Success is a journey that inspires and motivates us to strive for greatness. It has been the subject of many songs, reflecting the struggles and triumphs along the way. The pursuit of success is an ongoing quest for many people, and it’s not surprising that it’s often captured in music. From the joy of winning to the heartache of loss, the journey to success is an emotional rollercoaster that has been captured in song. In this article, we’ll be looking at the top 20 songs about success, exploring the different perspectives, emotions, and messages each song conveys. From the rags to riches stories of MC Hammer to the triumphant anthems of Queen, these songs are sure to evoke memories of your own journey to success and provide a soundtrack for the journey ahead.
1. “It’s My Life” by Bon Jovi
“It’s My Life” is a song by the American rock band Bon Jovi, released on their 2000 album “Crush.” The song was written by Jon Bon Jovi and produced by Luke Ebbin. It’s My Life” is an uptempo rock song that features a driving beat, soaring guitar riffs, and confident vocals from Jon Bon Jovi. The song’s lyrics are a declaration of independence and self-empowerment, encouraging listeners to take control of their own lives. The song was a commercial success, reaching the top 10 in several countries and becoming one of Bon Jovi’s most iconic hits. Its upbeat and empowering message has made it a staple of radio and a crowd-pleaser at live shows.
2. “Winning” by Santana
“Winning” by Santana is an upbeat and energetic rock song released in 1981. The song features guitar virtuoso Carlos Santana on lead guitar and showcases his signature Latin-infused rock sound. The lyrics express the importance of never giving up and always striving for success, with lines like “if you want it, you got it” and “just keep on fighting”. The song’s upbeat and positive energy makes it a popular choice for sports highlights and other celebratory moments. With its memorable guitar riff and driving rhythm, “Winning” continues to be a popular choice for fans of Santana and classic rock.
3. “Hell Yeah” by Montgomery Gentry
“Hell Yeah” by Montgomery Gentry is a high-energy country rock song that encourages listeners to live life to the fullest. With its driving guitar riffs and upbeat lyrics, the song is an anthem for those who want to embrace life’s challenges and celebrate their successes. The song’s powerful vocals, combined with its catchy melody, make it a staple of country music and a favorite of fans everywhere. Whether you’re out on the open road, or just dancing in your living room, “Hell Yeah” is the perfect song to help you live life to the fullest.
4. “Don’t You Worry Child” by Swedish House Mafia ft. John Martin
“Don’t You Worry Child” is a upbeat electronic dance track by Swedish House Mafia featuring John Martin. The song’s positive lyrics about overcoming struggles and finding hope are paired with uplifting electronic beats, creating an energetic anthem for perseverance and resilience. The sing-along chorus and infectious melody have made “Don’t You Worry Child” a staple of the EDM genre and a popular choice for dance floors worldwide. The powerful combination of John Martin’s soulful vocals and Swedish House Mafia’s production skills make this song a standout hit in their discography.
5. “Another One Bites the Dust” by Queen
“Another One Bites the Dust” by Queen is a groovy, funky rock track that was released in 1980 as part of their album “The Game.” With its driving bass line and memorable lyrics, the song quickly became one of the band’s most popular and iconic tracks. The song features lead singer Freddie Mercury’s unique vocals, combined with a catchy beat that makes it an infectious and danceable tune. It has been covered by numerous artists and remains a staple of classic rock radio to this day. With its timeless sound and enduring popularity, “Another One Bites the Dust” remains a standout track in Queen’s extensive discography.
6. “The Climb” by Miley Cyrus
“The Climb” by Miley Cyrus is a power ballad about perseverance and never giving up on one’s dreams. With uplifting lyrics and an emotional delivery, the song encourages listeners to overcome obstacles and keep pushing towards their goals. The song was a commercial success, reaching the top 20 on charts in multiple countries and becoming a staple at events and competitions. The music video features Miley singing the song against scenic mountain backdrops, emphasizing the message of determination and strength. Overall, “The Climb” is a timeless anthem for anyone facing challenges in life.
