The importance of sunshine can hardly be overstated. Sunshine is essential for our mental health and well-being. Sunshine is also known to help us feel upbeat and happy, which is probably why so many songs about sunshine have been written over the years.
Check out this extensive list of songs spanning all genres. We hope they bring you positivity and warmth.
Table of Contents
1. Can’t Stop the Feeling! By Justin Timberlake
| Genre | Disco-Pop, Soul-Pop |
| Year Released | 2016 |
| Album | Trolls: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack |
“Can’t Stop the Feeling” was released by Justin Timberlake for the 2016 film, Trolls. Timberlake was the film’s executive music producer and performed the voice of the character Branch. The song is an undeniably catchy and groovy dance song. The music video has been viewed over 1.5 billion times on YouTube and streamed another 1.3 billion times on Spotify. It was a smash hit in dozens of countries and was certified 4x Multi-Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America. Along with the song itself, the music video also won many awards.
2. Walkin’ On Sunshine by Katrina and The Waves
| Genre | New Wave, Pop Rock |
| Year Released | 1985 |
| Album | Walkin’ On Sunshine |
One of the catchiest songs of the 1980s, “Walkin’ On Sunshine,” is a timeless optimistic tune by the British pop rock band Katrina and The Waves. It was the band’s first Top 40 hit in the US and peaked at Number nine on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. According to the songwriter and band’s guitarist, Kimberley Rew, the song wasn’t inspired by any major happy event but rather is just a fun, optimistic song, although the band members were not overwhelmingly cheerful people. The song has over 500 million streams on Spotify as of October 2022, while the official music video has over 71 million views on YouTube.
3. Good Day Sunshine by The Beatles
| Genre | Pop, Psychedelia |
| Year Released | 1966 |
| Album | Revolver |
Written by Paul McCartney with a little help from John Lennon, “Good Day Sunshine” is one of the more lighthearted songs on The Beatles’ Revolver album. When writing the song, McCartney was inspired by the tune “Daydream” by the Lovin’ Spoonful. The song stands out from most of the other tracks on the record, as its sound and lyrics instill joy and celebrate love. “Good Day Sunshine” was played on the International Space Shuttle mission STS-135 to wake up the crew members. In November 2005, as part of the first concert broadcasted to the Space Station, Paul McCartney played the song live to the crew of the ISS.
4. Sunshine of Your Love by Cream
| Genre | Psychedelic Rock, Blues Rock |
| Year Released | 1967 |
| Album | Disraeli Gears |
Widely regarded as the world’s first supergroup, Cream featured musicians that were extremely proficient with their respective instruments. “Sunshine of Your Love” is the most popular Cream song and was included in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s list of the “500 Songs That Shaped Rock and Roll.” The lyrics were written by beat poet Pete Brown, a friend of the band, while Eric Clapton and Jack Bruce wrote the music. The song peaked at Number five on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and was certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of America.
5. Steal My Sunshine by Len
| Genre | Indie Pop, Dance-Pop |
| Year Released | 1999 |
| Album | You Can’t Stop the Bum Rush |
“Steal My Sunshine” was a 1999 smash hit by Canadian alternative rock band Len. The song was originally released on the soundtrack for the film Go and subsequently received a lot of exposure on alternative radio stations. The song features brother and sister duo Sharon and Marc Costanzo sharing lead vocals. According to Marc Costanzo, the song was inspired by the immense joy he experienced while at a music festival. “Steal My Sunshine” was certified Platinum by the RIAA, and as of October 2022, the music video has over 65 million views on YouTube and another 103 million streams on Spotify.
6. Beers and Sunshine by Darius Rucker
| Genre | Country |
| Year Released | 2020 |
| Album | Single |
The song topped the Billboard Country Airplay chart and peaked at Number seven on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. It was later certified Gold by the RIAA. As of October 2022, “Beers and Sunshine” has over 63 million streams on Spotify and 7 million more views of the official music video on YouTube. The title of the song, as well as the lyrics, are a play on words for the abbreviated form of the word bullshit, or B.S. The lyrics are about letting go of your worries and the things that can bring you down, like watching the news. Darius Rucker cleverly sings that the only B.S. he needs is “beers and sunshine.”
7. Ain’t No Sunshine by Bill Withers
| Genre | R&B, Soul, Blues |
| Year Released | 1971 |
| Album | Just As I Am |
“Ain’t No Sunshine” was the breakthrough hit for Bill Withers that catapulted him from a life as a factory worker to a Grammy-winning, gold record-making artist. Released on his debut studio album, Just As I Am, the song won a Grammy Award for Best R&B Song at the 14th Annual Grammy Awards in 1972. “Ain’t No Sunshine” peaked at Number three on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and was Withers’ first certified Gold record. Named one of the “500 Greatest Songs of All Time” by Rolling Stone, the song has over 500 million streams on Spotify as of October 2022.
8. Sunshine & Whiskey by Frankie Ballard
| Genre | Country |
| Year Released | 2014 |
| Album | Sunshine & Whiskey |
Released as the second single on Frankie Ballard’s 2014 album of the same name, “Sunshine & Whiskey” was co-written by Jaren Johnston and Luke Laird. Johnson and Laird have a combined twenty-nine Number one singles and have worked with artists like Eric Church, Tim McGraw, and Keith Urban, to name a few. The lyrics are about a fiery romance. “Sunshine & Whiskey” topped the Billboard Country Airplay chart and was certified Platinum by the RIAA. As of October 2022, the song has over 127 million streams on Spotify.
