Top songs that make us ‘summer happy’

With sunnier weather just around the corner, researchers have compiled a definitive list of the 50 happiest songs of all time…

And securing the top spot is ‘Walking on Sunshine’ by Katrina and The Waves, followed by ‘Here Comes the Sun’ by The Beatles (24 percent) and Pharrell Williams ‘Happy’ (23 percent).

Unsurprisingly Jamaican-born Bob Marley & The Wailers appear three times in the 50 strong list with ‘Sun is Shining’ (nine percent), ‘Stir It up’ (five percent) and ‘Concrete Jungle’ (four percent), alongside international hits like ‘California Girls’ by The Beach Boys (19 percent), ‘Don’t Stop Me Now’ by Queen (19 percent), ‘Summer of 69’ by Bryan Adams (18 percent) and ‘Beautiful Day’ by Irish rockers, U2.

It’s no surprise that four in ten (40 percent) of those polled say that certain songs have the power to transport them into summer mode, with a further two thirds (63 percent) agreeing that music lifts their mood and cheers them up. 75 percent think music is the perfect way to get ready for summer, with three quarters (76 percent) saying it has influenced them booking a sunshine holiday.

Over half (53 percent) groove to tunes from the country they are visiting when getting ready for a holiday, with the Caribbean (40 percent) emerging as the place the nation has been most inspired to visit as a result of music.

The survey was commissioned by MSC Cruises, who have created a brand-new album, reimagining Brits’ favourite feel-good hits. From Taylor Swift and Harry Styles to Pharrell Williams, The Beatles, and Madonna, each track on ‘Bean Beats‘ has been given a fresh reggae-infused makeover.

Antonio Paradiso, VP of International Sales, MSC Cruises:

“Music is pure magic—it has the power to transport you to your dream destination. It lifts your spirits, sets the tone for adventure and gets you into that summer mindset. Our new reggae-inspired playlist is the perfect way to kickstart the holiday excitement.”

 68 percent say having a playlist full of holiday songs makes them more excited for a trip, so much so that they start blaring it out a few weeks before they travel (53 percent) to help them get through the packing (43 percent). A third (29 percent) go so far as to create a new playlist every time they go away as it gets them excited for the trip (68 percent). Over half (53 percent) start listening to their playlist a few weeks before they fly, while 43 percent use music to help them get through the packing.

Music is also an essential travel companion during trip planning, with 26 percent listening while trying on holiday outfits, 25 percent while mapping out their itinerary, and 15 percent while booking excursions, according to the 2,000 Brits surveyed.

50 Happiest Songs 

1. Walking on Sunshine by Katrina and the Waves – 25%
2. Here Comes the Sun by The Beatles – 24%
3. Happy by Pharell Williams – 23%
4. California Girls by The Beach Boys – 19%
5. Don’t Stop Me Now – Queen – 19%
6. Summer of 69 by Bryan Adams – 18%
7. Beautiful Day by U2 – 17%
8. Good Vibrations by The Beach Boys – 16%
9. Holiday by Madonna – 16%
10. Livin’ On A Prayer by Bon Jovi – 16%
11. Shake it Off by Taylor Swift – 15%
12. Uptown Girl by Billie Joel – 12%
13. Girls Just Wanna Have Fun by Cyndi Lauper – 12%
14. I’m A Believer by The Monkees – 12%
15. School’s Out For Summer by Alice Cooper – 11%
16. Friday I’m in Love by The Cure – 11%
17. Everywhere by Fleetwood Mac – 10%
18. Love Shack by The B52s – 10%
19. Hey Ya by Outkast – 10%
20. Sun is Shining by Bob Marley – 9%
21. Lovely Day by Bill Withers – 9%
22. California Gurls by Katy Perry – 9%
23. Paradise City by Guns ‘n’ Roses – 9%
24. Can’t Stop The Feeling by Justin Timberlake – 9%
25. Dancing in the Streets by Martha and the Vandellas – 9%
26. Watermelon Sugar by Harry Styles – 8%
27. Summertime by DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince – 7%
28. Summer Breeze by Seals and Crofts – 7%
29. Summer in the City by Lovin’ Spoonful – 6%
30. Good Times by Chic – 6%
31. Cake by the Ocean by DNCE – 6%
32. La Bamba by Ritchie Valens – 6%
33. Island in the Sun by Weezer – 6%
34. You Can Get It If You Really Try by Jimmy Cliff – 5%
35. Cruel Summer by Taylor Swift – 5%
36. Birds of a Feather by Billie Eilish – 5%
37. Houdini by Dua Lipa – 5%
38. Summertime Sadness by Lana Del Ray – 5%
39. I Got You (I Feel Good) by James Brown – 5%
40. Everyone Loves The Sunshine by Roy Ayers – 5%
41. Hot in Here by Nelly – 5%
42. Stir It Up by Bob Marley & The Wailers – 5%
43. Concrete Jungle by Bob Marley & The Wailers – 4%
44. Raspberry Beat by Prince – 4%
45. Feeling Hot Hot Hot by The Merrymen – 4%
46. In the Sun by Blondie – 4%
47. It was a Good Day by Ice Cube – 3%
48. Hot Girl Summer by Megan Thee Stallion – 3%
49. Steal My Sunshine by Len – 3%
50. Love to Love You Baby by Rosemary Martins – 2%