14 Alternative Pop Songs That Will Change Your Mood For The Better
Sometimes we all need a little pick me up. Whether we're deep cleaning the house, completing a hard workout, or getting ready for a nerve-racking date, music can be just what you need to get you in the right mood, and keep pushing on with your plans.
Some have stories behind them which make them only happier, while others tunes are so upbeat you cannot help but to dance. From softer melodies to rap, because of this wide range of songs you are bound to find one that you vibe to.
Here are 14 alternative pop or indie songs that are sure to change how you feel and get you in the right mindset.
1. "Alaska" Maggie Rogers
This song's instruments and lighthearted sound can also lighten up your heart. But nothing will make you happier than watching Maggie Rogers play this song for Pharrell Williams in her NYU music course. Her facial expressions displaying her pure emotions are incredible and his praise just makes it that much better.
2. "Junk of the Heart (Happy)" The Kooks
Tell me why this song sounds like it was made decades ago as if it could be a romance film classic tune. The vintage sound and feel of the song are nostalgic and are sure to bring your mood to a new high. The song literally has the word 'Happy' in the title. They just want to make you happy.
3. "Good as Hell" Lizzo
I mean, as the title says in itself, this song will leave you feeling good as hell. Thank you queen Lizzo for always giving us bops we can twerk and feel badass. Everything she stands for from body positivity to treating yourself is influenced in this song. Mostly, it will prove that you deserve a day to feel amazing. Next time you're in your car, wind down your windows and turn up this song, surely you won't regret it.
4. "Sunday Best" Surfaces
"Feeling good, like I should, went and took a walk around the neighborhood. Feeling blessed, never stressed. Got that sunshine on my Sunday best."
Do I need to say more?
5. "Where Does the Good Go" Tegan and Sara
This song is for all my Grey's lovers. Christina would always dance when she was feeling down or stressed, headphones in, and jump around like a maniac. If you haven't finished the series, spoilers ahead! This song is the final dance between Meredith and Christina before she moves for her job. It's the final wrap to their friendship on the show. You can't but help to think about the relationship they had when you hear the song and smile. The scene is amazing, the song is amazing, you might feel a little bitter-sweet, but overall, amazing. You don't even have to know the story behind the song to love it. It's just a really good song.
6. "Heat Waves" Glass Animals
Glass Animals came out with a banging new album over the summer, and this is just one of the many hits that came from the Dreamland album. You may have heard this one on the radio or seen a famous celeb jamming out to it on social media. Glass Animals has come a long way since the "Gooey" days.
They even blessed us with a video for "Heat Waves". Enjoy!
7. "Supercut" Lorde
"Supercut" is a pop song from the 2017 Melodrama album. It is about remembering a past relationship but only the best moments. Lorde realizes as she is replaying the memories it seemed perfect and happy, however it's only a supercut of the time they spent together, basically her cutting out all the bad moments.
8. "Watermelon Sugar" Harry Styles
If you haven't heard this pop anthem from the legend, Harry Styles, himself, then what are you doing? If this isn't bound to get you up onto your feet and dancing, then I don't know what will. Harry also performed this song with James Cordon in the middle of the road at red lights.
9. "Anna Sun" Walk the Moon
It was hard to pick just one song from Walk the Moon because so many leave you feeling good. The upbeat tunes with endearing lyrics can make anyone feel a bit better. "Anna Sun" is a classic from their first EP and making it onto the first album. It's an easy one to sing along to, so you're going to want to learn the lyrics.
10. "Rill Rill" Sleigh Bells
This is the alt-indie band that has had its songs featured in popular films such as The Bling Ring. "Rill Rill" is a middle school romance blur of wishing people had a heart, feeling insecure about having braces, and images of traveling to the moon. The melody complements the lyrics all in all.
11. "Head On [Hold Onto Your Heart]" Man Man
Man Man gives us a softer ballad about persevering through the storm, keeping your head above the water, and holding onto your heart. Plus the album art is so cute, isn't it so cute?
12. "Flowers in Your Hair" The Lumineers
This short little folk song from The Lumineers is a quick tune to get your day started off right. Waking up on the wrong side of the bed no more! The sounds of the acoustic guitar and fiddles are the musical sounds you need floating from your speakers when cleaning, getting ready, sipping coffee, or even wine.
13. "Something Good Can Work" Two Door Cinema Club
This is a classic for any Two Door Cinema Club fan or alternative genre fans in general. The band has a distinct sound and his voice is like butter. This song not only sounds happy but means well too.