9. The Sound of Sunshine by Michael Franti & Spearhead
| Genre | Indie Pop, Reggae Fusion |
| Year Released | 2010 |
| Album | The Sound of Sunshine |
Released on Michael Franti’s 2010 album of the same name, “The Sound of Sunshine” is about the sun’s ability to make any day better. The song topped the Billboard Adult Alternative Songs chart later that year. The music video, which has been viewed nearly 9 million times on YouTube to date, was shot in Venice Beach, California. Franti chose Venice Beach as the location for the video because it is a melting pot of people that come there from all over the world to forget about their worries and bask in the sunshine by the beach.
10. Sunshine Superman by Donovan
| Genre | Psychedelic Pop, Folk Rock |
| Year Released | 1966 |
| Album | Sunshine Superman |
“Sunshine Superman” was released on Donovan’s 1966 album of the same name. The song was Donovan’s first and only Number 1 single on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. Two future members of the band Led Zeppelin played on the recording nearly two years before Zeppelin was formed. John Paul Jones played electric bass, and Jimmy Page played lead guitar. As of October 2022, the song has over 41 million streams on Spotify. The song is regarded as one of the first overtly psychedelic pop records, as “sunshine” is a nickname for the psychedelic drug LSD.
11. Brighter Than Sunshine by Aqualung
| Genre | Piano Rock, Alternative Rock |
| Year Released | 2003 |
| Album | Still Life |
Written and recorded by British singer-songwriter Matt Hales under his stage name, Aqualung, “Brighter Than Sunshine” is an uplifting piano rock ballad that is sure to chase your blues away. The song peaked at Number 32 on the Billboard Adult Top 40 chart and has been featured in several movies and television shows. It was used in the 2005 film A Lot Like Love with Ashton Kutcher and Amanda Peet and also the television shows Cold Case and Schitt’s Creek. As of October 2022, “Brighter Than Sunshine” has over 31 million streams on Spotify and the music video has another 6 million views on YouTube.
12. Something About Sunshine by Anna Margaret and Sterling Knight
| Genre | Pop |
| Year Released | 2010 |
| Album | StarStruck (Disney Channel Original Movie Soundtrack) |
“Something About Sunshine” is a song from the Disney Channel Original Movie StarStruck. It was the third single on the soundtrack and was performed by Anna Margaret and Sterling Knight. Margaret also starred in the music video, which includes clips from the film, and has amassed over 10 million views on YouTube. The song was played often on Radio Disney and helped Anna Margaret become the youngest recording artist to be signed by the Hollywood Records label.
13. Hello Sunshine by Bruce Springsteen
| Genre | Soft Rock, Country |
| Year Released | 2019 |
| Album | Western Stars |
“Hello Sunshine” was released as the lead single on Bruce Springsteen’s 2019 album, Western Stars. The song is a return to Springsteen’s solo recordings, with lyrics that will pull at your heartstrings, accompanied by a beautiful orchestral arrangement. According to a press release for the album, the record is about a range of American themes, from highways, desert spaces, isolation, community, and the permanence of home and hope. “Hell Sunshine” peaked at Number 16 on the Billboard Hot Rock & Alternative Songs chart. The official lyric video has over 6 million views on YouTube, and the song has another 20 million streams on Spotify.
14. Cover Me In Sunshine by Pink & Willow Sage Hart
| Genre | Pop |
| Year Released | 2021 |
| Album | All I Know So Far: Setlist |
“Cover Me In Sunshine” is a song by Pink and her daughter, Willow Sage Hart. It was co-written by Amy Allen, who has worked with Selena Gomez and Halsey, and Maureen McDonald, who co-wrote the Miley Cyrus song “Wrecking Ball.” While “Cover Me In Sunshine” did not chart well in the United States, it was a Top 10 hit in a dozen countries throughout Europe and around the world. The music video, which has 77 million views on YouTube, features clips of Pink and her daughter on their family ranch and vineyard in Santa Barbara, California. The song has over 321 million streams on Spotify.
15. Turn Up The Sunshine by Diana Ross & Tame Impala
| Genre | Pop, Funk, Soul |
| Year Released | 2022 |
| Album | Minions: The Rise of Gru (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) |
Released on the soundtrack for the 2022 film Minions: The Rise of Gru, “Turn Up The Sunshine” was produced and written by Jack Antonoff, with Kevin Parker from Tame Impala. The song is an upbeat, funky, dance-pop tune featuring the soulful voice of the incomparable Diana Ross. Named Billboard’s “Female Entertainer of the Century” in 1976, Miss Ross teams up with one of the biggest performers of today, complementing the psychedelic sounds of Tame Impala. The music video has nearly 7 million views on YouTube and another 7 million streams on Spotify.
16. You Are The Sunshine of My Life by Stevie Wonder
| Genre | Progressive Soul, Pop |
| Year Released | 1973 |
| Album | Talking Book |
“You Are the Sunshine of My Life” was written by Stevie Wonder and released on his 1973 album Talking Book. The song is about Wonder’s love for his then-wife and songwriting partner, Syreeta Wright. The song topped the Billboard Hot 100 and Adult Contemporary charts, and later in the year, Wonder won a Grammy Award for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance. “You Are the Sunshine of My Life” was ranked number 183 on Rolling Stone’s list of the “500 Greatest Songs of All Time.”
