So much in the world can bring you down, simply by taking a look around. But with the right music, half-empty can flip to half-full. Well, get ready to mop up the overflow. Asa‘s “Why Can’t We” is a breezy song whose positive vibes will make even the most cynical of listeners change their tune. In fact, that’s just the effect the French-Nigerian singer-songwriter hoped for, having chosen a decidely sunnier path when crafting her sophomore release, Beautiful Imperfection.

“Why Can’t We’ reflects the bright mood I was in writing this new album. The first LP reflected my state of mind then when I had a lot to talk about social and political issues,” she told Spinner. This time – after putting out my first album and travelling to so many different places and capturing the audience’s response to my music I felt filled with some kind of different energy: I wanted to create something that would help people come out of sad moods and feel uplifted.”

Released in Europe in October 2010, Beautiful Imperfection made its way to our shores earlier this month, with “Why Can’t We” leading the way. Usually even the slightest reggae sound has me running in the opposite direction, but blended with some great ’60s soul, “Why Can’t We” is just so joyous that I can’t help but happily bop my head along to the rhythm. Asa’s smoky-voiced charm won me over too.

If the song’s not enough sonic Prozac for you, follow Asa’s candy-colored video to your bliss.

Purchase Asa – “Why Can’t We” via iTunes. And keep the good feelings flowing with a free download of another track, “Dreamer Girl.”