Best Motivational Songs

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Music can be such a fantastic source of motivation. It’s almost like a waste not to use it! So why don’t we try to tap that powerful energy and use it as an energetic boost of motivation? In the following you can find a massive list of the most inspirational songs that are proven to be highly motivational. “But why is music so effective,” you might ask. The reason why your favorite song can be such a great motivator lies in the fact that music is able to elicit positive emotions; it can stir a spirit of optimism, energize you and get you into that epic “I can do anything” mindset – if the songs are chosen wisely. (For even more motivation, be sure to have a look at our hand-picked selection of The Most Inspirational Movies Ever).

No matter if you need to get motivated for work or studying, search for pump up music for sports or songs that will simply inspire you to boost your creativity, the following list will offer you a huge variety of motivational songs, from all kinds of different genres. If you feel that my list is lacking your favorite motivational songs, please feel free to submit all of your favorite songs that boost your motivation via the comments section at the end of this article and I will make sure to include them into this list as well!

If you want to learn how you can motivate yourself in the long run, have a look at the Ultimate Guide to Motivation.

Music gives a soul to the universe

In the following you can find a collection of some of the utmost motivational songs and the best motivational music, separated into the categories Soundtrack Music, Pop, Hip-Hop & Rap, Classic, Rock & Metal and Techno & House. Hint: you should stay away from music that either creates sadness or tiredness, such as ballads and lounge music, as they won’t have a noteworthy motivational benefit. Feel free to skip to each section by using the following short-links.

Table of Content

I. The Top 10 Motivational Songs
II. Motivational Songs sorted by Category

A) Motivational Soundtrack Music
B) Motivational Pop Songs
C) Motivational Hip-Hop & Rap Songs
D) Motivational Classic Songs
E) Motivational Rock & Metal Songs
F) Motivational Techno & House Music

III. Motivational Music submitted by Readers

All right, let’s get started with this list. I hope you like it and even more important, I hope you find some amazing songs that allow you to boost motivation!

I. The Top 10 Motivational Songs

#1 Jorge Quintero300 Violin Orchestra

Some call it an epic song, others consider it to be “the best pump up song that ever existed“. But these are just notations, more important is what this song makes you feel. For me, it makes me want to get up, run around the block or do something productive/creative. Amazingly, it radiates a feeling of optimism and stirs the desire for heroic adventures. This song has everything an excellent motivational song needs: stomping drums, main strings accompanied by string hits and an epic choir rounded up with a supporting bass in the background. The song was featured in the introduction video of the first MLB game in 2009 and the ABC television series “Flash forward“.

 

#2 Rob Bailey and The Hustle StandardHungry Hungry is not the typical song one expects in such a list. Tastes might differ on this combination of different music styles ranging from hardcore to rap and dubstep, but the song will definitely get you pumped up. If you’re looking for motivation, look no further. You can feel that there is a lot of passion behind the lyrics, which complete the aggressive, hard-hitting style of this song. The unique sound of the song makes an excellent addition to every workout mix.

 

#3 BastillePompeii

Pompeii is a pop-rock song that draws the analogy of the distruction of the Italian city Pompeii through an volcanic outburst. The sound is unique and somehow different. Especially the vocal chorus in combination with the great percussions make the song really motivational. YouTube video: Bastille – Pompeii.

#4 Steve JablonskyArrival to Earth

If you haven’t considered listening to motivational soundtrack scores for motivation, you should definitely give it a try. Steve Jablonsky‘s songs for the Transformers trilogy are highly addictive and the song “Arrival to Earth” is amazingly motivating, even though I haven’t even seen the movies themselves. I simply wasn’t interested in the Transformers movies. Nonetheless, this motivational soundtrack song elicits a feeling of hope, but also peace and tranquility mixed with glory. All in all, I consider this song as a heroic theme that leaves a lasting impression on the listener. Music video for Steve Jablonsky’s Arrival to Earth on YouTube.

