Prayer for Success: Recommended for Exam Takers! A Collection of Motivational Western Songs [2025]

Times Like TheseFoo Fighters

Foo Fighters – Times Like These (Official HD Video)

Foo Fighters, the popular band led by former Nirvana drummer Dave Grohl, are widely celebrated for their classic song “Times Like These,” which is beloved by fans as an anthem of encouragement.

The highlight of this track is its assertion that periods of trouble and hardship will inevitably come.

Within that, it carries a message about the importance of continuing to learn.

This realistic and tough-minded perspective makes it a perfect anthem for getting through the demanding exam season.

iKendrick Lamar

Kendrick Lamar – i (Official Video)

This song is about pumping yourself up so you won’t lose to those around you.

When you’re feeling nervous before an exam, I think listening to it can instantly make you feel strong.

Please give it a listen when you’re feeling down and let it give you courage.

BraveSara Bareilles

Sara Bareilles – Brave (Official Video)

Sara Bareilles’s ‘Brave’ is a song that sings about wanting to see you become a hero.

Even when you’re feeling anxious before an exam, listening to this song will surely fire you up.

You’ll feel ready to perform at 100%!

F**kin’ PerfectP!nk

P!nk – F**kin’ Perfect (Official Video – Explicit)

This song was also the theme for the drama “Taisetsu na Koto wa Subete Kimi ga Oshiete Kureta” (“You Taught Me All the Important Things”).

It’s an encouraging track that tells you, “You’re the most perfectly wonderful person.” The chorus lifts your spirits as it soars, and it affirms all the hard work you’ve done so far.

Rise UpAndra Day

Andra Day – Rise Up [Official Music Video] [Inspiration Version]

Andra Day, beloved as both an actress and singer-songwriter, is featured here with “Rise Up” from her album Cheers to the Fall.

This piano ballad showcases her crystal-clear voice, and its lyrics portray someone facing hardships.

With imagery that compares difficulties to the sea and mountains, the song conveys a sweeping, grand atmosphere.

By the way, the title “Rise Up” doesn’t just mean “to get up,” but also “to rally” or “to overcome.” Perfect for when you need that extra push.

Celtic WomanCeltic Woman

You raise me up

Released in 2005.

A cover of a piece by Secret Garden.

It’s the song that became well-known from Shizuka Arakawa’s exhibition program at the Turin Olympics.

The lyrics convey a feeling like, “Because you lift me up, I can be strong,” giving the sense of being encouraged by something invisible.

Separate WaysJourney

Journey – Separate Ways (Worlds Apart) (Official HD Video – 1983)

Journey is a band that enjoyed tremendous success from the mid-1970s to the late 1980s.

Incorporating a wide range of musical genres—including progressive rock, hard rock, and ballads—their songs are still used in many forms of media today.

The song we’re featuring this time, Separate Ways, is one of their hit tracks, released in 1983.

In Japan, it’s known as the theme song for the World Baseball Classic.

With its fiery, rousing melody, it’s a great recommendation for students preparing for exams!