Lauryn McNair #23

Perfect Playlist for when you're feeling happy? So I couldn't find one mood, or genre of music I wanted to focus on so I decided to compile a list of my favorite songs that just make me very happy to listen to for various reasons.
1. Formation- Beyoncé
You probably already knew it was coming. This song is lit, for a lack of a less overused word. From it's beat to it's message, to it's overwhelmingly blackness, to it's woman empowerment, you can't listen to this song and be in a bad mood. Like that's scientifically proven.
2.  It was a Good Day- Ice Cube
While writing about the musical genius of Formation, I remembered this song. It's another song you can't listen to and be in a bad mood. While you might not live in the hood, you can appreciate the relaxed day of a G who just had a good day.
3. Teresa and Thomas- Bright Eyes
A little bit of a switch up of genres, but still an A-1 song. Bright Eyes usually drags your heart through the mud and makes you relive the first heartbreak you never had, but they always end their albums on a positive note. So this song ends Letting off the Happiness, which is a great, great album. It has a very loving message and vibe to it and it makes you want to fall in love and just hold hands with someone for a solid hour and it's just a very nice to listen to.
4. No Name #1 (preferably live)- Elliott Smith
This is a great song for several reasons. This was like my all time favorite song in freshman year and I only listened to it when it came on shuffle, because I feel like that was indicative of a good day coming and should only be reserved for when the fates felt I should listen to it (sadly, I'm not joking). The live version is great because Elliott has such an incredible voice and brings so much emotion to the song you don't get listening to it on Roman Candle. Even when you're sad and you listen to this song, it cheers you up and I don't know the reason yet, but it just does.
5. Real- Kendrick Lamar
This isn't really a happy song, but still makes me incredibly happy. It's the second to last song on Good Kid Mad City (which is an incredible album) if you don't include the "Don't Kill my Vibe" remix. Falling the story he sets up in the album, he's reflecting (sorta) over the life he lives and the people he's around. That's a really bad summary, but you have to listen to the song and really the album for clarification. But it's such a hopeful and inspiring song, not in what he says, but in the reflection and clarity he has about his life and the circumstances he faced. The fact that a person can come from such bad circumstances and not let that stop them and understand how it affects the lives of others is just incredible. "Tell your story to these black and brown kids in Compton. Let 'em know you was just like them, but you still rose from that dark place of violence, becoming a positive person.." and I just love this man. You can't listen to him and be disappointed by a song.