#5 50 CentReady for war (Mayweather vs De La Hoya remix)

I’m not sure if you are into hip-hop, but this remix is just fantastic, even if you do not like hip-hop at all. It’s a fantastic remix of a song by 50 cent, called “Ready for war“. It’s only instrumental, but nonetheless, very motivating and energizing. The perfect work-out music! The continuously clapping drums will make you want to go for more than you ever achieved, to overcome the obstacles and to reach even the most aspiring goals! 50 Cent – Ready for War (YouTube).

#6 Flo RidaGood feeling

This is one of the typical feel good songs that energize you quickly and get you into a good mood. The song is all about staying focused on your dreams and doing whatever it takes to make them come true. The positive message of this tune boils down to “live your life to the fullest.” Combined with Flo Rida rapping his vow to never give up this one should give you a nice little boost.

 

#7 David Guetta ft. SiaTitanium

This song is not the typical David Guetta house-track. What makes this song so special are the magnetic lyrics that are full of empowering words.

I’m bulletproof, nothing to lose Fire away, fire away Ricochet, you take your aim Fire away, fire away You shoot me down but I won’t fall I am titanium

Here is the video link to David Guetta’s Titanium on Vimeo.

#8 Ennio MorriconeThe Ecstasy of Gold

This song is a fabulous classic. It’s (once again) a truly motivational soundtrack song from the film “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly” (1966) and was composed and orchestrated by Ennio Morricone. Every part of this song is epic, from the tranquil opening that is followed by brooding vocals to the part where the whole orchestra steps in. This song is pure ecstasy that makes you collapse in an exhaustive state at the crescendo! A song that is made to give you goosebumps all over your body.

You can find the link to the YouTube video here: The Ecstasy of Gold. In case you prefer listening to heavy metal, you should give Metallica’s cover of this song “The Ecstasy of Gold” a try.

#9 Bill ContiGonna Fly Now

Bill Conti’s theme to the “Rocky” movie series is the perfect song to boost motivation, not only for your work-out, bodybuilding or running endeavors, but also for finding the right motivation while on the way to work, or when trying to get motivated to study. It’s a song that should be included in any list of motivational songs, because it’s simply too good! Every time I listen to this great song, I envisage the movie’s main character Rocky Balboa completing his famous training, by running up the stairs of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, raising his arms in the victory pose, once he finished. Also, this fantastic song makes me think about all my dreams and aspirations in life, not to mention the huge boost in motivation I get while listening to it.

 

 

#10 Macklemore ft. Ryan LewisCan’t hold us

Here’s a song with rhythmic horn choruses that flood every room with a triumphant vibe. The whole song has a driving energy to it that will make you want to throw your hands up in the air. You can find it here: Macklemore ft. Ryan Lewis – Can’t hold us.

#11 Imagine DragonsOn top of the world

On top of the world is a positive upbeat song that gets you quickly into a positive mood. The playful lyrics make life seem a little bit easier whenever the song plays. Imagine Dragons – On Top of the World (YT video).

#12 Paul PottsNessun Dorma

The following song isn’t one of the “typical motivational songs” that can be found in this list. Instead, it’s an aria from the final act of Giacomo Puccini’s opera entitled “Turandot“, which is traditionally performed by a tenor such as Pavarotti. I’ve chosen to include Paul Potts’ performance of Nessun Dorma (English: None shall sleep) on Britain’s Got Talent, because it’s stunning. You can find it here: Paul Potts (YouTube).

I don’t speak Italian, hence I do not understand the message of this song, but the motivating message that comes with Paul Potts‘ amazing performance is clear. The aria literally screams: you can achieve anything in your life! Focus on your goals, dream your dreams and then go for it. If you can imagine it, you can get it! I personally recommend this song to anyone, even those who don’t like opera’s in general.

#13 QueenWe will Rock You

Queen’s “we will rock you” is one of their most popular songs, besides the power ballad “we are the champions“. Both songs are amazingly motivating, but I’ve chosen to include the more powerful and energetic “we will rock you” into this list. The stamping and clapping are forming the rhythmic beat that is accompanied by a capella vocals make this song so unique, energizing and motivating. Queen – We will rock you (album version).

