Classical Music
- Raga Jaijaivanti: Sensual and full of abandon, best rendition by Pt Bhimsen Joshi
- Raga Pilu: A light raga, whose notes create a sense of exuberance.
- Raga Nalinkanthi: Joyously recomposed by Thyagaraja (1800s) and Ilayaraja (1990s)
- Ninth Symphony, Ludwig van Beethoven: Aka The Ode to Joy, played to celebrate the end of the Berlin Wall.
- Blue Danube, Johann Strauss: There’s nothing as uplifting as this waltz that relives Strauss’ romp in Vienna’s woods.
Folk
- Dhitang Dhitang Bole: The patriotic Bengali hill song that gained popularity when Hemant Kumar sang it in Awaaz.
- Biri Biri Bim: Most perfomed for sunset cruisers on Goa’s Mandovi River. Tourists and locals can’t resist the spirited chorus.
- Valav Re Nakva: A Marathi fisherman’s song, that celebrates men at sea.
- Samov Karov Gindna: Celebrating togetherness, this is imbued with the spirit of united Kashmiriyat.
- Ennadi Muniamma: A Dakshin Karnataka folk song sung by the legendary P. Kalinga Rao rejoicing about plentiful rains.
Rock/Jazz
- What a Wonderful World, Louis Armstrong: Simple lyrics and Satchmo’s gentle growl make this a must at births, weddings and yes, even funerals.
- Feelin’ Groovy, Simon & Garfunkel: Mellow and understated like the rest of their duets. Wonderful hum-along quality.
- I Got You (I Feel Good), James Brown: Funky hit by the godfather of soul, bountifully exploited by product peddlers.
- Up on Country, Canned Heat: Because in 1969 peace, love and happiness meant Woodstock. This was the unofficial theme song of the subsequent 3-hr-16 min film.
- Don’t Worry, Be Happy, Bobby McFerrin: ...got no money... no style? Just bop your cheeks and sing Bobby’s Grammy winner.
POP
- Ki Le Le, Osibisa: ’Coz these Afro rockers toured India in the ’70s and ’80s and taught us to live life chanting and clapping.
- Hawa Hawa, Hassan Jehangir: Perfect for a rickshaw ride, could get a fare discount.
- Dardi Rab Rab, Daler Mehndi: Exultant and frenzied, this sardar’s powerful singing is instantly happiness-inducing.
- Lift Karade, Adnan Sami: Leave it to the fat man to make you sing and dance with this mood-enhancing anthem.
- Ketchup Song, Hijas Del Tomate: For its ridiculous kookaburra lyrics. Better than the other squawk hit, the Chicken Song.
