Music has always been a source of empowerment for people across the globe, and the theme of strength within songs has been prominent with major artists for many years. Concepts such as strength from solitude, unity, or the need to survive have always been dominant in music and have also served as the bridge to the gap between listeners and artists. Songs about strength can be inspiring and uplifting.
As individuals, we all experience a subjective reality that largely revolves around our environment, but fundamentally, we are all passengers of the same ride, and strength, especially in current times, is something we all yearn for and need.
In most cases, strength comes from the need to conquer hardship. Whether that comes from bad relationships, hard upbringings, or general hardships, strength is needed in all aspects of life to survive. Below are some of the most powerful songs that convey the message of strength and have got millions of fans pushing through their daily lives.
1. Roar by Katy Perry
| Genre | Pop |
| Year Released | 2013 |
| Album | Prism |
“Roar” became an instant hit across the globe, with the single managing to earn its way into the top 100 songs of the US Billboard. It has been said that the song was written after Katy Perry split up with celebrity Russel Brand while being in therapy and dealing with her divorce.
The song for Katy Perry was a fightback and an empowering moment as she came to different realizations during that time. As the lyrics suggest, it’s a stand toward getting your power back and rebuilding yourself to be a strong and confident individual.
2. Eye of The Tiger by Survivor
| Genre | Rock |
| Year Released | 1982 |
| Album | The Eye of The Tiger |
“Eye of The Tiger” is a classic rock song that made its way through pretty much everywhere. It became number 2 on the US Billboard charts during its release and has seen its way through the entire entertainment industry.
Having been featured in the blockbuster movie “Rocky III,” the song gained a massive amount of traction and is still considered to this day, the ultimate training song amongst athletes and sports professionals. “Eye of The Tiger” influenced “Rocky III” so much that the movie adapted half of its storyline to compliment the theme of the song. The song is about the will to keep going and persevering through strength, hard work, and dedication.
3. Giant by Calvin Harris, Rag’n’Bone Man
| Genre | Dance |
| Year Released | 2019 |
| Album | Giant, Single |
Right away, “Giant” was immensely popular within the dance and house scene and managed to climb to 6th place on the US Billboard’s dance singles charts in the year it was released.
The song was an incredible success around the world and was even nominated for many awards, including the 2019 Brit Awards. The song talks about the need for strength in situations where two people have lost their ways and how the power of love can empower one to be strong for two.
4. Don’t Stop Believin’ by Journey
| Genre | Rock |
| Year Released | 1981 |
| Album | Escape |
When it comes to power anthems, one can’t help but bring up Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’.” An endless classic that echoed through the eighties and still going strong in current times. The song was featured in many Hollywood productions including South Park, Family Guy, and the finale of the legendary HBO series Sopranos.
The song exerts strength, and even though it lyrically focuses on the power of faith, the arrangement and choruses just fill the listener with a profound sense of inner power. “Don’t Stop Believing” was deemed the perfect rock song by many critics and fans and reached number 2 in the US Billboard’s Mainstream Rock Charts and has also received a Grammy Hall of Fame award.
5. Life Is Worth Living by Justin Bieber
| Genre | R&B, Pop |
| Year Released | 2015 |
| Album | Purpose |
Love him or hate him, Justin Bieber has sold 150 million albums worldwide, with an incredible 53 platinum and 25 gold singles or albums to his credit. Add to that 26 Billboard top-ten hits, with eight of them reaching number one, and you can see how he is one of the most successful solo artists of all time. In 2015, he released his fourth album, “Purpose,” which included the heartfelt ballad “Life Is Worth Living,” which shows how the trials and tribulations that you face in life shouldn’t get you down and that better things are on the horizon.
6. Don’t Stop Me Now by Queen
| Genre | Rock, Pop |
| Year Released | 1978 |
| Album | Jazz |
Queen has released many powerful songs throughout the years. They also had one of the most powerful stage presences in rock history. Being present at a Queen gig was an immense experience where the audience would recite an entire song in unison with Freddie Mercury, the lead singer of the band. “Don’t Stop Me Now” has stood the test of time and still sounds fresh to this day.
The lyrics convey the feeling of a highly empowered individual ready to take on everything and everyone in this realm or another, fueled by a good time and the power of music. Although the song only reached number 86 on the US charts, it eventually evolved throughout the years to the point where it became one of Queen’s most popular songs.
7. The Champion by Carrie Underwood (Featuring Ludacris)
| Genre | Country |
| Year Released | 2018 |
| Album | Cry Pretty |
It takes lots of strength to constantly be at the top of your game. This is especially true if you are an athlete, as all of the physical demands that you place on your body take a toll. If you want to be at your best, you have to be in peak physical condition. When Carrie Underwood performed the song “The Champion” for Super Bowl LII with rap legend Ludacris, she was not only thinking about the athletes competing in that event but also about people who excel in their everyday lives. The song was also included in her 2018 album “Cry Pretty.”