17. Sunshine by Aerosmith
| Genre | Rock |
| Year Released | 2001 |
| Album | Just Push Play |
“Sunshine” was released as a promotional single from Aerosmith’s 2001 album Just Push Play. The music video alternates between scenes of a mystical, Alice In Wonderland-inspired setting and the band rocking out while playing the song on stage. Lead singer Steven Tyler portrays the Mad Hatter. The video was directed by the legendary, award-winning video director Samuel Bayer. Aerosmith seized the opportunity to work with Bayer while they were in Los Angeles for a few upcoming concerts. In fact, the band even canceled the planned August 22 show in Irvine, California, to shoot the music video for “Sunshine.”
18. Saturday Sun by Vance Joy
| Genre | Indie Pop, Indie Folk |
| Year Released | 2018 |
| Album | Nation of Two |
“Saturday Sun” was written by Vance Joy and released on his 2018 album Nation of Two. It peaked at Number 13 on the Billboard Hot Rock & Alternative Songs chart and made it to Number eight on the Billboard Alternative Airplay chart. The song was certified Gold by the RIAA for selling more than 500,000 units. Vance Joy credits the bountiful California sunshine and driving up the beautiful Pacific Coast Highway with being his inspiration for some of the lyrics. The music video has over 8 million views on YouTube, and the song has amassed nearly 240 million streams on Spotify.
19. Sunshine Riptide by Fall Out Boy (Featuring Burna Boy)
| Genre | Pop Rock, Electropop |
| Year Released | 2018 |
| Album | Mania |
“Sunshine Riptide” was released on Fall Out Boy’s 2018 album Mania and features the Nigerian dancehall singer Burna Boy. Lead singer Pete Wentz is a big fan of the growing Nigerian hip-hop scene and reached out to Burna Boy to see if he would collaborate with the pop-rock band. The 2019 Nigeria Entertainment Award winner brought his dancehall and Afrobeats to the track and blended his West African vibes perfectly with Fall Out Boy’s new sound. The album topped both the Billboard 200 and Top Rock Albums charts.
20. Sunshine by Alice in Chains
| Genre | Alternative Rock, Grunge |
| Year Released | 1990 |
| Album | Faeclift |
“Sunshine” was written by Alice in Chain’s guitarist and backing vocalist Jerry Cantrell. It was released on the band’s debut studio album, Facelift. Cantrell wrote the song as a tribute to his mother, who passed away a few years earlier. The album helped usher in the grunge movement and was ranked Number 14 on Rolling Stone’s “50 Greatest Grunge Albums” list, which was released in 2019. Facelift peaked at Number 42 on the Billboard 200 chart and was certified 3x Multi-Platinum by the RIAA.
21. Sunshine by Ziggy Marley
| Genre | Reggae |
| Year Released | 2014 |
| Album | Fly Rasta |
“Sunshine” was released on Ziggy Marley’s award-winning 2014 solo album, Fly Rasta. Marley’s sisters, Sharon and Cedella, sing background vocals on the track and throughout the whole album. Fly Rasta topped the Billboard Reggae Albums chart and won a Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album in 2015. The song has uplifting lyrics that speak about persevering through the dark times and embracing the sunshine when life is good. As of October 2022, “Sunshine” has over one million streams on Spotify.
22. All for the Love of Sunshine by Hank Williams, Jr. (Featuring The Mike Curb Congregation)
| Genre | Country |
| Year Released | 1970 |
| Album | All for the Love of Sunshine |
“All for the Love of Sunshine” is a country western song co-written by Mike Curb, Lalo Schifrin, and Harley Hatcher and was recorded by Hank Williams, Jr. on his 1970 album of the same name. “All for the Love of Sunshine” was featured in the World War II comedy-drama heist film Kelly’s Heroes, starring Clint Eastwood. Thanks in large part to the song’s appearance in the film, it topped the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart in September 1970.
23. Sunny and 75 by Joe Nichols
| Genre | Country |
| Year Released | 2013 |
| Album | Crickets |
“Sunny and 75” is a classic feel-good sunshine song recorded by Joe Nichols and released as the lead single on his 2013 album Crickets. The song topped the Billboard Country Airplay chart and peaked at Number four on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. It was then certified Gold by the RIAA for selling over 529,000 units. As of October 2022, “Sunny and 75” has over 51 million streams on Spotify, while the music video has another 17 million views on YouTube.
24. Sunshine by OneRepublic
| Genre | Pop Rock, Alternative Rock |
| Year Released | 2021 |
| Album | Sunshine. The EP |
“Sunshine” was released on OneRepublic’s 2021 Sunshine. The EP. The song is also the theme song from the film Clifford the Big Red Dog. “Sunshine” did not chart well in the United States but was a Top 40 hit in ten countries throughout Europe. As of October 2022, the song has over 171 million streams on Spotify. The official lyric video has over 4 million views on YouTube. The lyrics can be interpreted as being a critique of the selfishness social media creates. Instead of chasing “likes,” lead singer Ryan Tedder chooses to embrace the sunshine of life and cast out all the negativity.
