Popular Motivational Songs: Western Music Artist Rankings [2025]

The ClimbMiley Cyrus22rank/position

Miley Cyrus – The Climb

An inspirational song that portrays life’s challenges and growth.

Miley Cyrus’s powerful vocals encourage people to move toward unknown possibilities.

Released in 2009 as part of the soundtrack for Hannah Montana: The Movie, the song became a turning point in her career.

Using mountain climbing as a metaphor, it conveys that the process itself holds value on the way to achieving goals.

Recommended for job seekers and anyone feeling anxious before a new challenge.

Listening to this song will give you the courage to believe in yourself and move forward step by step.

Good LifeKehlani & G-Eazy23rank/position

Kehlani & G-Eazy – Good Life (from The Fate of the Furious: The Album) [Official Music Video]

This track blends exhilarating, celebratory sounds with a moving message.

Created through the collaboration of Kehlani and G-Eazy, it reflects both artists’ close friendship and the paths of their musical careers.

The lyrics overflow with the joy of success and gratitude toward those who supported them.

Released in March 2017, it was featured on the soundtrack for the film The Fate of the Furious.

As a song that stands with those who have overcome hardship to realize their dreams, it is sure to resonate with many listeners.

Miss Me MoreKelsea Ballerini24rank/position

Kelsea Ballerini – Miss Me More

Kelsea Ballerini is a noteworthy young singer-songwriter born in 1993.

She released her debut album in 2015 while still in her teens, and quickly became popular for her impressive vocals and breezy, approachable country-pop sound.

Many people first discovered her when she appeared as a guest vocalist on The Chainsmokers’ hit song “This Feeling.” “Miss Me More,” included on her second album Unapologetically released in 2017 and later issued as a single, is a catchy track that blends EDM-style beats with country flavor to great effect.

Its positive lyrics about taking a fresh look at oneself and bouncing back are sure to resonate with many listeners.

Lush LifeZara Larsson25rank/position

Zara Larsson – Lush Life

Zara Larsson is a female pop singer from Sweden.

This track is captivating for its vocal power—hard to believe she was still in her teens at the time—and for its relatable lyrics that reflect a young woman in the midst of adolescence.

The word “Rush” in the title carries the sense of “lushly growing plants,” and the song itself has the strength to push forward straight and boldly, like thriving greenery.

It sings about the importance of living in the moment, treasuring each day as it comes.

The message is to value the present and not be weighed down by the past.

Who SaysSelena Gomez & The Scene26rank/position

Selena Gomez & The Scene – Who Says

This is a song by American pop star Selena Gomez and the rock band The Scene that teaches the importance of loving yourself just as you are.

It pushes back against voices that deny your imperfect self by asking, “Who has the right to say that?” and its lyrics give you courage and hope by helping you realize you are beautiful and worthy.

The track is included on the album “When the Sun Goes Down,” released in March 2011.

There’s also a well-known anecdote that Selena Gomez tearfully pleaded for its release at the time.

When you feel down from comparing yourself to others or find it hard to like yourself, this song will gently give you a nudge forward.

I recommend listening to it when you need the strength to believe in yourself!

Be Who You AreJon Batiste, J.I.D, NewJeans, Cat Burns, Camilo27rank/position

Be Who You Are (Music Video) | Coke Studio | Jon Batiste, J.I.D, NewJeans, Cat Burns, Camilo

Jon Batiste’s “Be Who You Are” is a bright, uplifting song that cheers on students worn out by entrance exams, both body and mind.

Born as part of Coke Studio, it has captivated music fans around the world.

With J.

I.

D and NewJeans on board, a wealth of diverse talent comes together, realizing a cross-border collaboration.

The unique sound where English and Korean lyrics intertwine offers a fresh spark and gives listeners the courage to move forward.

Hearing its powerful message—to overcome any challenge while staying true to yourself—will surely make tomorrow’s first step feel lighter.

HappyPharrell Williams28rank/position

Pharrell Williams – Happy (Video)

Many of you may remember how it lifted spirits around the world as the theme song for the animated film Despicable Me 2.

Created by the multitalented American artist Pharrell Williams, this feel-good track celebrates an invincible sense of happiness that can bounce back from any negative event.

There’s even an anecdote that it was born from a bout of creative block and a touch of irony—something that reminds us of life’s curious twists.

The song was also included on the album G I R L and spent ten consecutive weeks at No.

1 on the U.

S.

charts.

When you find yourself overthinking, listening to this track might free your heart like a room without a roof and help you rediscover the joy of being alive.