8. Uprising by Muse
| Genre | Rock |
| Year Released | 2009 |
| Album | The Resistance |
Another fine example of strength in music would have to be “Uprising” by Muse. According to the lead singer, Mathew Bellamy, the song serves as a protest against modern banking systems and is a power anthem for people to take their power back. The music video to the song was received with high praise from Muse fans around the world and also won the MTV video music award for best visual effects and was nominated for best rock video.
The song gained a lot of popularity during its release and has become one of the band’s most successful songs to date. “Uprising” has also been a staple for all of Muse’s live performances since its original release in 2009.
9. I’m Still Standing by Elton John
| Genre | Pop Rock, Rock |
| Year Released | 1983 |
| Album | Too Low for Zero |
“I’m Still Standing” by legendary pop and rock icon Elton John is yet another depiction of inner strength and the will to survive. The song focuses on being able to soldier on after separating from a lover and, as the lyrics state, “Pickin’ up the pieces of my life without you on my mind.” “I’m Still Standing” was written shortly after Elton’s breakup with his ex.
The song managed to find its way to 12th place in the US Billboard’s hot 100 songs during the time it was released and was nominated for best choreography and best editing at MTV’s video music awards. The song was also highlighted in the movie “Rocketman,” a biopic of Elton John, where it was recreated in the film’s final scene.
10. The Climb by Miley Cyrus
| Genre | Pop |
| Year Released | 2009 |
| Album | Hannah Montana: The Movie (Original Soundtrack) |
Although Miley Cyrus will turn 30 years old this year and has had an accomplished musical career, it’s hard to see her without thinking about the many years that she spent at Disney. In case you have been hiding under a rock for the past few decades, she was the star of the show “Hannah Montana,” which was the highest-debuting show in the history of the Disney Channel. In 2009, it even spawned a movie, and “The Climb” appears on the soundtrack. The song compares the challenges you face in life to mountains and inspires you to conquer them.
11. Underdog by Alicia Keys
| Genre | R&B, Soul |
| Year Released | 2020 |
| Album | Alicia |
Alicia Augello Cook is a celebrated pianist and an accomplished composer who started writing songs when she was just 12 years old, signing her first record deal at the young age of 15. Performing under the name Alicia Keys, she has become one of the most respected R&B and soul singers of her generation. In her song “Underdog,” which is found on her 20/20 album simply titled “Alicia.” the 15-time Grammy winner tells us the tale of an inspiring young woman who gives hope to everyone she sees while also overcoming all of the obstacles stacked against her.
12. I Will Survive by Gloria Gaynor
| Genre | Soul, Disco |
| Year Released | 1978 |
| Album | Love Tracks |
One of the most iconic songs of all time featuring the theme of getting out of a bad relationship and coming out stronger is Gloria Gaynor’s “I Will Survive.” The song is a power anthem for both men and women alike, which is still revered in modern times. “I Will Survive” has also been a major hit within the LGBTQ community and has also been labeled as the ultimate gay anthem due to the popularity it found within the community.
The song ranked number 1 in VH1’s greatest dance songs of 2000 and was ranked number 2 for best disco songs of all time in 2012 in a poll held by Rolling Stone. Another fun fact about the song is that the co-writer and producer of the song, Dino Ferakis, claimed that he wrote the song because he got fired from his previous position as a staff writer for Motown Records.
13. Take The Power Back by Rage Against the Machine
| Genre | Rock, Funk |
| Year Released | 1991 |
| Album | Rage Against The Machine |
One can’t help but associate the theme of power and strength with Rage Against The Machine. The band has been all about this concept since the beginning of their careers and has been defined by their ability to produce songs that are timeless musical pieces for standing their ground and fighting back against the system.
The song was written as a protest against the idea of the American dream, which is, according to the lead singer Zach De la Roche, placed in the minds of the youth early in education, making the conform to this ideal. The album attained number 45th on the weekly US Billboard 200 charts and has been one of the most popular albums for the band, both for fans and for the band’s live performances.
14. Fight The Power by Public Enemy
| Genre | Hip Hop, Soul, R&B |
| Year Released | 1988 |
| Album | It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back |
Featured in Spike Lee’s critically acclaimed film “Do the right thing,” “Fight The Power” came at a time when racial tensions were at their peak in the US and served as a major power anthem and voice for the black community in America.
The song was released the following year as a single and reached number one on the Hot Rap Singles in the US Billboard list and has been ranked number two on Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest songs of all time list in 2021. In addition, in 2001, the song was ranked 288 in the Songs of The Century by the Recording Industry Association of America, and the National Endowment of the Arts. “Fight The Power” was more than just a song at the time of its release; it was considered a political movement in the African American community, which had a major influence over fans and other artists alike. It’s considered Public Enemy’s most popular track and holds its ground by many as one of the most important songs of the genre to this day.
