What is it about '80s songs that makes them so inherently uplifting? Many '80s songs are extremely upbeat, so it's no surprise they usually put you in a good mood. Let's rank the most motivational '80s songs from the best decade of music, featuring songs with uplifting lyrics that are sure to put a smile on your face.
Journey's "Don't Stop Believin" is easily one of the most motivational '80s songs. The title of the song was actually inspried by keyboard player Jonathan Cain's father, who delivered the message whenever Cain felt like giving up on his musical dreams. Another great uplifting '80s song is Survivor's "Eye of the Tiger," which was used as the main theme song for Rocky III. Fun fact: Sylvester Stallone originally wanted to use "Another One Bites The Dust" as the theme, but requested that Survivor record something orignial after getting rejected by Queen. Other great '80s songs that will put you in a good mood are classics like John Parr's "St. Elmo's Fire" and Joe Esposito's "You're The Best."
Vote up your favorite inspirational songs from the '80s below, and add your own selections if you don't see them here already!
1
8927Don't Stop Believin'
JourneyAlbums: Escape
Composer: Steve Perry, Neal Schon, Jonathan Cain
Length (seconds): 4:8
2
7929Eye of the Tiger
SurvivorAlbums: Eye of the Tiger
Composer: Frankie Sullivan, Jim Peterik
Length (seconds): 4:0
3
6226St. Elmo's Fire
John Parr4
6129Flashdance (What a Feeling)
Irene Cara5
5019Hit Me With Your Best Shot
Pat BenatarAlbums: Crimes of Passion, In the Heat of the Night / Crimes of Passion
Composer: Pat Benatar, Eddie Schwartz
Producer: Keith Olsen
Length (seconds): 2:51
6
5125Here I Go Again
WhitesnakeAlbums: Saints & Sinners
Composer: David Coverdale, Bernie Marsden
Length (seconds): 4:33
7
3618You're The Best
Joe Esposito8
4125Don't Worry Be Happy
Bobby McFerrinAlbums: Simple Pleasures
Composer: Bobby McFerrin
Length (seconds): 4:49
9
3520We Got the Beat
The Go-Go'sAlbums: Beauty and the Beat
Composer: The Go-Go's, Charlotte Caffey
Length (seconds): 2:30
10
2715True Colors
Cyndi LauperDate Recorded: 1986
Albums: True Colors
11
3931(You Gotta) Fight for Your Right
Beastie BoysAlbums: Licensed to Ill
Composer: Rick Rubin
Producer: Beastie Boys, Rick Rubin
Length (seconds): 3:26
12
3830Don't Dream It's Over
Crowded House13
3223Up Where We Belong
Joe Cocker and Jennifer Warnes14
2211Your The Inspiration
Chicago15
3123Danger Zone
Kenny Loggins16
3528Beat It
Michael JacksonAlbums: HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book 1, Thriller
Composer: Michael Jackson
Producer: Quincy Jones, Michael Jackson
Length (seconds): 3:49
17
2516Faith
George MichaelDate Recorded: 1987
Albums: Faith
18
3327Sweet Dreams
EurythmicsAlbums: Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)
Composer: Annie Lennox, David A. Stewart
Producer: David A. Stewart
Length (seconds): 3:32
19
2012The Best
Tina TurnerDate Recorded: 1989
Albums: Foreign Affair
20
3227Born in the U.S.A.
Bruce Springsteen, E Street BandAlbums: Born in the U.S.A.
Composer: Bruce Springsteen
Producer: Steven Van Zandt, Bruce Springsteen, Jon Landau, Chuck Plotkin
Length (seconds): 4:38
21
3127Break My Stride
Matthew WilderAlbums: I Don't Speak the Language
Composer: Matthew Wilder, Greg Prestopino
Length (seconds): 2:58
22
2419Never Surrender
Corey HartAlbums: Boy in the Box
Composer: Corey Hart
Producer: Jon Astley, Phil Chapman
Length (seconds): 4:53
23
2523Jack & Diane
John MellencampAlbums: American Fool
Composer: John Mellencamp
Length (seconds): 4:16
24
2524The Greatest Love of All
Whitney Houston25
1512I Would Die 4 U
Prince & The RevolutionDate Recorded: 1984
Albums: Purple Rain