7. “I Gotta Feeling” by Black Eyed Peas
“I Gotta Feeling” by Black Eyed Peas is a upbeat, energetic pop and hip-hop track that was released in 2009. The song is characterized by its catchy and danceable beat, as well as its positive, celebratory lyrics that encourage listeners to let go of their worries and embrace the good times. Featuring upbeat keyboard riffs, a pulsing bass line, and a memorable chorus, “I Gotta Feeling” quickly became one of the biggest hit songs of the year and is widely considered to be one of the quintessential party tracks of the early 21st century. Whether you’re dancing the night away at a club or simply singing along in your car, “I Gotta Feeling” is sure to get you up and moving.
8. “New Day” by Alicia Keys
“New Day” is a powerful ballad performed by Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Alicia Keys. Released in 2012, the song showcases Keys’ soulful voice and insightful lyrics. With its upbeat tempo and catchy chorus, “New Day” encourages listeners to embrace the future with positivity and hope. The song is a declaration of a fresh start and encourages people to let go of their past mistakes and embrace a brighter tomorrow. Its lyrics touch on themes of empowerment and self-discovery, making it an uplifting anthem for those seeking change and growth. With its infectious beat and empowering message, “New Day” is a standout track in Keys’ discography and a staple of her live performances.
9. “U Can’t Touch This” by MC Hammer
“U Can’t Touch This” is a classic hip-hop track by MC Hammer released in 1990. The song features a sample from the Rick James’ hit “Super Freak” and Hammer’s iconic, dance-friendly beats and rhymes. The lyrics highlight Hammer’s confident, boastful style and are filled with references to his fame, wealth, and dance skills. The song became a global hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop chart and peaking at number eight on the Billboard Hot 100. The accompanying music video features Hammer and his friends performing his signature dance moves in brightly colored clothes, making it an unforgettable part of pop culture. With its catchy chorus and upbeat energy, “U Can’t Touch This” remains a staple of 90s hip-hop and a classic party anthem.
10. “I’m Gonna Be Somebody” by Travis Tritt
“I’m Gonna Be Somebody” is a song by country artist Travis Tritt released in 1989. The song is an upbeat, motivational anthem that encourages listeners to never give up on their dreams. The song features a catchy guitar riff, driving beat, and Tritt’s powerful vocals that deliver a message of determination and perseverance. The song was a huge success, reaching the top of the charts and solidifying Tritt’s place as one of country music’s rising stars. Today, “I’m Gonna Be Somebody” remains a staple of country radio and a crowd-pleaser at Tritt’s live shows.
11. “One Little Victory” by Rush
“One Little Victory” is a song by Canadian rock band, Rush. It was released in 2002 as the lead single from their album “Vapor Trails”. The song features powerful and energetic instrumentals, with a driving beat, prominent basslines and intricate drumming. The guitar solos are lively and energetic, while the vocals convey a celebratory and triumphant message. The lyrics talk about how small victories can lead to big changes, and how important it is to take pride in one’s accomplishments. The song is a rousing call-to-action, encouraging listeners to celebrate their own achievements and strive for more. “One Little Victory” is a fast-paced, upbeat anthem that showcases Rush’s musical prowess and dynamic sound.
12. “Ain’t No Stopping Us Now” by McFadden And Whitehead
“Ain’t No Stopping Us Now” is a hit song by McFadden and Whitehead, released in 1979. The song is a high energy disco-funk track that showcases the band’s powerful vocals and tight instrumentation. The lyrics are about overcoming obstacles and achieving success, with a positive and upbeat message of encouragement. The song’s catchy chorus, upbeat rhythm, and uplifting lyrics make it a popular choice for celebrations and dance parties. The song continues to be popular today and is considered a classic of the disco era.
13. “Victory” by Megadeth
“Victory” by Megadeth is a classic heavy metal track from the band’s album “Countdown to Extinction”. The song features powerful guitar riffs and intense drum beats, creating a high-energy sound that embodies the band’s signature thrash metal style. The lyrics talk about winning and being triumphant, with frontman Dave Mustaine delivering his distinctive vocal performance with aggression and power. The song has become a staple in the band’s live shows and is a favorite among fans of the genre. “Victory” showcases Megadeth’s musical prowess and demonstrates their ability to create an unforgettable, hard-hitting anthem for fans everywhere.
