Start March Off Strong

We all know that February is one of the most disliked months. There is no break from school and the short, winters days seem to have no end. Waking up when it’s dark out, and heading home as the sun is setting takes a toll on people’s morals. As the shortest month drags on and begins to feel like the longest, people begin to feel down. As the month begins to come to a close, people begin to act as if the worst is yet to come. Except, March and the beginning of Spring-time is right around the corner. To help boost your mood, and start off March on the right foot, here are 12 songs to get rid of your February blues. 

1.“Don’t Stop Me Now” by Queen

Starting off the playlist is a song that is proven to be the most uplifting and happy song ever. In a study conducted by the University of Missouri, Dr. Jacob Joli discovered that when this song was played that this song had the perfect combination of musical theme, tempo, and key.

2.“Good Vibrations” by Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch

Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch had few hits, but this one really did make an impact. It is a fun change from the previous song. Now, the second song on this list still follows that same upbeat joyfulness as the first, but now there is a hip-hop flare thrown on. In a study by Ph.D. student David Greenberg, it was found that having a diverse taste in music can help improve control over “neuroticism, extroversion, openness to experience, agreeableness, and conscientiousness”.

3.“Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da” by The Beatles

The Beatles had countless amounts of hits in their time together as a band. However, this song particularly is known for its airy and cherry lyrics. The story behind the song’s name is completely tied to Paul McCartney. McCartney, in an interview with The Rolling Stone, explained how he, “had a friend called Jimmy Scott who was a Nigerian conga player, who I used to meet in the clubs in London. He had a few expressions, one of which was, ‘Ob la di ob la da, life goes on’. I used to love this expression… He sounded like a philosopher to me”. The name of the song itself is directly correlated with forgetting about the mistakes you made and turning over a new leaf. To not dread the past, and simply focus on how to change the future. Life will go on.

4.“Mr. Brightside” by The Killers

This song screams early 2000’s vibes. The mix between the electric guitar and alternative-rock sounds, The Killers summed up an era of music in one on. This song is fun while still having a deep message behind it. It is about getting over an ex and having a great time while doing it.

5.“Crocodile Rock” by Elton John

Elton John had many hits in his long career. Most, while being epic soft-rock ballads, are fun to jam out to, but they are not very useful when trying to lift your mood up. This song is not like the others. It tells the story of a man in the 50’s and 60’s who frequently went to a club and danced the Crocodile Rock. By listening to this song, you will vicariously live through the lyrics and feel like you were transported to a dancing club in the mid 20th century. It is almost impossible to dance along to the beat Sir Elton John sets. 

6.“Let’s Dance” by David Bowie

The next song is David Bowie’s only sign to hit number one in both the United States and the United Kingdom. It’s irresistible beat and bassline caused it to be on Billboard’s top 100 song chart for 18 weeks in a row. Simply just listen to the lyrics and, “Put on your red shoes and dance the blues (away)”.

7.“Riptide” by Vance Joy

This song is constantly on charts and playlists of the most uplifting and feel-good songs. It is a sign that it is simple and calming, yet makes you feel happier though it’s ukulele riffs. The ukulele is often associated with a simpler, island lifestyle. This song helps transport you into a care-free world. 

8.“I Don’t Wanna Be” by Gavin Degraw

By listening to this song, you will instantly feel compelled to watch the hit CW show One Tree Hill. This is the theme song for the show and it’s pretty epic. When listening to this song, you will want to blow away the standards and precedents that were set for you. You will want to get rid of all the toxicity in your life and just become who you want to be. This song will help you be confident who you are and it is perfect to listen to when nobody doubts you. 

9.“Proud Mary” by Tina Turner

Going back to the classic-rock genre, Tina Turner’s incredible vocals will make you feel empowered and like you can do anything. This song starts off slow and peaceful as Tina’s soulful sound takes you away. But by the end of the song, the sound will have completely changed into something fast, funky, and fun. It is perfect if you want to ease into getting hyped up and energetic. It is a must to sign your heart out as the song progresses. No questions asked. 

10.“Thunder Road” by Bruce Springsteen

To end this playlist is possibly one of the greatest songs ever created. Rolling Stone placed it as No. 86 on its “500 Greatest Songs of All Time.” It is the first track on Springsteen’s first major album in 1975 entitled Born to Run. According to Springsteen, the album is supposed to mimic the perfect Summer. This song transports you to those Summer days where school is not even a distant thought. There are very few words to describe how amazing and epic this song is. One thing is for sure: it is impossible not to feel spectacular after listening to this hit. 

The way to get out of the borning Winter months is to listen to music. Music has the ability to make you feel elsewhere and change your mood altogether. Hopefully, these songs act as a catalyst when fighting that horrid month of February.