During the Thanksgiving holiday, people tend to point out the many things they appreciate. However, being grateful for something shouldn’t just be mentioned on one day of the year, but practiced daily.
Sometimes saying thanks isn’t always easy for people, but luckily many artists have created songs to help them express their appreciation. Here are 20 songs that can help put listeners in a grateful mood.
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Pop singer Ariana Grande showed her appreciation and growth on her 2018 hit single, “Thank U, Next.” The track focuses on themes of self-love and confidence after dealing with a breakup. On pre-hook, she says, “One taught me love / One taught me patience / And one taught me pain / Now I’m so amazing.” Although Grande’s past relationships haven’t worked out for her, she’s grateful for the life lessons.
2 out of 20
“Thank Me Now” by Drake
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On Drake’s debut studio album, Thank me later he teamed up with Timbaland on the closing track, “Thank Me Now”. As Drake reflects on his career, the track apparently tells listeners to appreciate him for what he does for fellow artists, fans and family.
3 out of 20
“Thank you” from Dido
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On Dido’s 1999 single “Thank You,” the singer explains how everything in her life can go wrong, but she appreciates that her partner gave her “the best day of my life.” The track was sampled in Eminem’s single “Stan,” which helped push “Thank You” to more mainstream success.
4 out of 20
“Thank You” by Jay-Z
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In 2009, Jay-Z released his eleventh studio album, Plan 3. Although the album’s second track, “Thank You”, was not a single, it is still remarkable. Jay teamed up with Kanye West and No ID on production, as he showcased his boastful style with an acceptance speech.
5 out of 20
“Thankful” by DJ Khaled feat. Lil Wayne and Jeremy
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Anyone who has ever watched DJ Khaled in interviews knows how much he insists on gratitude. On his 2021 album Khaled Khaled, the producer recruits Lil Wayne and Jeremih on the opening track “Thankful”. Khaled has a choir join them as Jeremih and Wayne show their appreciation for the people who pray for them and their lives.
6 out of 20
“Thank You” by Boyz II Men
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One thing that has always stood out about Boyz II Men is their harmonious skills. It was on full display on their single “Thank You,” an a capella track that finds the members appreciating people who have always had their backs. The song charted in the top 40 of the Billboard Hot 100.
7 out of 20
“Grateful” by Rita Ora
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Rita Ora released “Grateful,” a track that featured in the 2014 film Beyond the Lights. Written by Dianne Warren, “Grateful” is about appreciating life’s storms and acknowledging its blessings.
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After Kelly Clarkson became the first winner of american idol, she released her first album in 2003, Grateful. By teaming up with producers Babyface and The Underdogs on the title track, Clarkson shows his appreciation for his partner and how much he adds to his life.
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On Alanis Morissette’s 1998 single “Thank You,” the singer reflects on life after a trip she took to India. She apparently has a clearer outlook on life as she enjoys any circumstance or hardship that comes her way.
10 out of 20
“Gratitude” by Earth, Wind & Fire
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On Earth, Wine & Fire’s “Gratitude” track, the lyrics may be minimal, but the band briefly shows their appreciation for the Lord who comes out of nowhere. In true EWF style, the song radiates with a funky bassline and solid horn section.
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Celine Dion teamed up with Ne-Yo to write and produce her 2013 track “Thank You.” In the song, Celine reflects on being depressed but always having someone to support her and care for her. her, and she finally thinks she’s blessed to have someone like that in her life.
12 out of 20
“Thanks for the Music” door ABBA
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Pop group ABBA shows their appreciation for his talent in their single “Thank You For The Music”. They not only relish the opportunity to share their talent with the world, but they are also thrilled with how music can make people feel.
13 out of 20
“Thank God I Found You (Make It Last Remix)” by Mariah Carey feat. Joe and Nas
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In 1999, Mariah Carey released her seventh studio album, Rainbow. While “Thank God I Found You” was the album’s second single alongside Joe and 98 Degrees, Carey decided to release a DJ Clue remix. This time she sampled Keith Sweat’s hit “Make It Last Forever” and teamed up with Joe and Nas. “Thank God I Found You” is all about appreciating the lover in Carey’s life.
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In 2009, Keith Urban released his sixth studio album, Defy gravity. Although not released as a single, “Thank You” is a track Urban dedicated to his wife. He shows his appreciation to his partner for always being there and seeing him in his true light.
15 out of 20
“Gratitude” by the Beastie Boys
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In 1992, the Beastie Boys released “Gratitude”, the fourth single from their third album, Check your head. Although the lyrics are somewhat minimal, the message is about people who appreciate life as it comes.
16 out of 20
“Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)” by Sly & the Family Stone
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The electric bassline on “Thank You” by Sly & The Family Stone creates a funky groove. The guitars on the track are so infectious that Janet Jackson sampled them in her hit song “Rhythm Nation.”
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Sometimes people feel a little more comfortable when they’re in a familiar place, especially the city they grew up in. Country singer Carrie Underwood knows that sentiment all too well in her song “Thank God For Hometowns.” She realizes the importance of appreciating her local roots and how they keep her grounded.
18 out of 20
“Give Thanks and Praises” by Bob Marley and the Wailers
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Sometimes it is enough to believe in a higher power to realize its blessings. Bob Marley and the Wailers know this well in their song “Give Thanks and Praises”. As the intro says, “Praise and thank the Most High / Give thanks and praise so high / He won’t deceive us my brothers / He will only lead us again.”
19 out of 20
Ozuna’s “Gracias”
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On Ozuna’s song “Gracias,” the singer reflects on life’s ups and downs, but is grateful for his tenacity to move on. The acoustic track finds Ozuna giving thanks for grace, protection and blessings.
20 out of 20
“Thank you” from Kehlani
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In 2017 Kehlani released her debut album SweetSexySavage. On the album’s outro, “Thank You,” Kehlani knows clearly that their lives aren’t run to perfection, but wants to thank their loved ones and fans for supporting her, her flaws and all.