This time of year is, undoubtedly, an absolute nightmare. Odds are if you’re reading this, it’s on a rare break between all five of your exams, which are probably all happening within the next week. When you’ve been stressed for, oh, the past eight months, it’s easy to let all of the pressure get to you – so, this is a playlist full of upbeat, feel-good songs to remind you that the world isn’t as terrible as U of T makes it seem. If nothing else, the weather’s nice! So crank up this playlist and go enjoy the sunlight for a few hours, before you’re stuck back behind your desk.

Listen to Love Today on Spotify here!

“Love Today”
MIKA
The inspiration for this playlist is MIKA’s Grammy-nominated single “Love Today.” Upbeat and endlessly catchy, in the words of MIKA, “‘Love Today’ captures the euphoric feeling you get when things go right.”

“On Top of the World”
Imagine Dragons
Off their first hit album Night Visions, this song is a personal favorite. Along with some inspiring, you-can-do-it lyrics, “On Top of the World” is easy to sing and dance along to and great for letting off steam between study sessions.

“Best Day of My Life”
American Authors
This song has been used in every film, television show, and commercial you can think of, and for good reason! Upbeat with an overwhelmingly positive message, “Best Day of My Life” will brighten any cloudy day, if only just a little.

“Mr. Blue Sky”
Electric Light Orchestra
The release of Guardians of the Galaxy 2 made Electric Light Orchestra’s 1978 hit popular all over again. With a distinctly 70s pop-rock sound, this song is a toe-tapping, head-bopping classic fit for laying under a sunny blue sky.

“Surrender”
Cheap Trick
Deemed the “ultimate Seventies teen anthem” by Rolling Stone, “Surrender” is another iconic bop from 1978. This song is fitting for the credits of a cheesy 80’s teen movie and is perfect to spice up your Friday night at Robarts.

“Kaleidoscope”
A Great Big World
A Great Big World’s “Kaleidoscope” is a decidedly happier jam than their 2013 hit “Say Something.” Pieced together with layered vocals and a bright guitar melody, this is the type of song for those who like to walk to a steady beat.

“Dynamite”
Taio Cruz
An oldie, but a goodie. If you haven’t heard “Dynamite” since middle school, it’s time to give it a re-listen: I bet you’ll remember more of the lyrics than you think you do. Seriously, why don’t they play this at clubs anymore?

“Shingaling”
Tom Swoon
This fan-favorite from The Umbrella Academy soundtrack is infectious. With a strong beat, hummable melody, and danceable rhythm, it’s impossible to sit still when “Shingaling” comes on.

“We Come Running”
Youngblood Hawke
Youngblood Hawke’s debut song has been used in FIFA and Coca-Cola commercials alike–which shows how cheery and feel-good it is. Rolling Stone has hailed the song as “energetic” and “triumphant,” and they aren’t far off base.

“Top of the World”
Greek Fire
If there’s ever a day when you’re feeling particularly down, “Top of the World” is the perfect song to listen to. Powerful, spirited, and glorious, this song will–as its title suggests–make you feel as though you’re on top of the world.

“Animal”
Neon Trees
“Animal” has been covered by everyone from Taylor Swift to Panic! at the Disco to Glee. Bouncy with a edgy rock vibe, “Animal” has a catchy melody sure to get stuck in your head during that very important exam you have coming up.

“Pumpin Blood”
NONONO
It’s likely you’ve heard this song by Swedish trio NONONO. Can’t place it? It was the go-to song for car commercials a few years back. The best part of the song is its whistling hook which is sure to drive your roommates crazy.