We all have our playlists or go-to songs when we’re upset, angry, or dealing with something hard. We also have our songs for when we’re hangin’ with the girls or the guys and having a good time.
Why can’t some songs do both though? Why can’t the same songs that we have a good time listening to by ourselves or with our friends also be perfect for when we’re in a bad mood?
Here are some songs that you can listen to for fun, as well as empowerment and to lift your spirits.
Empowering Mix from theodysseyucf on 8tracks Radio.
1. “Brave” by Sara Bareilles: This song is great for when you’re feeling down and unsure of what you’re doing or where you’re going. It tells you that sometimes you just need to put on your brave face and do what you think is right. You’ll never know what could’ve happened if you don’t try. You can be your own hero if you speak out.
2. “Sheezus” by Lily Allen: This song is more so for giggles, but it does have some important things to take away from it. Lily Allen took quite a few years off between her second and third album. The song talks about her entrance back into the world of music. With a catchy hook and pop references, Allen creates a song that mocks the ridiculous expectations of women in the light of the music industry. What can we take away from this? Ignore what people say and do your own thing. Don’t compare yourself to others and don’t listen when others try to make comparisons. You can wear the crown and be the queen or king. You don’t need anyone to justify it to you.
3. “Roar” by Katy Perry: Katy Perry is easily one of the most influential women in the music industry that broadcasts empowerment. This song is pretty self-explanatory. Is there someone tearing you down? Are you trying to find a way to overcome an obstacle in your life? Channel your inner tiger and let your roar be heard! Standing up for yourself and taking charge of your life is one of the most satisfying things you can do. You are strong on your own so don’t be afraid to let it show. YOU ARE A CHAMPION.
4. "Really Don’t Care” by Demi Lovato: This song is perfect for a breakup. It’s about moving on and being able to say, “Who cares? I don’t care about you anymore. It’s all good.” If you’re struggling with a breakup, listen to this song. Demi will teach you how to walk away for good and move on to bigger and better things. Because even if the stars and moon collide, you shouldn’t want them back into your life. Let the words they say just dissipate and float off into the distance.
5. “Stronger” by Britney Spears: This song is an oldie but a goodie. This song is great for if you’re going through a breakup, whether it’s on your end or their end. It’s also great even if you’re going through a rough time. Everything that you go through makes you stronger and each day you are stronger than you were before. Take a moment to jam out to Britney and let the nostalgia kick in. You’ll feel like a whole new person. YOU GOT THIS.
6. “On Top Of The World” by Imagine Dragons: This song is great because if you’re feeling defeated, just think about how you can get back up and keep moving forward. It’s not impossible and when you get there, you can say that you’re on top of the world. It’s worth the struggle and the wait to get there.
7. “Express Yourself” by Madonna: Madonna knows what she’s talking about. This song is great for when you just don’t know who you are anymore or if you’re in a relationship where someone doesn’t know how to communicate what they’re feeling. If you feel bottled up and like you don’t know how to let it out, listen to this song. EXPRESS YOURSELF. That is the best way to feel better no matter what you’re going through. No one will know what you’re thinking or feeling unless you tell them or show them. Write it out, sing a song, do some art, or just tell someone! The main point is to express yourself.
8. “Bad Day” by Daniel Powter: Yes, this song is on this list. Why? Because even though it was used on American Idol when contestants got sent home and it’s kind of a one-hit wonder, it speaks the truth. You may have had a bad day, but it will get better. Listen to that sad song if you need to. Being an adult isn’t easy and sometimes we feel like we’re going to break. The key is to never give up hope. Bad days come and go, but there are so many more good days in-between.
9. “Suddenly I See” by KT Tunstall: This song is great for when you are trying to figure out where you want to be. When you step back and look at the bigger picture, you’ll be able to see what means the most to you and where you want to be or where you want to go. Take an adventure and try new things. You can choose where you’re going.
