Music has the power to awaken and energize the soul, setting the tone for a productive and positive day ahead. Whether it’s the sound of a catchy melody, the lyrics of an uplifting song, or the rhythm of a lively beat, music has been known to inspire and motivate individuals, making it the perfect companion to start the day with. This is why people often turn to music to create their own personalized playlist of the top 20 “Songs to Wake Up To”. The right song can help set the mood for the day and make us feel ready to tackle whatever lies ahead. Whether it’s a gentle ballad that eases us into the day or an upbeat track that gets our heart racing, our choice of music can impact our mental and emotional state. And with so many songs to choose from, there is a melody or rhythm out there for everyone. From classic rock tunes to modern pop hits, “Songs to Wake Up To” encompass a broad spectrum of music genres that can suit a variety of tastes. These songs not only serve as a wake-up call but also offer a glimpse into the unique and diverse tastes of each individual. They reflect our personality and our emotions, allowing us to express ourselves through the medium of music. So, whether you prefer a mellow morning or a pumped-up start to the day, there’s a song out there that can help you kick-start your day and make the most of it.
1. “Three Little Birds” by Bob Marley
“Three Little Birds” by Bob Marley is a timeless classic that radiates positivity, hope, and resilience. The song’s reggae rhythms, uplifting melody, and Marley’s iconic voice create a peaceful and reassuring atmosphere that reminds listeners that everything is going to be alright. The lyrics encourage listeners to cast aside their worries, focus on the present moment, and embrace the joys of life. The song’s message of hope and optimism has resonated with generations of fans, who continue to be inspired by its simple yet powerful message of positivity and resilience in the face of adversity. “Three Little Birds” is widely regarded as one of Marley’s most beloved and enduring songs, and its timeless appeal has made it a favorite of fans around the world.
2. “Wake Me Up” by Avicii
“Wake Me Up” by Avicii is a dynamic and uplifting song that seamlessly blends folk and electronic music. The song’s upbeat tempo, infectious melody, and soulful vocals create a joyful and inspiring atmosphere that captures the spirit of living in the moment and following your dreams. The lyrics speak of breaking free from societal expectations and finding one’s own path in life, and they celebrate the journey of self-discovery and personal growth. The music video, which features a young woman leaving her small town to pursue her dreams in the big city, perfectly captures the spirit of the song and its themes of youthful optimism and self-discovery. “Wake Me Up” has become a beloved modern classic and a favorite of fans around the world, who continue to be inspired by its message of hope and determination.
3. “Run the World (Girls)” by Beyoncé
“Run the World (Girls)” by Beyoncé is a powerful and anthemic song that celebrates the strength, resilience, and power of women. The song’s hard-hitting beat, fierce vocals, and feminist lyrics create a bold and inspiring message of female empowerment. The lyrics encourage women to embrace their inner strength, stand up for themselves, and demand equality and respect. The music video, which features Beyoncé leading a group of fierce and diverse women in a post-apocalyptic world, perfectly captures the spirit of the song and its themes of female solidarity and strength. “Run the World (Girls)” has become a beloved feminist anthem and a favorite of fans around the world, who continue to be inspired by its message of female empowerment and resilience.
4. “Here Comes The Sun” by The Beatles
“Here Comes The Sun” by The Beatles is a timeless classic that celebrates the arrival of a new day and the promise of hope and renewal. The song’s gentle acoustic guitar, soothing melody, and uplifting lyrics create a sense of peace and optimism that is both comforting and inspiring. The lyrics describe the sun breaking through the clouds and the world coming to life, and they celebrate the joy and beauty of the natural world. The music video, which features the band performing in a tranquil garden, perfectly captures the spirit of the song and its themes of serenity and wonder. “Here Comes The Sun” has become one of the most beloved songs in The Beatles’ catalog and a favorite of fans around the world, who continue to be moved by its message of hope and renewal.
5. “Good Day” by Greg Street feat. Nappy Roots
“Good Day” by Greg Street feat. Nappy Roots is a hip-hop song that celebrates the simple pleasures of life and encourages listeners to find happiness in the little things. The song’s mellow beat, smooth flow, and positive lyrics create a laid-back vibe that is easy to groove to. The lyrics paint a picture of a perfect day, filled with sunshine, good food, good friends, and good music, and they encourage listeners to appreciate the blessings in their lives. The music video, which features the artists performing in a park and enjoying a fun day with friends, perfectly captures the spirit of the song and its themes of joy and gratitude. “Good Day” has become a beloved hip-hop classic and a favorite of fans around the world, who continue to be inspired by its message of positivity and contentment.