15. Love Myself by Hailee Steinfeld
| Genre | Pop |
| Year Released | 2015 |
| Album | Halz EP |
It’s not very often that you find somebody who is gifted enough to be a Peabody, Golden Globe, Screen Actors Guild, and Critics’ Choice Award winner, who has also been nominated for an Academy Award and has also had an accomplished musical career as well. Well, that’s exactly what we get in Hailee Steinfeld. The Billboard Music Award nominee turned heads when she released her debut EP “Halz,” which featured the hit single “Love Myself.” The song is an infectious dance track that delivers the message that loving yourself and believing in yourself is the best thing you can do.
16. Power by Kanye West
| Genre | Hip Hop, Rap |
| Year Released | 2010 |
| Album | My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy |
Kanye West is one of those artists that has been considered one of the best rappers of modern times and also one of the weirdest individuals in the music industry. In 2010 following Kanye’s controversial incident with Taylor Swift at the Grammys, he released My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy featuring “Power,” which was acclaimed by many publications and critics. It was deemed as one of the top albums of 2010 by Billboard, NME, and Rolling Stone, as well as many others, with Power being one of the most popular songs. It was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Rap Solo Performance at the 53rd Grammy Awards and received a further two nominations from the MTV Music Video Awards.
The song talks about the abuse of power when in a position of power and takes stabs at current culture and trends. West claims that the song took 5000 hours to complete.
17. The Greatest by Sia Ft Kendrik Lamar
| Genre | Pop, Electropop |
| Year Released | 2016 |
| Album | This Is Acting |
It’s a very rare thing to come across a pop song that talks about a tragedy and yet sounds upbeat, happy, and hopeful. Sia’s “The Greatest” was a commemoration of the Orlando nightclub shootings where a man opened fire in a gay nightclub in the Florida town wounding 53 people and murdering 49. The song was highly praised by fans and critics upon its release and managed to remain in the top 100 songs of its genre in the US during that year.
The music video that accompanied the song brought light to the song’s concept and was nominated for the best music video in the Aria Music Awards of 2017 and has accumulated a staggering 767 million views on Youtube. The song’s lyrics talk about not giving up and finding the strength within to keep going, surviving, and ultimately being the greatest version of yourself.
18. Let it Be by The Beatles
| Genre | Pop, Alternative |
| Year Released | 1970 |
| Album | Let it Be |
As we mentioned in this list’s opening paragraphs, we can find strength in many shapes and forms. In the case of The Beatles’ “Let it Be,” strength is found in the sound of music, in our belief systems, and in one of the most powerful concepts of human existence, hope. Upon its release, at the time, it managed to have the highest debut of any song during that year.
“Let it Be” was number 1 on the US Billboard charts list and was the band’s 7th consecutive number 1 single. Following the release of the album, lead member and frontman Paul Mccartney announced his departure from the Beatles, making it the last album the band released together.
19. The Fire by The Roots Ft. John Legend
| Genre | R&B, Soul, Hip Hop |
| Year Released | 2010 |
| Album | How I Got Over |
Another song that exerts strength and is powered by the concept of hope is “The Fire” by The Roots, which features pop and soul superstar John Legend. Very much like “Eye of The Tiger,” “The Fire” is also a song that works as a motivator. Core member and known personality Questlove described the song as an anthem and a “hang-on-in-there” piece which ultimately served as a ray of hope from within the album.
“The Fire” appeared in the hit video game by EA Sports, “Fight Night Champions,” and also in the blockbuster movie “Creed” and is closely associated in the sports world as a training motivator, especially in contact sports.
20. Out of The Black by Royal Blood
| Genre | Rock |
| Year Released | 2014 |
| Album | Royal Blood |
Sometimes strength is found within a darker mental state. In the case of Royal Blood’s “Out of The Black,” strength comes solely from the need for vengeance and the need to lash out. A remarkable feat of the song is that Royal Blood consists of only two members and the power of the song stems from just bass guitar and drums.
The song was the band’s debut single and managed to be in the top 50 US Billboard hot rock & alternative songs charts as well as Billboard’s Rock Airplay charts. The video that accompanied the song upon its release is also quite literally a blast to watch. “Out of The Black” was also featured in EA Sports’ Fight Night Champions.
21. Seven Nation Army by The White Stripes
| Genre | Rock |
| Year Released | 2003 |
| Album | Elephant |
Having one of the most memorable riffs in the rock genre, “Seven Nation Army” is an anthem of inner strength and one of the most widely recognized rock songs ever. The song won best rock song at the 46th annual Grammy Awards, and its video won the best editing in a video at the 2003 MTV music video awards. After its release, it skyrocketed the band’s popularity and is the most recognizable song in their discography. Furthermore, the song made its way into the sporting world, most notably becoming Club Brugge KV’s unofficial anthem as fans started singing the riff during their game against AC Millan in the Champions League game held in 2003. When Italy won the 2006 World Cup, thousands sang the infamous riff all across the streets of Rome.
22. It’s My Life by Bon Jovi
| Genre | Rock, Pop Rock |
| Year Released | 2000 |
| Album | Crush |
I remember back in the day when I was a hormonal teenager and Bon Jovi’s song “It’s My Life” was released, how empowered it made me feel. The song became an instant hit and was liked by a very wide array of audiences across the world. Spreading its message of strength through just being oneself and enjoying life’s ride.