14. “We Are The Champions” by Queen
“We Are The Champions” by Queen is a classic rock anthem that celebrates victory and success. Released in 1977, the song features Freddie Mercury’s powerful vocals and the signature sound of Brian May’s guitar. With its upbeat and optimistic lyrics, this song has become a staple of sports events and is often played to celebrate championship wins. Despite its upbeat nature, the song also carries a deeper message about perseverance and never giving up. Over the years, “We Are The Champions” has become one of Queen’s most recognizable and iconic songs, solidifying its place in music history as a timeless celebration of triumph and victory.
15. “Survivor” by Destiny’s Child
“Survivor” by Destiny’s Child is a power-packed pop and R&B song, released in 2001. The lyrics describe the determination and resilience of women, who refuse to be held down by obstacles or setbacks. The chorus delivers an uplifting message, urging listeners to be strong and persevere in the face of adversity. The song features strong vocal harmonies, and the beat is driven by a steady rhythm section that builds momentum as the song progresses. “Survivor” was a huge commercial success, reaching the top of charts around the world, and cementing Destiny’s Child’s status as one of the best-selling female groups of all time. The empowering message and catchy melody make “Survivor” a timeless anthem for anyone looking to overcome challenges and achieve their dreams.
16. “It’s Good To Be Alive (Hallelujah)” by Andy Grammer
“It’s Good To Be Alive (Hallelujah)” is a upbeat and positive song by American singer-songwriter Andy Grammer. With its catchy chorus, lively beats, and joyful lyrics, this song is an anthem of gratitude and celebration of life. The upbeat, dance-friendly melody and cheerful vocals showcase Andy’s upbeat persona and his upbeat outlook on life. This song encourages listeners to look at the bright side of things and appreciate the good in life. The optimistic lyrics and upbeat melody make this song a perfect pick-me-up for those in need of some positivity and encouragement.
17. “I’m Gonna Win” by Foreigner
“I’m Gonna Win” by Foreigner is a powerful rock ballad with a driving beat and an anthemic chorus. The song is about determination and perseverance, and the singer declares that he will win despite the odds and obstacles in his way. The powerful guitar riffs, soaring vocals, and passionate lyrics make this song a perfect anthem for anyone who needs a boost of motivation and inspiration. The song has a classic rock sound that is both timeless and memorable, and its upbeat message is sure to get listeners pumped up and ready to tackle whatever challenges they may face.
18. “The Champion” by Carrie Underwood (Featuring Ludacris)
“The Champion” by Carrie Underwood is a powerful and anthemic song featuring Ludacris. It was released in 2018 as the title track of her album. The song is an upbeat and inspiring celebration of perseverance and determination, inspiring listeners to rise above their challenges and achieve their goals. With a driving beat and explosive chorus, this song is a powerhouse that celebrates the triumphs of the human spirit. The vocals are passionate and emotional, delivering a message of hope and strength to listeners. The Champion is a must-listen for anyone who needs a little motivation to keep pushing forward and chasing their dreams.
19. “The Winner Takes It All” by ABBA
“The Winner Takes It All” by ABBA is a melancholic power ballad released in 1980. It was written by members Bjorn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson and was featured on the album “Super Trouper.” The song is a dramatic ballad about the end of a romantic relationship and the subsequent heartbreak that follows. The lyrics describe a failed romance, with the chorus delivering the poignant message of “The winner takes it all, the loser standing small.” The song is characterized by its powerful melody and its strong emotional content, which has made it a timeless classic. Despite being one of ABBA’s slower and more introspective tracks, “The Winner Takes It All” remains a fan favorite and a staple of their live shows.
20. “Exactly” by Amy Steinberg
“Exactly” by Amy Steinberg is a quirky and upbeat pop song that celebrates the uniqueness of individuals. With its catchy melody and playful lyrics, the song encourages listeners to embrace their individuality and let their true selves shine. The song features Amy Steinberg’s distinctive vocals, which are supported by a lively arrangement of instruments that includes keyboard, guitar, and drums. The upbeat energy of “Exactly” makes it a perfect choice for anyone looking to uplift their spirits and feel good about themselves. Whether you’re dancing in your living room or singing along in the car, this song is sure to put a smile on your face and a spring in your step.
Jared Parker 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.