#14 Carl Orff O Fortuna

We can agree to disagree, but this song has to be included into the top 10 of motivational songs, in my opinion. “O Fortuna” is a Latin poem, dedicated to the Roman goddess Fortuna, the personification of luck. The German composer Car Orff set the poem to music and created a masterpiece for his cantata “Carmina Burana“.

 

From the beginning to the end, this masterpiece is just epic. In the beginning, the choir welcomes you with a fabulous aria, accompanied by thumping drums, building into a crescendo of horns, strings and drums until it peaks. “O fortuna” has become so popular that it was adapted in popular movie scenes, such as Excalibur, Hunt for Red October, Speed, The Doors, Natural Born Killers, Jackass: The Movie and many more. It’s an epic masterpiece that makes me envision hordes of warriors chasing on the backs of their horses across the horizon. Not to mention the elusive boost in motivation when listening.

#15 VangelisChariots of Fire

Chariots of fire” is a very simplistic, yet very beautiful song. It’s THE motivational running song, every time I listen to it, I envision people running on the beach, breaking new and greater records, overcoming boundaries that no one else has ever overcome. It’s an inspiring song, that awakens the desire to do great things in life and to become just awesome. Feel free to have a listen here: Chariots of Fire (YouTube).

Encore

#16 U2Beautiful Day

U2’s “Beautiful day” is one of those amazing songs where you close your eyes, forget everything around you, feel the warmth of the sun on your skin and know that life’s a wonderful miracle. Listening to this fantastic song is a wonderful experience that gives you chills thoroughgoing. When you are feeling down, this is the song that uplifts your mood in an instant. You can find the song on YouTube here: U2 – Beautiful Day.

#17 EnigmaReturn to Innocence 

The song has wonderful lyrics and the aboriginal Taiwanese chants make this song so special and interesting.

II. Motivational Songs sorted by Category

The following songs are sorted by genre, beginning with motivating soundtrack music and followed by pop, hip-hop, classic, rock and house music.

A) Motivational Soundtrack Music

Steve JablonskyArrival to Earth (Transformers Soundtrack)
James Newton HowardEpilogue (I am Legend Soundtrack)
John PowellTest drive (How to train your Dragon Soundtrack)
Howard ShoreThe Ring goes South (Lord of the Rings I Soundtrack)
Howard ShoreThe Fellowship (Lord of the Rings I Soundtrack)
Hans ZimmerTime (Inception Soundtrack)
Hans ZimmerRed Warrior (The Last Samurai Soundtrack)
Hans Zimmer & James Newton Howard – Like a Dog chasing Cars (The Dark Knight Soundtrack)
Gustav HolstJupiter, the Bringer of Jollity (The Planets Suite)

B) Motivational Pop Songs

U2It’s a Beautiful Day
Michael JacksonBeat it
Michael JacksonMan in the Mirror
U2Elevation
Katrina and the WavesWalking on Sunshine
Bon JoviUnbreakable
Bon JoviIt’s my Life
Elton JohnI’m still standing
Beach BoysGood Vibrations
Ace of BaseIt’s a Beautiful Life
Paul EngemannPush it to the Limit
Paul HoffmanYou’re Unstoppable
Jimi JamisonI’ll be ready
Men at WorkA Land Down Under
The RembrandtsI’ll be There For You
TotoAfrica
Smash MouthAll Star
Cristina AguileraFighter
Mariah CareyHero
NickelbackGotta be Somebody
Jana StanfieldBorn for Greatness
Emily Shackelton ft. David CookDream Big
Tina TurnerSimply the Best
Jakata ft. SealMy Vision
HurtsWonderful Life
Nelly FurtadoManos al Aire
ShaggyHope
Johnny Nash I can see clearly now
Des’reeYou gotta be
Jimmy Eat WorldThe Middle

