40 Motivational Songs That’ll Keep You Refreshed!
By Ellesse Chow
I love inspirational songs. When I used to commute to the office, there was something I would never leave the house without. My pda phone. Not only does it contain my appointments and schedules, it had my favourite speakers’ seminar mp3 and a compilation of upbeat & inspirational songs. Such inspirational songs never fail to bring up the vibes in me and spice up my mornings. A very good monday morning blues killer!
Upon the request of one of the Goal Setting College reader Chris, I’ve taken the liberty to compile this list of popular top motivational songs for your enjoyment. I’ve even added some of my personal favourites! But remember, even though inspirational music has the power to drive and motivate you, nothing beats the sound of your inner voice.
Something that’s really true to your heart.
Classic Popular Hits
- Eye of the Tiger - Survivor
- Chariots of Fire - Vangelis
- The Final Countdown - Europe
- We Are the Champions - Queen
- We Will Rock You - Queen
- I’ve Got the Power - Snap
- It’s My Life - Bon Jovi
- Affirmation - Savage Garden
- Beautiful Day - U2
- What a Wonderful World - Louis Armstrong
- I Feel Good - James Brown
- I Can See Clearly Now - Johnny Nash
- Lovely Day - Bill Withers
- Walking On Sunshine - Katrina and the Waves
- Live Like You Were Dying - Tim McGraw
- I Believe I Can Fly - R. Kelly
- You Gotta Be - Des’ree
- When You Believe - Mariah Carey/ Whitney Houston
- Hero - Mariah Carey
- I Will Survive - Gloria Gaynor
- Bad Day - Daniel Powter
- Man In The Mirror - Michael Jackson
- I’m Alive - Celine Dione
- Tub Thumping - Chumba Wumba
- Loose Yourself - Eminem
- Remember The Name - Fort Minor
- Till I Collapse - Eminem
- Return to Innocence - Enigma
- O Fortuna - Carmina Burana
My Personal Favourites
- Orinoco Flow - Enya
- Only Time - Enya
- True to Your Heart - 98 degrees & Stevie Wonder
- Fly - Celine Dione
- Now We Are Free - Lisa Gerard
- When You Say Nothing At All - Ronan Keating
- New Day - Celine Dione
- One Day More - Les Miserables
- The Prayer - Celine Dione & Andrea Bocelli
- Nessun Dorma - Pavarotti *
- Time To Say Goodbye - Sarah Brightman & Andrea Boccelli *
* These 2 songs remind me of Paul Potts. And if you haven’t caught the story of this inspiring car phone salesman, check out here. Feel free to add any inspirational songs that you like to this list!
Disclaimer : The links point to external resources and I sincerely apologize if they contain scenes or comments you find deplorable. I also appreciate the fact that everyone will have their favourites and if none of the above are inspirational songs or motivational songs in your point of view, please accept my deepest regrets!
**Photo by Aubergene inspirational songs
Thank you for this amazing resource of songs Ellesse and thank you even more for linking to the Paul Potts story. I’ll be linking to both of these from my site in the near future.
Alex, thank you! Paul Potts’ little story never fail to bring out the goose pimples. It has reached out to everyone in the world with this simple message : Everyone, everyone can achieve their dreams.
As long as you dare to dream and dare to put it to action.
Inspiring.
Hi Ellese - you have yet again successfully put together a fine list. The video of Paul Potts is great. From what I understand, he even had a performance tour recently.
Cool to see that some of my favorites are on this list as well. Some of these songs are on my iPod now. “O Fortuna” and “Time to Say Goodbye” is in the same folder as Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy” (Symph No. 9). I guess that’s why they call them the classics!
Al, the Paul Potts video is fantastic. My brother had watched it umpteen times. In fact it was through him that I got to know about Paul’s achievement.
Glad you liked the compilation! I tried to include the popular traditional motivational songs. But I do acknowledge the fact that different songs had different appeal to people. Oh, Symphony No 9 was on my original list too!
Great songs, Ellesse! When I take a long drive, I also need good music.
I also like “Turn the Beat Around” by Vicki Sue Robinson. Puts me in a good mood right away. Verdi’s “Va pensiero” from the opera Nabucco is also very stirring.
some great songs here ellesse thanks for taking the time to compile this.
i would have to add:
Search for the hero - M People
Superstar - Love Inc
Saints and Sinners - Paddy Casey (fabulous song)
Free fallin’ - Tom Petty (nothing like it driving along the mororway singing your heart out.
Orinoco Flow - Enya is an amazing song. I think almost every single one of her songs is great to design or think to.
