10 songs to start your morning on the right note

Some mornings require more than others. For the days when the coffee won’t seem to kick in and your alarm clocks snooze button has taken too many hits, here’s a list of songs that will ease you into the dawn of a new day. Whether it’s the optimistic, throwback soul of William Onyeabor and Roy Ayers, or maybe a less-gentle shove from Outkast or Playboi Carti, here’s our list of songs that will make getting up a bit easier. 

“Lovely Day” by Bill Withers 

Withers's “Lovely Day” is warm, melodic, and conversational, yet extraordinary and soaring. It’s this approachable dichotomy that makes the song perfect for the day’s start, and what made Bill Withers a lasting staple.

“Just Fine” by Mary J. Blige 

For the good of the general public, Mary J. Blige should just belt, “And no time for negative vibes 'cause I’m winning,” into everyone’s ears every morning. “Just Fine” is Mary J. at her best, bopping through a string of affirmations over a track that sounds like a quintessential pop hit with lyrics that feel fit for a Sunday sermon.

“I Think of Saturday” by Moodymann 

Sometimes coffee is really just not enough. “I Think of Saturday” is for the mid-week blues that keep eyelids heavy. Moodymann pushes past the lethargy and promises the future of a bright Saturday by lightly nodding to the dancing that’s to come.

“I Love Music” by The O’Jays 

This band of classic Philadelphia soul music champions keep things moving for nearly seven minutes straight, which is just enough time to keep the morning on pace. “I Love Music” has drums made for early morning house-wide cleaning, and vocals made for singing along.

“Morning Sunrise” by Weldon Irvine 

For quintessential storybook Sundays, “Morning Sunrise” is a sonic equivalent of a tall glass of orange juice. Fit for lovers welcoming a morning’s extended stay, the song is winding and simple as Weldon Irvine’s range welcomes the beauty of another day.

“For Once in My Life” by Stevie Wonder  

"For Once in My Life" is a ringing, impossible-to-ignore celebration of gratitude for the people who make waking up worth it. Stevie Wonder gloats freely, declaring, “As long as I know I have love I can make it,” before letting into a rich harmonica solo that speaks volumes with no added lyrics.

“1991” by Azealia Banks 

Yes, “1991” is much more likely to be something played with a tequila sunrise in hand, but the ballroom-inspired cut is just repetitive enough to trick sleepy minds into movements, as Azealia raps braggadociously over a hypnotic, undeniably New York beat.

“Good Morning” by John Legend 

For a cut that’s a bit more literal, let John Legend sultry baritone lead the way. And while mornings are meant for movement, Legend is much more likely to have you and yours staying in bed for just a bit longer.

“If Only” by Raveena 

Raveena is the closest we have to an on-earth angel. The R&B singer delivers vocals that are swelling and light, while affirming her worth in a way that’s much stronger: “It’s too late to hold me,” she asserts plainly, while letting dazzling piano keys flutter along with her, keeping the mood soft. 

“Take On The World” by Wavves 

After listing a myriad of things that suck in his life (“I hate my writing”), Wavves frontman Nathan Williams eventually gives into a wave of optimism: “To take on the world would be something,” he admits, almost reluctantly. Not only does “Take On The World” work as an emo-friendly pick-me-up, but the interpolation of high-pitched “ooh’s” throughout the track work double-time as a melodic alarm clock. 

This story first appeared in Harper's Bazaar US.