As the initial excitement for the holiday season and snowy days comes to a halt, for most people, this is where our seasonal depression can begin to take over. I’ve always returned to the same remedy to cure this wintertime slump – music. Music has the ability to help your brain produce chemicals like dopamine and serotonin to cause feelings of happiness and reduce stress. Here are my top 10 favorite songs to listen to on a cold, dreary day.
- “Must Be Love” – Niall Horan
Just last year, Niall Horan released a brand new album called ‘The Show’ in early June. With a perfect modern twist on an 80s sound, he crushes it with brilliant layered vocals and deep lyrics. This song in particular, however, has a special connection to my heart and can always brighten my mood.
- “English Love Affair” – 5 Seconds of Summer
Released back in 2014, this song perfectly depicts what would be playing through any teenage girl’s headphones in the early 2010s. This punk-pop song is a great one to blast on the car stereo during a cloudy drive.
- “One Less Lonely Girl” – Justin Bieber
Although we’re slowing down the pace from the last two songs, we’re still kicking it with our decade-old nostalgia. This heartfelt piece is a great way to boost our dopamine as we’re reminded that we’re not still tattooing mustaches on our fingers and leaving our mascara on overnight to use as eyeliner the next day.
- “Good Old-Fashioned Lover Boy” – Queen
Such an underrated throwback to add to the list. If you thought Niall’s layered vocals brought you enough joy, wait until you hear this song. It’s a go-to when singing into your hairbrush like it’s a microphone while getting ready in the morning.
- “Don’t” – Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran, in my opinion, is one of the most underrated artists and overly criticized artists out there. Lashing out at his ex-girlfriend, Ed wrote the perfect song to sing to while getting over your own cheating ex. One of many of his that can boost a mood in a heartbeat.
- “The Way I Loved You” – Taylor Swift
Another great song to blast and sing in your car on a gloomy day. A bit of a change in pace as Taylor Swift follows more of her original folk sound in this song. You either hate it or love it, but personally, this is an amazing one to listen to when missing that special someone.
- “Juice” – Lizzo
This jazzy, uplifting melody is a go-to when you’re feeling down about yourself. The powerful lyrics can convince anyone that they’re on top of the world in any situation. Lizzo always knows how to write a song to get anyone in high spirits.
- “Canyon Moon” – Harry Styles
Harry Styles’ guitarist is an absolute master at creating feelings of positivity with his instrument, and this song is no different. Between the imagery in the lyrics and the powerful guitar in the background, this is just another beautiful upbeat song on this list to get you in a dancing mood.
- “Only The Good Die Young” – Billy Joel
An oldie but a goodie; Billy Joel wrote a banger fraught with serotonin. Throwing it back to the seventies with an upbeat classic is the perfect way to start any dark morning. Dance like no one’s watching to this song cause “that never hurt no one.”
- “Oogum Boogum Song” – Brenton Wood
I may not have a single clue what this guy is saying throughout this entire song, but this is my #1 pick when I’m in a bad mood. With every “Oogum Boogum” I sing, there is another boost in serotonin and dopamine. This song never fails to put a smile on my face in the worst of times.
Now, without further adieu, have the time of your life listening to the songs I’ve recommended to cure your seasonal depression.