6. “Can’t Stop The Feeling” by Justin Timberlake
“Can’t Stop the Feeling” by Justin Timberlake is an infectious and upbeat song that is all about feeling good and letting loose. The song’s funky beat, catchy melody, and uplifting lyrics create a sense of energy and excitement that is hard to resist. The lyrics encourage listeners to let go of their inhibitions and to dance, sing, and enjoy the moment, and they celebrate the power of music to lift the spirit. The music video, which features Timberlake and a group of dancers performing in a variety of colorful settings, perfectly captures the spirit of the song and its themes of joy and spontaneity. “Can’t Stop the Feeling” has become a beloved pop hit and a favorite of fans around the world, who continue to be uplifted by its message of positivity and fun.
7. “Walking on Sunshine” by Katrina & The Waves
“Walking on Sunshine” by Katrina & The Waves is a fun and upbeat song that is all about enjoying life and feeling good. The song’s catchy melody, lively instrumentation, and positive lyrics create a sense of joy and optimism that is hard to resist. The lyrics encourage listeners to embrace the moment and to let go of their worries and fears, and they celebrate the simple pleasures of life. The music video, which features the band performing in a sunny outdoor setting, perfectly captures the spirit of the song and its themes of happiness and freedom. “Walking on Sunshine” has become a beloved pop classic and a favorite of fans around the world, who continue to be uplifted by its message of positivity and joy.
8. “Bittersweet Symphony” by The Verve
“Bittersweet Symphony” by The Verve is a powerful and emotional song that is all about the struggle of the individual against the forces of fate and circumstance. The song’s sweeping orchestration, poignant lyrics, and memorable melody create a sense of drama and intensity that is hard to resist. The lyrics speak to the human desire for freedom and self-determination, and they encourage listeners to embrace the power of their own will and agency. The music video, which features frontman Richard Ashcroft walking down a busy street, perfectly captures the spirit of the song and its themes of defiance and determination. “Bittersweet Symphony” has become a beloved alternative rock classic and a favorite of fans around the world, who continue to be moved by its message of hope and resilience in the face of adversity.
9. “Stronger” by Kanye West
“Stronger” by Kanye West is an anthemic and energizing song that combines elements of electronic dance music and hip hop to create a powerful and memorable track. The song’s thumping beats, catchy samples, and confident lyrics create a sense of strength and determination that is hard to resist. The lyrics speak to the struggle of overcoming adversity and rising to the top, and they encourage listeners to never give up and to always push themselves to be better. The music video, which features West and a group of dancers performing in a futuristic setting, perfectly captures the spirit of the song and its themes of progress and ambition. “Stronger” has become a beloved hip hop classic and a favorite of fans around the world, who continue to be inspired by its message of resilience and perseverance.
10. “Good Morning” by John Legend
“Good Morning” by John Legend is a soulful and uplifting song that is all about starting the day with a positive attitude and a sense of purpose. The song’s smooth vocals, jazzy instrumentation, and catchy melodies create a sense of joy and energy that is hard to resist. The lyrics encourage listeners to wake up and embrace the new day, with all of its possibilities and opportunities, and to let go of their worries and fears. The music video, which features Legend waking up and going about his day, perfectly captures the spirit of the song and its message of embracing the moment. “Good Morning” has become a beloved modern soul classic and a favorite of fans around the world, who continue to be inspired by its message of positivity and joy.
11. “Shake It Out” by Florence + The Machine
“Shake It Out” by Florence + The Machine is a powerful and uplifting song that encourages listeners to let go of their fears and doubts and embrace the power of the present moment. The song’s soaring vocals, driving rhythms, and anthemic choruses create a sense of catharsis and liberation that is hard to resist. The lyrics speak to the universal human experience of struggle and doubt, and they encourage listeners to shake off their troubles and start anew. The music video, which features Florence Welch dancing and twirling in a gorgeous red dress, perfectly captures the spirit of the song and its themes of transformation and release. “Shake It Out” has become a beloved indie pop classic and a favorite of fans around the world, who continue to be inspired by its message of hope and resilience.
12. “Wake Up” by Arcade Fire
“Wake Up” by Arcade Fire is an anthemic and powerful song that is all about breaking free from the constraints of society and embracing the power of the individual. The song’s soaring vocals, driving percussion, and explosive guitars create a sense of urgency and passion that is hard to resist. The lyrics speak to the struggle of the individual against the forces of conformity and oppression, and they encourage listeners to rise up and seize their own destiny. The song’s music video, which features a young boy on a quest for freedom, perfectly captures the spirit of the song and its themes of rebellion and self-discovery. “Wake Up” has become a beloved indie rock classic and a favorite of fans around the world, who continue to be moved by its message of hope and defiance.
