Get Motivated
Feel good with these songs that inspire
Sure, there are days when you’re angry or down in the proverbial dumps. But one thing is for sure: the right song can always cheer you up. No doubt you have your own playlist of songs to play when things are going wrong. But here are some new additions to check out. Download these babies on a day when you need some motivating.
The Middle – Jimmy Eat World
This is the ultimate inspirational song. It’s like having one of those really cool guy friends who’s cute but you were never into tell you how awesome and sweet you are. I love those guys!
Best lyric: Hey, don’t write yourself off yet / Just do your best, do everything you can
Ooh Child – The Five Stairsteps
Go back to the Motown days and take a listen to a classic. This song has been covered by many, but there is something to be said for the powerful original.
Best lyric: Someday we’ll walk in the rays of the beautiful sun
Things Are Getting Better – N*E*R*D
Count on hip hop to bring you some self-esteem pointers. Pharrell definitely doesn’t have a low opinion in himself and he even goes as far as to say “I’m the sh*t” several times. Over and over. Damn right! You will feel good after listening to this song, or your money back.
Best lyric: Sometimes you gotta realize where you are in your life / In order to feel good
Chicago – Sufjan Stevens
Sufjan is currently the king of the indie world and his music can be admittedly slow and perhaps a little depressing. But this song is definitely a mood-booster. It sort of makes you feel good about being broke and loveless.
Best lyric: All things go / all things grow
Float On – Modest Mouse
Without being corny or cliché, this song is basically the modern version of “Don’t Worry Be Happy.” Despite getting fired, hitting a cop car, being scammed by swarthy ne’er do wells, and general crappiness, we’ll all float on okay.
Best lyric: We both got fired on exactly the same day / Well we'll float on, good news is on the way
What You Waiting For – Gwen Stefani
Not only will this song kick you into gear if you need to be inspired to, say, go to the gym, but it’ll also make you feel like going out into the world and making a few million.
Best lyric: You're still a super hot female!
Young Folks – Peter, Bjorn and John
The up-tempo beat and interesting lyrics make this song a hit with everyone from hipster kids to people who listen to mainstream soundtracks (like the Grey’s Anatomy soundtrack). Displaying the power of the internet, this song shot to popularity after being featured on YouTube. If that’s not inspirational, I dunno what is.
Best lyric: and we don't care about our own faults talkin' 'bout our own style
Parentheses – The Blow
You are gonna love this song. Every time I hear it, I thrust about doing a little dance, no matter if I’m in public or not. It’s a song about friendship and camaraderie. And it was listed in Pitchfork’s top 50 singles last year, so it’s got some indie cred attached to it. You can’t lose.
Best lyric: You’re not a baby if you feel the world / All the babies, they can feel the world / That’s why they cry
Feeling Good – Nina Simone
I might be biased as this is my favourite song of all time, but there’s nothing more inspirational than cranking up this eerie emotional jazz classic. It’s so amazing that’s it’s been covered by Muse, The Eels, Michael Bublé, and many more. Please do not confuse this with Nickelback’s “Feeling So Damn Good.” That would be tragic.
Best lyric: The old world is a new world / and a bold world for me
Suddenly I See – KT Tunstall
KT Tunstall rocked onto the scene a few years ago with her acclaimed album, Eye to the Telescope. This song, as much as it’s been used for a million movie soundtracks, still gives me goosebumps. If you haven’t heard it already, check it out and listen to the rest of the album, too.
Best lyric: Suddenly I see why the hell it means so much to me
Written by: Nicolle Weeks