Western Songs Ranking That Hype Up Sports Days and Athletic Festivals [2025]

Counting StarsOneRepublic29rank/position

OneRepublic – Counting Stars

This is a work released in June 2013 by OneRepublic, a pop-rock band from the United States.

It expresses the emotions of modern people swayed by materialism and anxiety about the future through an impressive folk-pop sound.

Included on the 2013 album “Native,” it became a major hit, reaching No.

2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No.

1 in the UK.

Used in the end credits of the film “Earth to Echo” and in the TV drama “Rookie Blue,” this song offers courage and hope in the face of adversity.

It also makes a great background track for school sports days, encouraging a spirit of challenge.

Party Rock Anthem ft. Lauren Bennett, GoonRockLMFAO30rank/position

LMFAO – Party Rock Anthem ft. Lauren Bennett, GoonRock

LMFAO is an electropop duo consisting of Redfoo and SkyBlu, who are active as rappers, dancers, and DJs.

Their signature song, Party Rock Anthem, was released as a single in 2011 and reached number one on the singles charts in more than seven countries worldwide.

British singer Lauren Bennett and singer-songwriter/rapper GoonRock appear as featured artists.

With its fast tempo and the memorable dance steps in its music video, this track might be a great fit for a sport like “touchdown,” where you kick a rugby ball, loop around a turnaround marker, and head for the goal!

Kill This LoveBLACKPINK31rank/position

BLACKPINK – ‘Kill This Love’ M/V

BLACKPINK has become popular worldwide as an idol group originating from K-pop.

“Kill This Love” is one of their signature songs.

Many middle and high school students who like K-pop may be familiar with it.

With its cool, dark-themed dance music style, it’s recommended as background music for dance performances or as an entrance song.

HappyPharrell Williams32rank/position

Pharrell Williams – Happy (Video)

This song by American artist Pharrell Williams features a refreshing rhythm that blends elements of neo-soul and funk, expressing the joy of life and a positive outlook.

Its lyrics convey the importance of staying happy even in the most challenging situations, empowering every listener.

Released in November 2013, it was created for the soundtrack of the animated film Despicable Me 2 and was later included on the album G I R L.

Its appeal is evident from its achievement of holding the No.

1 spot on the U.

S.

Billboard Hot 100 for 10 consecutive weeks.

It’s perfect as background music for event entries or dance performances at school sports days, with the power to unite all participants.

CAN’T HOLD US FEAT. RAY DALTONMacklemore & Ryan Lewis33rank/position

MACKLEMORE & RYAN LEWIS – CAN’T HOLD US FEAT. RAY DALTON (OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO)

This track grabs your heart with powerful vocals and an energetic beat.

Hailing from Seattle, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis boldly sing about their convictions, passion, and pride as independent artists.

It’s infused with their desire for creative freedom without relying on major labels and a deep love for their hometown, conveying a relentless will to push beyond limits.

The song reached No.

1 on the U.

S.

Billboard Hot 100 in 2013 and held the top spot for five consecutive weeks.

It was also featured in a UK Miller beer commercial and the trailer for the film “Jobs.” Perfect for boosting motivation before training or exercise, it’s a song that strongly propels anyone striving toward their dreams.

ButterBTS34rank/position

BTS (방탄소년단) ‘Butter’ Official MV

An upbeat track that blends edgier pop with dance sounds—perfect for summertime hype.

Delivered entirely in English by the global Korean group BTS in May 2021, it features a lively beat inspired by 1980s and 1990s disco music.

With its dynamic melody and the sharp dance performance of the seven members, it topped the U.

S.

Billboard Hot 100 chart for eight consecutive weeks.

It’s a great choice for opening ceremonies at school sports festivals, athletic events, or dance performances, and it also creates a strong sense of unity as background music.

An undeniable crowd-pleaser for sports settings and any scene where you want to get a big group pumped up.

GIRL LIKE MEBlack Eyed Peas, Shakira35rank/position

Black Eyed Peas, Shakira – GIRL LIKE ME (Official Music Video)

Shakira, a popular artist from Colombia, is also well-loved in Japan.

Here’s a collaboration between her and the internationally popular group Black Eyed Peas: “GIRL LIKE ME.” While the track uses a modern sound, it’s crafted with a distinctive vibe that evokes the 1980s.

It might not be suitable for sprinting or relay races, but I think it’s perfect for quirky events like obstacle courses or scavenger hunts!