John Bon Jovi mentioned in an interview that he had no idea that the song would impact people of all ages the way it has and that he originally wrote the song thinking it was about his own experiences and life. The song was a major hit and reached number 33 on US Billboard’s top 100 songs of the year charts, and throughout the years, it managed to earn 1.1 billion views on Youtube.
23. A New Level by Pantera
| Genre | Metal, Groove Metal |
| Year Released | 1992 |
| Album | Vulgar Display of Power |
When talking about strength, it’s vital to at least mention the metal genre and one of its iconic bands. Pantera was an icon of power in music, especially with the release of their 6th studio album, “Vulgar Display of Power.” “A New Level” is, as the lead singer Phil Anselmo described, “The ultimate chip-on-your-shoulder type song.” and talks about gaining strength through confidence.
A fun fact about Pantera’s “A New Level” was that during Madonna’s Sticky & Stiff tour, she performed the main riff during a medley song in front of her fans. “A New Level” was considered by fans to be one of the most powerful songs from the Pantera discography, and Dimebag Darell’s solo made its way to the top 5 songs of Guitar World’s best wah solos of all time.
24. Metalica by Fuel
| Genre | Metal, Heavy Metal |
| Year Released | 1997 |
| Album | Reload |
“Fuel” by the legendary Metalica is a song about adrenaline. More specifically, it’s a song about the adrenaline one gets when racing around with powerful cars. Speed provides adrenaline seekers with an inner strength that cannot be achieved through other means, which makes “Fuel” one of the ultimate power songs for muscle car enthusiasts.
The song became an instant hit on the US Billboard mainstream rock charts and was also nominated for a grammy award for best hard rock performance in 1999. “Fuel” remains a favorite amongst Metalica fans worldwide, and it’s also one of the band’s most frequently played songs during their live performances.
25. Radioactive by Imagine Dragons
| Genre | Pop, Alternative, Alternative Rock |
| Year Released | 2012 |
| Album | Night Visions |
Originally written for the movie “Spiderman,” “Radioactive” by Imagine Dragons is a song that is, most definitely, strength in musical form. The song talks about the concept of becoming something beyond the norm and transforming into something bigger, mightier, and better. Throughout the majority of the song, we can hear an orchestral drum being used to infuse the song’s beat, which undeniably portrays strength.
“Radioactive” was a massive hit upon its release and was used excessively on television. The song became the best-selling rock song in US digital history and remained on the US Billboard charts for 87 weeks during the year of its release. In addition, as of 2021, the song has managed to earn 1.3 billion views on Youtube.
26. Payback by James Brown
| Genre | Funk, Soul |
| Year Released | 1973 |
| Album | The Payback |
“Payback” is yet another strength-driven song by the Godfather of Soul, James Brown. The song was originally written for the movie Hell Up in Harlem, but the producers of the film decided to cut Brown from providing the soundtrack for the film, claiming it was too similar to all of his previous work.
The song was later released with the album “The Payback” and peaked at number 26 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts. It was also one of his two songs to reach gold status by the RIAA. The main riff has been sampled by a plethora of artists around the world, making “Payback” one of the most frequently sampled songs in the world.
27. Hate Me Now by NAS
| Genre | Rap, Hip Hop |
| Year Released | 1999 |
| Album | I Am… |
“Hate Me Now” is a power-driven song by hip-hop legend NAS that dabbles with the concept of strength and confidence. The song features melodies and arrangements from Carl Orff’s “Carmina Burana” and is quite arguably one of the best rap songs of the 1990s. The song was originally written for Foxy Brown by D-Moet but was rejected and then passed on to NAS.
The song was NAS’s second and final single and gained major popularity upon its release. It ranked number 8 on Billboard’s Hot Rap Songs chart and was number 119 on XXL’s 250 best songs of the 1990s. Accompanied by a highly controversial video, co-producer Sean Combs was involved in an altercation with NAS’s manager due to the crucifixion scene and was later sued for assault. The scene was not supposed to be included in the final cut of the video but was approved by NAS’s manager and went on to be aired.
28. I Won’t Let Go by Rascal Flatts
| Genre | Country |
| Year Released | 2010 |
| Album | Nothing Like This |
Sometimes it’s hard to be strong. During these times, it’s amazing to know that we have somebody who can be strong for us. Having that person who can pick you up when you are down can make a tremendous difference in your life and can forge an inseparable bond between you and that person. This has got to be what Gary LeVox and the CMA Award-winning group Rascal Flatts were experiencing when they wrote the heartbreaking, emotionally-charged country ballad “I Won’t Let Go,” which is featured on their 7th studio album, “Nothing Like This,” which was their last platinum-selling album. This is an awesome song with a theme of staying together through hard times.
