From four-on-the-floor anthems to plaintive ballads, Billboard takes a look at 25 songs that’ll give you a confidence boost.
Every now and then, we all need a reminder to push past our problems and find our own inner strength. Luckily, there are quite a few songs that are particularly effective at doing just that.
Seeing yourself and your struggles in the songs that you listen to is a fundamental part of being a music fan. Whether it’s personal struggles with identity, finding yourself falling on hard times or even just a case of the Monday blues, people who are feeling down have long turned to the stylings of lyrical auteurs to help enhance their own self-confidence.
Different circumstances call for different kinds of music to lift you up — if you’re feeling like your energy has been drained down to its last reserves, a rock song from the likes of Harry Styles or The Killers, dedicated to adrenaline-increasing rhythms and lyrics about wielding your power, can put the gas right back in your tank. When you’re feeling a dip in your self-esteem, perhaps a hip-hop track from someone like J. Cole or Logic, dedicated to finding your inner badass could help shift your perspective. Dealing with a bout of sadness? Turn to one of the many pop stars, like Demi Lovato, Sia or Kelly Clarkson, who have made it their musical mission to boost your serotonin.
But which songs are the best at providing those uplifting messages? Below, Billboard takes a look at 25 songs, ranging from four-on-the-floor anthems to plaintive ballads, that help you remember to be strong and never give up.
Shawn Mendes, “Hold On”
An inspirational anthem if there ever was one, “Hold On” sees Mendes embracing his fear and anxiety in order to throw them away. Paired with a simple acoustic guitar, the chorus’s uplifting refrain puts the listener front and center, as Mendes urges them to keep going, even when things get tough. Listen here.
The Killers, “Be Still”
Sometimes it’s important to remember the importance of pacing yourself. The Killers certainly send that point home on “Be Still,” the moving Battle Born cut that features lead singer Brandon Flowers asking listeners not to storm ahead, but to allow themselves some grace in holding firm to their beliefs. Listen here.
Miley Cyrus, “The Climb”
I mean, c’mon — you can’t have this list without “The Climb.” An anthem of dedication through and through, Miley Cyrus’s now-classic track is known around the world for its message of hope under difficult circumstances. After all, as she sings on the chorus, it “ain’t about what’s waiting on the other side/ It’s the climb!”
Chaz Cardigan, “Live a Little”
If a swift kick to the pants is what you need to get yourself motivated, then Chaz Cardigan is here to help. “Live a Little” sees the pop-rock singer-songwriter bringing high energy to a song of pure determination, as he implores you to start making it happen for yourself. “If you wanna light a fire then you gotta get lit/ You gotta live a little bit,” he wails on the chorus. Listen here.
Justin Bieber, “Life Is Worth Living”
On his stunning ballad “Life Is Worth Living” off of 2015’s Purpose, Bieber just wants to make sure that you are okay. The piano-focused single sees the star acknowledging the difficulties of modern life, while also proclaiming the power of forgiving yourself. “The meaning of forgiveness/ People make mistakes, doesn’t mean you have to give in,” he sings. “Life is worth living again.” Listen here.
Michaela Jaé, “Something to Say”
On the Pose star’s breakout single, Michaela Jaé wants to make sure that you are using your voice. Filled with gorgeous gospel melodies and a bass line that will have you shuffling down the street, “Something to Say” is all about owning your voice and being strong enough to speak up for yourself — especially when you’re being told not to. Listen here.
Rudimental feat. James Arthur, “Sun Comes Up”
Looking for someone to hype you up? Rudimental and James Arthur can certainly help with “Sun Comes Up,” their 2017 collaboration in which the group extolls the power of tenacity. The bass & drums naturally shine, while Arthur’s stratospheric vocals soar as he sings, “When the sun comes up/ I can feel my love comin’ back again.”
Frank Ocean, “Swim Good”
Few artists can capture complex emotional storytelling quite like Frank Ocean. “Swim Good,” his 2011 single, is a testament to that fact — when life tries to sink you, Ocean declares his best bet is to swim. It’s a reminder we could all use every now and then; when the going gets tough, swim good. Listen here.
Demi Lovato, “Confident”
Some people might call it “cockiness,” but Demi Lovato isn’t interested in what those people have to say. “Confident” is the exact kind of mood-boost that will give all of the props and good vibes you need to dominate your day. Because after all, “what’s wrong with being confident?” Listen here.