C) Motivational Hip-Hop & Rap Songs

SnapI got the Power
TupacMe against the World
Eminem Till I Collapse
EminemLoose Yourself
The Notorious B.I.GSky’s the Limit
The Notorious B.I.G ft. Puff DaddyVictory
The Notorious B.I.GJuicy
NellyHeart of a Champion
NAS ft. P.DiddyHate me now
NASHero
NAS – I can
NASOne Mic
50 CentReady for War
50 CentGet Up
Kanye WestGood Friday
Kanye WestTouch the Sky
Kanye WestGo Hard
Kid CudiHeart of a Lion
Kid CudiPursuit of Happiness
Kid CudiUp Up and Away
Jay-ZHeart of a city
Jay-ZDirt Off Your Shoulders
Jay-Z ft. Mr. HudsonForever Young
NWAExpress Yourself
T.I.No Matter What
Ghostface KillahThe Champ
Rick RossPush It
OutcastGit Up, Git Out
Cypress HillRock Superstar
MC HushAll I got
ClassifiedAll about you
Roy Jones Jr.Can’t be touched
DMX ft. Fort MinorGive me a Sign (Remix)
Fort MinorRemember the Name
R. KellyI believe I can fly
Royce Da 5’9Can’t Nobody Stop Me
FlipsideSomeday
Gym Class HeroesShoot Down The Stars
Ice CubeYou Can Do It
Magnetic NorthDemons (remix)

D) Motivational Classic Songs

Jose Quintero300 Violin Orchesta
Carl OrffO Fortuna
Ennio Morricone The Ecstasy of Gold
Bill ContiGonna Fly Now
Luis ArmstrongWhat a Wonderful World
EnyaOrinoco Flow
PavarottiNessun Dorma

E) Motivational Rock & Metal Songs

Phil CollinsSussudio
Phil CollinsIn the Air Tonight
QueenWe Will Rock You
QueenWe are the Champions
ACDCThunderstruck
MetallicaEnter Snadman
The WhoPinball Wizard
SurvivorEye of the Tiger
EuropeThe Final Countdown
Van HalenRight Now
Kenny LogginsDanger Zone
Tom Cochrane & Red RiderLife Is a Highway
Savage GardenAffirmation
NirvanaSmells Like Teen Spirit
Red Hot Chili PeppersCan’t Stop
Billy TalentRed Flag
The KillersWhen you were young
BlurSong 2
SkilletAwake and Alive
Breaking BenjaminI will not bow
P.O.D.Boom
Linkin ParkIn the End
PillarFrontline
Blue October Jump Rope
Paul StanleyLive to Win
All American RejectsMove Along
Drowning PoolLet the Bodies hit the Floor
Rise AgainstPrayer of the Refugee
DisturbedDown with the Sickness
DopeSurvive
Pantera5 Minutes Alone
Rob ZombieDragula
Amon AmarthGods of War Arise
Nine Inch NailsWish
Dope Stars IncBang Your Head
ProbotShake Your Blood
SalivaLadies and Gentlemen
SkilletMonster
SkilletHero
ACDCHighway to Hell

F) Motivational Techno, Electronic & House Music

Tom PulseCuando
Daft PunkHarder Better Faster Stronger
Daft PunkAround the World
David Guetta vs. David BowieJust For One Day (Heroes)
TiëstoPower Mix
Big AliNeon Music
Guru Josh ProjectInfinity
Dave DarellFreeloader
Spencer & HillHousebeat
Eiffel 65Move Your Body

III. Motivational Music submitted by Readers

KutlessWhat Faith Can Do
Bon JoviUnbreakable
Irene CaraWhat A Feeling
OptimisticSounds Of Blackness
Tracy ChapmanFast Cars
SuedeBeautiful One
Powerman 5000Bombshell
SurvivorThe Moment of Truth
Moody BluesThis is the Moment
Michael FrantiHey Hey Hey
Guano ApesOpen Your Eyes
Foo FightersEverlong
Bon JoviLay Your Hands on Me
Stevie WonderI Wish
Gary GlitterThe Hey Song
PODBoom
MuseInvincible
MuseButterflies and Hurricanes
The best Hip Hop melody by The Knarly Project
Crysis 2 Full Soundtrack – Hans Zimmer
Crimson Tide Theme – Hans Zimmer
The Rock Theme – Hans Zimmer
Heavy Rain – Ethan Mars Theme
Journey to Transilvania – Alan Silvestri (van Helsing Soundtrack)
Assassins Creed, Access the Animus – Jesper Kyd
Matrix Revolutions, Burly Brawl – Don Davis
Assassins Creed II, Venice Escape – Jesper Kyd
Crysis Warhead, Hovercraft Pursuit Theme – Peter Antovszki
Europa – Globus
Truth Be Known – Atlas Plug
Clint Mansell – Lux Aeterna
Watch me shine – Joanna Pacitti
Through The Rain – Mariah Carey
Winner – Kizzy McHugh
Go the distance – Michael Bolton
Can Do It – Helloween
Red Hot Chili Peppers– Soul to squeeze
Stone Temple Pilots– Plush
Manowar– Master of the wind

