traits we could all use a little more of these days.

No matter what life throws their way, your pal will be reminded that they can make it through with this classic playing in the background.

20. “Three Little Birds” by Bob Marley & The Wailers

Wrapping up our list is another timeless hit, this time from the reggae legend Bob Marley. “Three Little Birds” is a great track for anyone in need of some encouragement — the lyrics alone are sure to bring a smile to even the most downcast faces. So crank up those speakers and let your friend know that everything’s gonna be alright.

Final Thoughts

We hope you enjoyed our list of 20 songs to cheer up a friend. Remember, next time your pal is feeling low, make a playlist of these feel-good songs and watch their spirits go up in no time.

From classics to contemporary hits, there’s something for everyone on this list. Thanks for reading!