If you had a chance to read my first article in the first issue of this amazing magazine, you already know how much I love diving into the intersection of music and mental health. Music has healing properties. It has this amazing way of lifting us up, grounding us or even pushing us forward when we need it. It’s the universal language by which we all communicate and has this uncanny ability to meet us exactly where we are. In my previous article, I talked about how Kendrick Lamar’s Pop Out was akin to a family reunion, but this time I want to keep the energy going with a different twist.

Mental health isn’t just about healing or surviving, it’s also about feeling joy, finding focus or being productive. So, I created another playlist-driven article with songs to help you shift your mindset.

There will be three categories in this article that I won’t spoil, but I will give you five songs in each category. I will give you two older artists (older means 60s-2000s), two newer artists (newer meaning 2010s-today) and one artist that I personally love. With that being said, let’s get to the music.

Instant Mood Changers

These songs are guaranteed to pick you up when you are feeling down. If you’ve had a bad day at work, or just a bad day at all, these will help you get out of that funk!

India.Arie – “Video”

This song is one of the greatest instant mood changers of all time! There’s something about India.Arie’s singing that makes you feel at peace. This song is great if you don’t feel confident in yourself. “Video” truly shouts out why you should love yourself and why it’s okay to love yourself.

Missy Elliott – “Get Ur Freak On”

Missy Elliott is one of the best emcees of all time and this song right here proves it. Your day could be going bad, but as soon as you hear this Timbaland-produced beat, you’ll start trying to pop lock!

SiR – “Hair Down”

Ask anyone around me and they will tell you that I’ve listened to this song so much that it’s my theme song. Sometimes, if you have a bad day, you just want to chill and forget it. This song makes me feel like I’m in an entirely different place, just floating. Also, it has a great Kendrick feature!

Bruno Mars – “24K Magic”

This should honestly be a given! Bruno Mars has some of the most feel-good-sounding songs out there! This is one of his most popular, and I know you’ve heard it before. If the other songs don’t get you moving, “24K Magic” will!

Junior Senior – “Move Your Feet”

This might be a song that you haven’t realized you’ve heard. This is a little bit electronic, sort of like Daft Punk. However, it will get you to move your feet. If you are having a rough day and you like dancing out your frustrations, throw this on!

Songs for Productivity

These next five songs encompass productivity, but that can mean anything productive. Whether you are doing homework, cooking or going to the gym, these songs will help you get in that productive mindset.

The Whispers – “And The Beat Goes On”

An oldie but a goodie! This song here is one of those classics that you can cook, clean, and workout to, because… the beat goes on for a long time. Seriously, back in the late 70s and early 80s, they made songs close to 10 minutes long.

Michael Jackson – “Jam”

Now, this list could be filled to the brim with MJ songs (I know y’all know that), but I want to show love to his album Dangerous. This song will easily get you movin’ no matter where you are! Then, if you get tired, Heavy D comes in and gets you ready to move again!

Doechii – “NISSAN ALTIMA”

Doechii is one of the best rappers of the new generation, and this song is a masterclass in rapping! Doechii’s flow and quick rapping will get you ready to move your body and work on your goals!

Key Glock – “Ambition for Cash”

If you frequent TikTok, you’ve probably heard this one. This song is great for productivity. It talks about being ambitious for money and being in your bag, and you’ll feel like it once it hits the chorus.

Kendrick Lamar – “tv off”

Y’all have heard “MUSTARRRRD” screamed several times since November of last year, but this whole song gets you ready for productivity! While the scream has you ready to hit the gym, the whole song makes you start doing everything you need to do for a productive day.

Music with Melodies to Increase Focus

These next five songs will cover songs that have great melodies and a reflective aura. If you need to finish a project or do some homework, these songs are for you!

Sade – “Smooth Operator”

I could just put Sade’s whole catalog on here, and that would fit too! This is one of my favorite songs, and it is one of the best songs to help you focus on any task you need to complete.

Miles Davis – “Blue In Green”

We’re going true old school with this one! If you want music with melodies, Miles Davis gives it to you with this piano jazz song. If you are someone who might lose focus by listening to the lyrics, “Blue In Green” eliminates that problem for you.

Big K.R.I.T. – “Energy”

Big K.R.I.T. has a song for just about every mood! This song right here is one of his more reflective tracks. Don’t let the title fool you; his voice is low during this, and the beat is mellow. Imagine you are on a long trip, and you need to focus on the road, but everyone is asleep and you can’t get too hype. This is the perfect song for that feeling.

Masego – “Tadow”

I could go on and on about how talented Masego is! He can do a little bit of everything, and it’s proven in the music video for this song. For most of the song, it’s just instrumental. Masego starts singing near the end, but it helps you focus even more. If you were to lose focus at a point, his voice would bring you back.

Cleo Sol – “When I’m In Your Arms”

This song right here is personal. I was working at a job two years ago, and I came across this song by complete happenstance. I don’t know what it is about it, but I was able to finish all my tasks much quicker by listening to this. Cleo Sol is such a great artist, and this song makes you feel like everything will be okay. When you have that feeling, you can truly focus.

So there you have it, 15 songs, three categories, and a whole lot of feel-good energy. Whether you’re trying to bounce back from a rough day, stay on task, or want to create some good energy, music is a tool that can transform your state of mind. So, if you ever feel stuck, overwhelmed, or you are in need of some sonic therapy, I hope you can come back to these songs and find what you need.

Stay grounded, stay lifted, and as always, happy listening!