Music videos- what are they? Here's my top ten that are guaranteed to make you smile

Times are tough, sleep patterns are irregular and feeling lonely has become too familiar so last night I put in my headphones, turned the volume up and hummed along to a generic playlist created by Spotify. I then looked beyond my laptop at my living room where I saw my younger self dancing across the floor, re-enacting music videos and singing along like I was inside that big, chunky square box we used to call a computer.

It only feels like yesterday I was sneaking downstairs to my empty living room (two hours before school started) to watch my favourite music artists on youtube through squinted eyes until I was ready to take to the dance floor- aka the rug. I used to dance like nobody was watching and sing quietly so I didn't wake anybody up.

Those where the days- so why stop now? The visuals behind a song are just as powerful as the lyrics. An artist has not only created something meaningful to them- but they want us to feel something too.

So I shut off Spotify and opened up the dated Youtube which inspired me to put together the top ten songs that undoubtedly makes me smile every time- and I wanted to share that with you.

1. Tash Sultana- Pretty lady

From the moment you press the sideways triangle above the one-woman band, Tash Sultana's song will put you in a happy mindset and make you want to get up and have a little boogie to her groovy guitar riff.

A real video with everyday people feeling free and natural which makes you smile without realising.

2. Lewis Capaldi- Grace

The Scottish heartthrob, I mean the established artist is known for his humour across social media but I remember not really knowing who he was and my friend showing me this music video- and we laughed and laughed.

A beautifully written song you won't forget after watching Lewis Capaldi dancing up and down a pole.

3. Queen- I want to break free

Queen. Do I dare say more? What makes you smile more the fact Freddie Mercury is pulling off a short skirt and pillow stuffed breasts or just hearing the beginning of the song?

Whenever I heard this as a child my eyes would light up and my mum would smile knowing we would be up dancing any second. Always a favourite of mine and when I am feeling sad it's my go-to.

4. Bingo Players- Get up

As I sit and watch the cute little ducks swim around Park campus or Pitville Parks lake in Cheltenham, a thought swims to mind 'What if these ducks really are a gang of thugs?' I know it's a ridiculous thought but undoubtedly it always puts a grin on my face imagining what they would say.

I tried to explain this video to my friend and she thought I was making it up, calling me crazy which made it funnier. Not only a great and entertaining video, a really upbeat song.

5. Blur- Coffee and TV

The song is very much relevant to this time of our lives where it really is just coffee and television. This is an uplifting video that complements the true meaning behind the lyrics...

...A milk carton going about its life. The wit and silliness are calling our names and I promise if it doesn't make you giggle a bit, it will force a confused grin.

6. Rizzle Kicks- Mama do the hump

If you don't already know this song, then I can only say I'm a little disappointed. Such a feel-good song by the duo Rizzle Kicks and the hand-held camera makes it feel very much real of what we are feeling at the moment in the family home. Maybe we should give it a go while we #stayhome.

This will definitely make you want to get your invisible mic ready to sing along and have a little dance.

7. Outcast- Hey Ya

'Shake it like a polaroid picture'

Vibrant colours are always associated with happiness and when this song comes on I bet you smile every time. You can't help but sing it and shimmy by copying what you see in this video. Outcast's contagious smile only makes you feel like you are in that little box with him.

8. Lily Allen- Alfie

WARNING

Not exactly PG but it is hands down one of my favourite videos and songs- by Lily Allen at least. Such an underrated song but so well written and the video just makes you burst out with laughter, even tears.

It's not what you expect but will unforgettable once you watch it.

9. Ella Eyre- Comeback

I kept flipping this with 'Bruno Mars's Lazy song' because It's a little bit crazy- but aren't we all? So I proudly kept Ella Eyre's Comeback. It makes me smile and fist pump the air because of how satisfying it looks smashing up the plates and cups, don't get me started on the television. Just imagine how amazing that must feel to let your hair down.

The sense of unity inside the friendship group (I know my friends would do this) when you are feeling low is always going to make you smile, even if it is a little crazy one...

10. Avril Lavigne- Girlfriend

I think you really have to watch the video before you listen to this masterpiece. Fortunately, the song was only available via youtube when your ears and eyes were blessed by the catchy lyrics and of course a classic video that creeps a smile- even if you don't want it too.

I bet most people are cringing while guilty grinning because we all know we were once a sucker for this song- and still are.

(This was one of the songs I was dancing too when I was younger one-hundred per cent)

Putting this together has only bought back amazing memories for me, finding old songs that I used to love so much when I was younger. Instead of clicking straight on Spotify, let's redirect to youtube and watch the video too where it will most definitely reveal something more about the song and the artist.

Let's bring back Youtube for its original purpose and music channels like 4music that bought us so much joy growing up and show the next generation how important and fun it is to watch something creative.

Oh and I've become quite expert at waking up two hours later than I'm supposed to and exposing my two cats to my bad dancing and singing.

Comment below any music videos that make you smile!

Stay smiling,

Z