25. Sunrise, Sunburn, Sunset by Luke Bryan
| Genre | Country |
| Year Released | 2018 |
| Album | What Makes You Country |
“Sunrise, Sunburn, Sunset” was written by a trio of esteemed country singer-songwriters: Zach Crowell, Ryan Hurd, and Chase McGill. The song was recorded by Luke Bryan and released on his 2017 album, What Makes You Country. The song topped the Billboard Country Airplay chart and peaked at Number four and thirty-five on the Billboard Hot Country Songs and Hot 100 charts, respectively. The RIAA certified “Sunrise, Sunburn, Sunset” Platinum. As of October 2022, the song has over 113 million streams on Spotify and another 44 million views on YouTube.
26. Bringing Back the Sunshine by Blake Shelton
| Genre | Country |
| Year Released | 2014 |
| Album | Bringing Back the Sunshine |
“Bringing Back the Sunshine” was co-written by Anthony Smith and Jess Leary. The song was recorded and released by country star Blake Shelton on his 2014 award-winning album of the same name. The album topped both the Billboard 200 and Top Country Albums charts. In 2016, the song was certified Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America. The concept video for the song has over one million views on YouTube and another 4 million streams on Spotify.
27. Sunshine On My Shoulders by John Denver
| Genre | Folk, Country |
| Year Released | 1973 |
| Album | Poems, Prayers & Promises |
“Sunshine on My Shoulders” was co-written by Dick Kniss, Mike Taylor, and John Denver. It was recorded and released by Denver on his 1971 album Poems, Prayers & Promises. The song was released as a single in late 1973 following Denver’s “Rocky Mountain High.” It topped both the Billboard Hot 100 and Adult Contemporary charts and was later certified Gold by the RIAA. John Denver told the story of how he came to write “Sunshine on My Shoulders” in a melancholy frame of mind, waiting on the sunshine during a dreary, gray Minnesotan winter’s day. If you like John Denver, we recommend heading over to our songs about mountains playlist because we feature him there as well.
28. Pocketful of Sunshine by Natasha Bedingfield
| Genre | Pop |
| Year Released | 2008 |
| Album | Pocketful of Sunshine |
“Pocketful of Sunshine” was co-written by Natasha Bedingfield and songwriters Danielle Brisebois and John Shanks. It was recorded and released by Bedingfield on her 2008 album of the same name. The song was a huge commercial success, topping the Billboard Dance Club Songs chart, and peaked at number five on the Billboard Hot 100. As of October 2022, “Pocketful of Sunshine” has over 185 million streams on Spotify and another 74 million views of the music video on YouTube. It has also been certified 2x Multi-Platinum by the RIAA.
29. Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In by The 5th Dimension
| Genre | Psychedelic Soul, Sunshine Pop |
| Year Released | 1969 |
| Album | The Age of Aquarius |
“Aquarius/Let the Sunshine” is a medley co-written by George Ragni, James Rado, and Galt MacDermot for the 1967 Broadway hit musical Hair. It was recorded and released by the psychedelic soul group the 5th Dimension on their 1969 album The Age of Aquarius. The song topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The medley won the Grammy Award for Record of the Year in 1970. It was listed at number 66 on Billboard’s “Greatest Songs of All Time” and was certified Platinum by the RIAA.
30. Sunshine by Lil’ Flip (Featuring Lea)
| Genre | Hip-Hop |
| Year Released | 2004 |
| Album | U Gotta Feel Me |
“Sunshine” was co-written by Wesley E. Weston, better known as Lil’ Flip, along with Carlos Hassan and Sandy Lal. The song features vocals by Lea and was recorded by Lil’ Flip and released on his 2004 album U Gotta Feel Me. “Sunshine” peaked at Number two on the Billboard Hot 100, Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, and Hot Rap Songs charts, failing to overtake “Lean Back” by Terror Squad. It did, however, top the Billboard Rhythmic chart and was certified Gold by the RIAA. As of October 2022, “Sunshine” has over 77 million streams on Spotify. This is one of my personal favorite songs about sunshine.
31. Sunny by Bobby Hebb
| Genre | Soul Jazz |
| Year Released | 1966 |
| Album | Sunny |
“Sunny” was written and recorded by Bobby Hebb and released on his 1966 album of the same name. Hebb wrote the song following the murder of his older brother Harold, whom Bobby performed with as a song-and-dance duo in Nashville, Tennessee. According to Hebb, when writing the song, his intentions were to think about happier times and look at the bright side of things, even when times were at an all-time low. The song peaked at two and three and the Billboard Hot 100 and R&B Singles charts, respectively. “Sunny” was later certified Gold by the RIAA.
32. Sunshine by Earth, Wind and Fire
| Genre | R&B, Funk, Soul, Jazz-Funk |
| Year Released | 1975 |
| Album | Gratitude |
“Sunshine” was written and recorded by Earth, Wind and Fire, and released on their 1975 double live album, Gratitude. The album topped both the Billboard Top Soul Albums chart and the Billboard 200 chart and was later certified 3x Multi-Platinum by the RIAA. “Sunshine” is a funky R&B track with spiritual lyrics. The “Sunshine” Earth, Wind & Fire sing about is a metaphor for God. They suggest that through loving the Lord, they are blessed with sunshine, even on their darkest days. If you like this song, you’ll probably love our playlist with tons of songs about gratitude.
33. You Are My Sunshine by Ray Charles
| Genre | Soul, Country |
| Year Released | 1962 |
| Album | Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music Vol. Two |
“You Are My Sunshine” was originally released by Jimmie Davis and Charles Mitchell in 1940. There are conflicting accounts on who the original songwriter was, but according to family members of Paul Rice, he was the song’s author and first performed it in 1933 at a Veterans of Foreign Wars event in Georgia. The song was later recorded by Gene Autry and then Bing Crosby, too. Ray Charles, accompanied by Margie Hendrix and the Raelettes, released his version of the song in 1962 on his album Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music Vol. Two. The song topped the Billboard Hot R&B Singles chart and peaked at Number seven on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
34. Everybody Loves The Sunshine by Roy Ayers
| Genre | R&B, Neo Soul, Jazz |
| Year Released | 1976 |
| Album | Everybody Loves The Sunshine |
“Everybody Loves the Sunshine” was recorded by the “Godfather of Neo Soul,” Roy Ayers, and released on his 1976 album of the same name. The song is recognizable by its prominent synthesizer note that drones throughout the track. It is considered one of the most sampled songs by rappers and other musicians. Pitchfork ranked it #72 on their 2016 list of the “200 Best Songs of the 1970s.” “Everybody Loves the Sunshine” was introduced to a younger generation when it was featured in the video game Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories.
35. Sunshine, Lollipops and Rainbows by Lesley Gore
| Genre | Sunshine Pop |
| Year Released | 1964 |
| Album | Lesley Gore Sings of Mixed-Up Hearts |
“Sunshine, Lollipops and Rainbows” was co-written by Marvin Hamlisch and Howard Liebling. Hamlisch is famous for being one of only a handful of people to ever win an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony, and Pulitzer Prize awards. The song was recorded by Lesley Gore for her 1964 album, Lesley Gore Sings of Mixed-Up Hearts. The song was released at the beginning of summer and became a sunshine pop summertime anthem, peaking at Number thirteen on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. As of October 2022, the song has nearly 21 million streams on Spotify and another 7 million streams of the original audio recording on YouTube.
36. The Sunshine by Manchester Orchestra
| Genre | Alternative/Indie |
| Year Released | 2017 |
| Album | A Black Mile to the Surface |
“The Sunshine” was written by Andy Hull of the indie rock band Manchester Orchestra and released on the band’s 2017 album A Black Mile to the Surface. The album peaked at number six on the Billboard Top Alternative Albums and number 33 on the Billboard 200. The music video has over one million views on YouTube and another million streams on Spotify as of October 2022. The music video, directed by Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, features Hull singing sweetly to a baby before the two lay down on a couch to rest. Once the dad falls asleep, though, the baby begins to sing the song.
37. Sunshine (Go Away Today) by Jonathan Edwards
| Genre | Country Rock, Country Folk, Pop |
| Year Released | 1971 |
| Album | Jonathan Edwards |
“Sunshine (Go Away Today) was written and recorded by Jonathan Edwards and released as the lead single on his 1971 self-titled debut album. The song peaked at Number four on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and Number seven on the Billboard Easy Listening chart. The RIAA certified the song Gold in January 1972 for selling over 500,000 units. According to Edwards, the song resonated with a lot of people who sought good times and sunshine during a period of unrest with Nixon in the White House and the Vietnam War still raging on. We definitely also recommend checkout out our songs about good times playlist here if you want more songs like this.
38. Sunshine by Matt Costa
| Genre | Indie Rock, Folk Rock |
| Year Released | 2006 |
| Album | Songs We Sing |
“Sunshine” was written and recorded by Matt Costa and released on his 2006 album Songs We Sing. The album was co-produced by former No Doubt guitarist Tom Dumont and producer Phil Ek, who worked with bands like Built to Spill, Modest Mouse, and Fleet Foxes. “Sunshine” has over 16 million streams on Spotify. The music video was directed by brothers Emmett and Brendan Malloy, known as the Malloys, who has worked with a wide range of artists from Blink-182 and Justin Timberlake to Jack Johnson and Santana.
39. Sunshine (Lovely Day) by Twista (Featuring Anthony Hamilton)
| Genre | Hip-Hop |
| Year Released | 2004 |
| Album | Kamikaze |
“Sunshine (Lovely Day) was released as the fourth single on Twista’s 2004 album Kamikaze. The song heavily samples the 1971 hit song “Lovely Day” by Bill Withers. “Sunshine” was produced by Andy “Red Spyda” Thelusma, who has worked on many songs for rappers, including 50 Cent and Mobb Deep. The track features R&B/Soul singer Anthony Hamilton who has been nominated for seventeen Grammy Awards. “Sunshine” failed to chart in the United States but climbed to Number three on the UK Singles Chart.
40. Sunshine (The Light) by Fat Joe (Featuring Amorphous)
| Genre | Hip-Hop |
| Year Released | 2021 |
| Album | Single |
“Sunshine (The Light) is a song recorded by Fat Joe featuring Amorphous. The track was co-produced by DJ Khaled, Cool & Dre, and Fat Joe. The official music video, which has nearly 35 million views on YouTube, was directed by Ivan Berrios. The video opens up with Fat Joe toasting the collective success of his collaborators and friends, Khaled, Dre, and Diddy, and soon they take the party to a luxury yacht, cruising around Miami. The chorus of “Sunshine” features a sampled mashup of Luther Vandross’ “Never Too Much” and Rihanna’s “Kiss It Better.”