10. “Keep Your Head Up” by Andy Grammer: Is this stereotypical? Yes. Do we still like it? Of course! Why? This is because it does make you feel better. If this song doesn’t make you want to look at the brighter side of life and try to move on from the hard times that you’re going through, then someone is not doing their job writing these songs. Life is a journey and it’s going to be okay. There will be bumps along the way but you have to keep your head up. You’ll see that it was worth it in the end and that good things truly come to those who wait. Like Grammer sings, “Only rainbows after rain, the sun will always come again.” You may be stuck in the rain, but that rainbow is just around the corner and the sun will shine again.
11. “I Lived” by OneRepublic: This song should give you the inspiration to get out and live your life. We all suffer from the whole “I want to go on an adventure and see the world or try this or that,” but then we don’t do it because we’re scared or we don’t want to go alone. Newsflash: If we don’t take chances in life, then we will never know. I don’t know about you, but when I’m 95 and sitting in a rocking chair with a grandkid on my lap, I want to be able to say “I lived.” Every experience is something to cherish because everything is an experience that shapes us into who we are, no matter if the experience is good or unpleasant. Get out there and take advantage of the time that you have on this planet. You can’t go back once it’s gone.
12. “Show ‘Em (What You’re Made Of)” by the Backstreet Boys: You can say what you want, but the Backstreet Boys are amazing musicians, and this playlist would be incomplete without them. This song is one that you should listen to when you feel like the world has turned its back on you and you can’t do anything. The song teaches us an important lesson we can all learn from. “When walls start to close in, your heart is frozen over. Just show ‘em what you’re made of. When sunlight is fading, the world will be waiting for you, just show ‘em what you’re made of.” You can overcome anything.
13. “Beautiful Soul” by Jesse McCartney: So this song is mostly for fun, but it has some important values. You may be single, you may have just gotten out of a relationship or you may be going through a tough time and feel like you are unable to love yourself. This song is perfect because it’s important to know that someone will come around and see that beautiful person you have inside. More importantly, you have a “beautiful soul” and you need to see that for yourself. Think about your favorite qualities that you see in yourself and write them down. Listen to Jesse McCartney. You have a beautiful soul and there is no arguing with a gorgeous man.
14. “Can’t Stop Me (Radio Edit) [feat. Shermanology) by Afrojack: This song is great for one reason: Regardless of your situation, you can do anything you put your mind to and you are unstoppable. It may talk about dancing the night away, but it’s applicable to anything. Don’t lose momentum! Every day, 365 days a year, you can do it.
15. “The Beginning” by RuPaul: If you don’t know who RuPaul is, you are definitely missing out on an interesting individual. Either way, this song is great for when you are starting a new chapter in your life. If you quit a job that you hate or got rid of something or someone toxic in your life, this is the beginning of something new. You may have made your first step into the real world of adulthood by getting your first apartment or paying for your own car. As RuPaul says, “This is the beginning of the rest of your life.” Take charge of your life and keep working hard. You’ll get to where you’re going before you know it.
16. “Fighter” by Christina Aguilera: We’ve all dealt with someone that has caused problems and pain in our lives. You can spend your time hating them or you can step up to the plate and learn something from it all. If you’re dealing with a terrible ex or fighting with a friend, this a great song to listen to. Christina doesn’t lie when she says that it makes you stronger. You will learn more, grow tougher, learn to fight for yourself, and you will work harder to persevere. Instead of focusing on the negativity, turn it into something positive.
17. “Warrior” by Ke$ha: Ke$ha knows what she’s talking about. Struggling with something in life? You can overcome it! You are a warrior. Make this your anthem to get you through the day if you gotta. It’s silly at times, sure, but take it from Ke$ha, you don’t need to be perfect. You’re perfect because you are who you are. There is a warrior inside all of us. Channel it and come out on top. Fight for want you want and fight for your dreams.
I hope this playlist helps you get through some tough times! Be yourself! Be brave! Channel your inner warrior, express yourself, don’t give up, ignore that negativity, recognize your strength and show ‘em what you’re made of.
