Do you need an epic montage of music to get you through the day?
These compositions will help you get motivated for the gym, prepare for a big interview, excite you for this week’s game, help you stay alert through finals and generally get you ready to take on the world.
This list looks at the songs that keep you going when you’re feeling down and need a pick-me-up (and to keep it fair, we only considered one song per artist).
#9. The Eye of the Tiger, Survivor
This is where it all started. The theme song of “Rocky III” is what kicked off the training montage craze of the 1980s. This classic tune features a hard rock guitar riff and a pulsing beat while singer Jimi Jameson belts out the lyrics.
This song is sure to keep you doing that one extra rep at the gym.
#8. Back in Black, AC/DC
Another 80s rock tune has made the list. “Back in Black” was AC/DC’s first track after the untimely death of lead singer, Bon Scott.
Newcomer, Brian Johnson makes his debut on this classic hard rock song featuring Angus Young’s iconic guitar playing.
#7. Sandstorm, Darude
Written in 2000, Sandstorm is an electronic song that features drum machines and synthesizers that build up from a haunting intro into a fast paced beat.
This song is frequently used in sporting events, especially hockey games.
#6. Voodoo Child, Jimi Hendrix
Some may be surprised to see such an old song on this list but Hendrix’s legendary guitar playing makes this song one of the all-time best rock tunes to get you feeling good.
The quiet-loud-quiet structure of this song provides the listener with great buildup to an exquisite guitar solo.
#5. Fortunate Son, Credence Clearwater Revival
A classic rock song like the previous song on the list, John Fogherty wrote this time-tested composition in the 1960’s to protest the Vietnam War.
If you want to be in a rebellious mood and fight the power, this is the song for you.
#4. Love Bites (But so do I), Halestorm
A modern rock track that will get you over an ex in a heartbeat.
“Love Bites” is a heavy metal tune that will get you out of the dumps and back in on top again.
Lzzy (yes that’s how she spells it) Hale’s killer vocals and thrashing guitar riffs remind us that if we are on the short end of the love stick, we can take matters into our own hands and bite back.
#3. Enter Sandman, Metallica
What baseball fan doesn’t picture Manny Rivera walking up to the pitcher’s mound with this song playing in the background?
An ominous intro leads to a heavy hitting metal song that catapulted Metallica into the mainstream after years of underground success.
Kirk Hammet’s iconic guitar playing and Lars Ulrich’s heavy crash symbols make this an instant pump-up choice.
#2. Survival, Eminem
People will argue that Eminem’s most famous song, “Lose Yourself” is a better fit for this list. However, the more recent “Survival” features a (traditionally) angry Slim who holds nothing back in terms of profanity.
The lyrics are what are featured in this rap anthem and the best line in the song goes, “Throw me to them wolves and close the gate up. I’m afraid of what’ll happen to them wolves. When the thought of being thrown into an alligator pit, I salivate at it.”
The theme of this song is that the world can throw everything it has at you and you can still get back up and keep fighting.
#1. All My Life, Foo Fighters
The master of songwriting, Dave Grohl, made another masterpiece with this song.
The lyrics start out with the narrator waiting for something his whole life. As the song progresses he goes through many trials to accomplish what he has been working so hard for.
Mirroring the lyrics, the music starts of quiet and slow, but works its way up into an explosive crescendo at the end of the song. This song is perfect for any motivational situation.
by Matt Reale
CougarBuzz 