Happy Songs to Help Beat the Winter Blues

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Is it snowing where you live? Or raining and gray? Are you bummed that the holidays are over, or just having a plain bad day ... week ... month? We've been there! Sure, you could try reading inspirational words of wisdom or dive head first into a pint of Ben & Jerry's. But we've got something better to cheer you up ... happy songs! The staff at AOL Music all contributed the tunes that never fail to lift their spirits when the depressing world is crashing down upon them. From that epic list, the 20 songs that follow emerged forth as the best of the best. So cheer up, how can life be bad when there's LMFAO's 'Party Rock Anthem, 'Michael Jackson's 'The Way You Make Me Feel,' and Mariah Carey's 'Fantasy' to fill up your ears, hearts and souls? And when you're done listening to our playlist, add your own "happy song" in the comments section to help other poor souls start to feel better as well!

LMFAO's 'Party Rock Anthem'

How can you frown when Redfoo and SkyBlu come on your iPod?

Mariah Carey's 'Fantasy'

Mariah's soaring vocals will take you to your happy place.

Michael Jackson's 'The Way You Make Me Feel'

It's tough to pick just one MJ song that makes us happy, but this is definitely a top contender!

Katy Perry's 'Teenage Dream'

Listening to this tune will make you feel young at heart.

Beastie Boys' 'Hey Ladies'

A feel-good song for the ladies ... and the gents!

Billy Joel's 'Uptown Girl'

Billy Joel's future wife Christie Brinkley starred in this music video -- no wonder he's smiling so much in the classic vid.

George Michael's 'Faith'

We have faith this song will always cheer us up!

Smashing Pumpkins' 'Today'

How can you go wrong with a tune that starts, "Today is the greatest day I've ever known"?

The Beach Boys' 'Wouldn't It Be Nice'

Wouldn't it be nice if you could hear this song every day?

Nena's '99 Luftballons'

Sure, it might be half in German, but this hit has universal happy appeal.

Cat Stevens' 'If You Want to Sing Out, Sing Out'

Any child of the 70s can attest to the uplifting qualities of this positive tune.

Creedence Clearwater Revival's 'Looking Out My Back Door'

Not only will this classic pick up your spirits, it'll have you slapping your knee, too!

Jay-Z & Alicia Keys' 'Empire State of Mind'

You don't need to be a New Yorker to love this amazing duet.

Rob Base & DJ EZ Rock's 'It Takes Two'

It only takes one ... minute of this song, that is ... to have you smiling!

Kiss' 'Detroit Rock City'

Arguably one of the most uplifting (albeit rockin') tunes by the legendary band.

Hall & Oates' 'You Make My Dreams Come True'

The producers of the flick '500 Days of Summer' used this song to illustrate the feeling of falling in love. We couldn't agree more!

The Flaming Lips' 'Do You Realize'

Despite the semi-somber tone of this power ballad, the tune can't help but make you appreciate life.

Katrina and the Waves' 'Walking on Sunshine'

80s cheese pop makes for solid happy music!

The Zombies' 'This Will Be Our Year'

More than one AOL Music staffer has used this classic as their wedding song. If people are choosing the sweet tune to start their lives together, it clearly has cheer-inducing properties!