29. Warrior by Demi Lovato
| Genre | Pop |
| Year Released | 2013 |
| Album | Demi |
“Warrior” is the sequel to the song “Skyscraper” by Demi Lovato, which talks about her personal experience with sexual abuse from her childhood boyfriend. The song is about overcoming major trauma and becoming stronger from hardships from the past and the experiences that made the artist persevere and become who she is today. Lovato, in an interview, mentioned that the song was too personal to be performed live and has been the hardest as well as the easiest song she ever had to write.
The album was a major hit during its initial release and managed to reach number 3 on the US Billboard charts. It has sold half a million copies and reached gold status by the RIIA.
30. Stronger by Kelly Clarkson
| Genre | Pop, Dance, Electro Pop |
| Year Released | 2012 |
| Album | Stronger |
“Stronger” is a dance anthem by Kelly Clarkson, which was inspired by the famous Nietzsche quote, “what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.” The song quickly became a drag anthem and very popular with the LGBTQ community. The single follows a self-empowerment theme that aims to help its listeners overcome personal issues and obstacles.
The song was a giant hit, reaching Billboard’s Hot 100 at number 1, and received 3 Grammy Award Nominations for Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best Pop Solo Performance during the year of its release. It was also a pinnacle moment for Kelly Clarkson’s career, managing to sell just under 5 million copies in the US alone. This is one of my personal favorite songs about strength and courage.
31. Hall of Fame by The Script ft. will.i.am
| Genre | Pop, Pop Rock |
| Year Released | 2012 |
| Album | #3 |
“Hall of Fame” is another example of finding strength from within. The song talks about not following a materialistic lifestyle and living true to yourself and your moral codes. Featuring will.i.am from the Black Eyed Peas, “Hall of Fame” is The Script’s first single to ever have been released and has been used in a multitude of media promotions.
The song managed to climb to the top 30 on four different Billboard charts in the US and sold just under 3 million copies in the US alone. It was covered in an episode from the popular series Glee and was also used in the opening ceremony of Masterchef Australia: The Professionals. In addition, it was the theme song for Impact Wrestling and WWE’s Hall of Fame ceremonies.
32. Till I Collapse by Eminem
| Genre | Rap, Hip Hop, Rap Rock |
| Year Released | 2001 |
| Album | The Eminem Show |
Eminem has always been one of those artists that wrote powerful raps filled with standoffish strength and vigor. “Till I Collapse” is one of those songs that exerts power and strength and has been used on many occasions in media to portray just that. UFC fighter Junior Dos Santos used the song as his walk-in theme, and the infamous game series, Call of Duty, used it to promote their 2009 release, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2.
The song was ridiculously popular when it came out, although it was never released as a single, and went on to become an 8-time platinum song, selling over 8 million copies by 2022. It’s the rapper’s third most streamed song on Spotify and has earned over 1.3 billion streams to this day.
33. I Won’t Back Down by Tom Petty
| Genre | Rock, Heartland Rock |
| Year Released | 1989 |
| Album | Full Moon Fever |
As the title of the song suggests, “I Won’t Back Down” is a song about being strong enough to push through and carry on during difficult times. The song played a lot on American radio shows following the tragedy of 9/11 and was considered a national anthem of strength and resilience amongst the American people. It was also loosely plagiarized by the British singer Sam Smith with his popular single “Stay With Me,” and it was agreed that Tom Petty would be credited as co-writer of the song.
“I Won’t Back Down” reached number 1 on the US Billboard’s Mainstream Rock Charts and was number 12 on Billboard’s Hot 100 charts. Another fun fact about the song was that it was used as another of Chris Weidman’s walkout themes, another UFC fighter during his fight with Anderson Silva at UFC 162.
34. Perseverance by Hatebreed
| Genre | Hardcore, Metalcore, Metal |
| Year Released | 2002 |
| Album | Perseverance |
Listening to Hatebreed is like listening to a sledgehammer going to work on a concrete wall, car, or any heavy inanimate object. It’s an embodiment of sheer strength and force that promises to go through anything that stands in its way. “Perseverance,” as the song name suggests, is a song that does just that. It talks about inner strength and the ability to overcome and persevere through anything by sheer willpower and determination. Although the metal genre has had strength as a main theme throughout the years, certain bands could spread the message of strength a little more effectively, and in my opinion, this is one of these bands, and this is one of those songs.
Perseverance as an album went on to climb to number 50 on the US Billboard’s 200 charts and is widely considered amongst fans as a definitive album for Hatebreed. Songs from the album have been used in many Hollywood movies, such as XXX and The Texas Chainsaw Massacre.
35. Keep Holding On by Avril Lavinge
| Genre | Pop |
| Year Released | 2006 |
| Album | The Best Damn Thing |
“Keep Holding On” is another song that explores the concept of perseverance. It has been praised by critics upon its release and was included in the soundtrack of the film Eragon. Although the film received mixed reviews from audiences and wasn’t received well by critics, Avril Lavigne’s “Keep Holding On” was short-listed for Best Original Song at the 79th Academy Awards.
