C'MON, GET HAPPY! These songs make me dizzy-silly-spinning-gleeful-joyous. Volume 1!

Deviating entirely from the usual tone of this blog, I bring you HAPPINESS. I'm the kinda person who can't go anywhere without my iPod earbuds firmly inserted in my ear. I don't drive, so I walk places. I've been getting cabs all winter because it's cold and unfortunate outside, but also because the cats ate my headphones, and until I get new ones, I just don't have the ambition. Music is freakin' awesome at making me want to move.

Dancey songs with a high BPM are good for keeping your pace quick. "Emo" songs? Not so much. But by far the best songs for putting a literal spring in your step are the ones that make you smile. Here are a few of mine. Featuring some YouTube so you can listen along*. Also I warn you, I sound like a gushy teenager for most of this. But it's happy, okay? Just deal with it.

*the official videos have ads before them! I'm sorry!


#1. Ever Ever After - Carrie Underwood

Unafraid, unashamed - there is joy to be claimed in this world.

I love Disney songs edited with Disney footage :D Hence choosing this video.

"No wonder your heart feels it's flying, your head feels it'spinning. Each happy ending's a brand new beginning." I actually tear up. A lot. Nothing makes me feel like a silly little girl like "Ever Ever After" does. Written for Disney's Enchated, one of my favorite movies, the whole song is upbeat, with cute lyrics, and it's guaranteed to make you move faster - hell, to make you wanna run. With your arms out like an airplane :D


#2. Be As - Prozzak

If there is a way that you and I could both be free, have a little understanding and we will be.

You guys know me. I am not a "kumbaiyahhhh everyone love everyone! Hold hands and sing!" kind of person. And that's pretty much what this song is. Yet, it's on the list. So, let's flashback to elementary school for a moment. In grade 6 this song made me deliriously happy. Prozzak are (were?) the most ridiculous cartoon band, ever, but I loved them, and still have a lot of their music on my iPod, because it's all dancey and uptempo and just awesome. This song's got that catchy Prozzak sound coupled with lyrics that have a message, and that makes it classic for me to get happy. And they're called Prozzak, so... wasn't that their intention?


#3. Must Have Done Something Right - Relient K

We should get jerseys 'cause we make a good team. But your's would look better than mine, 'cause you're out of my league.

And I know that it's so cliché to tell you that everyday I spend with you is the new best day of my life.

This is one of the few cheesy, love-y songs that I loved and listened to religiously even when I was single (I'm the bitter kind when it comes to love songs... well, not anymore, but for the 20 years I was single LOL). Pure pop-y goodness with vocals typical of the genre (happyemo? I don't know much about music /facepalm). This song is just CUTE. There's no other word. Cute, along with uptempo, and 100% infectious. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE.


#4. Here in Your Arms - Hellogoodbye

I fell in love, in love with you suddenly.

Yeah, it's a love song. But it's unique musically, and it gives me the tingles. The chorus is pretty much yelled - and you'll want to yell along, too.

#5. You Can't Stop the Beat - Hairspray

You can't stop my happiness 'cause I LIKE the way I am.

This song is an all-in-one workout. Try to sing along without losing your breath - I dare you. I know every word and I still end up tongue tied. "You Can't Stop the Beat" is the absolutely EPIC climatic finish to the musical "Hairspray", and the 2007 movie version is my favorite of the song. It's a god-darn ANTHEM. And it's impossible to be in a bad mood after listening to it. If you don't want to listen to me, these are the highest-rated comments on the video:

#6. That's How You Know - Amy Adams

Does he dedicate a song with words meant just for you?

I FOUND THE SCENE ON YOUTUBE. Look for the little old men with yellow flowers! *high pitched squeal*

This is also from Disney's Enchanted. That entire movie slaps a gigantic smile on my face that I just can't shake. It's got a few cute little songs, but this one is the most cheerful, precious number going. I have to say this is one song on this list that is definitely better in viewing it in Enchanted, but when I'm going for walks, I can picture all the sweet li'l moments in the movie, and I always walk a little quicker.

That's it for volume 1. HappyHappySINGSING Volume 2 will be next week! : )