An American Songwriter columnist shares four classic rock songs they turn to for an instant mood boost, praising them for their driving energy and uplifting messages despite some having dark or chaotic backstories. The piece is a personal, opinion-based music recommendation list rather than hard news, aimed at readers seeking feel-good listening.

– "Shooting Star" by Bad Company (1975) — a melancholy tale offset by empowering lyrics about fame's fleeting nature
– "Born to Be Wild" by Steppenwolf (1968) — an energising road-trip anthem, reportedly the first song to use the term "heavy metal"
– "Roadhouse Blues" by The Doors — a debauched, carpe-diem celebration of living in the moment
– "Flying High Again" by Ozzy Osbourne — written during his turbulent split from Black Sabbath, now an energising feel-good track