Here comes the sun: editorial team reflects on the songs that make them smile

Growing up as a closeted indie kid means I’ve spent many nights being dramatic and crying to Bright Eyes and Elliott Smith, stressing out about some high school dramas that I was convinced would last forever (surprise: they didn’t). As my taste and I grew up, I began to listen to music outside of Spotify’s “Sad Acoustic Indie Hits” playlist and learned that art doesn’t have to be indignant. Yes, it can tear your heart out and encourage your angsty teenage brooding, but it can also make you smile and color even the worst of your days. Here, the B Side editorial staff share songs that make them feel like it’s sunny outside:

“The song ‘Lucky’ by Choker is a great feel good track. His words, melodies, vocal flows are all boyishly hopeful and beautiful. The catchy hook ‘I get by, I get through, I get over, I get moved’ helps me through the day.” -Anthony Vega

“The song that automatically puts me in a good mood is Naive Melody by the Talking Heads. Reminds me of summer and camping and my high school friends.” -Maddie Rohner

“A song that automatically puts me in a good mood is probably Stella Blue by the Grateful Dead. it sounds like the ocean or a garden or something with a sun and a breeze. Whenever i’m sad, it uplifts my spirits.” -Sophie Turovsky

“Tonight I’ll Be Staying Here With You by Bob Dylan covered by Whitney makes me smile every time. I remember hearing it for the first time at a concert they had at Levon Helms’ barn in Woodstock, and after the show I got to meet them. This is my favorite track off of one of my favorite Bob Dylan albums, so hearing it covered by a great band in such a historic venue was unforgettable.” -Josh Hauser

“’3 Nights’ by Dominic Fike. Whenever I hear it playing it reminds me of that summer and time away. It’s kind of like when I hear it, it connects me to a time and place and instantly makes me remember it so it’s a nice way to remember a phase of my life.” -Claire Winthrop

“A song that puts me in a good mood is ‘Karaoke’ by Smallpools. It reminds me of the summer, strolling around in roller skates, eating popsicles. Just every good thing rolled into one.” -Michelle Castillo

“’Music to Walk Home’ To by Tame Impala. When I’m biking around Berkeley at a blistering pace, this song always reminds me of summertime at the beach, or a spring morning when the sun is shining and everyone is out and about. It just has an amazingly infectious psychedelic groove that could put anyone in a good place.” -Everett Williams

“‘Sunflower’ by Vampire Weekend by Steve Lacy is so upbeat and fun. Always puts me in a good mood.” -Veronica Irwin

“RATCHET SATURN GIRL by Aminé gets me goOoing. It’s such a fun upbeat song that is literally so perfect to dance to. Also the song shifts half way into the song and takes on a slower beat and it’s just absolutely amazing.” -Sunny Sangha

Personally, the song that always pulls me out of my brooding nights is “Piazza, New York Catcher” by Belle & Sebastian. I heard it years ago when I first discovered my favorite movie Juno (2017), and I have yet to get tired of it. The song sounds a little melancholy at times, but the soothing voice and simple guitar melody still have a magical way of making me smile on my walk to class.

If you’re in need of a pick-me-up, or just want to hear some upbeat tunes, check out the playlist of these songs (plus some more) here:

Article by Alice Markman