41. Sunshine by Eric Benét
| Genre | R&B, Soul |
| Year Released | 2016 |
| Album | Eric Benét |
“Sunshine” was recorded by four-time Grammy-nominated R&B star Eric Benét and released on his 2016 eponymous album. The album peaked at Number 12 on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums. The song was released as a single along with a studio performance music video that features Benét’s oldest daughter, India. “Sunshine” features Benét’s mesmerizing falsettos and is a beautifully smooth groove. The lyrics are about a relationship that has lost its spark and the longing for how full of sunshine and love their lives used to be.
42. You Are My Sunshine by Mtume
| Genre | Funk, R&B |
| Year Released | 1984 |
| Album | You, Me and He |
“You Are My Sunshine” was co-written by Philip Field and James Mtume and released on Mtume’s 1984 album You, Me and He. The album peaked at Number five on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums. Mtume became well-known in the hip-hop and R&B scene in the mid-1990s when his song “Juicy Fruit” was significantly sampled in the Notorious B.I.G. smash hit “Juicy.” As of October 2022, the song has nearly one million streams on Spotify and another million across several unofficial YouTube videos.
43. Don’t Let The Sunshine Fool Ya’ by Townes Van Zandt
| Genre | Country, Folk |
| Year Released | 1972 |
| Album | The Late Great Townes Van Zandt |
“Don’t Let the Sunshine Fool Ya” was written by Guy Clark and recorded by Townes Van Zandt for his 1972 album The Late Great Townes Van Zandt. Guy Clark and Van Zandt were best friends until Townes died in 1997. Clark attributes Van Zandt as being a major influence on his songwriting. The lyrics suggest that people shouldn’t get too caught up in the sunshine or good times because life will always bring pain and hard times sooner or later. The reference to rainbow pie is a metaphor for being thankful for what you’ve got. No matter how down on your luck you are, you can still choose to have a positive attitude, even if you have to pretend that everything is all right.
44. Better Than Sunshine by Crowder
| Genre | Contemporary Christian |
| Year Released | 2021 |
| Album | Milk & Honey |
“Better Than Sunshine” was co-written by David Crowder, Jeff Sojka, and Ben Glover. The song was recorded and released on the 2021 album Milk & Honey under the mononymous stage name Crowder. The album topped the US Billboard Christian Albums chart and is nominated for Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year at the upcoming 2021 Gospel Music Association Dove Awards. The lyrics are very spiritual, as Crowder sings that finding the love of God is “better than sunshine.”
45. Sunshine by Superchick
| Genre | Christian Rock, Christian Pop |
| Year Released | 2013 |
| Album | Recollection |
“Sunshine” is a Christian pop/rock song written by Superchick. It was released on the band’s final studio album, a best-of collection called Recollection. The anthology includes five new songs, as well as remixes and some original studio cuts. The eclectic sound of Superchick is unified by an optimistic outlook on faith that confronts everyday problems. The song’s official lyric video has over 100,000 views on YouTube and another 128,000 streams on Spotify.
46. Sunshine by The O’Jays
| Genre | Soul, Funk, Philadelphia Soul |
| Year Released | 1972 |
| Album | Back Stabbers |
“Sunshine” was co-written and produced by Leon Huff and Walter “Bunny” Sigler, pioneers of the Philadelphia soul genre known as Philly sound. The song was recorded by the O’Jays and released on their 1972 breakthrough album, Back Stabbers. The album peaked at Number ten on the Billboard Pop Albums chart, now called the Billboard 200. Back Stabbers was certified Gold by the RIAA and was ranked Number 318 on Rolling Stone magazine’s list of the “500 Greatest Albums of All Time.”
47. Sunshine by Latto (Featuring Lil Wayne and Childish Gambino)
| Genre | Funk-Pop, Pop-Rap |
| Year Released | 2022 |
| Album | 777 |
“Sunshine” was released as the fourth single on Latto’s 2022 breakthrough album 777. The song features Lil Wayne and Childish Gambino. The album peaked at Number 15 on the Billboard 200 chart, thanks in large part to Latto’s first mainstream hit, “Big Energy.” Latto won both the BET Award for Best New Artist and Song of the Year for “Big Energy.” As of October 2022, the visualizer video of “Sunshine” has over three million views on YouTube, while the song has nearly ten million streams on Spotify. Keeping with the theme of sunshine, Lil Wayne references Phoenix Suns star shooting guard Devin Booker in his verse.
48. Sunshine by Steve Lacy (Featuring Fousheé)
| Genre | R&B, Funk, Psychedelia |
| Year Released | 2022 |
| Album | Gemini Rights |
“Sunshine” was written and produced by Steve Lacy, Karriem Riggins, and Fousheé. It was recorded by Steve Lacy and Fousheé for Lacy’s 2022 album Gemini Rights. As of October 2022, the music video for “Sunshine” has over three million views on YouTube, and the song has been streamed 23 million times on Spotify. The video, which was directed by the duo rubberband, features Lacy and Fousheé performing while the two of them are suspended in the air by cables hanging from atop a crane. “Sunshine” is about Lacy seeing an ex-lover for the first time since they broke up, and for whom he still has feelings and wants to have a casual fling.