@Kirsten, the vibes of ‘Turn the Beat Around’ is really infectious. Really gets you moving into action! Love the Verdi recommendation… It was one of the songs we sang when I was in the high school choir! Bring back fond memories…
@Steven, great songs, all of them. And I especially loved Free fallin’…
@Pinny, totally agree! Enya’s songs never fail to bring out some bright ideas. They were often used in personal development seminars & weddings over here too
!
Everyone, thanks for introducing some great songs to me… good stuff. And for those who wants to listen to the new recommendations, just go to Youtube and search for the music video.
Keep the recommendations coming!
Hey, Ellesse you to good taste for songs.
Thank you for sharing and linking them to youtube
Nice job
We are the Champions!
Gamy
Great list Ellesse! Some of my favorites, too.
@Gamy, ah… we share the same tastes, do we?
@Alex, thank you… your comments never fail to warm my heart! Just like your articles…
Awesome list Ellesse! You sure do find some gem for us readers here at Goal Setting College
Hey Ritu, it’s my pleasure. Especially if it’s helpful to my readers!
Thanks! I needed these to get through the morning at work today. I’m now rocking out to “Beautiful Day”
Hey UncommonBlonde, thanks for popping over! Hope you enjoy the songs. Ah… I love BlogHer for bringing me new visitors!
i would like to suggest song from S Club 7, Bring It All Back. ^_^
Thanks Hanne for your contribution! Anyone else?
A lot of great motivational songs there. Another I frequently use is “Better Now” by Collective Soul.
AC, that’s one full of energy! Thanks for your suggestion!
Orinoco Flow was #1 in the UK when I was born; motivation for anyone! I suppose that makes me a spring chicken…
Don’t forget Beautiful World by Colin Hay!
Ben,
Oli, thanks for adding that song. A good one I’ve omitted!
If you don’t mind going back to the 80’s, might as well add the Greatest American Hero theme song or the lesser known Spikolli’s Theme from The Fast Times at Ridgemont High soundtrack. Also Neil Diamond did a 70s song tribute to Johnathan Livingston Seagul that’s pretty inspirational. I also like to play Queen’s Flash Gordon theme when I want to go on an ego trip or make fun of people who think they are the “Savior of the Universe!!” Being a Canadian myself, I can’t tollerate Celine Dion…my inspriation goes out the window when I hear her screaching.
Wow Frank, that’s some great introduction to the songs you’ve suggested! I’ll definitely check them out later on Youtube!…
And for Celine Dion, I’m really sorry if my listing of her songs have affected you in a way or another. I’ve tried to make the list as diversified as possible but I reckon that different people have different personal preferences, especially when it comes to something so moving such as songs or music. And I fully respect that!
Nonetheless, I sincerely thank you for dropping by and expressing your frank opinion
Really appreciate that!
You forgot the charles in charge theme
Thanks for your suggestion!
You should add Somewhere over the rainbow/what a wonderful world by IZ. A great song sung by a great man.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PL-uL2M3xvM
You forgot to include “Start Me Up” by the Rolling Stones.
Wow, the Paul Potts video and story is incredible!
Looks like he’s touring the entire world this year. Wonderful.
Considering that you like Paul Potts, why aren’t any of his songs on the list? His CD titled “One Chance” has some wonderful songs on it, and his voice just can’t help but be inspirational. It is really hard to choose a favorite from his CD, but if I absolutely had to it would be “Nella Fantasia”.
BTW, he is still on tour, and will be touring worldwide until June.
@Neoxl, thanks for the link to the video! Israel must have been a inspirational personality! It’s a pity I didn’t get to know about his songs prior to that! Thanks for the great introduction.
@Denise, thanks for the kind reminder! Rolling Stones’ a classic too.
@Angela, yeah. He was not confident of himself, often a subject of bully when he was younger but that didn’t stop him from becoming one of the world’s greatest inspiration. Good stuff!
@TJ, I’m sorry to admit I didn’t buy his album **embarrassed**. In fact, if wasn’t for my brother who frequents youtube, I wouldn’t have heard about his amazing story. That’ being said, I’m glad you’ve done the work for us by introducing his songs. Will definitely check them out! Thanks TJ…
Thank you so much for this list. I’ll be returning again and again. It provided me with a great lift. You are an extremely capable list poster.
Hey Tom, thanks for your kind words! And I definitely welcome you to come back again and again!
you just can’t forget Everyday-Bon Jovi…
great song
Mithil, Thanks for the recommendation! Appreciate it!
Bobby Mcferrin - Don’t Worry, Be Happy
Shiny Happy People - R.E.M.
