[2026] Popular pump-up songs in the U.S.: A roundup of Western music to boost motivation

About Damn TimeNEW!Lizzo

Lizzo – About Damn Time [Official Video]

The song I especially want you to listen to when you’re feeling emotionally drained is “About Damn Time.” It’s a single released in April 2022 by Lizzo, who is actively engaged in social causes, and it’s also well known as the lead track from her album “Special.” Its danceable beat and dazzling synth tones are striking, and the lyrics celebrate the joy of breaking free from pressure.

The track won Record of the Year at the 65th Grammy Awards and became a worldwide sensation, with dance videos going viral on TikTok.

It’s a deep dance number that gives you the courage to look forward when you’re feeling down, so be sure to add it to your go-to playlist for those crucial moments!

High HopesNEW!Panic! At The Disco

Panic! At The Disco – High Hopes (Official Video)

Panic! At The Disco continues to be loved beyond the bounds of emo and pop rock.

Showcasing Brendon Urie’s overwhelming vocal prowess, “High Hopes” is a masterpiece that celebrates the nobility of setting lofty goals and chasing your dreams.

Carrying his mother’s words in his heart, it conveys a strong determination to never give up and seize success even in difficult situations.

The song is included on the album “Pray for the Wicked,” released in June 2018, and drew attention through numerous tie-ins, such as Honda’s Accord commercial and the game NHL 19.

When you feel like you’re about to falter at work or in your studies, or on a decisive morning when you want to fire yourself up, listening to it will surely fill you with strength.

Be sure to check it out.

Eye Of The TigerNEW!Survivor

Survivor – Eye Of The Tiger (Official HD Video)

Formed in Chicago and a driving force in the 1980s rock scene, Survivor delivered a signature song that channels razor-sharp focus like a tiger stalking its prey and an indomitable will to rise from adversity.

With searing, soul-stirring vocals and an unforgettable opening guitar riff, just a listen is enough to flood you with adrenaline.

Created as the theme song for the film Rocky III and released in May 1982, it dominated the U.S.

charts at No.

1 and achieved worldwide success, including a Grammy win.

It’s the perfect track to power you up before a must-win showdown or during training that pushes you to your limits.

Girl on FireNEW!Alicia Keys

Alicia Keys – Girl on Fire (Official Video)

Alicia Keys, a singer-songwriter who grew up in Harlem, New York, continues to captivate the world with her commanding piano performances and powerful vocals.

This song, which sings of blazing passion and an unyielding will to push forward without fearing any hardship, is a stirring anthem that lights an unforgettable fire in listeners’ hearts.

Following major life milestones such as marriage and childbirth, it was released in 2012 as the title track of the album “Girl on Fire” and has since become widely beloved; it is also known for being featured in the end credits of the popular game Borderlands 3.

If you listen to it before an important presentation, at a decisive moment, or whenever you need to fire yourself up, you’ll surely feel a surge of heat rising from within.

True ColorsNEW!Cyndi Lauper

Cyndi Lauper – True Colors (Official HD Video)

Also featured as the CM song for the FUJIFILM X-T1, this piece is the title track of the 1986 album “True Colors” and a masterpiece that affirms “showing your true self.” It’s filled with the kindness of Cyndi Lauper, who’s also well known as a Japanophile.

Though she’s strongly associated with flashy fashion and pop tunes, here she gently stays close to your heart with a delicate vocal.

In October 1986 it reached No.

1 on the U.S.

charts and became an iconic song for the LGBTQ+ community.

It gives you a nudge that it’s okay to be different from those around you, so it really hits home when you feel like you’re losing yourself.

It’s an anthem that continues to give courage to many across generations, so be sure to listen when you’re feeling down.

SurvivorNEW!Destiny’s Child

Destiny’s Child – Survivor (Official Video)

Destiny’s Child, the R&B group that captivated the world with their overwhelming vocal power and performances.

Their single “Survivor,” released in March 2001 and included on the album of the same name, is one of the group’s signature empowerment anthems.

The story of how they transformed the negative noise surrounding member changes into a source of motivation is still widely talked about today.

The sound woven from a powerful beat and the trio’s harmonies conveys a steely resolve that won’t yield to any hardship.

A winner at the 44th Annual Grammy Awards, this track truly symbolizes an indomitable spirit.

When you hit a major wall at work or need the courage to believe in yourself, listening to it will surely give you the strength to move forward.

‘Ain’t No Mountain High EnoughNEW!Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell

Ain’t No Mountain High Enough

When it comes to duet songs bursting with overwhelming positive power that colored the golden age of soul music, surely this is the one, isn’t it? The way Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell call out to each other in song gives listeners a powerful push forward.

Crafted by Ashford & Simpson and released as a single in April 1967, it still shines with unfading brilliance, its original momentum intact.

It’s also famous for being used in films like Guardians of the Galaxy, so many of you have probably heard it.

Included on the album United, this track gives you the courage to face hardships beyond a simple vow of love.

Listen to it before a must-win challenge or when you want to boost your motivation, and it’s sure to fill your whole body with energy!