There’s just something about rock music.
It’s a unique genre that has grown to include a variety of styles.
But the most inspiring rock songs have something in common:
They all make you feel good.
They inspire positive, motivating thoughts.
We’re betting you have some favorite motivational rock songs that work like magic to get you moving toward your goals.
We’re hoping these 31 examples of the best motivational rock music will inspire you, too.
Looking for a Motivational Rock Song? Here Are 31 of the Best
Look through the following list of motivational rock songs and listen to as many as you like. Make a note of any new favorites you’d like to add to your personal playlist.
1. “We Will Rock You” by Queen
If you remember singing the chorus for this song during high school pep assemblies, you’re in good company.
And if you don’t already hear Freddie Mercury’s voice in your head, here’s your chance to listen and enjoy.
2. “Back in Black” by AC/DC
Just the opening to this song helps me feel more awake and ready for anything. It also makes me smile every time I hear it on the car radio.
3. “Welcome to the Jungle” by Guns N’ Roses
Whenever I hear this song, I can’t help thinking of a pivotal scene in the movie, MegaMing. The jungle is no place for slackers.
4. “Living on a Prayer” by Bon Jovi
As the song says, “We’re halfway there.” So keep going, even if it feels like it’ll take a miracle to get you to the finish line. You are a miracle.
5. “Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor
Everyone I know associates this song with the training montage for the movie, Rocky, with Sylvester Stallone. It’s hard to imagine a better song for your workout playlist.
6. “We Are The Champions” by Queen
When you’re facing a new challenge, few songs are as motivating as this one — especially when it comes right after“We Will Rock You” (with the full, unabridged riff between them).
7. “Final Countdown” by Europe
Listen to this one when there’s a looming deadline, and you need some motivation to dive in and get things done.
8. “Another One Bites the Dust” by Queen
It’s hard not to feel unstoppable when you’re listening to this song, whether you’re working, waking up, or on the road.
9. “Thunderstruck” by AC/DC
When inspiration hits, this song will get you itching to take action and claim your identity as someone who gets it done (and done right).
10. “I’m All Right” by Kenny Loggins
What you tell yourself (about yourself) makes a difference in how you feel. And sometimes, all you need is a song that puts the right words in your mouth.
11. “Just Dance” by Lady Gaga
No matter what’s going on in your life, this song tells you, “It’ll be okay” and to “just dance.” And while that might not always be practical advice, it’s worth keeping in mind.
12. “Brave” by Sara Bareilles
Sara Bareilles wants to see you be brave.
And you know you want it, too. Let this song be your anthem when you’re about to do something that scares you.
13. “Whatever It Takes” by Imagine Dragons
When you’ve got to do hard things to overcome a challenge or get to an important goal, you’ll do exactly that.
14. “So, What?” by Pink
No matter what has happened to you or whatever mistakes you’ve made, you’re (still) a rock star.
This song is a great pick-me-up when you’re healing from a toxic relationship.
15. “I Get Knocked Down” by Chumbawamba
When life (or someone in it) tries to knock you down, you get back up again. It’s what you do—as many times as it takes.
16. “Adventure of a Lifetime” by Coldplay
I dare you to watch the video and not dance (or at least head bob) along with the apes. It can’t be done.
17. “Timber” by Pitbull (ft Kesha)
Best played loud, this one’s ideal for workouts, for driving, or for pretty much anytime you need an energy shot.
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18. “The Middle” by Jimmy Eat World
“Live right now. Just be yourself. Doesn’t matter if you’re good enough for someone else.” This is a great pick-me-up when you’re tempted to feel insecure.
19. “Under Pressure” by Queen & David Bowie
Think of moments when you’ve felt extreme pressure from everything going on in your life.
20. “Modern Love” by David Bowie
I’m not sure what to make of this song (or what exactly it’s saying about modern love), but that doesn’t make it any less fun to listen to.
21. “What You Need” by INXS
If this song doesn’t get you moving (at least on the inside), I don’t know what will. “New Sensation” by the same group is another one to keep handy.
22. “Smooth” by Santana (ft. Rob Thomas)
If you’re in the mood for something sultry, with a rhythm you can dance to, this song delivers.
23. “Come and Get Your Love” by Redbone
I can’t be the only one reminded of the scene in Guardians of the Galaxy, where Peter Quill dances his way to one of the infinity stones, with this song playing on his walkman.
24. “Best of You” by The Foo Fighters
“Were you born to resist or be abused? Is someone getting the best…of you?” Play this song to awaken the sleeping giant within.
25. “Uprising” by Muse
This one fits the mood when you’re thinking of starting a revolution and changing the world for the better. No one can force you to be someone you don’t want to be.
26. “Immortal” by Fall Out Boy
“Sometimes, the only payoff for having any faith is when it’s tested again and again every day.” Listen to this when your faith is tested — only to become stronger than before.
27. “Dangerous” by Big Data
No matter how you interpret this song, the rhythm and vocal element make it an excellent pick for those moments when you want to feel “dangerous” (in a good way).
28. “The Reason” by Hoobastank
Play this song as a tribute to the person in your life you allow to see more of you than anyone else sees — because everything they touch gets (even) better.
29. “Pressure” by Muse
When you’re under pressure to get things done or to do something you’d rather not do, this song will help you get your head in the game.
30. “Titanium” by David Guetta (ft. Sia)
“You shoot me down, but I get up. I’m bulletproof, nothing to lose, fire away…” Listen to this when you want to feel unstoppable.
31. “Magic” by The Cars
I can’t think of a better song to celebrate the magic of a loving relationship — or the magic of being with someone who brings out the best in you.
What Is the Most Influential Rock Song
Your favorite motivational songs resonate with you for a reason. This is how you want to feel. It’s how you feel at your best. And who wouldn’t want to feel that way all the time?
The best motivational rock song is the one that says the right thing (in the best way possible) in the present moment.
This is true for the same reason it’s more effective to reframe a challenge in the present moment — replacing negative language with a new, positive (or neutral) story — than to repeat the same affirmation you’ve been using all day.
For me, at this moment, the song on this list that speaks the loudest is “Best of You” by The Foo Fighters. For you, it might be something else.
Take a moment to just enjoy it.
Now that you’ve looked through this list of 31 motivational rock songs, which ones stood out for you? Are any of them your favorites? Or did you find a new one?
A song that hits you just right in one moment might give way to another song in the next. Good thing we have brilliant minds creating new motivational songs all the time.
What song is the best fit for you in this moment? And how does it make you feel?
