Hip, Hip, Hip, Happy!
(Culled from the Telegraph)
The search for happiness is the goal of a greater majority. Many search for it through the attainment of academic laurels, acquisition of material goods, acquisition of monetary strength, self-intoxication, sexual escapades and body augmentation. Others believe that the attainment of power, recognition and influence which enables the manipulation and control of others would bequeath the happiness they seek. In all my born years, I have found that the happiness attained through these paths is ephemeral. A void always ensues, afterwards!
But, if truth be told, happiness is found in the least expected places. It is found in the little things like beholding the toothless smile of a baby, lending a helping hand to the needy, sharing memories amidst laughter with friends, respecting and validating the humanity of others, relishing and enjoying the gift of life, thankfulness for blessings received, etc. And of course, happiness can also be derived from the music we listen to.
Music triggers and emits a myriad of emotions, but some songs just instantaneously spark the happy vibration. In my music appreciation journey, I have experienced a variety of such which I share with you in this post. But, ultimately, we must remember that happiness is mainly inspired from within. Enjoy!
ABBA. "Dancing Queen" Arrival (1976).
Angelique Kidjo. "Akwaba" Fifa (1996).
Ashford & Simpson. "Solid" Solid (1984).
Beatles. "Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da" The White Album (1968).
Billy Ocean. "Get Outta My Dreams, Get Into My Car" Tear Down These Walls (1988).
Blackstreet. "Happy Song (Tonite)" Another Level (1996).
Bobby McFerrin. "Don't Worry Be Happy" Simple Pleasures (1988).
Burna Boy. "Anybody" African Giant (2019).
Chaka Khan. "I Know You, I Live You" What Cha’ Gonna Do For Me (1981).
Charlie Wilson. "I'm Blessed" In It To Win It (2017).
Davido. "If" Non-Album Single (2017).
Des’ree."You Gotta Be" I Ain’t Movin’ (1994).
Destiny’s Child. "Happy Face" Survivor (2001).
Dolly Parton. "Joshua" Joshua (1971).
Earth Wind and Fire (feat. Kenny G). "The Way You Move" Illumination (2005).
Emotions. "Blessed" Rejoice (1977).
En Vogue. "Desire" Funky Divas (1992).
Gabrielle. "Dreams" Find Your Way (1993).
Gregory Abbott. "Rhyme and Reason" Shake You Down (1986).
Grover Washington Jnr. "Take Five (Take Another Five)" Next Exit (1992).
India Arie. "Little Things" Voyage To India (2002).
Jade. "One Woman" Jade To The Max (1992).
Joe. "Ghetto Child" Better Days (2001).
Juice Newton. "Queen Of Hearts" Juice (1981).
Kizz Daniel. "Cough" Non-Album Single (2022).
Lighthouse Family. "Question Of Faith" Postcards From Heaven (1997).
Lionel Richie. "My Destiny" Back To Front (1992).
Luther Vandross. "Love The One You're With" Songs (1994).
Mary J. Blige. "I Feel Good" Stronger (2009).
Marvin Gaye. "My Love Is Waiting" Midnight Love (1982).
MC Hammer. "Pray" Please Hammer Don’t Hurt ‘Em (1990).
Michael Jackson ( feat Stevie Wonder). "Just Good Friends" Bad (1987).
Midnight Star. "No Parking On The Dance Floor" No Parking On The Dance Floor (1983).
Milli Vanilli. "Blame It On The Rain" Girl You Know It’s True (1989).
Pharrell Williams. "Happy" Soundtrack to the film Despicable Me 2 (2013).
Pointer Sisters. "I Am So Excited" So Excited (1982).
Prince. "Alphabet St." Lovesexy (1988).
Quincy Jones. "Setembro" Back On The Block (1991).
R Kelly. "Happy People" Happy People/U Saved Me (2004).
Ricky Martin. "The Cup Of Life" Ricky Martin (1999).
Shanice Wilson. "I Love Your Smile" Inner Child (1991).
Spice Girls. "Holler" Forever (2000).
Stromae. "Ta Fete" Racine Carrée (2013).
SWV. "Right Here" It’s About Time (1992).
The Black Eyed Peas. "Pump It" Monkey Business (2005).
Timbaland. Wit Yo Bad Self" Tim's Bio: Life From Da Bassment (1998).
Tom Jones. "It's Not Unusual" Along Came Jones (1965).
Whitney Houston. "One Of Those Days" Just Whitney (2002).
Yemi Alade, feat Angelique Kidjo. "Shekere" Woman of Steel (2019).
DISCLAIMER: The songs on this page are not mine, but the exclusive property of the respective artists here listed.