The song managed to earn 3rd place in the US Billboard charts on the Adult Top 40 list and managed to remain in the top 40s throughout the year. “Keep Holding On” managed to become platinum, selling over 1.5 million copies in the US alone.
36. Fight Song by Rachel Platten
| Genre | Pop |
| Year Released | 2014 |
| Album | Wildfire |
Rachel Platten’s “Fight Song” is about not giving up and pushing through all the struggles of life and still keeping some fire to fight another day. The song was Rachel’s breakthrough song after a 12-year career and was majorly boosted through its usage in media. It was also sung as a duet with Taylor Swift during one of her concerts and gained massive popularity thereon. It was also used by Hilary Clinton during one of her presidential election campaigns and was also featured in a trailer for the tv series “Supergirl.”
The song was number 1 on two different Billboard charts lists in the US, including Adult Contemporary and Adult Top 40. Furthermore, “Fight Song” became a 6-time platinum song, selling over 6 million copies in the US.
37. Don’t Stop Till You Get Enough by Michael Jackson
| Genre | Funk, Disco |
| Year Released | 1979 |
| Album | Off The Wall |
Sometimes strength comes from a feeling of joy, energy, and dance. Michael Jackson’s “Don’t Stop Till You Get Enough” is one of those songs that will lift your spirit and make you smile and help you push through anything that you may be facing. It was Michael Jackson’s second hit single and was also his first number 1 song on the Billboard Charts. The song marked the beginning of Jackson’s solo career, where he was getting noticed for his incredible talent and skills as a singer and songwriter.
The song was number 1 on three different Billboard charts lists, including Disco Top 100, Hot 100, and Hot Song Singles. It became a 5-time platinum single selling over 5 million copies and has also awarded Michael Jackson with his first Grammy Award.
38. How Far I’ll Go by Alessia Cara
| Genre | Pop |
| Year Released | 2016 |
| Album | Know-It-All |
Originally written for Disney’s motion picture “Moana”, “How Far I’ll Go” talks about how far one will go to reach their target and get what they want as well as tapping into the necessary inner strength to achieve your goal. The song was sung by singer and actress Auliʻi Cravalho in the Disney film and was later released as a single by Alessia Carra.
It was nominated for Best Original Song at the 89th Academy Awards and Best Original Song at the Golden Globe Awards. Although it lost the awards to La-la Land’s city of stars, it managed to win a Grammy Award for Best Song Written For Visual Media.
39. Titanium by David Guetta ft. Sia
| Genre | Pop, House, Dance |
| Year Released | 2011 |
| Album | Nothing But The Beat |
David Guetta’s “Titanium,” much like the metallic element itself, talks about being so strong that you become bulletproof. Granted, titanium is not bulletproof, but it’s a highly anti-corrosive metal with immense strength that is frequently used to make robust constructions such as aircraft, missiles, and spacecraft. Featuring world-renown Sia, the song marked the artist’s entry into the world of songwriting for other artists and has been a catalyst for her success in the field. Mary J Blidge was scheduled to sing in the song instead of Sia, but David Guetta removed her from the track and replaced her with Sia.
The song managed to reach the top five on 3 Billboard charts lists and received high praise from critics and audiences. The song was pulled, however, from playing on the radio after the Sandy Hook elementary school shootings for its mention of guns in the lyrics. This is truly an awesome song about strength.
40. Fighter by Christina Aguilera
| Genre | Pop |
| Year Released | 2003 |
| Album | Stripped |
“Fighter” was originally written by Christina Aguilera while reflecting on her strife towards balancing her current life and her journey as a pop artist. The song is about the strength she needed to fight through the struggles that come with the challenges of this journey and the need to persevere to be able to overcome anything that may come. “Fighter” was featured in an NBA campaign and also became an anthem of self-empowerment for Christina Aguilera’s female fanbase.
The song has received positive reviews from critics and fans and became a gold single with over 1 million sales in the US and also managed to find its way into the top 30 on three different Billboard charts lists.
41. Survivor by Destiny’s Child
| Genre | Pop |
| Year Released | 2001 |
| Album | Survivor |
“Survivor,” which was based on the popular television series, is a song about inner strength and the drive to push through the hard times. Ultimately, the song’s title speaks for itself, and it was about the survival of the group after all the member changes that occurred. As a matter of fact, ex-members of the group sued Beyonce for defamation and libel, claiming that part of the lyrics were targeted towards them. “Survivor” was a defining moment for Beyonce and Destiny’s Child, which paved the way for her future career.
The song became a massive success and managed to earn the spot of second place in the US Billboard Top 100 charts list and also won a Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals.
42. Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger by Daft Punk
| Genre | EDM, House |
| Year Released | 2001 |
| Album | Discovery |
“Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger” by the legendary duo Daft Punk is a direct message of what the title says. Although there aren’t many lyrics to the song, it’s still a power anthem and a song that inspires strength through its musical performance. The song was sampled by Kanye West for his 2007 song “Stronger” and included the duo in the video clip. The song was also used a few times in media but more notably on an episode of the popular tv series “Grey’s Anatomy.”
