[2026] A roundup of Western/foreign-language motivational songs—cheer anthems that support your life

Not Like That AnymoreLola Young

Lola Young – Not Like That Anymore (Official Video)

When it comes to artists who stand by you in the moment you want to change yourself, isn’t Laura Young from London the first to come to mind? Her unvarnished words are sure to pierce the heart of any lonely exam-taker.

Declaring a break with her past self and pushing powerfully forward, this track is an anthem of breaking through the status quo.

Released in June 2025, it drew attention as the lead single from the album “I’m Only F**king Myself.” It was reportedly written on the very day she cut off her bad habits in New York, and that urgent resolve radiates through the sound.

Give it a listen when your studies aren’t yielding the results you hoped for and you’ve hit a slump.

It’s a song that will fire you up to say, “I’m not who I used to be,” and propel you toward success.

I Love ItIcona Pop feat. Charli XCX

Icona Pop – I Love It (feat. Charli XCX) [OFFICIAL VIDEO]

This is a hype track I absolutely want young people living in the now to hear.

No matter what happens, “don’t worry about it”—even if, say, you get into an accident and your car gets totally wrecked.

It’s the kind of song you’ll want to put on repeat over and over, especially perfect for those born in the ’90s.

Lovin MyselfAva Max

Ava Max – Lovin Myself (Official Music Video)

Japanese-to-English Translation: Ava Max – Lovin Myself

When you’re at your desk day after day, you might find yourself shaken by mock exam results or the voices around you and lose confidence for a moment.

This is the song I want you to listen to when you want to blow those anxieties away: a track by American singer Ava Max, released in May 2025.

It’s dance-pop themed around the power of loving and believing in yourself—not other people’s evaluations—and it offers a strong, uplifting push to everyone who listens.

Included on her third album, “Don’t Click Play,” it’s also known as a declaration of intent that saw her revive her iconic hairstyle.

An anthem that turns lonely nights into forward-looking energy by making yourself your own ally.

Give it a listen as a pep talk to yourself for the final stretch.

Rather BeClean Bandit ft. Jess Glynne

Clean Bandit – Rather Be ft. Jess Glynne [Official Video]

With its distinctive rhythm and a music video set in Japan, this song stands out, and its very cool lyrics—“If you give me a chance, I’ll rise to the challenge”—energize listeners.

It’s a song you’ll want to hear when you run into a wall.

What Makes You BeautifulOne Direction

One Direction – What Makes You Beautiful (Official Video)

As an anthem that champions the importance of being true to yourself, British band One Direction captured the hearts of young people around the world.

Aimed at women with low self-esteem, its gentle message—that you shine just as you are—has resonated with countless listeners.

Released in September 2011 as the lead single from the album “Up All Night,” the song quickly became a global hit.

It sold over 150,000 copies in its first week on the UK Singles Chart and won the Brit Award for British Single of the Year.

With its refreshing pop-rock sound and relatable message, it’s a highly recommended track for anyone who wants to lift their spirits when feeling down or losing confidence.

The GiverChappell Roan

Chappell Roan – The Giver (Official Lyric Video)

Chappell Roan – The Giver / Chappell Roan

Chappell Roan is a singer-songwriter from Missouri whose unique style shines with the aesthetics of drag queens.

She’s an artist drawing global attention, including winning the Grammy Award for Best New Artist.

Her country-tinged single The Giver, released in March 2025, marks her venture into that sound.

Co-produced with her longtime collaborator Dan Nigro, the track features a driving, energetic rhythm and made a big splash when it was first performed on Saturday Night Live in November 2024.

Its bright, high-energy vibe is perfect for refreshing a tired mind during study sessions.

If you’re looking to boost your mood, especially as an exam-taker, this is a must-listen.

DriveEd Sheeran

Ed Sheeran – Drive (From F1® The Movie) [Official Music Video]

[Japanese to English Translation] Ed Sheeran – Drive (From F1® The Movie) Theme Song for the Film “F1”

Ed Sheeran, the British singer-songwriter who continues to captivate the world with acoustic classics.

The track I want to introduce as his full-throttle rock pep song is this one.

Featured on the official soundtrack for the film “F1: The Movie,” released in June 2025, it’s been crafted into a driving anthem brimming with a sense of speed.

The powerful performances by the likes of John Mayer and Dave Grohl deliver a sound tailor-made for all of you taking on the race that is entrance exams.

When you’re down about a mock test result or can’t find the motivation, give it a listen—you’ll feel the energy to start running again.

Be sure to check it out!