Muna, “Good News (Ya-Ya Song)”
While getting gassed-up is often helpful toward improving your mood, accepting things as they are is just as effective. That’s exactly what Muna sets out to do on “Good News (Ya-Ya Song)” — the bubbly production stands in slight opposition to the lyrics, which paint a picture of someone who’s lost in life. But they resolve on the chorus that “I’m gonna figure it out/ ‘Cause I’m already here, and I won’t leave now.” Listen here.
Rina Sawayama, “Comme Des Garçons (Like the Boys)”
“Comme Des Garçons,” Rina Sawayama’s thrilling single off of her 2020 debut album Sawayama, is the perfect example of giving yourself a mantra while also holding up a middle finger to society. Sawayama places herself within the company of cocky, confident men, before offering them a masterclass in what true strength looks like on this deliciously fun track. Listen here.
Brandi Carlile, “Right on Time”
The most important part of growing is learning from your mistakes, as Brandi Carlile so beautifully articulates on “Right on Time.” Throughout this powerful anthem, Carlile makes peace with her past before resolving to move forward to a better future, belting out, “It wasn’t right/ But it was right on time.”
J. Cole, “Love Yourz”
While a lot of artists might spend their lyrical efforts pining for a different life, J. Cole uses his on “Love Yourz” to do exactly the opposite. This inspiring track off of 2014 Forest Hills Drive is an ode to living in the moment, and never taking your current position for granted. At the end of the day, there’s “no such thing as a life that’s better than yours,” he croons. Listen here.
Logic, Alessia Cara & Khalid, “1-800-273-8255”
The subject matter of Logic’s heartrending single “1-800-273-8255” is dark, yes. But its goal is to save lives. The anti-suicide track, featuring guest verses from stars Alessia Cara and Khalid, promotes the importance of asking for help when you need it. Listen here.
Khalid, “Let’s Go”
On “Let’s Go,” Khalid is all about living in the moment and letting everything else fall away. The infectious melody, mixed with the laid-back beat, makes for a serotonin-producing track that’ll have you smiling before the first chorus is even over. Listen here.
Elton John, “I’m Still Standing”
A true classic to its core, Sir Elton John’s “I’m Still Standing” remains one of the greatest anthems of self-reliance to this day. A testament to weathering the storm, be it emotional, metaphorical, or psychological, “I’m Still Standing” reminds anyone having a hard time that things will get better soon. Listen here.
Twenty-One Pilots, “Ride”
Twenty-One Pilots would like to remind you that you’re not going to live forever, so you may as well enjoy the time that you have. On “Ride,” that’s the message they send — sure, life can be full of pain and heartache, but as they contend, that’s part of the fun.
Lady Gaga, “Born This Way”
Lady Gaga’s signature anthem “Born This Way” is about more than just finding strength in who you are — it’s about allowing that strength to shine through. The chorus itself will have you fist-pumping your way into a much-improved mood in no time. Listen here.
Martin Garrix & Bebe Rexha, “In the Name of Love”
Going through rough times sometimes means being able to admit when you need a helping hand. Martin Garrix and Bebe Rexha are here to offer just that with “In the Name of Love,” their emotional 2016 single that sees both artists reaching out to their loved ones and letting them know that whatever life throws at them, they’ll be there to carry some of the weight. Listen to it here.
Maggie Rogers, “Alaska”
You ever been told to just “walk it off?” According to Maggie Rogers, it’s actually a good method — on “Alaska,” the indie-pop sensation sings about the importance of giving yourself some grace and time to work through whatever it is you’re going through. Listen here.
Sara Bareilles, “Brave”
Likely created for the sole purpose of lifting people’s spirits, Sara Bareilles’ “Brave” is an anthem dedicated to everyone who needs someone to remind them that they can persevere. The pounding piano chords melt into Bareilles’ voice, as she proclaims loudly for everyone to hear that you should “say what you want to say.” Listen here.
Kelly Clarkson, “Stronger”
While there have been plenty songs to take the motif of “what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger” and set it to music, there are very few that have done it quite as effectively as Kelly Clarkson. “Stronger” is exactly the kind of anthem that it needs to be — a full-throated declaration of self-confidence, regardless of the odds stacked against you.
