The ultimate good vibes playlist, for when you’re feeling a little flat
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21.03.2020

The ultimate good vibes playlist, for when you’re feeling a little flat

Because we all need a pick-me-up right now.

There’s no denying the world feels a little grim right now and with bad news coming at us from every angle, it’s more important than ever to take care of yourself. Music makes us feel good, that’s no secret, so we’ve curated a playlist of tracks bound to lift your spirits. Whether you want to have yourself a little self-isolation dance party or just need to take time to switch off the news and distract yourself from the coronavirus chaos, here’s a list of certified bangers guaranteed to pick you up.

INXS – ‘Don’t Change’

The sky above won’t fall down” is a reminder we could all use right about now. This is a classic for a reason and between a melody that feels like it’s straight out of Flashdance and a truly anthemic chorus, INXS’ ‘Don’t Change’ will have you shimmying around the lounge room in no time.

LCD Soundsystem- ‘Dance Yrself Clean’

Two words: beat drop. When the clanking percussive intro of ‘Dance Yourself Clean’ gives way to frantic, fuzzy synth, this track goes from a laidback bop to a dancefloor filler. LCD Soundsystem have never led us astray, so when they say ‘dance’, don’t question it.

Kool & The Gang – ‘Jungle Boogie’

Smooth funk, a tasty brass section and a breakdown led by grunting vocal percussion – what more could you want? Did we mention that naughty bassline? Ooft. Kool & The Gang may just be the answer to all of life’s problems.

Parliament – ‘Give Up The Funk (Tear The Roof Off The Sucker)’

Gotta have that funk, alright.

The White Stripes – ‘Seven Nation Army’

Who knew a simple bassline and drum beat could be so powerful? Introduce Jack White’s lo-fi vocals and a fierce electric guitar riff and you’ve got the recipe for an absolute ripper. Pulling back every time it looks like the melody might just explode into utter chaos, this track has exacted the balance of measured mayhem.

Gorillaz – ‘Feel Good Inc’

It’s all there in the title.

Toots & The Maytals – ‘Funky Kingston’

Music is what Toots & The Maytals have got to give and with ‘Funky Kingston’, they’re giving it to us real good. A reggae-tinged, funky fresh bop, this track will clear your skin and pay off your HECS debt. It’s that good.

Booker T & The M.G.’s – ‘Green Onions’

If you’re missing the pub, just chuck on ‘Green Onions’ and you’ll immediately be transported to a smokey dive bar where the drinks are cheap and the jukebox is pumping. Your lounge room may not have a sticky pool table, but you can always flex your air guitar skills when that saucy riff comes into play.

Marvin Gaye – ‘What’s Going On’

Fact: it’s impossible to be unhappy when Marvin Gaye is playing. Not convinced? Chuck on ‘What’s Going On’ and just try to prove us wrong.

Kanye West – ‘Through The Wire’

The song that thrust Kanye West into the limelight, ‘Through The Wire’ is literally an ode to overcoming adversity. “I’m a champion, turn tragedy into triumph“, he spits amongst soaring backing vocals and a rhythmic beat. This track will have you feeling like you can conquer whatever life throws at you. Thank you, Yeezus.

Joni Mitchell – ‘California’

If a smile were a sound, it would be Joni Mitchell’s voice. In fact, the woman is basically sunshine personified – even when she’s singing ballads, you can’t help but sense the warmth beneath it all. An ode to California’s carefree ways and sunny days, this track is pure bliss. Throw in a some acoustic finger-picking and you’ve got a guaranteed remedy to the blues.

Fatboy Slim – ‘Praise You’

You can’t help but feel an instant twinge of excitement when the familiar piano chords of Fatboy Slim’s ‘Praise You’ come out of the speakers. Even if it feels like you’ve got nothing to celebrate, just throw on this track and you’ll be praising the good lord Norman Cook for gifting us with this bloody beauty.

Bruce Springsteen – ‘Dancing In The Dark’

There’s no reason to frown when The Boss is in town. If this doesn’t make you want to put on your best blue jeans and dance, nothing will.

Cheryl Lynn – ‘Got To Be Real’

This disco classic is a guaranteed mood-booster. Slick bassline? Check. Spicy brass section? Check. Soaring vocals that you just have to imitate at the top of your lungs, neighbours be damned? Yep, Cheryl Lynn’s ‘Got To Be Real’ has got it all, and then some.

Hall & Oates – ‘You Make My Dreams Come True’

Is it even a good vibes playlist without this Hall & Oates’ classic?