Life can and will get overwhelming and when a glass of your favorite adult beverage or a Netflix binge session cannot suffice, you have to turn on some music and let it guide you. Guide you towards a better place. One that is full of positivity, like a melodic best friend dishing out words of encouragement. That is what this playlist is all about. It’s about uncovering musical motivation with a wide variety of artists from Queen Bey to a band with one of the wildest names from the ‘90s, and everyone in between.
Beyonce “Break My Soul”
The world would be even darker without the joy Beyonce has brought and continues to deliver, and her 2022 single “Break My Soul” is proof. This song perfectly captures someone that has reached a breaking point but refuses to let it get them down. It’s about standing tall, looking the problem in the eye, and taking back any power said problem thought it (or they) had over you. It pushes us to reclaim our time in the best way possible.
Jimmy Eat World “The Middle”
This Warped Tour classic is one of those songs that doesn’t hit you until you’re in the thick of a meltdown. So if you listen to it and walk away fine, then you’re more than likely okay. However, if you start to cry as the repetition of “Everything, everything’ll be just fine” plays on, just know that it’s okay to feel like you are stuck. Just know that this is just one pit stop in life and “don’t write yourself off yet.”
Bobby McFerrin “Don’t Worry Be Happy”
Sometimes the sentiment is as simple as Bobby McFerrin’s hit single from 1988. If only the world was as sweet and sincere as “Don’t Worry Be Happy,” right?
You, Me, And Everyone We Know “Livin’ Th’ Dream”
The fear of failure often keeps many of us from trying, and that’s what You, Me, And Everyone We Know pretty much sums up in this anecdote set to song. While personal, “Livin’ The Dream” is like the musical version of a middle finger to those who doubt you. It’s a song aimed at the haters in your life that you can and should sing at the top of your lungs as you pursue your own dreams, no matter how wild they seem to others.
Eminem “Not Afraid”
It is difficult not to feel a certain vigor after rapping along to “Not Afraid” by Eminem, right?
The Tower And The Fool “Scoliosis”
Sadly The Tower And The Fool only released one record a decade ago, but on that album is “Scoliosis.” It is a song that dives into the belief we have that we aren’t born with the strength to stand up for ourselves, that the “backbone” of courage is somehow not innately in us. This song does away with that notion.
Miley Cyrus “The Climb”
Yes, this is a song from the ‘Hannah Montana Movie’ but that doesn’t mean it’s not one of the most invigorating pieces of music out there. Plus, Miley Cyrus’ vocals are giving everything they need to give and then some in “The Climb.”
Lizzo “Good As Hell”
Sometimes a song that comes with a dose of vitalization can be chalked full of Top 40 realness, which is exactly what “Good As Hell” by Lizzo is. It’s a song that doesn’t take itself too seriously while at the same time being the perfect song to toss in the morning when you’re getting ready and need a little inspiration to get out the door.
Gloria Gaynor “I Will Survive”
Originally released back in 1978, “I Will Survive” became an anthem for those with relationship turmoil. Gloria Gaynor gave the world the ultimate breakup song. Today, her hit single has and continues to be used as a sentiment of strength.
Sydney Sprague “I Refuse to Die”
“I Refuse to Die” by Sydney Sprague is the song that’s necessary when you get too close to the edge and need to take a step back.
Israel Kamakawiwoʻole “Over the Rainbow”
The story goes that this song came to Israel Kamakawiwoʻole in the middle of the night. So he went to a studio that was closed, convinced them to open, and recorded it in one take. Because of that spark of creativity, we have a song that evokes a beautiful emotional response based on the air of optimism.
Chumbawamba “Tubthumping”
Did you know that Chumbawamba had over a decade of releases behind them when they had everyone singing “Tubthumping” in 1997? Now that your mind is blown, just know that while everything about this song and band sound silly, you can’t piss the night away and it’s important to remember that when you get knocked down, you always have to get back up again.
Written by Kendra Beltran
