CULTURE

10 feel-good songs about going your own way

Kathryn Wheeler
By Kathryn Wheeler,
updated on Jan 22, 2021

10 feel-good songs about going your own way

Whether it’s following a break-up, turning a new page in your life, or simply because you want to embrace a bit of self-love, we all need a feel-good anthem every now and then

Are you in the mood to feel good? To embrace your power and be uplifted? Well, have we got the playlist for you.

Music has the ability to completely shift our mood and, honestly, is there much better than turning up the volume on a tune that you know is guaranteed to get you bopping along?

From new favourites to golden-oldies, we’ve gathered together some of the best feel-good songs all about the power of backing yourself and chasing your dreams.

1. For the First Time, Best Coast

For a ‘boop’ that’s bound to put a smile on your face, look no further than rock duo Best Coast – from the second this tune begins, you know it’s going to be a feel-good banger. The lyrics and tone perfectly capture that hopeful feeling that comes after embarking on a fresh start.


2. Get Off My Cloud, The Rolling Stones

This is one to turn the volume up on. You can’t go wrong with a bit of Stones, and this track has a beat to stride down the street to. We’re not advocating for disturbing your neighbours at 3AM in the morning, or racking up parking tickets as Mick Jagger sings, but the sentiment of holding on to your happiness certainly strikes a chord.


3. That Don’t Impress Me Much (triple j Like A Version), HAIM

The HAIM sisters have done it again. In this toe-tapping cover of Shania Twain’s classic, the smooth tunes are sure to have you feelin’ yourself. Assessing your needs and standards? Now, that does impress me.


4. Better Things, The Kinks

When things get tough, often what gets us through is the hope that they will get better tomorrow. That’s what this classic track from The Kinks is all about, and it’s the perfect sing-a-long to belt at the top of your lungs.


5. Good as Hell, Lizzo

Need we say much more? Decidedly one of the greatest self-love anthems around, you really can’t go wrong with ‘Good as Hell’. And the best part? You’ll be certain to get this catchy tune stuck in your head, and what better affirmation to return to?


6. Go Your Own Way, Fleetwood Mac

How could we possibly write a piece about going your own way, without including ‘Go Your Own Way’ by Fleetwood Mac? If you’re going through a breakup and are looking for a positivity boost, there’s really no need to look any further, we’ve got you covered here.


7. Respect, Aretha Franklin

It’s stood the test of time, and for good reason. Aretha Franklin’s anthem ‘Respect’ captures an energy that we can all aspire to, and tuning-in to this song is a great place to start.


8. I Won’t Back Down, Tom Petty

For moments where you come up against challenges, stick this record on the player. All about standing your ground and sticking to your values in the face of trials, allow Tom Petty to rally up your resilience.


9. I Will Survive, Gloria Gaynor

From the moment that piano intro comes in, you know what you’re getting yourself into. Taking you on a journey to finding the strength within yourself, ‘I Will Survive’ is an anthem for getting through the hard times and coming out on top.


10. Shake it Out, Florence + The Machine

Empowering, uplifting, and invigorating. ‘Shake it Out’ speaks for itself, so sit back, turn it up, and be transported by the resonating vocals of the one and only Florence Welch.

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