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Best motivational songs
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The best motivational songs

If you’re looking for some musical inspiration, here are the best motivational songs to jumpstart your day

Written by
Andrew Frisicano
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"Getting by" in even the most basic sense of the phrase is an arduous task in the 21st century, and all of our batteries run low from time to time. After you've taken to your favorite places to chill out on your lazy Sunday off, look to this playlist of the best motivational songs to get your head back in the game. Maybe you need a little in the way of workout songs to return to city's best gyms or maybe you just need to get back to the office. Regardless of your needs, this list has you covered.

Listen to the best motivational songs playlist

Best motivational songs

“The Heat Is On” by Glenn Frey

1. “The Heat Is On” by Glenn Frey

Nothing like a blaring saxophone riff to get the adrenaline going.

“I’m So Excited” by the Pointer Sisters

2. “I’m So Excited” by the Pointer Sisters

A virtual running-man-dance in song form, this disco classic should raise your energy levels for whatever you’re about to take on.

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“Working for the Weekend” by Loverboy

3. “Working for the Weekend” by Loverboy

Everyone can use a little bit more Loverboy in their life.

“Higher Love” by Steve Winwood

4. “Higher Love” by Steve Winwood

With palpable uplift, let Steve Winwood take you to the next level with the motivational song.

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“Best I Ever Had” by Drake

5. “Best I Ever Had” by Drake

We could all use a cheerleader like Drake on the sidelines.

“All I Do Is Win” by DJ Khaled

6. “All I Do Is Win” by DJ Khaled

The DJ-Snapchat guru is a motivational figure of titanic proportions; this 2010 single is still his defining statement.

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“Hustlin’” by Rick Ross

7. “Hustlin’” by Rick Ross

If there’s a better mantra than “Everyday I’m hustlin’” we haven’t heard it.

“Welcome Back” by Mase

8. “Welcome Back” by Mase

It’s hard to deny Mase’s sunny disposition on this ode to perseverance.

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“Encore” by Jay-Z

9. “Encore” by Jay-Z

This Black Album gem features a “post-retirement” Jay ticking off his accomplishments. More than enough motivation for you to get going yourself.

“Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor
Image: Scotti Bros.

10. “Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor

It doesn’t get any more inspirational than this rock staple from Rocky III.

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“Ultralight Beam” by Kanye West

11. “Ultralight Beam” by Kanye West

Jumpstart your life with Kanye’s opening prayer.

“Feeling Myself” by Nicki Minaj

12. “Feeling Myself” by Nicki Minaj

Nicki and Bey are on top form with this motivational song—follow their lead.

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“Work It” by Missy Elliot

13. “Work It” by Missy Elliot

Put your thing down.

“Get Money” by Junior M.A.F.I.A.

14. “Get Money” by Junior M.A.F.I.A.

Biggie’s currency-centric approach to life is something to emulate.

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“Work Hard, Play Hard” by Wiz Khalifa

15. “Work Hard, Play Hard” by Wiz Khalifa

“Work, work, work, work...”

“This Is How We Do It” by Montell Jordan

16. “This Is How We Do It” by Montell Jordan

The best motivational song for Friday night, or any other.

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“Crank That (Soulja Boy)” by Soulja Boy

17. “Crank That (Soulja Boy)” by Soulja Boy

Yoooouuuu!

“This Is How We Do” by Big Tymers

18. “This Is How We Do” by Big Tymers

For the record, where they’re from is New Orleans. Plan a trip.

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“Take It to Da House” by Trick Daddy

19. “Take It to Da House” by Trick Daddy

Trick Daddy’s uptempo banger is essentially a slam-dunk highlight reel set to music.

“Work REMIX” by A$AP Ferg

20. “Work REMIX” by A$AP Ferg

This A$AP mob member calls in a spitfire squad to remix his single "Work": Trinidad James, French Montana, A$AP Rocky and the inimitable Schoolboy Q. If that crew can't get you inspired to "put in work," no one can.

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“This Is Why I’m Hot” by Mims

21. “This Is Why I’m Hot” by Mims

For a good chunk of 2007, no one was better at shutting down haters than Mims.

“On a Level” by Wiley

22. “On a Level” by Wiley

“Give me trophies, awards and medals”

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“Don’t Stop Believin’” by Journey

23. “Don’t Stop Believin’” by Journey

You’re almost there!

“Tubthumping” by Chumbawumba

24. “Tubthumping” by Chumbawumba

Get knocked down, get back up again, repeat.

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“Do That Stuff” by Parliament

25. “Do That Stuff” by Parliament

Keep the funky stuff coming.

“You Got It (The Right Stuff)” by New Kids on the Block

26. “You Got It (The Right Stuff)” by New Kids on the Block

Hang tough with the rest of the new kids.

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“The World Is Yours” by Nas

27. “The World Is Yours” by Nas

That title says it all.

“On Fire” by Lloyd Banks

28. “On Fire” by Lloyd Banks

You can practically hear that NBA Jam voice, “He’s on fire.”

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“Walk Thru” by Rich Homie Quan

29. “Walk Thru” by Rich Homie Quan

This motivational song should have you feeling like the man.

“Hard in da Paint” by Wacka Flocka Flame

30. “Hard in da Paint” by Wacka Flocka Flame

Go hard in the paint.

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“You Deserve It” by Future

31. “You Deserve It” by Future

Just like Future’s cousin said—you deserve it.

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