Sunshine generally represents good things, and so the absence of sunshine represents things not being quite so good. At least that's the way it seems in popular music over the years. As such, these are songs about sunshine (and "sunlight", in one case, but the sentiment is still the same). This was an easy list t collate – there are so many good songs, and finding the best 15 was a fun task. (And, sorry, Stevie Wonder's 'You Are The Sunshine Of My Life' doesn't do it for me, but I do understand if you like it.)
Standard rules – one song per artist, one version of each song, I need to like the song. And no songs from the other three sun lists will be here either.
Sunshine songs!
'You Are My Sunshine' by Ray Charles (1962)
This song dates back to the 1930s, but there are many who consider Ray Charles' version the definitive one. I personally prefer the Mitch Ryder version, but I could not leave Charles out because his was the first version I heard and for years I thought he was the original.
'Good Day Sunshine' by The Beatles (1966)
The Beatles had to be here and had to be here with this song. A song of joy and hope from the Fab Four, and one of their classics.
'Sunshine Superman' by Donovan (1966)
One of the many folk-rock songs Donovan released, this one is a fun little track about (according to a 2011 interview) finding LSD. Oh, and getting back together with his partner. But mainly the LSD.
'Sunshine Of Your Love' by Cream (1967)
Cream was a short-lived supergroup consisting of Jack Bruce, Ginger Baker and Eric Clapton. But you probably knew that. And the songs they released as singles were great. This is one of them, with a killer bass line . Simple, really.
'A Little Ray Of Sunshine' by Axiom (1970)
A song extolling the virtues and unbridled joy of being a new father, and it is a really good bit of Australian pop-rock that does it. It is considered mawkish and over-sentimental by some, but I still enjoy it.
'Sunshine On My Shoulders' by John Denver (1971)
John Denver had a string of decent songs that have stood the test of time, and this is one of the more popular of them. The lyrics are a little simple, but it is still a good song.
'Ain't No Sunshine' by Bill Withers (1971)
One of the definitive sunshine songs, this track has been covered by many since, but none have matched Wither's original version. So well delivered and the backing music is perfect.
'Sunshine' by The Beach Boys (1980)
The Beach Boys hit the 1970s with an incredible bang, and then, over the next decade, gradually delivered less and less, especially without Brian Wilson's hand on the tiller. However, that is not to say they didn't release some decent tracks, and this is certainly one of their better ones. It wasn't until 'Kokomo', however, that they would be taken seriously again.
'Walking On Sunshine' by Katrina And the Waves (1985)
One of those "one-hit wonders" that is not actually true. Still, Katrina and the Waves are best known for this amazing song that was everywhere for the second half of the 1980s and into the 90s. It was – and still is – that sort of earworm.
'Sunshine On Leith' by The Proclaimers (1988)
A hit only in the UK, this song not only gave its title to a fun jukebox musical but also served as an introduction to the world that The Proclaimers were not normal pop music stars.
'Steal My Sunshine' by Len (1999)
This song, however, is very much a one-hit wonder for the Canadian band Len (at least, outside of Canada). It's a strange song with some interesting lyrics, but so catchy and you could not escape it at the end of the last century.
'Sunlight Shining Through Cloud' by Mike Oldfield (1999)
My favourite version of 'Amazing Grace', this song is just an incredible, updated rendition of the all-time classic. So very good.
'Sunshine On A Rainy Day' by Christine Anu (2000)
Christine Anu was a staple of Australian pop at the start of the twenty-first century, the end of the twentieth and this is one of her more recognisable tunes, showing her vocal chops in a really good song.
'Sunshine' by Bonnie Tyler (2013)
I have followed Bonnie Tyler since the early 80s (before her breakthrough or comeback album (YMMV)) and have continued to do so, so this album cut is one I was glad to include in this list, showing she has not lost anything over time.
'Hello Sunshine' by Bruce Springsteen (2019)
From an under-rated album, this song of hope was a highlight of that collection and is a fine way to finish off this list.
There we have it: Fifteen songs about sunshine. A list crossing many decades again, and many musical styles. I hope you found something to enjoy here.
I also hope you've enjoyed these songs about the sun in all its myriad forms. Once again, if you have any topics you'd like me to attempt to tackle, please leave a comment below.