14. "Is It True" Tame Impala
Since we did some throwbacks, I needed to include one of Tame Impala's 2020 albums. You may need to warm up to it at first, but by the chorus, you'll start to be bopping.
After going through each of these songs, it is nearly impossible for one's mood to still be down. Please, try to dance to at least one, and see if that helps. Music can be the main influence on mood. Use it for the better.
Opinions and Perspectives
This playlist is perfect for those days when you just need a little extra push to get going.
Something Good Can Work never fails to put a smile on my face. Pure indie joy.
These songs have gotten me through some tough workouts. Especially Good as Hell!
Anyone else play Alaska when they need to feel inspired? Works every time for me.
Harry's whole Fine Line album is a mood booster but Watermelon Sugar definitely stands out.
The acoustic elements in Flowers in Your Hair are so soothing. Perfect morning coffee song.
Heat Waves might be overplayed but there's a reason it got so popular. It's just that good.
I love how diverse this list is while still maintaining that uplifting vibe throughout.
Just discovered Man Man through this list and I'm obsessed! Any other recommendations from them?
I actually prefer some of Lizzo's other songs for mood lifting, but Good as Hell is still fantastic.
The Kooks always sound so effortlessly happy. It's impossible not to smile while listening.
These songs really do have the power to change your mood. Music therapy at its finest.
I've created a whole morning routine playlist starting with Sunday Best. Works like a charm!
The progression in Glass Animals' sound is fascinating. Heat Waves shows such maturity.
Watching that Grey's scene while listening to Where Does the Good Go hits differently now.
Never realized the deeper meaning behind Supercut. Changes how I hear it now.
Something Good Can Work always reminds me of summer road trips with friends.
Is It True wasn't what I expected from Tame Impala but it's definitely grown on me.
I use this exact playlist for cleaning my apartment! Makes chores so much more enjoyable.
The Sleigh Bells pick surprised me but in a good way. Such an underrated band.
Walk the Moon never disappoints when you need a mood boost. Shut Up and Dance is another great one.
Maggie Rogers is such a genuine artist. You can really feel the authenticity in Alaska.
I feel like Good as Hell should be higher on the list. It's impossible to feel down while listening to that song.
Interesting mix of old and new here. Love how Tame Impala and The Lumineers can coexist on the same list.
That James Corden performance of Watermelon Sugar was hilarious! Harry has such great stage presence.
I play Sunday Best every morning while getting ready. Really sets the tone for the day.
Anyone else think The Kooks are underrated? They have so many uplifting tunes beyond Junk of the Heart.
These are all great but they're missing some serious indie gems. Where's Passion Pit or MGMT?
I have to respectfully disagree about Heat Waves. The production is fantastic and it definitely improves my mood every time.
Just went and watched that Pharrell video after reading this. Pure magic! You can see the exact moment he realizes how special the song is.
The vintage feel of Junk of the Heart really does make it timeless. I thought it was from the 60s first time I heard it!
Man Man's Head On helped me through a breakup last year. Sometimes you just need to hear those lyrics about holding onto your heart.
I'd forgotten about Sleigh Bells! Rill Rill has such a unique sound compared to their usually heavier tracks.
Tame Impala's newer stuff is growing on me. Is It True took a few listens but now I can't stop dancing to it.
Glass Animals have really evolved their sound. Heat Waves shows how far they've come since their first album.
The story behind Supercut makes it kind of sad though, doesn't it? Not sure I'd put it on a mood-lifting playlist.
I'm glad someone mentioned Two Door Cinema Club. Their early stuff is pure gold for mood lifting.
Walk the Moon's Anna Sun brings back so many college memories! We used to blast this at every party.
Sunday Best literally helped me develop a more positive mindset during lockdown. Those lyrics just hit different.
That Grey's Anatomy scene with Where Does the Good Go still makes me emotional. Such a perfect song choice for Meredith and Christina's friendship.
I actually disagree about the Harry Styles pick. Fine Line would have been a better choice from that album for lifting spirits.
The Lumineers song is such a hidden gem! I've had Flowers in Your Hair on repeat while doing my morning routine.
Anyone else think Heat Waves is a bit overplayed now? I mean it's catchy but I hear it everywhere these days.
Lizzo's Good as Hell got me through some really tough times last year. Something about her confidence is just infectious.
These are great picks but I'm surprised they left out some classic mood boosters. Where's Mr. Brightside by The Killers? That song never fails to get everyone singing along.
I absolutely love how Alaska by Maggie Rogers came about. That video of her playing it for Pharrell at NYU gives me chills every time I watch it. His reaction was priceless!