GIMME A SMILE : IRK Feel-Good Playlist

At IRK Magazine, we’re thrilled to introduce a brand-new article format: playlists. Music, after all, has the singular power to shape moods, ignite inspiration, and forge profound connections. For this very reason, we absolutely wanted to bring you exquisitely curated selections that don’t just brighten your day, but truly soundtrack your most memorable moments. Indeed, Our inaugural installment is GIMME A SMILE, a feel-good playlist packed with twenty tracks boldly blending funk, disco, retro pop, tropical rhythms, and a few truly delightful surprises. Furthermore, each and every song here is a vibrant burst of joy, meticulously designed to lift your spirits and ignite your movement. Now then, let’s dig a little deeper into these first twenty gems.

Let’s go to GIMME A SMILE : IRK Feel-Good Playlist!

A Track-by-Track Deep Dive in GIMME A SMILE : IRK Feel-Good Playlist

Opening Grooves: Setting the Vibe

1. Take Me to the Bridge – Vera

Indeed, this isn’t just a song; it’s a smooth electro-funk groove that feels like a midnight drive where city lights blur into sparkling streaks on the dashboard. Indeed, every note here doesn’t just play—it shines, effortlessly setting the perfect mood for kicking off the night in bold style.

2. Tutto va bene quando facciamo l’amore – Alex Rossi, Jo Wedin

Indeed, prepare for a slice of chic French-Italian synth-pop, truly steeped in vintage allure. To illustrate, just imagine tender romance laced with subtle irony, framed by the dreamy haze of cigarettes by the window. As such, this track doesn’t just play; rather, it charms with its melancholic elegance, a whispered secret shared between lovers.”

3. Gone Away Again – Roger Fakhr

Certainly, lebanese cult artist Roger Fakhr delivers a truly gentle, nostalgic lo-fi folk experience. His soft, almost ethereal vocals and warm, embracing melodies don’t just wrap you in a cozy blanket; instead, they create an intimate sanctuary on a quiet evening, where every chord feels like a warm embrace.

4. Por Causa De Você, Menina – Jorge Ben Jor

This is a burst of Brazilian sunshine, a masterclass where samba and soul are not just balanced, but perfectly intertwined. In fact, Jorge Ben Jor doesn’t just invite you to listen; he compels you to celebrate life, rhythm, and carefree joy, making it impossible to resist the vibrant pulse.

Disco Dreams & Retro Rhythms in GIMME A SMILE : IRK Feel-Good Playlist

5. Why (Radio Version) – Carly Simon

Notably, produced by the legendary Nile Rodgers, this ’80s classic isn’t merely a song; rather, it’s pure velvet incarnate. Sultry, questioning, and utterly timeless, it furthermore still possesses the strong power to make hearts beat faster, thereby proving its lasting legacy.

6. Un pò d’uva e un liquore – Pino D’Angiò

Indeed, funky, wonderfully quirky, and unmistakably Italian, Pino D’Angiò, for instance, cleverly mixes wine, an infectious groove, and playful mischief into a deliciously absurd tune. Ultimately, therefore, this isn’t merely music; rather, it’s a joyful, wine-soaked escapade for your ears.

7. You Can’t Change a Man – Christy Essien Igbokwe

In fact, the Nigerian disco queen doesn’t just sing; she delivers a fierce feminist anthem with clear flair and sharp bite. It’s a powerful lesson wrapped in the most irresistible dance beats, truly demanding your attention and your movement.

8. Close to Me – The Cure

Robert Smith’s poppiest, most wonderfully quirky hit remains a standout. Even decades later, it’s still undeniably strange, playfully mischievous, and heart-thumping, a testament to its unique charm and wide appeal.

Cosmic Vibes & Cinematic Sounds

9. Up and Away – Stella, Redinho

Experience a neo-funk takeoff where dreamy vocals meet cosmic synths in a celestial dance. This track feels like a love song transmitted directly from another planet—light, airy, and truly uplifting, carrying you to new sonic heights.

10. Aie – Roberta Kelly

Notably, Munich’s dance floor queen doesn’t just play; instead, she brings full-throttle disco heat. Hypnotic, bold, and utterly addictive, this track consequently electrifies every single moment, thereby transforming any space into an instant dance party.

11. Everything You Want – Roger Fakhr

Another soul-stirring ballad from Fakhr, this one is stripped down and deeply sincere. It doesn’t just play; it hits deep with an aching beauty that resonates long after the final note.

12. Gang – Anoraak, Sarah Maison

This is French electro-chic imbued with a cinematic vibe. Imagine late-night Paris glowing under neon lights, all wrapped in Sarah Maison’s incredibly smooth, captivating voice. It’s truly an auditory postcard from a chic nocturnal adventure.

Unforgettable Grooves & Modern Twists in GIMME A SMILE : IRK Feel-Good Playlist

13. Beam Me Up – Midnight Magic

A genuine space disco anthem where the bass line doesn’t just thump; it shakes your very bones, and the vocals don’t just sing; they seduce your soul. Therefore, this track is a direct invitation to an interstellar dance party you won’t want to miss.

14. Could Heaven Ever Be Like This – Idris Muhammad

Without a doubt, a spiritual, funky jazz-disco masterpiece that, even today, still feels remarkably ahead of its time. It’s a timeless groove that effortlessly moves across decades, proving its clear influence and lasting magic.

15. Agitations Tropicales – L’Impératrice

Witness Parisian nu-disco at its finest—playful, irresistibly groovy, and utterly impossible to resist. This track doesn’t just make you want to move; it compels you to dance without even trying, a true sonic delight.

16. Shopping Cart – Parallel Dance Ensemble

Weird, wonderfully inventive, and stylishly quirky, this track is where electro-funk meets spoken word sass in a delightfully unexpected combination. Evidently, it’s a sonic experiment that truly pays off, offering a fresh, unpredictable sound.

Closing Notes: Soulful Delights

17. Only You – Steve Monite

The Nigerian synth-funk cult classic that didn’t just define seduction; it redefined it. Smooth as velvet and absolutely dripping with vibe, this song is a masterclass in alluring sonic textures.

18. Alegría – Elia y Elizabeth

Colombian sisters Elia y Elizabeth beautifully weave joyful psych-pop into soft, vibrant hues. Gentle, magical, and full of light, this track is a serene, sun-drenched escape.

19. Why Why Why Why Why – SAULT

Indeed, the mysterious collective SAULT doesn’t just bring soul; they deliver it with urgent, raw power. This is more than a song—it’s a call, a cry, a rhythmic revolution that demands to be heard and felt

20. Soup for One – CHIC

Finally, groove gods Nile Rodgers and Bernard Edwards don’t just deliver disco; they deliver disco perfection. A timeless classic that consistently keeps the dance floor smiling, reminding us why CHIC remains iconic.

Dive into the full playlist

Let your ears truly smile: listen to GIMME A SMILE on Spotify and treat yourself to a moment of pure, unadulterated musical joy.

CREDIT :

All the visuals in this article were created by Valentin Gasquet.

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Want some more ? Check STAYING AT HOME article for another curated experience. Which of these feel-good tracks is currently on repeat for you?

STAYING AT HOME