SASKATCHEWAN — A new study reveals the top songs to jump-start your morning, with Skrillex’s remix of Kendrick Lamar's “HUMBLE.” coming out on top.
Analyzing over 600,000 songs from Spotify playlists containing continuing the words “wake up,” “motivation,” and “feel good,” the study by Bedroom Furnishings experts ranked songs based on energy, danceability, and valence to determine the top tunes to kickstart your day.
Here's what they found:
10. The Weeknd - Popular (with Playboi Carti & Madonna)
Popular by The Weeknd, which has gathered more than 80 million views across the official audio and music videos, is the joint-ninth best song to wake up to and is awarded 290.5 points in this study.
The Weeknd has expressed a desire to co-write and co-produce a "classic Madonna album," highlighting his admiration for Madonna as a "visionary." This collaboration on Popular for the hit HBO Original Series The Idol might reflect The Weeknd's long-standing wish to work closely with Madonna, making the track a significant milestone in his career鈥�.
9. Calvin Harris - Feel So Close
Feel So Close by Calvin Harris, which has been viewed more than 300 million times on YouTube, is the joint-ninth best song to wake up to and is awarded 290.5 points in this study. An interesting fact about the song is that Calvin Harris did his guitar work on it, showcasing his multi-instrumental talents beyond his well-known skills as a DJ and producer. This track is especially notable because Harris had to return to singing on it after previously stating he had stopped singing in concerts, highlighting his versatility and dedication to the song's success鈥�.
8. Spice Girls - Wannabe
Wannabe by The Spice Girls, which has amassed more than 600 million views on YouTube since it was uploaded 14 years ago), is the eighth best song to wake up to and is awarded 292 points in this study.
This debut single by the Spice Girls catapulted them to global fame and became emblematic of the '90s pop music scene, illustrating the group's immediate and lasting impact on pop culture.
7. Travis Scott - I KNOW ?
Travis Scott's I KNOW ? has the highest Danceability score on this list, contributing to his joint-sixth ranking, earning 293.5 points in this study.
The song explores Travis Scott” 's personal experiences with fame and relationships, touching on honesty, vulnerability, and the complexities of love under the spotlight. The title reflects an awareness of how his lifestyle affects his romantic connections, blending upbeat sounds with introspective lyrics for a nuanced look at his life.
6. Redbone - Come and Get Your Love
Come and Get Your Love by Redbone ranks joint-sixth in this study, with 293.5 points. It also has the second-highest “Valence” score in this list.
This song found new life through its feature in "Guardians of the Galaxy" (2014), where director James Gunn chose it over "Hooked on a Feeling" for the opening scene with Peter Quill. This decision spotlighted the song's timeless charm and significantly contributed to the film's unique blend of humour and adventure, reintroducing the 1974 hit to a modern audience and showcasing the profound impact of music in cinema.
5. Rupert Holmes - Escape (The Pina Colada Song)
Escape by Rupert Holmes takes the fifth spot in this study with 294 points.
Escape by Rupert Holmes was reintroduced to a new audience through its feature in "Guardians of the Galaxy." Selected by director James Gunn for its 1970s vibe and nostalgic appeal, the song helped establish the film's connection to Earth and the lead character's backstory. Its inclusion highlighted the timeless nature of music and its power to connect generations. It was also featured in 2004’s Shrek.
4. Mark Ronson - Uptown Funk (feat. Bruno Mars)
Mark Ronson - Uptown Funk places fourth in this study with 299 points.
Uptown Funk, featuring Bruno Mars, soared to global success, topping the charts in 19 countries and reaching the top 10 in a further 15 with its catchy funk and soul essence. Its blend of vintage and modern vibes, alongside viral dance videos, solidified its status as a modern classic. The track highlights Ronson's production skills and Mars's vibrant performance, marking a significant moment in the revival of funk music.
3. Paul Russell - Lil Boo Thang
Paul Russell - Lil Boo Thang places third in this study with 300.5 points.
Paul Russell's Lil Boo Thang catapulted from to a viral summer hit, blending '70s funk with modern vibes and showcasing the unpredictable power of social media in music. Initially shared for fun, the song's rapid popularity led Russell from a tech job to a Billboard-charting artist with Arista Records. Emphasizing positivity and joy in his music, Russell's journey from an accidental viral sensation to a music career highlights the new pathways to success in the digital era.
2. Outkast - Hey Ya!
Hey Ya! by Outkast is the second-best song to wake up to and is awarded 303.5 points in this study. It also has the highest “Energy” and “Valence” scores in this list.
Hey Ya! by Outkast, a genre-defying hit from 2003, combined funk, rap, and pop into an unforgettable anthem. Known for its catchy chorus and vibrant energy, the song, alongside its iconic music video, captured global attention (and helped to put Polaroid back on the consumer map.) Featured on the dual album "The Love Below/Speakerboxxx," it showcased André 3000's creativity and left a lasting mark on music and pop culture.
1. Kendrick Lamar - HUMBLE. (SKRILLEX REMIX)
The Skrillex remix of Kendrick Lamar”s “Humble” is the best wake-up song, with 312 points.
The Skrillex remix of Kendrick Lamar's "HUMBLE." released in 2017, infuses the original with electronic dance elements, diverging from its piano-based production. The track complements Lamar's "DAMN." album, with the music video for the original song featuring rich symbolism and achieving over 950 million YouTube views. "HUMBLE." garnered critical acclaim, including six MTV Video Music Awards.
For those eager to explore the entire wake-up playlist of more than 200 songs, check out the specially curated Spotify playlist here:
