For many people, taking a shower is not just a routine activity to clean themselves but also a time to relax, unwind and rejuvenate. And one way to make that experience even more enjoyable is by listening to music. Whether you prefer upbeat pop hits or calming acoustic melodies, the right music can elevate your shower experience to a whole new level. With that in mind, we’ve put together a list of the top 20 songs to listen to in the shower, spanning a variety of genres and moods. From classic rock to current chart-toppers, these tracks are guaranteed to provide a great shower soundtrack that will help you start your day off on the right foot.
1. “SexyBack” by Justin Timberlake
“SexyBack” by Justin Timberlake is a high-energy, electropop and dance-pop song that was released in 2006. The song features Timberlake’s signature falsetto vocals and a catchy hook that make it an instant party anthem. The lyrics are about reclaiming confidence and turning up the heat in a romantic relationship. The production features heavy beats, electronic synths, and an overall futuristic sound that was innovative at the time. “SexyBack” was a commercial and critical success, topping charts around the world and earning Timberlake a Grammy Award for Best Dance Recording.
2. “The Edge of Glory” by Lady Gaga
“The Edge of Glory” by Lady Gaga is a powerful, uplifting pop-rock song that was released in 2011. The song features Gaga’s powerful vocals, supported by a driving beat and soaring saxophone solo. The lyrics are about living life to the fullest, even in the face of adversity. The song was inspired by the death of Gaga’s grandfather, and serves as a tribute to his life and legacy. The production features a live-band sound, with a prominent electric guitar and drums. “The Edge of Glory” was a commercial success, peaking in the top 10 on charts around the world, and earning critical acclaim for its anthemic sound and emotional depth.
3. “Hey, Soul Sister” by Train
“Hey, Soul Sister” by Train is an upbeat pop-rock song that was released in 2009. The song features a catchy acoustic guitar riff, a driving beat, and lead singer Patrick Monahan’s soulful vocals. The lyrics are about falling in love with someone who inspires you to be a better person. The production also includes electronic elements and hand claps, giving the song a modern, radio-friendly sound. “Hey, Soul Sister” was a commercial success, reaching the top 10 on charts around the world and earning Train a Grammy Award for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals.
4. “Love On Top” by Beyoncé
“Love On Top” by Beyoncé is a joyful, uptempo R&B song that was released in 2011. The song features Beyoncé’s powerful vocals, backed by a live-band sound that includes horns and electric guitar. The lyrics are about the excitement of falling in love and wanting to share that love with the world. The production is heavily influenced by 80s pop and funk, with a danceable beat and catchy melody. “Love On Top” was a commercial success, peaking in the top 20 on charts around the world and earning Beyoncé critical acclaim for her vocal performance.
5. “Skinny Love” by Bon Iver
“Skinny Love” by Bon Iver is a haunting, folk-inspired indie rock song that was released in 2007. The song features lead singer Justin Vernon’s emotive vocals, supported by a simple acoustic guitar and sparse percussion. The lyrics are about the pain and loneliness of a broken relationship. The production is stripped-down and intimate, giving the song a raw, emotional quality. “Skinny Love” has been covered by many artists, and has become a modern indie classic, earning Bon Iver critical acclaim and helping to popularize the indie folk genre.
6. “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go” by Wham!
“Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go” by Wham! is a lively, upbeat pop song that was released in 1984. The song features a catchy melody, cheerful lyrics, and an infectious dance beat that make it a fun and memorable tune. The production includes bright synths, punchy horns, and hand claps, giving the song a distinct 80s sound. “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go” was a commercial success, topping charts around the world and becoming one of the most recognizable hits of the decade.
7. “Off the Wall” by Michael Jackson
“Off the Wall” by Michael Jackson is a funky, disco-inspired R&B song that was released in 1979. The song features Jackson’s trademark falsetto vocals, backed by a driving bassline and horn section. The lyrics are about leaving your worries behind and letting loose on the dancefloor. The production includes live instrumentation and a pulsing rhythm section, giving the song a timeless sound. “Off the Wall” was a critical and commercial success, helping to establish Jackson as a solo artist and earning praise for its innovative blend of funk, disco, and R&B.
8. “You Get What You Give” by New Radicals
“You Get What You Give” by New Radicals is an upbeat, alternative rock song that was released in 1998. The song features a driving guitar riff, catchy hooks, and lead singer Gregg Alexander’s passionate vocals. The lyrics are about pursuing your dreams and not giving up in the face of adversity. The production includes live instrumentation and electronic elements, giving the song a unique and modern sound. “You Get What You Give” was a commercial success, peaking in the top 40 on charts around the world and earning critical acclaim for its anthemic sound and positive message.
9. “It Takes Two” by Marvin Gaye, Kim Weston
“It Takes Two” by Marvin Gaye and Kim Weston is a classic Motown duet that was released in 1966. The song features Gaye and Weston’s soulful vocals, backed by a lively horn section and Motown’s trademark rhythm section. The lyrics are about the importance of teamwork and collaboration in a successful relationship. The production includes the distinctive Motown sound, with a driving beat, call-and-response vocals, and a catchy melody. “It Takes Two” was a commercial success, reaching the top 20 on charts in the US and the UK, and remains a beloved classic of the Motown era.
