"Puts you in a bright mood" Refresh! Cheerful Western music

WaterlooABBA

ABBA – Waterloo (Official Music Video)

Released in 1974.

The Japanese title is “Koi no Waterloo” (“Waterloo of Love”).

It features a high-energy performance from the beginning to the end.

In concert footage from the time, there’s a unique staging where a conductor dressed as Napoleon appears before the song begins.

More recently, the song was used in a pivotal scene in director Ridley Scott’s film The Martian, starring Matt Damon.

Mama KinAerosmith

Aerosmith – Mama Kin (Audio)

A staple of their live shows, included on their landmark debut album.

One of those songs that other musicians are eager to cover.

At Guns N’ Roses’ 1992 Paris concert, Steven Tyler and Joe Perry made a surprise appearance and joined them to perform a cover of this song.

Pink ChampagneAriana Grande

Pink Champagne – Ariana Grande {Lyrics}

This song was released on YouTube by Ariana as a thank-you to her fans to commemorate her reaching 10 million followers on Twitter, and it’s said to be based on a track she recorded when she was 17.

It’s a song about living life to the fullest and having fun, and, in fact, singer Ke$ha also took part in writing it together with Ariana.

JubileeBlur

Blur – Jubilee (Official Audio)

A track from their masterpiece album Parklife, released in the mid-’90s at the height of Britpop.

While they usually favor relatively idiosyncratic songs, this one delivers the most straightforward rock, yet their knack for quirks shines through in key moments with the insertion of a horn section and the sound of a toy ray gun.

Without LoveBon Jovi

Bon Jovi – Without Love

A song packed with an ’80s vibe from Slippery When Wet, which cemented their popularity.

The original album cover features a simple design with the title traced by Jon’s finger on a wet garbage can, but the Japanese version was changed to a close-up image of a woman’s chest wearing a yellow T-shirt.

Beachwood 4-5789Carpenters

Beechwood 4-5789

Among the Carpenters’ late-period work, this is their most relaxed, laid-back, and lighthearted song.

As the 1980s began and a wave of new artists emerged, their bold decision to openly express a deep affection for surf music deserves praise.

It’s a superb example of the Carpenters at their best—true to form, always in close harmony with the oldies they cherished.

Gamma RaysCassia

Cassia – Gamma Rays (Official Music Video)

Cassia’s music charms with its sunny tropical vibe and positive messages.

The single from their February 2024 EP “Home Soon…” is a song about the anxiety and hope that come with change.

Its brisk acoustic guitar rhythm and playful bassline are striking, making you want to move.

This work blends the refined musicianship you’d expect from a UK band with the experience they’ve gained producing music around the world.

It’s the perfect track when you need courage to dive into a new environment or just want a refreshing change of pace.