For anyone that has ever been in a competition, you know what it is like to have the car or bus blasting with music to really get everyone in the mood. It is not simply about keeping a good vibe, it is about creating an atmosphere that gets everyone pumped up to win together!
What everyone needs is a playlist with all of the songs about winning that gives that ego a boost, that gives everyone that extra zest to say we are not going to settle for second, we are going to win, win and win!
1. “We Are The Champions” by Queen
It is impossible to miss one of Queen’s most prominent songs about winning. People who have not heard of the song may expect it to be super upbeat with a heavy bassline but it is a rather nice and mellow tune that creates a feeling of comradery. Queen talks about how they may have stumbled a bit but at the end of the day as long as you keep fighting, you will be a champion of the world.
2. “Thunder Road” by Bruce Springsteen
Thunder Road’s inclusion on an album titled Born to Run is quite interesting, as it appears that Springsteen was indeed born to run. The song is written conveys the story of a couple who has one last chance to create something real, and they take it, disregarding all of society’s standards. It’s a town full of losers/and I’m driving out of here to win because victors set their own rules, Springsteen sings as the couple makes their own life!
3. “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now” by Starship
Can you imagine what it would feel like to have someone that supports your dreams? This is what Starship sings about in this beautiful song that celebrates a partner that stands by them. The world may throw new levels of bad and when everyone calls you crazy but if you have someone to share your love with, you will have enough to build the dream you both envision.
4. “Triumph” by Oliver Heldens, Julian Calor
What starts as a simple bop turns into something much more with a wonderful beat drop that leads to some unexpected string instruments playing in the background. This is a great song to put on for people who are perhaps not feeling in the mood but want to be pulled into one. The slow start that leads to something your head nods along to is great for pulling wallflowers off the wall to get them into the same pumped-up mood for winning!
5. “One Moment In Time” by Whitney Houston
The feeling of winning, of having that acknowledgment that every sacrifice was worth it is what this song is about. It is about having that one moment in time that gives you the freedom to say I am truly alive.
6. “Don’t Stop Believin” by Journey
Winners can come from anywhere and that is exactly what Journey illustrates with the beautiful lyrics of this song. You could be a girl from a small town or a boy raised in South Detroit, it doesn’t matter. What makes the difference is the ability to hold on to the dream, or as Journey would sing, hold on to that feeling because that is the fuel you will need to climb to the top.
7. “Exactly” by Amy Steinberg
For those that know they are on the right path, this is the song you need to put on full blast. Steinberg sings about the confidence she feels with the choices she has made and that is what a champion does.
They understand that taking risks in life can be lucrative or costly, but they are willing to do so. They understand that no matter what happens, no matter how lost they may appear to be, the universe will always bring them back onto the path they were meant to walk as long as they believe in themselves and their decisions.
8. “Paths Of Victory” by Bob Dylan
Not every victory is a shout to the sky that has the entire stadium shaking. Some victories are quieter but resonate equally in the heart in terms of the sense of achievement and this is definitely the mood that Dylan puts us in.
He talks about how the road may be bumpy and yes, it would be hard but that is what it takes to get up to the victory. Endurance is what separates the competitors from the winners.
9. “The Only Way Is Up” by Martin Garrix, Tiesto
The title of this song is absolutely what we should tell ourselves whenever we fall. What is extra special about the song is the idea that Tiesto, a very well-known DJ teamed up with a relatively newer DJ Garrix and created a song together.
That collaboration in itself is a win because how often do we get to meet our heroes let alone be part of a creative process with them? It is a wonderful song that gets everyone up and jumping because not only is the beat catchy, it is a song that has won.
10. “We Will Rock You” by Queen
What a banger this song is – it is practically impossible to keep from clapping your hands or stomping your feet once Mercury sings we will, we will rock you. This song stands the test of time because that beat is steady and yet creates a focus that says it does not matter. You can and you will become who you are meant to be as long as you keep making noise!
11. “Hall Of Fame” by The Script (Featuring will.i.am)
If you ever have a day where you doubt yourself, please listen to this song. You can be the best because all you have to do is believe in yourself and push.
Those who want to be the best have to know what they are doing it for. Winners get to have their name written in history to have it remembered and that is what this song is about.
12. “Victory” by Megadeth
No matter what or who gets in your way, you have to endure. It will be hard because no one said victories are made to be easy.
There are a few people who have been remembered and that is what this song is about. When you break your limits, endure that pain, endure that knife through your heart, you are bound to come out victorious.
13. “Another One Bites The Dust” by Queen
The title implies that someone else has given up but that someone does not have to be you. Mercury sings about how he can do anything you throw at him because while some people can fall and stay down, he will stand right back up and continue fighting. He is not one of those who will change the path, but rather will be ready to fight for what he believes and that is the mentality of a winner.
14. “Life’s Been Good” by Joe Walsh
There is no shame in enjoying the benefits of what you have reaped. Walsh falls in that category too. It is hard pushing your limits with society watching you butt he is going to enjoy his beautiful mansion and limo.
He has worked hard to reach the top. His fame is a reward for all that hard work and while he enjoys the luxuries, he knows he is still the same person, just with a little more flair than before.
15. “Heroes” by David Bowie
You do not have to be a winner for all your life. Sometimes all you need is one great day to be a hero. Perhaps the odds will be against you and your partner.
Perhaps there is nothing logical about your plans but why not take the risk and be a hero just for a single day? What could be so wrong with taking that risk?
16. “Killin It” by Krewella
This is like a party mix. There is a little bit of bass, a little bit of dubstep, and then some drums as well.
It is a great song to remind people that they have something inside of them that can win that competition so long as they let go of that fear. Be a predator rather than prey in the competition, and you might just make it to the top of the food chain.
17. “I Gotta Feeling” by Black Eyed Peas
This song is almost like a premonition about what the night is about to bring. How could anyone have a bad night once you start up the song?
While people have teased the Black Eyed Peas about putting the days of the week in the lyrics, no one can deny the catchy beat it has! Put the song on in the car and you are sure to have a smile on your face as you start belting out Monday through Sunday.
18. “Unstoppable” by Sia
For anyone that has ever felt people doubt them but have kept going on because they believed in themselves, this song has lyrics to express the emotion. Sia is easily calling out the doubters and the naysayers by saying those who persevere are the real winners. Those who become unstoppable are unstoppable because they push on and that is what winners are – they keep going on even when things get tough.
19. “You’re The Best” by Joe Esposito
This soundtrack came from the Karate Kid so of course, you know it is going to be something unforgettable. It’s hard and rough.
It talks about how tough it can be when you are fighting to be at the top and that you have to keep going on instead of letting go. You always have to keep trying to stand up, to let that beast inside you roar as you make your way to the very top!
20. “We’re A Winner” by The Impressions
Do not let people who are negative affect how you play your game. You are what you say you are and The Impressions remind you of that. You, like the leaders you admire, just have to push through the negativity.
People who have narrow limits say you are silly for thinking you could reach your goals. Just remember when you are moving, you are always going to be moving up so long as you remind yourself you are a winner.
Every single song on this list is perfect to create a winning mood. They can encourage people to scream at the top of their lungs, to get their blood rushing or it can really focus the mind so the same goal is set for everyone. No matter when it is, I hope these songs bring some winning joy to everyone.