Enjoy.
Thanks anonymous for the 2 good songs!
believe-suzie mc neil
reallly gfood!
A great song is march on by Good Charlotte
Also beautiful day by U2
Great, great, great! I giggle at this and love it. I definitely will send this to Stumbleupon.
did you every hear of Keb Mo’s Let Your Light Shine? It’s great!
http://www.last.fm/music/Keb‘+Mo’/_/Let+Your+Light+Shine
all my best and greatness to you, your blog is awesome.
@Marie, Jordan thanks for your recommendations! Btw, Jordan, I like Beautiful day too, it’s on the list!
@Fawn Thank you for your kind words. I haven’t heard of Keb Mo’s song and the link you’ve sent broke. Can you send it again so that the other readers can listen to it?
Your YouTube link to Katrina and the waves is a dead one - you could replace it with this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eONhto0x_nI
@Iwn, thanks pal! I fixed the link. Thanks for your heads up, I managed to fix a couple of other links that’s not working. Hmm.. that’s the problem when you link up to external sites. You won’t know if the link will be taken down or things like that…
Queen has to be one of the most inspirational bands of all time. I Want To Break Free is about as good as it gets for firing me up. I also find Def Leppard music inspirational, especially pour some sugar on me and photograph isn’t bad either.
I’ve listened ~20 and so far the only one which I knew before and inspires me to continue working is Bon Jovi
Can anyone suggest me anything like its my life?
Thanks for sharing the world best information and inspiral information upto now.
how about my favorite “You’re the voice” by John Farnham
Wow. For enlightening this insulated American to Paul Potts alone, I stumbled you a nice thumbs up!
Thank you for this!
@Web News Haha, I’m glad you like the “It’s my life”. Everyone would’ve different tastes and pref so, feel free to voice your opinions. I’m not sure if I knew another good song like “It’s My Life”. I’m glad to open it to the floor!
@Mike Thanks for your kind words!
@Hutch Oops, sorry for missing that out!
@52 Faces Thanks for the stumble! Paul Pott’s a wonderful inspiration that has touched everyone from all parts of the world. I’m glad you liked it…
I would recommend “I Don’t Want To Stop” by Ozzy Osbourne.
little river band - playing to win
awesome! Thanks so much for this list! and especially for linking them to the songs themselves!
@Wyvern, you’re welcome! Sometimes, you remember the tune but can’t recall what’s the title of the song. I hope I managed to reconcile that by linking up to the songs…
Hi, Thanks for this list.
My favorite is “The Power of The Dream”. The lyrics really inspire and motivate me. Check this small excerpt out :
“Feel the flame forever burn…..”
“There’s so much strength in all of us
Every woman child and man
It’s the moment that you think you can’t
You’ll discover that you can”
You also forgot R. Kelly’s ‘The World’s Greatest’.
The link of No. 6, I’ve got the power, is expired.
@Fransesco Thanks for your recommendations! I love that part of the lyrics… so true isn’t it? You discover you can!
@Anthony I wish I could cover all the great motivational songs in this list. But well, preferences differ and of course, new songs are continuously added so keep the recommendations coming! Thanks for your addition to the list. I really love that song!…
@Youcc Thanks, I’ve fixed it and other links that’s not working. Gee, that’s the problem when you’re linking to external sites.
definately this is a MUST HAVE for top 40 motivational songs
Rise against - Give it all
no one can say they hate that song it is inspirational and motivational
Great list!
I just have one song that I have found as one that will keep you refreshed and motivated that is relatively new on the scene…
“One Step At A Time” by Jordin Sparks
Great song and great beat
and the star wars theme!
Great list of songs
Uploading them all on my ipod now.
Another one to add to the list is the theme song from “Greatest American Hero” (Believe it or not) by Joey Scarbury.
TYVM for the list of info — and what more — for the Paul Potts thing. I hadn’t seen that before —————- indescribably amazing.
sorry guys if i was depressed that list of music would send me suicidal
I pride myself on having an ecletic tast in music here’s wehat I would recommend:
circles: joe satriani
from the banks of green willow: george butterworth
A type: Airteck
Like a maniac: Sharky vs Clsm
Nessun Dorma: Pavarotti
and finally:
metamorphosis: High contrast
let me know what you think!
@God, Colin, nerd, thanks for your recommendations. I’m sure all of us would check them out!
@wolf yeah, Paul Potts’ story just told us anything is possible!