I hope you like this massive list of motivating songs. Now it’s up to you to select your favorites, turn up the volume and get a quick boost of motivation.

Check out the following motivational articles:

Music

Use the power of motivational music

 


Disclaimer: All videos in this article are embedded from YouTube. This means that NONE of the videos and/or their contents were uploaded to this website! The content holders of the videos are responsible for their contents.

What is your most favorite song to get you pumped and motivated? Feel free to share your songs in the comment section below.


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About Author

Steve is the founder of Planet of Success, the #1 choice when it comes to motivation, self-growth and empowerment. This world does not need followers. What it needs is people who stand in their own sovereignty. Join us in the quest to live life to the fullest!

79 Comments

  1. Really great songs! Here are my 3 favorite motivation songs:

    What Faith Can Do – Kutless
    Unbreakable – Bon Jovi
    What A Feeling – Irene Cara

  2. If you want you can also include these songs.. I really love those:
    optimistic: sounds of blackness
    tracy chapman: fast Cars
    suede: beautiful one
    powerman 5000 – bombshell

    And awesome list by the way! Thanks

  3. Thank you Kate and Johnny for submitting your favorite motivational music! I have included your most favourite motivational songs into the article.

  4. Best Pump Up Songs on

    Thanks for sharing.

    Some good songs in there I hadn’t heard of previously…

    Check out my list of pump up songs in the link above.

  5. Michael jackson – Beat it isn’t that motivational is it? it’s about running away from a fight. Good advice in some circumstances, but “beat it” here doesn’t mean beat it as in overcome it, it means beat it as in run away!

    • Rob, thanks for clarifying that misunderstanding! Still, “beat it” in terms of running away might be in some cases a very good advice, as you said! 😉

    • hey, I will listen to some Hindi songs once I have some time left! Thanks for the recommendation!

  6. Hey Steve,
    A song that I rarely makes these lists is the Michael Franti song Hey Hey Hey. It is powerful and overcoming. Michael himself was adopted and has a great story of making it happen.
    Thanks for the list.

    • Hey Rob, thanks for your fantastic suggestion! I’ve added Michael Franti’s song to the list!
      Thanks again!

  7. Official update: I’ve rewritten this article, added a section with a top 10 of motivational songs and a plain list of motivating songs categorized by genre varying from hip-hop, rap, rock, heavy metal, house and even soundtrack music I hope you like the new article!

  8. Guano Apes-Open Your Eyes
    Foo Fighters-Everlong
    Bon Jovi-Lay Your Hands on Me
    Stevie Wonder-I Wish
    Gary Glitter-The Hey Song
    POD-Boom

  9. I like the list but I did see a mistake and my roots in metal have compelled me to notify you.
    ‘Disturbed – Let the Bodies hit the Floor’ should be Drowning Pool – ‘Let the bodies hit the floor.’

    Also to help grow the rock metal side,
    Disturbed – Down with the Sickness
    Dope – Survive
    Pantera – 5 Minutes Alone
    Rob Zombie – Dragula
    Amon Amarth – Gods of War Arise
    Nine Inch Nails – Wish
    Dope Stars Inc – Bang Your Head
    Probot – Shake Your Blood
    Saliva – Ladies and Gentlemen

    But awesome list! I’m definitively going to try out some in the different genres. There’s I lot I haven’t even heard of so thanks for share the musical knowledge!
    Cheers!

  10. I really enjoyed this post and used it as a great source to create a list of my own with links and genre organization! I compiled 300+ songs organized across the genres of Pop, Rock, Rap, Classic Rock, and Instrumental. All songs have iTunes links so you can download easily. If you need more songs take a look!

