Happy music

Having a rough day? Feeling blue? Here is a mixed songlist that is sure to brighten your mood /Amy

1. Aerosmith, "Pink:" From 1997's Nine Lives. That album was one of the band's most underrated. This song is very tongue-in-cheek and fun, much like the band itself.
2. Bob Marley and the Wailers, "Three Little Birds:" Featured on the brilliant album Legend, released in 1984 (3 years after Marley's death,) this song has an upbeat message: "Every little thing is gonna be alright."
3. The Clash, "Rock The Casbah:" From 1982's Combat Rock. The Clash were so very far ahead of their time. Combat Rock and Sandinista are two of the best albums in rock history. The Clash were not known for making "happy" music per se, but this song was an invitation to the suppressed people of the Middle East to rock out.
4. The Cure, "Close To Me:" The Cure is NOT a happy band by any stretch of the imagination, but this song's finger-snapping beat, tinkling piano and horns make it happy in spite of the not-so-upbeat lyrics. "Friday I'm In Love" has happier lyrics, but "Close To Me" is a more joyous musical experience.
5. Information Society, "What's On Your Mind:" This dance hit from Information Society's 1988 eponymous album is about a relationship at a stand-still because of lack of communication. It's on the list simply for its great beat and catchy synthesizers.
6. Lauryn Hill, "Can't Take My Eyes Off Of You:" This remake of a 1967 Frankie Valli song is perfectly suited to Hill's smoky voice. The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill is a worthy purchase. The song is one of two hidden tracks at the end of the album.
7. Madonna, "Like a Prayer:" It's hard to be in a bad mood when singing along with a gospel choir.
8. Mary J. Blige, "Real Love:" Before Mary was the hip-hop queen she is today, she had this first hit in 1992. The irresistable piano loop and drums sampled from the 1988 Audio Two song "Top Billin'" make this song catchy.
9. Naughty by Nature, "Ghetto Bastard (Everything's Gonna Be Alright:)" The beat and bass line of this song are what makes it great to listen to. The lyrics are plaintively about the trials and tribulations the band went through growing up in New Jersey.
10. Nikka Costa, "Swing It Around:" This song is the definition of funk. The heavy, humming bass and Costa's soulful voice bring back the era of Etta James and Nina Simone. Costa's CD, Can'tneverdidnothin', is a dirty, bluesy trip across musical genres.
11. Prince and the New Power Generation, "Sexy M.F.:" Speaking of funk, this is one of Prince's most dirty, fun tracks. The lyrics are not for the faint of heart, but the horn section is amazing.
12. Suzanne Vega, "Tom's Diner:" This little song about a day in the life of...wait for it...Tom's Diner...was a hit for Vega in the early 90's. The catchy beat, smooth vocals and simple story make you forget your own life.
13. Yerba Buena, "Guajira:" The group, named after a "good tea" or "good herb" penned this song in honor of a popular style of Columbian music. YB's sound is Afro-Cuban-Columbian-Hip-Hop. This song was tailor-made for hip swiveling.