@chris I’m sorry the list of songs made you suicidal if you’re depressed… I agree with you that everyone’s tastes in music is different. But that diversity is what made humankind so fascinating, isn’t it? Thanks for your recommendations. I’ll definitely check them out. Hey, you know something? Nessun Dorma: Pavarotti is common on our lists
I love all the songs on the list, especially your personal favorites. Beautiful!
Did you hear about the guy who sang opera on America’s Got Talent? He won the show and has a similar sound to Paul Potts and Pavarotti.
His name is Neal E Boyd and has a beautiful voice and natural talent. His website is: http://www.nealeboyd.com/
Another motivational/inspirational song is Clay Aiken’s Grace of God off his new album, On My Way Here.
@Debbie Thanks. It’s interesting how much public opinions can differ! I haven’t heard about Neal yet so thanks for the link to his website! All these case studies just goes to prove, if you dare to dream, you can make it a reality!
Thanks for the recommendation… I love Clay Aiken’s voice!
I was searching for some inspiring content to add to our new Tweetworks group “TweetYourInspiration” and found your great list! Congrats and I hope you stop by http://www.tweetworks.com/groups/view/TweetYourInspiration and make your tweets count more than 140 characters! Have a great day
john mayer -say is a good song.give a try.
Great List!
I use alot of those songs when working out or just a general pick me up!
Thats a seriously Great list you’ve got there, Good Job!
All of You should try Divenire, by Ludovico Einaudi. It ain’t a Song but an Instrumental Composition. But if Chariots of Fire makes the list, this has to as well.
I just love those rainbow of color smoke plumes in the post pic!
I recommend Alphabeat, really uplifting and great music.
Especially their song “Fascination”.
You can find it on YouTube
Thank you so much for your recommendations, i will def check out these songs…what i really came to say was thank you for the Paul Potts link.
He truly is an inspiration, i saw him on Oprah and i had goosebumps listening to his voice, not so much the song but his voice is so uplifting, it brings a tear listening to his story and his songs…so thank you for that.
@Alexandra thanks for your reference. I’m sure those who’re looking for inspiration would love to join your tweets
@Akshay, Antoreep, Dan Thanks for your recommendation! I’ll definitely check it out. If there’s really one thing I love about this post, is the great flood of sharings of great inspirational songs among the readers. Keep them coming!
@AndrewA72 Looks like we’ve got some common preferences for music. It feels real great to find someone of the same interests…
@The Fitness Diva gee, someone told me he liked the pic too. You can really find some great gems in Flickr!
@Terese If you liked that video, you must check out my motivational videos list
My favorite motivationnal son is God Bless America
Some nice inspirational titles to listen to here, here is one of my personal favourites: Guano Apes - Open Your Eyes
This song increases my energy level tenfold for the 3mins that it goes for
Just to say thanks for supplying information about these songs alot of them i knew to hear but didn’t know there name or who sang them!!
So thank you!
Oh and also i don’t know if it’s classified as a song but i downloaded the new zealand rugby team doing the haka and it really gets me going every time i play it!!
And alot of the music in the film braveheart gets me going but that could just be because im scotish!!:)
@Brandon Wonderful!
@Wayne Thanks for the recommendation. There’re also some great hits recommended by some of the commenters which are also great. Do remember to check them out too.
@Bradley You’re most welcome! Everyone’s favourites is bound to be different some way. Some of them are moulded by the things we see and sometimes the way/background we’re brought up with. Haven’t seen the movie Braveheart but I’ve sure heard good reviews on that!
Very cool list thank you!!
I love Fort Minors song : the hard way, pumps me up
same with kanye west’s song love lock down remix
AJ Kumar
Wow - some good suggestions here. I am more of the inspirational variety like the songs sung by Paul Potts and Andrea Bocelli. I also did not know about Neal E. Boyd and I am so glad you told me about him, Debbie!! What a beautiful voice!
But I love country and not many songs are listed here - how about the collaboration between Sugarland’s Jennifer Nettles and Jon BonJovi - Who Says You Can’t Go Home…and I love Trace Adkin’s “You’re Gonna Miss This” and Kenny Chesney’s “Don’t Blink” and “You Save Me”.
Good list, one correction, its lose yourself, not loose yourself.
You’re forgetting Dreams by Van Halen. Should be top of the list.
@Laurel Sorry about missing the country music. I know too little about them so thanks for your recommendations! One thing’s for sure, both of us are into angelic voices like Paul and Andrea
@Mystic Thanks pal, corrected this.
@Ross I must’ve missed out that one. Thanks for the heads up!
