Music can be a powerful tool to uplift and work through tough emotions. This playlist was curated over one of the toughest years of my life and often was the sole thing keeping me moving forward. It’s a curation of happy songs that inspire an uplifting motivation.
Every time I’d open it up and sing along to Twiddle’s When It Rains It Poors, I’d get chills. Missed my flight. Need this gig to eat. Car won’t start. Cell phone bill wasn’t paid, so can’t call a friend for a ride. That intro is very relatable to me and a lot of people. Maybe not the exact circumstances, but when you get stuck in that moment where it seems like literally nothing is going your way.
This playlist probably isn’t everyone’s taste, but there’s a good mix on here. Hopefully it can help someone out there going through a tough time or just looking to elevate their mood.
Genres include reggae, pop music, happy folk music, and some happy hip-hop too. Artists range from classics like The Beatles, Israel Kamakawiwo’ole, Jason Mraz to local artists I’ve discovered like SAND and Useful Jenkins.
If you have uplifting music you’d like to submit to this playlist, email craiginzana@gmail.com .