The song managed to eventually win a Grammy Award for Best Dance Recording and was placed at 132nd place by the infamous NME on their 150 Best Tracks of the Past 15 Years list. The song went on to also place itself in 3rd place on the US Billboard’s US Dance Club Songs list.
43. Heroes by David Bowie
| Genre | Rock, Art Rock |
| Year Released | 1977 |
| Album | Heroes |
“Heroes” by David Bowie is a song written about a German couple that met every day on the Berlin wall to rejoice in their love. The song speaks about the power of love and unity, and the strength people can harness through one of the most powerful human emotions. “Heroes” was never a highly promoted song during its release, which is why David agreed to perform it live on Marc Bolan’s Granada Television series. The song had a gradual rise in popularity and is now considered one of David Bowie’s most defining songs from his body of work. The song had heavy use throughout the media over the years and played in the opening ceremony of the 2012 summer Olympics. It was also played on various tv series, including Netflix’s Stranger Things.
44. Strength Of The World by Avenged Sevenfold
| Genre | Heavy Metal |
| Year Released | 2005 |
| Album | City Of Evil |
Formed in Huntingdon Beach in 1999, Avenged Sevenfold has been melting faces for over two decades. This Grammy-nominated band has endured the tragic death of their drummer, Jimmy “The Rev” Sullivan, lineup changes, seven studio albums, and endless touring to become one of the most revered bands in music. When they released “City of Evil” in 2005, they were just hitting their stride with songs like “Strength Of the World.” This track deals with vengeance and shows how putting off grief can have a profound effect on your mental well-being and how it can be substituted with thoughts of revenge. If you like this song, you’ll also love our playlist of songs about revenge.
45. Up! by Shaina Twain
| Genre | Country |
| Year Released | 2002 |
| Album | Up! |
There are times in life when you can’t wait for somebody else to swoop in and pick you up when you’re down. Sometimes, you have to get yourself motivated and ready to take on the world. That’s the message that Shania Twain is trying to convey in her enthusiastic, upbeat single “Up!,” which is from her 2002 album of the same name. The Canadian Music Hall of Fame member gives us a three-minute pep talk on not letting life get the best of us and how we can overcome just about anything with a positive outlook and a can-do attitude.
46. I Hope You Dance by Lee Ann Womack
| Genre | Country |
| Year Released | 2000 |
| Album | I Hope You Dance |
Just because two people don’t work out together, that doesn’t mean that you want the worst for them once you go your separate ways. Although it’s hard, sometimes you know that this is the best thing the two of you can do. While it may hurt a little now, it may save a lot of heartbreak in the future. That takes incredible strength. This is something that plenty of people can relate to, which is why it was probably Leanne Womack’s highest-charting single on Billboard and is the title track to her third studio album of the same name. If you’re looking for songs that will make you cry that also have a theme of strength, this is certainly one you’ll want to listen to
47. Hold On by Wilson Phillips
| Genre | Pop |
| Year Released | 1990 |
| Album | Wilson Phillips |
Formed in Los Angeles in 1989, Wilson Phillips includes The Beach Boys Brian Wilson’s two daughters, Wendy and Carnie, as well as Chyna Phillips, who was the daughter of John and Michelle Phillips from The Mamas & the Papas. With that kind of musical lineage, there’s no wonder that their single “Hold On” was such a big hit, reaching the number one spot on the Billboard 100. On this song, the Grammy-nominated group lets us know that things aren’t always as bad as they seem and gives us the encouragement we need to hold on for better times ahead.
48. Win by Brian McKnight
| Genre | R&B, Soul |
| Year Released | 2000 |
| Album | Men Of Honor (Original Soundtrack) |
This song, which is from the soundtrack to the 2000 motion picture “Men of Honor,” reminds me of the old saying, “It’s always darkest before the dawn.” Sometimes, when things look like they are at their worst, it’s hard to see that something better may be just over the horizon. “Win” is meant to give you inspiration just when you need it most. This song tells you to never give up hope, no matter what. The track also earned McKnight one of his astonishing 17 Grammy nods. Surprisingly, even with that many nominations, he has never taken home the award.
49. Lost In The Echo by Linkin Park
| Genre | Alternative R9ck |
| Year Released | 2012 |
| Album | Living Things |
Before his tragic death in 2017, Chester Bennington was one of the most revered vocalists in alternative metal, and Lincoln Park was one of the forerunners of the genre. In 2012, the Echo Award-winning band released its fifth studio album, “Living Things.” The album’s lead track, “Lost In The Echo,” it’s a song about finding the strength to stand up for yourself and to be your own person, despite how others may see you or want to treat you. Set to a techno-inspired dance track, this song provides hope to those that need it most, giving them a message of strength and positivity.