10. “Respect” by Aretha Franklin
“Respect” by Aretha Franklin is a classic soul and R&B song that was released in 1967. The song features Franklin’s powerful vocals, backed by a driving beat and horns. The lyrics are about demanding respect and equality in a romantic relationship. The production includes live instrumentation and the distinctive sound of Muscle Shoals studio, where the song was recorded. “Respect” was a commercial and critical success, topping charts around the world and earning Franklin two Grammy Awards. The song has since become a feminist anthem, and is widely considered one of the greatest songs of all time.
11. “September” by Earth, Wind, and Fire
“September” by Earth, Wind, and Fire is an iconic disco-funk song that was released in 1978. The upbeat tempo and infectious melody are sure to get anyone on their feet and dancing. The song is a celebration of love, joy, and living life to the fullest, with its lyrics encouraging listeners to remember the good times and cherish the moment. The use of horns, catchy hooks, and layered vocals makes “September” a timeless classic that continues to be a popular party anthem to this day.
12. “At Last” by Etta James
“At Last” by Etta James is a soulful ballad that was released in 1960. The song’s slow tempo and Etta’s powerful vocals make for an emotional and heartfelt performance that perfectly captures the feeling of falling in love. The song’s lyrics describe the happiness and sense of completion that comes with finding that special someone. With its simple, yet elegant instrumentation, “At Last” is a timeless classic that has been covered by countless artists and is a staple at weddings and romantic events.
13. “A Thousand Miles” by Vanessa Carlton
“A Thousand Miles” by Vanessa Carlton is a pop-rock ballad that was released in 2002. The song’s catchy piano riff and soaring chorus are instantly recognizable, and its lyrics describe a journey of self-discovery and longing. Vanessa’s voice is full of emotion and power, and her lyrics describe a longing for connection and a desire to escape the mundane. The song’s message of self-discovery and living life on one’s own terms has made it a favorite among fans, and its popularity has remained strong over the years.
14. “Dear Future Husband” by Meghan Trainor
“Dear Future Husband” by Meghan Trainor is a fun, upbeat pop song that was released in 2015. The song’s catchy melody and upbeat tempo make for a lighthearted and fun listen. The lyrics describe a woman’s expectations of her future husband, from opening doors to dancing in the kitchen. Meghan’s voice is full of sass and confidence, and her lyrics offer a humorous and playful take on relationships. With its catchy hooks and infectious beat, “Dear Future Husband” is a favorite among pop fans and has remained popular since its release.
15. “No Such Thing” by John Mayer
“No Such Thing” by John Mayer is a pop-rock song that was released in 2002. The song’s catchy guitar riffs and upbeat tempo make for an energetic and fun listen. The lyrics describe a young man’s journey of self-discovery and his rejection of societal expectations. John’s voice is full of passion and emotion, and his lyrics offer a message of individuality and nonconformity. With its catchy hooks and relatable lyrics, “No Such Thing” has become a fan favorite and remains one of John Mayer’s most popular songs.
16. “Since U Been Gone” by Kelly Clarkson
“Since U Been Gone” by Kelly Clarkson is an empowering pop-rock anthem that was released in 2004. The song’s powerful vocals, driving guitar riffs, and catchy hooks make for an energetic and memorable listen. The lyrics describe the feeling of liberation that comes after a breakup and encourage the listener to move on and focus on their own happiness. With its upbeat tempo and catchy chorus, “Since U Been Gone” has become a favorite among pop fans and remains one of Kelly Clarkson’s most popular songs.
17. “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart” by Elton John & Kiki Dee
“Don’t Go Breaking My Heart” by Elton John and Kiki Dee is a classic duet that was released in 1976. The song’s upbeat tempo and catchy melody make for a fun and infectious listen. The lyrics describe a couple’s mutual desire for each other and their fear of heartbreak. With its catchy hooks and playful instrumentation, “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart” has become a timeless classic that continues to be a popular party anthem and sing-along.
18. “Dancing on My Own” by Robyn
“Dancing on My Own” by Robyn is a synth-pop ballad that was released in 2010. The song’s haunting melody and emotional lyrics make for a powerful and cathartic listen. The lyrics describe the feeling of watching someone you love dance with someone else and the pain and loneliness that comes with it. Robyn’s voice is full of vulnerability and heart, and her lyrics offer a poignant and relatable message about heartbreak and moving on. With its poignant message and emotional performance, “Dancing on My Own” has become a favorite among pop fans and remains one of Robyn’s most popular songs.
19. “Treat You Better” by Shawn Mendes
“Treat You Better” by Shawn Mendes is a pop ballad that was released in 2016. The song’s simple, yet powerful melody and emotional lyrics make for a heartfelt and sincere listen. The lyrics describe a young man’s desire to treat his love interest better than her current partner and his willingness to do anything to make her happy. Shawn’s voice is full of sincerity and passion, and his lyrics offer a message of respect and kindness. With its relatable lyrics and heartfelt performance, “Treat You Better” has become a fan favorite and remains one of Shawn Mendes’ most popular songs.
20. “Work” by Iggy Azalea
“Work” by Iggy Azalea is a trap-infused hip-hop song that was released in 2013. The song’s driving beat and catchy hooks make for an energetic and fun listen. The lyrics describe Iggy’s success and work ethic and her unwillingness to let anyone bring her down. With its bold lyrics and confident performance, “Work” has become a fan favorite and remains one of Iggy Azalea’s most popular songs.
Samuel Moore is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
