Whatever happened to waking up at the week’s end feeling good heading into Friday? When did having an optimistic outlook and self-confidence to crush it go out of style?
It simply takes a cup of joe or an A.M. dart to get in that feel-good mindset for some of us. Others find it in the happy hour following the conclusion of the workday. For me, it always begins with music.
To help refill the happiness heading into the weekend, I tagged in fellow playlist curator and music connoisseur @Cooterdoodle (C.D.) of Matthew Berry’s Fantasy Life to assist in this week’s song selections.
1. “Pure Love” – Haley Williams
If the bassline of “Pure Love” doesn’t immediately hook you in, the chorus will. You might remember Haley Williams as the lead singer of Paramore, but she ventured out on her own in 2021. Williams reminds us how important it is to love ourselves and tear down our walls. You have to give a little to get a little. It feels good to be vulnerable. – C.D.
2. “Suit” – Nic. D
Up-and-coming artist Nic D. struts his stuff on his recent single “Suite.” Like this playlist’s opening track, it starts slow and builds up. The tone of this one shifts from unsure at the beginning to confident and upbeat in the first chorus.
This is the type of jam that makes you want to throw on your shades, open up the sunroof and just do your thing. – Seth
3. “Needed Me” – Rihanna
Rihanna’s “ANTI” album is full of songs worthy of highlighting but “Needed Me” brings a boost of confidence to any playlist. We may all be waiting for “RiRi” to drop new music, but until then, we can dive into this anthem. Anytime you forget your worth, “don’t get it twisted.”
4. “Donald Trump” – Mac Miller
If there’s a male equivalent to Rihanna’s “Needed Me,” it’s Mac Miller’s 2011 standout single, “Donald Trump.”
It’s wild that with just a few clever chest-pounding lyrics and an unmistakable beat, Miller can turn the most anxious of people into complete wild cards for the song’s two-minute and 46-second run time. – Seth
5. “Good Day” – Surfaces
If you’re having a bad day, put this song on. The beat will leave you feeling like you’re covered in sunshine. This song reminds us that “everything we’re giving is enough.”
You’re enough. It’s a good day. – C.D.
6. “Juicy” – Doja Cat
What is a “Powerful Playlist” without some Doja Cat? Feeling good about your accomplishments is one thing, but don’t forget to love the skin you’re in. We’re all a little “juicy juicy.” This song never fails to put me in a good mood, and I highly recommend playing it at full volume while dancing around your kitchen. – C.D.
7. “7 Things” – Miley Cyrus
We all have guilty pleasure songs that we turn up when alone. Well, add Miley Cyrus’s 2008 rock anthem, “7 Things,” to the list. It’s a simple song, reminding us of even simpler times. Cyrus’s impressive wordsmithing, mixed with the pop-punk sound of the past, still holds up at bringing happiness, even today. – Seth
8. “The Middle” – Jimmy Eat World
This next track was the high school anthem for many kids feeling out of place or in the middle of the ride. I always found comfort in listening to the calming lyrics, “Hey, don’t write yourself off yet / It’s only in your head you feel left out.”
There’s no need to try and please everyone. “Everything will be just fine.” – C.D.
9. “Gives You Hell” – The All-American Rejects
Something about this spite-filled chart-topper still hits just as hard 14 years later. It could be that sweet-sweet revenge is a joy to sing about or just the overall fun that The All-American Rejects brought to their music back then.
Regardless, it’s the ideal pick to close out your work week and our track selections. – Seth
10. __________
And just like that, we arrive at the “Powerful Playlist” tradition as old a Doja Cat – offering the final spot in the playlist up to its’ readers.
We rest our case and wish readers a happy and safe holiday weekend.
For a mix of comedy, lifestyle and fantasy sports content, be sure to follow @Cooterdoodle on Twitter.
This playlist can be found for streaming and/or download on Apple Music. And for more feel-good content, you can find me on Twitter @Between_SethFF.