50. Hero by Mariah Carey
| Genre | R&B, Soul, Pop |
| Year Released | 1993 |
| Album | Music Bix |
Mariah Carey has had 19 Billboard number-one singles. She also holds a Guinness World Record for being the only female performer to have a number-one song in each decade for the last four decades. It takes a strong person not only to reach the Pinnacle of your profession but to be able to remain at the top of your game for as long as she has. In 1993, she released her hit album “Music Box.” The record featured one of her signature songs, “Hero,” which is about finding your inner strength and becoming the hero you can be.
51. Strength Beyond Strength by Pantera
| Genre | Groove Metal |
| Year Released | 1994 |
| Album | Far Beyond Driven |
It takes strength to forge your own path in life, going headfirst against a path that has been laid out before you and laden with traditions that go back for generations. More times than not, this means that you might end up having to do things completely on your own, not getting a helping hand from anybody. That’s the message behind the opening track to 1994’s “Far Beyond Driven,” which is also the heaviest album to ever hit number one on the Billboard 200. The hard-hitting track shows that if you can accomplish this, you are indeed stronger than all.
52. Stronger by Britney Spears
| Genre | Pop |
| Year Released | 2000 |
| Album | Opps!…I Did It Again |
Walking away from a toxic relationship can be one of the most difficult things you will ever do, especially if you truly love this person and the two of you have a history together. However, once you have built up the strength to walk away, you’d be surprised at what you can accomplish. Britney Spears has had to do this a time or two in her life like she sings about in the anthem “Stronger,” which is from her RIAA diamond-certified 2000 album, “Oops!… I Did It Again,” which was her second of eight consecutive albums that went platinum or better.
53. Still Unbroken by Lynyrd Skynyrd
| Genre | Southern Rock |
| Year Released | 2009 |
| Album | God & Guns |
Southern rock legends Lynyrd Skynyrd have been around since forming under the name My Backyard in 1964. Not counting album sales from their first 17 years together, Lynyrd Skynyrd has sold 28 million albums in the united states since 1991, when Soundscan started keeping track of album sales. Despite various lineup changes and even death, this band remains unbroken, much like the name of this song from 2009’s “God & Guns.” To hang around the music business for six decades takes a lot of stress, but to do it successfully is nearly impossible. Lynyrd Skynyrd has accomplished this throughout its illustrious career.
54. Strength In Numbers by Times Of Grace
| Genre | Alternative Metal |
| Year Released | 2010 |
| Album | The Hymns of a Broken Man |
Times of Grace is a heavy metal supergroup formed in Massachusetts in 2007, consisting of members from Killswitch Engage, Shadows Fall, and Envy On the Coast. Although they planned to release their first album “The Hymns of a Broken Man” in 2009, the band remained largely inactive until 2010, when they released their first single, “Strength In Numbers.” The song is an uplifting track about how mankind must unite, rising together instead of constantly fighting and tearing each other down. The point of this song is that we all struggle and all suffer, so we must unite to overcome it.
55. One More Rep by Austrian Death Machine
| Genre | Thrash Metal |
| Year Released | 2014 |
| Album | Triple Brutal |
Austrian Death Machine is easily one of the most unusual bands I have ever heard in my life. They are a thrash metal side-project formed in San Diego by As I Lay Dying frontman Tim Lambesis. The band is meant to be both a tribute to and a parody of Arnold Schwarzenegger’s films. Yes, you read that right. They are a side project that parodies Arnold Schwarzenegger. This song, which opens with a pep talk from an Arnold impersonator, it’s just what you need if you are in the gym and need some motivation to squeeze out that last rep.
56. Motivated by NF
| Genre | Rap, Hip Hop |
| Year Released | 2015 |
| Album | Mansion |
Some people find strength in their significant other or their friends, while others find strength in their faith. That’s where Nathan John Feuerstein, better known by his rap name NF, draws his strength from. Feuerstein, who professes to be a Christian by faith, says that he was having a difficult time finding music he liked that wasn’t filled with negativity or profanity, so he decided to make his own. However, he vehemently opposes being labeled as a Christian rapper. It doesn’t matter what he’s called, as long as he keeps dropping great tracks like “Motivated”, which is from his 2015 album “Mansion.”
57. Not Afraid by Eminem
| Genre | Rap, Hip Hop |
| Year Released | 2010 |
| Album | Recovery |
Standing tall and facing your demons takes an incredible amount of strength that not everybody possesses. Some people are able to find creative ways in which to express themselves, which helps them not only conquer their demons but also never to return to them. Marshall Mathers, who was once known for having serious addiction problems, cleaned up his act and released one of the best albums of his career, which was 2010’s “Recovery.” The album’s lead single, “Not Afraid,” announced Eminem’s return to form after a couple of subpar releases while also winning the rapper a Grammy Award for Best Rap Single.
Wrap Up:
Let us know if you know of any great songs that we should add to this playlist below.
Hi, my name is Kevin and I’m from Butler, Pennsylvania. I’ve been obsessed with music and audio gear for as long as I can remember. I started this website to help people find professional advice related to a wide range of audio topics. We have a number of Audio Engineers on our team who have been designing and fixing audio gear for decades.