18 rock and metal songs that never fail to cheer people up

Sometimes, a song doesn’t actually have to be happy to make a listener feel good. Whether it’s adrenaline-pumping instrumentation, a tiny detail that feels like a personal wink to you, a sense of nostalgia attached to it, or a particularly awesome memory from seeing it performed live, there are certain rock and metal tracks that – no matter what – will always cheer people up.

So when we asked that question on social media recently, it was a total joy to not only go through the many responses sent in, but also learn the wildly different reasons for why certain songs make you so damn happy. We compiled some of our favourites below, because if they can have that effect on someone, they might just brighten your day, too…

Tom via Facebook: “Because it sounds like 2002, when life was a little less complicated.”

Kat via Facebook: “Year Zero by Ghost. I’ll crank it and sing till I pop, it absolutely fills my unholy soul with joy.”

Laura via Facebook: “Hard Times by Paramore. Basically that whole album [After Laughter] goes on when I need cheering up.”

Kyle via Facebook: “The entire ’59 Sound album from The Gaslight Anthem. That whole record just puts me in a good mood.”

Gordan via Facebook: “Some Devin Townsend tracks can really put me in a good mood. His album Epicloud had a lot of those moments, True North, Lucky Animals, Liberation, More! etc. That album is a pretty positive experience.”

Paul via Twitter: “This was the song that moved me on from soft rock / metal and onto the levels I love now. I now love all genres of metal. Such a big song and it will stand the test of time. Likewise, the band will always mean a lot to me too. I never tire of the song.”

Andy via Facebook: “Mr. Crowley – Ozzy Osbourne. This song reminds me every day that Randy [Rhoads] was an awesome young guitar player!”

Dan via Facebook: “Fear Of The Dark, particularly live at Rock in Rio 2001. Chills. Literal chills.”

Harry via Facebook: “Jump by the mighty Van Halen. I understand that people grow tired of it but I don’t. I guess the whole song is just full of little hobbits, you know. Just happy energy.”

Michelle via Facebook: “The lyrics are sad but the melody is so happy and funny.”

Marcel via Twitter: “Two two drum notes at the intro bring a million-dollar smile to my face.”

Jamie via Facebook: “For making me feel like a kid again.”

Kev via Twitter: “Any time shit feels like it’s getting too much, I put that song on and suddenly it doesn’t seem so bad.”

Tom via Twitter: “It’s a beast of a song that gets me pumped every listen and reminds me of summer.”

Carol via Twitter: “It was the anthem in our local rock club back in the day. Every band that played there finished the night with it. Some unforgettable memories.”

David via Twitter: “Love the change of tempo throughout and the guitars are 100/10! Gasses me tf up!”

Jon via Twitter: “When a song starts like a sea shanty, what’s not to like?”

toivo.ttavasti via Instagram: “I just remember that moment when I was on their concert and was screaming with all this people. Never felt so good.”

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