The power of music is unsurpassed. It pushes us to take action, inspires us to do better, encourages us to persevere in the face of adversity, and comforts us when things are difficult. There are a lot of fantastic tunes available.
And because they’re so specific to your life narrative, there are a plethora of inspirational ones. However, if you’ve discovered that one music that moves you, it can elicit powerful feelings and behaviors.
Take a cue from these Most Inspirational Songs of All Time, the next time you’re feeling down and looking for a way to get through your own problems.
- 1. “Not Afraid” By Enimen
- 2. ‘Ain’t No Mountain High Enough by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell
- 3. “Dream On” by Aerosmith
- 4. ‘I Will Survive by Gloria Gaynor
- 5. “Can’t Hold Us” by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis
- 6. “Lose Yourself” By Enimen
- 7. “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” by Israel Kamakawiwo’ole
- 8. ‘I’m Still Standing by Elton John
- 9. “Don’t Stop Believin'” – Journey
- 10. ‘Survivor’ by Destiny’s Child
1. “Not Afraid” By Enimen
Eminem’s song “Not Afraid” is about sticking up for oneself, which is something that isn’t discussed enough in general. This is the tune to listen to whenever you need a boost of courage to face something– or someone.
2. ‘Ain’t No Mountain High Enough by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell
Originally recorded by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell in 1967, this Ashford and Simpson-penned song was covered by Diana Ross three years later, becoming a hit.
The original, however, is still the most uplifting version, full of hope and determination, proving that love can conquer anything that stands in its way. If at all possible, seek out the live version to take the motivational factor up to stratospheric heights.
3. “Dream On” by Aerosmith
Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler wrote “Dream On” when the band was having financial difficulties.
Needless to say, it worked out for them, and as a result, we got this great ballad about pursuing our ambitions.
4. ‘I Will Survive by Gloria Gaynor
This ultimately empowering disco anthem is a classic motivational tune and an essential track on any Pride playlist, proving that life goes on after a breakup.
Gaynor later used it as the backdrop for We Will Survive, a 2013 anthology of inspirational stories. Although Destiny’s Child made the most noise about it, GG was the original survivor.
5. “Can’t Hold Us” by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis
One of my favorite songs to exercise is Macklemore & Ryan Lewis’s “Can’t Hold Us.”
Although all of the songs on this list are inspirational, this one combines an uplifting message with a fantastically catchy tune.
6. “Lose Yourself” By Enimen
Putting aside the ‘Mom’s spaghetti’ memes, if you’ve ever felt like the underdog (and who hasn’t? ), ‘Lose Yourself’ is the song for you.
What’s more encouraging than Em’s Oscar-winning pick-up hymn about seizing the present and giving it everything you’ve got, plus a little more?
7. “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” by Israel Kamakawiwo’ole
When Israel “IZ” Kamakawiwo’ole’s version of Harold Arlen and Yip Harburg’s “Over the Rainbow” were discovered, it became an instant classic.
Originally sung by Judy Garland in her role as Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz, this cover of Harold Arlen and Yip Harburg’s “Over the Rainbow” became an instant classic when Israel “IZ” Kamakawiwo’ole’s version was discovered. The song is about finding greener pastures, and IZ’s rendition is especially appropriate for the topic.
8. ‘I’m Still Standing by Elton John
This very up-tempo Elton John classic, originally composed as a kiss-off after a breakup, has been co-opted by the people as an anthem of steely resiliency for essentially any circumstance.
It’s a musical manifestation of tenacity from a man who has defied the odds for decades.
9. “Don’t Stop Believin’” – Journey
“Don’t Stop Believin’,” by Journey, is one of the most inspirational songs of all time (top five?).
It’s about persevering through adversity and attaining greatness, whatever that means to you.
10. ‘Survivor’ by Destiny’s Child
This classic is a motivational poster turned R&B blockbuster, and it’s a true lesson in resilience from Queen Bey and Co. The song was written in response to issues within the band, yet it silenced their detractors while inspiring admirers.
Classic rockers pulling themselves up by their bootstraps, divas proclaiming themselves queens, rappers pounding their chests, and Motown stalwarts standing tall after conquering the world were among the performers. And you might just find a little bit of yourself in each one. What do you think about these songs?
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