15 Inspirational Old Songs to Hear All Over Again

There is nothing like a great song or bit of music to get you inspired. Here is our list of some of the best!

Music can take us back in time, fire us up and inspire and motivate us to achieve our goals and dreams. There have been some cracking songs over the years which just seem to have a positive impact on everyone who hears them, and here we have compiled just a few of them.

#1 Feeling Good – Nina Simone

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I could listen to this every single morning and feel great. It is one of the most uplifting songs of all time and as such has successfully been used in many adverts and covered by many artists because of its incredible impact.

A real classic this one, so deserves a place at the top of the list.

#2 Don’t Stop Believin’ – Journey (or Glee version)

Whatever version you like, this song will be sure to get your pulse racing. This is a soft rock ballad genius at its best, so be sure to have your air guitar and skinny jeans to hand.

Oh, and don’t stop believin’.

#3 I Won’t Back Down – Tom Petty

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No you sure won’t be backing down after hearing this. This is a great song to listen to when you meet obstacles on your path, this will keep you going.

After all, you’ve gotta stand your ground and their aint no easy way out.

#4  We are the Champions – Queen

This has got to be one of the greatest power ballads ever written.

Penned by the ultimate showman Freddie Mercury and performed by Queen it is probably the most inspirational anthem of all time. Covered by many artists and used for sporting victories, you don’t get much more inspirational than this.

#5 I Will Survive – Gloria Gaynor

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Surely the greatest love breakup survival song ever, and certainly one of the most popular Karaoke songs of all time.  What full blooded woman cannot identify with this heart felt retort to a broken heart?

Oh no not I, I will survive!

#6 What a Wonderful World – Louis Armstrong

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Probably one of the most beautiful and uplifting songs in the world. This classic has lasted the test of time and will continue to do so for many years to come.

If you are ever feeling low, and want to appreciate what a wonderful place the world really is, then just listen to this song, and it will set you straight.

#7 Life’s what you make it – Talk Talk

The message is in the title really. This classic from the 1980’s is all about making the best of your life with what you have, plus it has a great little nature video and a memorable piano riff to boot.

#8 Fighter – Christina Aguilera

This track can give you the strength to get up and carry on after a breakup.

It asks us to feel grateful for the bad things that happen to us as they are all part of life’s lessons to toughen us up. It’s all about using adversity to your advantage, in true warrior style. So, when you have a setback don’t just curl up into a ball and die, get up and be a fighter.

Great video too.

#9 Proud – Heather Small

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There is good reason why this track was used for the London 2012 Olympics. All you need to do is listen to it and it makes you want to do something inspiring, as the lyrics say, it’s never too late to try.

What have you done today to make you feel proud? You really can ‘step out of the ordinary’ with this brilliant pop song.

#10 Beautiful Day – U2

This is a great track from U2 which can really make you feel better just by listening to it.

To me it’s all about living in and appreciating the now and as the lyrics say; ’it’s a beautiful day, don’t let it get away’.

#11  Heroes – David Bowie

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This is one of those songs which you can recognize straight away from the first few bars. For me the song is about everyone being heroes. There are no limits to what any of us can achieve or do, we can all reach incredible heights.

We are all extraordinary and ordinary at the same time.

#12 Moving on Up – M People

Another one from the petite powerhouse Heather Small, this track is all about moving on from difficult times and coming back stronger than ever.

Sung from the viewpoint of a jilted lover, if you are in this position yourself, this song will ensure you will be moving on up alright!

#13  Eye of the Tiger – Survivor

Oh come on. You didn’t think the list wouldn’t include the Rocky III soundtrack did you? Great for workouts and wannabe Rocky’s everywhere. Have you done your time and took your chances?

Do you want to have the ’never quit’ attitude? If so, this song is for you.

#14 Chariots of Fire – Vangelis

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Soundtrack to the film of the same name about two competing athletes in the 1924 Olympics, this music makes even the laziest of us want to put our sneakers on and go for a run.  Well, apart from perhaps Vangelis himself who seems content with a cigarette and coffee in the video.

Even so, this track is still a top notch inspirational classic.

#15  Bat Out of Hell – Meat Loaf

I am sorry but this song is such a classic it just cannot be left off this list. It might not be one for the purists among you but it is surely an all-out adrenalin lifter.

Perhaps not one for the car stereo though if you are in a go slow zone or have the traffic cops behind you. Unbeatable however if you want to put your pedal to the metal.

So there you have it; 15 inspirational songs that will hopefully get you all stirred up and jumping up and down on the sofa shakin’ your booty, or maybe just singing in the mirror at the top of your voice with a hairbrush in your hand and the world at your feet.

Go Queens!

About the author

Eleanor Goold

As well as being an avid reader, Eleanor is also a big time animal lover; especially of dogs. If you have a tail, four legs and you bark…. you’re in! In her spare time she enjoys swimming, and vegetable gardening… but not at the same time (it can get a bit messy).

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