49. Sunshine by ANTH (Featuring Conor Maynard)
| Genre | Pop, Hip-Hop/Rap |
| Year Released | 2020 |
| Album | Single |
“Sunshine” was written and recorded by Anth Melo and released as a single in 2020. ANTH, as he goes by, has over 600 million combined views of his videos on YouTube. ANTH became well-known through his collaborations with the popular British artist Conor Maynard. According to ANTH, he wrote “Sunshine” about the memories of his first love. They shared many first experiences together but eventually grew up, and life took them in different directions. The music video features home videos of the couple spending time together at the beach.
50. Call Me Little Sunshine by Ghost
| Genre | Rock |
| Year Released | 2022 |
| Album | Impera |
“Call Me Little Sunshine” is a song by the Swedish hard rock band Ghost. It was released as the second single on their chart-topping 2022 album, Impera. The album peaked at Number two on the Billboard 200 but managed to make it to Number one on the Billboard Independent Albums, Top Hard Rock Albums, and Top Rock Albums charts. Boosting the band’s presence in the United States, Ghost appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live! earlier this Spring and performed “Call Me Little Sunshine.” As of October 2022, the official music video has over 13 million views on YouTube.
51. Wake Up, Sunshine by All Time Low
| Genre | Pop Punk, Pop Rock |
| Year Released | 2020 |
| Album | Wake Up, Sunshine |
“Wake Up, Sunshine” was co-written by Alex Gaskarth and Colin Brittain. It was recorded by the pop rock band All Time Low and released on their 2020 album of the same name. The album topped the Billboard Top Rock Albums chart and peaked at Number two on the Top Alternative Albums chart. As of October 2022, the official lyric video has over 750,000 views on YouTube, while the song has been streamed over 5 million times on Spotify.
52. Sunshine by Blanca
| Genre | Contemporary Christian |
| Year Released | 2015 |
| Album | Who I Am EP |
“Sunshine” was written and recorded by contemporary Christian artist Blanca. It was released on her 2015 EP Who I Am. Blanca’s debut solo EP charted well in the US, peaking on the Billboard Christian Albums and Heatseekers Albums at number 19 and 12, respectively. “Sunshine” has over 450,000 streams on Spotify and another 268,000 views on her official audio upload on YouTube. Like many other Christian songs about sunshine, Blanca sings about feeling the Lord’s blessing and light even through her darkest days.
53. Good Day by Twenty One Pilots
| Genre | Alternative Pop |
| Year Released | 2021 |
| Album | Scaled and Icy |
“Good Day” was co-written by Tyler Joseph and Mike Elizondo and recorded by the alternative pop duo Twenty One Pilots. The song was released on the band’s 2021 album Scaled and Icy. The album was a commercial success in the United States, topping both the Billboard Top Alternative Albums and Top Rock Albums charts. At the 2022 Billboard Music Awards, Twenty One Pilots took home the award for Top Rock Album for Scaled and Icy. As of October 2022, the lyric video for “Good Day” has over 6 million views on YouTube and another 31 million streams on Spotify.
54. Swimmin’ In Sunshine by Billy Currington
| Genre | Country |
| Year Released | 2008 |
| Album | Little Bit of Everything |
“Swimmin’ In Sunshine” was co-written by brothers Brett and Jim Beavers and recorded by Billy Currington. The song was released on Currington’s 2008 album Little Bit of Everything. The album charted well in the United States, peaking on the Billboard 200 and Top Country Albums charts at Number nine and two, respectively. It was later certified Gold by the RIAA. Currington told AOL that the song was a keeper for him the first time he heard it, with its carefree, summertime vibes.
55. Sunshine by Whethan (Featuring The Knocks)
| Genre | Electronic, Hyperpop |
| Year Released | 2020 |
| Album | Fantasy |
“Sunshine” was written and recorded by Chicago-based DJ Ethan Snoreck, better known as Whethan. It was released on his 2020 album Fantasy. Whethan first came to notoriety with his energetic performances at Coachella and Lollapalooza. As of October 2022, the lyric video has over 165,000 views on YouTube, while the song has another 3.5 million streams on Spotify. The song features children singing the hook and chorus. “Sunshine” gained broad exposure from being featured in the 2021 racing video game Forza Horizon 5.
56. Take Me To The Sunshine by Matoma & SUPER-Hi (Featuring BullySongs)
| Genre | EDM, Contemporary R&B, House |
| Year Released | 2022 |
| Album | Single |
“Take Me To The Sunshine” is a song co-produced by Norwegian DJ Tom Stræte Lagergren, better known by his stage name, Matoma, and the British duo SUPER-Hi. The song also features BullySongs on vocals. Tom shared that he wanted to start 2022 off right, so he released this optimistic, energetic, and groovy song to bring people sunshine and chase away the dull winter vibes. As of October 2022, the song has over 6 million streams on Spotify.
57. Sunshine Time by Coast Modern
| Genre | Indie Pop |
| Year Released | 2021 |
| Album | Going Mainstream |
“Sunshine Time” is an upbeat indie pop song produced by the Los Angeles-based duo Luke Atlas and Coleman Trapp. The song was released on the duo’s 2021 album Going Mainstream under the name Coast Modern. The group includes The Beach Boys, Led Zeppelin, and the Beatles as influences on their music. The song’s intro samples dialogue from the 1977 film Cosmos: War of the Planets. As of October 2022, “Sunshine Time” has racked up over 2 million streams on Spotify, while the visualizer video has been viewed 14,000 times.