13. “Soak Up the Sun” by Sheryl Crow
“Soak Up the Sun” by Sheryl Crow is a catchy and uplifting song that celebrates the simple pleasures of life. The song’s breezy melody, upbeat tempo, and catchy guitar riffs create a sense of freedom and possibility that is hard to resist. The lyrics encourage listeners to let go of their worries, soak up the sun, and enjoy life’s simple pleasures, without a care in the world. The music video, which features Crow dancing and enjoying the outdoors, perfectly captures the spirit of the song and its message of embracing the moment. “Soak Up the Sun” has become a beloved classic and a favorite of fans around the world, who continue to be inspired by its message of positivity and joy.
14. “Wake Me Up Before You Go Go” by WHAM!
“Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go” by WHAM! is a fun and upbeat song that is all about having a good time and enjoying life. The song’s catchy melody, bouncy rhythms, and upbeat vocals create a sense of joy and energy that is hard to resist. The lyrics encourage listeners to let loose, dance, and enjoy themselves, without a care in the world. The music video, which features the band members dancing and having fun in their iconic “Choose Life” t-shirts, perfectly captures the spirit of the song and its message of living life to the fullest. “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go” has become a beloved classic and a favorite of fans around the world, who continue to be swept up by its infectious energy and joyous spirit.
15. “Lovely Day” by Bill Withers
“Lovely Day” by Bill Withers is a timeless and soulful song that is all about spreading joy and positivity. The song’s smooth and groovy melody, coupled with Withers’ smooth and soulful voice, creates a sense of warmth and optimism that is hard to resist. The lyrics celebrate the simple pleasures of life and encourage listeners to savor every moment and embrace the beauty of the world around them. The song’s iconic chorus, with its repeated “lovely day” refrain, has become a classic and a favorite of fans around the world. “Lovely Day” is a perfect example of Withers’ ability to capture the spirit of a moment and turn it into a timeless and uplifting musical masterpiece.
16. “Beautiful Day” by U2
“Beautiful Day” by U2 is an uplifting and hopeful song that celebrates the simple joys of life. The song’s bright guitar riffs, driving drums, and soaring vocals create a sense of optimism and possibility that is hard to resist. The lyrics speak to the power of positive thinking and the importance of seizing the day, even in the face of adversity. The music video, which features the band performing on a windy beach, perfectly captures the spirit of the song and its themes of renewal and rebirth. “Beautiful Day” has become a beloved U2 classic and a favorite of fans around the world, who continue to be inspired by its message of hope and resilience.
17. “Viva La Vida” by Coldplay
“Viva La Vida” by Coldplay is a majestic and anthemic song that showcases the band’s powerful and soaring sound. The track’s lyrics are inspired by the French Revolution and the fall from power of King Louis XVI, and they paint a vivid picture of a once-great leader who has been brought down by his own arrogance. The song’s instrumentation is just as grand, with sweeping strings, pounding drums, and soaring vocals that build to an epic crescendo. The use of a choir in the chorus adds to the song’s grandeur and gives it a sense of triumph and victory. “Viva La Vida” is a powerful and emotional song that has become a Coldplay classic and a favorite of fans around the world.
18. “Best Day Of My Life” by American Authors
https://youtu.be/Y66j_BUCBMY
“Best Day of My Life” by American Authors is an upbeat and infectious song that celebrates the joy and excitement of living in the moment. With its energetic guitar riffs, lively drums, and catchy sing-along chorus, the song is a perfect anthem for anyone looking to embrace positivity and make the most out of every day. The lyrics encourage listeners to seize the day and embrace life’s adventures, no matter where they may lead. The music video, which features the band members having fun and exploring the city, reinforces this message of living life to the fullest. “Best Day of My Life” is a feel-good track that is sure to lift anyone’s spirits and make them want to dance along.
19. “Happy” by Pharrell Williams
“Happy” by Pharrell Williams is an infectiously upbeat and joyful song that encourages listeners to embrace happiness and positivity. With its cheerful melody and lively beat, the song is an instant mood-lifter that can put a smile on anyone’s face. The music video, which features people dancing and singing along to the song in various locations around the world, perfectly captures the spirit of the song and reinforces its message of unity and happiness. The track’s popularity led to it becoming a global phenomenon, with numerous covers and parodies, and it remains a beloved anthem for those seeking a little bit of happiness in their day.
20. “Rather Be” by Clean Bandit
“Rather Be” by Clean Bandit is an upbeat, catchy song that combines electronic and classical elements with powerful vocals from featured singer Jess Glynne. The song’s lyrics convey a message of finding comfort and joy in the presence of someone you love, and the music perfectly complements this sentiment with its bouncy rhythms and lively instrumentation. The use of strings, especially in the iconic opening riff, adds a touch of elegance and beauty to the track, making it stand out from other pop songs of its time. Overall, “Rather Be” is a fun and uplifting song that is sure to put a smile on anyone’s face.
Jared Parker is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
