[2025] Boost Your Motivation! A Collection of Classic Western Songs to Listen to Before a Match

Active club DJKento
Active as a club DJ. Centered on dance music, they mix a wide range of genres including US hip-hop and J-rap, captivating audiences with their unique musical style.
music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and have been contributing to music magazines and web media for over 15 years. Although Western music is my main field, I always strive to stay curious with the motto, “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in a band, where I was a bassist responsible for songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve performed on include bass, guitar, and piano. I resumed piano lessons after turning 40 and have been continuing ever since!

In sports and martial arts, boosting your motivation before a match is more important than anything else.

Especially in intense competitions, you need to have your adrenaline pumping even before the match begins.

This time, we’ve picked out a selection of classic Western songs you’ll want to listen to before a match to raise your voltage!

From the latest tracks to timeless classics—even some super obscure ones—we’re introducing a wide range of songs that can help boost your motivation.

Even if you’re well-versed in Western music, be sure to check it out!

[2025] Boost Your Motivation! A Collection of Classic Western Songs to Play Before a Game (91–100)

VertigoU2

Vertigo (Radio Edit)

VertigoU2

I think many people know U2’s 2004 smash hit because it was used in an iPod commercial.

Right from the start, Bono’s “Uno, dos, tres—” count-in leads into a simple distorted guitar riff, and despite its straightforward melody, the uplifting feel of the song boosts your sense of determination.

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Wild ThingX

Wild Thing (Long Version)

Wild ThingX

You probably know it as the theme song from the movie Major League.

This piece, often used when Japanese news programs cover MLB in their sports segments, could be considered the de facto MLB theme song in Japan.

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[2025] Boost Your Motivation! A Collection of Classic Western Songs to Listen to Before a Match (101–110)

The Wild BoysDuran Duran

Duran Duran – The Wild Boys

The Wild BoysDuran Duran

This is the song that Mirko Cro Cop, the famous Croatian mixed martial artist known as a K-1 fighter, used as his entrance theme.

It’s a hit by the British band Duran Duran released in 1984, and its lyrics—about men who relentlessly challenge themselves to seize glory—boost motivation before a fight.

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BatteryMetallica

Battery (Remastered)

BatteryMetallica

A legendary band in the metal world, Metallica’s 1986 track is the quintessential metal anthem that’s practically synonymous with the band.

Among early Metallica’s many high-octane, motivation-boosting songs—like Master of Puppets, Whiplash, and Fight Fire with Fire—the one that personally gets me the most fired up is this track.

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I Love It LoudKISS

Kiss – I Love It Loud (Official Music Video)

I Love It LoudKISS

The song by the American band KISS is originally titled “I Love It Loud.” It’s famous as the entrance theme for Steve Williams, known as the “Doctor Death,” who performed for many years in All Japan Pro Wrestling.

The song’s driving energy matched his ferocity and made it a beloved entrance theme for many fans.

Although he sadly passed away a few years ago, this track brings back memories of his bravery whenever I hear it.

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Million Dollar BabyAva Max

Ava Max – Million Dollar Baby (Official Video)

Million Dollar BabyAva Max

Million Dollar Baby, the lead single from American singer-songwriter Ava Max’s second album.

This track, which conveys her allure and a quietly burning resolve, is a story of rebirth born from her own experiences of heartbreak.

Singing that she possesses limitless worth even in the depths of despair, the song is powerful and uplifting, capable of stirring its listeners.

Ava asserts that by facing one’s heart with honesty, anything can be overcome.

It’s a fitting, morale-boosting number for those who move forward with authenticity and strength.

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MiserlouDick Dale

Miserlou

MiserlouDick Dale

This is the song that Dutch K-1 fighter Peter Aerts, known as “The Tyrant,” used as his entrance theme.

You might be more familiar with it as the theme song from Quentin Tarantino’s film Pulp Fiction.

The blend of surf music’s light touch with a minor-key progression creates a unique atmosphere and really boosts your motivation.

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