58. Hello Sunshine by Aretha Franklin
| Genre | Soul, R&B, Gospel, Pop |
| Year Released | 1968 |
| Album | Aretha Now |
“Sunshine” was co-written by Jimmy Cliff, King Curtis, and Ronnie Miller and recorded by Aretha Franklin. It was released on the Queen of Soul’s 1968 album Aretha Now. The album charted well in the United States, peaking at Number three on the Billboard Pop Albums chart, now known as the Billboard 200. It also topped the Billboard R&B Albums chart. Shortly after its release, the record was certified Gold by the RIAA. As of October 2022, “Sunshine” has over 4 million streams on Spotify.
59. Sunshine by Pusha T. (Featuring Jill Scott)
| Genre | Hip-Hop, Rap |
| Year Released | 2015 |
| Album | King Push – Darkest Before Dawn: The Prelude |
“Sunshine” was produced by Kanye West, Baauer, and Mano and recorded by Pusha T. It features guest vocals by Jill Scott. The song was released on Pusha T’s 2015 album King Push – Darkest Before Dawn: The Prelude. The album peaked at Number 20 on the Billboard 200 and Number three on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums charts. The lyrics of the song provide a powerful social commentary on the systemic issue of police brutality against the black community.
60. Sunshine by Flight Facilities (Featuring Reggie Watts)
| Genre | Disco, House, Indie Pop |
| Year Released | 2014 |
| Album | Down to Earth |
“Sunshine” was written and recorded by the Australian electronic/indie pop duo Flight Facilities. It was released as the fifth single on the group’s 2014 debut studio album, Down to Earth. The album climbed to Number three on the Aussie ARIA Albums chart and was certified Gold by the ARIA. The song features American comedian and musician Reggie Watts. As of October 2022, the song has almost 20 million streams on Spotify, while the music video has nearly 3 million views on YouTube.
61. Sunshine by Kidd G
| Genre | Country Rap |
| Year Released | 2020 |
| Album | Teenage Dream: 1000 Miles From Georgia |
“Sunshine” was co-written by the young artist known as Kidd G in collaboration with the rapper Joseph Boyden, Bonnie Dymond, Andrew Harr, and Mayne Zane. It was released on Kidd G.’s 2020 debut studio album, Teenage Dream: 1000 Miles From Georgia. Kidd G. is known for his talent for blending rap and country music together. As of October 2022, the song has over 3 million streams on Spotify, and the music video has another 3 million views on YouTube.
62. Slice of Sunshine by Shwayze (Featuring Claire Wright)
| Genre | Alternative Hip-Hop |
| Year Released | 2022 |
| Album | Shwayze SZN |
“Slice of Sunshine” was written by Aaron Smith, or Shwayze, as he has come to be known by. It was released on his 2022 album Shwayze SZN, produced by his friend Nick Baily. Bailey brought the Nashville sound to Malibu, creating a mix of country and chill, beachy vibes. “Slice of Sunshine” is the perfect summertime soundtrack, and like most of the tracks on his latest album, it can transport people away from the stress of everyday life and onto a beach somewhere in Hawaii.
63. Sunshine and Summertime by Faith Hill
| Genre | Country Pop |
| Year Released | 2006 |
| Album | Fireflies |
“Sunshine and Summertime” was written by John Rich, formerly with the band Lonestar, and songwriters Rodney Clawson and Kylie Sackley. It was recorded by Faith Hill and released as the fourth single on her 2005 album Fireflies. The album topped the Billboard 200 chart and was certified 2x Multi-Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America. It was also nominated for the Grammy Award for Best Country Album. “Sunshine and Summertime” peaked at Number seven on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart.
Also Read: Songs About Thunder and Lightning (Epic Playlist)
64. Wake Up Sunshine by Chicago
| Genre | Jazz Fusion, Progressive Rock |
| Year Released | 1970 |
| Album | Chicago |
“Wake Up Sunshine” was written by Robert Lamm and recorded by the award-winning band Chicago. It was released in 1970 on the album Chicago. This was the first album the band released under the name Chicago, as their previous name was Chicago Transit Authority. When the actual mass-transit operator CTA threatened a lawsuit, the group changed its name. As of October 2022, the song has over one million streams on Spotify. The album produced three #1 songs on the Billboard Hot 100.
65. Sunshine by Sia
| Genre | Christmas, Pop |
| Year Released | 2017 |
| Album | Everyday Is Christmas |
“Sunshine” is a holiday-themed song co-written and co-produced by Sia Furler and Greg Kurstin. It was recorded by Sia and released on her 2017 Christmas album Everyday Is Christmas. Sia’s first Christmas album peaked on the Billboard 200 and Top Holiday Albums charts at number 27 and three, respectively. “Sunshine” is an uptempo Christmas song about casting your troubles away and embracing the sunshine, which many times can simply be the support and encouragement of a friend or loved one.
Wrap Up:
That does it for this article. Let us know if we missed any great songs in the comments below.
Hi, my name is Kevin and I’m from Butler, Pennsylvania. I’ve been obsessed with music and audio gear for as long as I can remember. I started this website to help people find professional advice related to a wide range of audio topics. We have a number of Audio Engineers on our team who have been designing and fixing audio gear for decades.