Thanks for the effort into this great journey of uplifting each other! I’ve been listening to Jimmy Demers “Dream a little” album & the songs are really inspiring in keeping my dreams alive. Hope you enjoy it too.
thanks to you…
i’d finished my project using this website…
i’m researching for the inspirational songs…
@PJ you’re most welcomed! I’m glad to be of help
savage garden Affirmation
check it out
Hi Darren, I checked this one out thru You tube & it’s really good! Good lirics to keep anyone uplifted! Thanks!
Does anyone remember an inspirational song that was a big hit awhile back where the words were spoken instead of sung ? It was sung by a male with background music ?
another great song is
rkelly-worlds greatest
these are rely good but the best inspirational song for me is Linkin Park ‘Faint’ its the best evrytime i lisen!!
How about the all-time great moto song….
Sounds Of Blackness “Optimistic”
Gr8 job Ellesse … i really admire you for this list
@Darren & Selvan Affirmations’ a great song, no doubt about it!
@Bruce Hmmm… not that I know of. Anyone else, do help Bruce if you can!
@Moman Linkin Park’s another great band!
@Rashad I’ve really gotta check that song out!
@Akki Thank you so much. Credit should really go to the singers for inspiring people with their voices! I’m just compiling it
Wow nice List, absolutely inspirational !!
Thank you so much Ellesse.
Great Work.
I would like to add some too if you dont mind =D
- Eagles’ Hotel California
- Beatles’ Here comes the Sun
- Creed’s With Arms Wide Open
- AeroSmith’s I dont wanna miss a thing
- Missy Higgins’ Steer
- 1927’s If I Could..
- Rolling Stones’ Paint it Black
- Christina Aguilera’s Beautiful
- Enrique Iglesia’s Escape
- Daryl Braithwaite’s The Horses
- Mariah & Boyz 2 Men’s One Sweet Day
- U2 & Mary J Blige’s One
- Joshua Kadison’s Beautiful in my Eyes & Jessie
- Marvin Gaye’s Stand by Me
- Robbie’s Better Man ( I’m still working on it =/ )
>< Just to name a few…
Plus all your other ones too
Thanks again
I’d say Youth Gone Wild, salve to The Grind by Skid Row and Don’t Worry Be Happy by Bob McFarrin.
Feeling Good by Nina Simone or the Muse version too.
Born To Be Wild by Steppenwolf \o/
The Final Countdown and Flames by Europe.
We’re Not Gonna Take It by Twisted Sister
THANK YOU SO MUCH! Your list was really helpful for my school project for a book! I <3 R.Kelly! He’s so awesome and so is “I believe I can fly”! THANKS AGAIN!
I recomended ….When the world ends - Dave Matthews Band….:)
Have Fun, Go Mad
I think Dreamer-Chris Brown can be added as well as Something Special-Colbie Caillat
I think the spoken song that the one guy is thinking of is called “Always Wear Sun Screen” By Baz Luhrman
I recently played: Black Eyed Peas “Where Is The Love?” And, the Hollies, “He Ain’t Heavy,” and “Break My Stride” by Matthew Wilder
Trying to help Bruce
I could well be wrong but the song maybe the one about wearing Sunscreen by Baz Luhrmann - Everybody’s Free (To Wear Sunscreen).
Hope this is the right one
I think that you should add “Hawks Chesney - I Am The One And Only” to the list
I think Eminem - When I’m Gone must be added to the list
Hi Chow..
I want to add
Ricky Martin : The cup of Life
Celine Dion : A New day has come
Thanks for putting up such a topic. I was searching in the net for inspiring music pieces and chanced on this collection. I am downloading them.
thanks
V
http://www.maniacworld.com/are-you-going-to-finish-strong.html
ABOVE IS THE LINK I SEEK INSPIRATION FROM…
GOD BLESS ALL THE MIGHTY HEARTS N MAKE THE REST, MIGHTY. AMEN!
Holy cow, great bunch of songs! Daryl Braithwaite is amazing! I love his “One Summer” as well.
These are a few of the songs which are real “pick me ups” for me:
This Side - Nickel Creek
One Summer - Daryl Braithwaite
In My Life - Matt Scannell (of Vertical Horizon)
Over My Head - The Fray
Save it for Later - Splender
Gotta Be - Des’ree
Bittersweet Symphony - The Verve
Hold On - Wilson Phillips
I Believe - Yolanda Adams
Live out Loud - Steven Curtis Chapman
On a High - Duncan Sheik
You Get What You Give - The New Radicals
I cant beleive Dare you to move by Switchfoot isn’t on this list… Its THE most amazingly inspiring song I’ve ever heard.
The climb-miley cyrus, is another inspirational song(:
just saying, check it out.