  11. i think u should put some skillet songs at list like:
    skillet-Monster
    Skillet-hero
    and some acdc like:
    ACDC-highway to hell

  12. Muse – Invincible
    Muse – Butterflies and Hurricanes

    Both are excellent songs for inspiration/motivation.

  13. The best Hip Hop melody by The Knarly Project I love this song it speaks the truth about the problems we youth are facing today with this recession, can’t find a job, homeless, but yet we still can be motivated to be Successful.

  14. Fantastic list!!! Here are a few of my favorites!!!

    1) You are unstoppable – Rascal Flatts (A remix of “Love is unstoppable”)
    youtube.com/watch?v=v1xF1L8ZS7s

    2) Win – Brian McKnight
    youtube.com/watch?v=VDEi5hJ76-A

    3) The storm is over – R. Kelly
    youtube.com/watch?v=6Cg_A-zCkIE

    4) Awake & Alive – Skillet
    youtube.com/watch?v=KmL-J1IghZM

  15. Oh and I can’t forget my home town hero!

    Here comes the boom – Nelly
    youtube.com/watch?v=FbO9RUMTfvA

    I am number 1 – Nelly
    youtube.com/watch?v=56j7_HEF-b0

  16. How about “Always Look on the Bright Side of Life” by Monty Python? That always made my day 😉

  17. INCUBUS – A Certain Shade of Green (Acoustic or not), but i like the acoustic version better. I always listen to this song to eliminate procrastination.

  18. Crysis 2 Full Soundtrack (Hans Zimmer)
    Crimson Tide Theme – Hans Zimmer
    The Rock Theme – Hans Zimmer
    Heavy Rain, Ethan Mars Theme
    Van Helsing, Journey to Transilvania – Alan Silvestri
    Assassins Creed, Access the Animus – Jesper Kyd
    Matrix Revolutions, Burly Brawl – Don Davis
    Assassins Creed II, Venice Escape – Jesper Kyd
    Crysis Warhead, Hovercraft Pursuit Theme – Peter Antovszki
    Europa – Globus
    Truth Be Known – Atlas Plug

    b’ful n inspirational songs to boost u up !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! enjoy…..

    • Steve Mueller on

      What a load of fantastic songs! It goes without saying that I’ve included them all into the article! Thanks for the suggestions!

  19. Eh, where’s Clint Mansell’s Lux Aeterna? It makes everything epic, i.e:

    http ://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ewH-Hxj_suM

  20. Thanks i found this site…i think Fantasia Barrina’s I Believe is also a very good motivational song

  21. Fantastic songs you listed in here. That was what I needed to get pumped up with motivation.
    I’m going for a run now, cya!

  22. Hey! I came across your fantastic site to leave my first comment here. I wanted to give you a quick shout out to tell you how much I like the Planet of Success!! The list includes so many motivating songs that I’ll definitely upload some of them into my workout track list. If you want write another article about motivating pump up songs!

    Bless you!

  23. Thanks! This list is much appreciated. Keep up the good work. Articles about motivation won’t do any harm to read.

  24. Fabulous list! It’s amazing that I found a place where so many motivating songs of various genres are listed. This page will be bookmarked! So great that you separated the songs into genres. I like the rock music section most! Thanks and please more of this lists I can’t get enough.

  25. dominique williams on

    I think I like this. Using music for motivation seems a great idea to me. I will give it a shot. There are a couple of songs that I like and many more to discover. No question this site will be bookmarked for later.

  26. First of all, I have to give acknowledgement to any list that includes the fantastic 300 Violin Orchestra anthem by Jorge Quintero! Wonderful. I went through the whole list and listened to some of the songs on youtube. I cranked the volume up, couldn’t believe how motivating the songs are!

    I’m a bodybuilder and was looking for some really good songs to motivate me to get pumped up, helping me to go to my limits and beyond. Thanks for all the motivation. Isn’t it wonderful how such a simple song can boost your motivation so much?

  27. I just love this! Amazing songs. Each and everyone of them is motivating me. Thanks that’s just what I needed.

  28. There are some gems in this list. It seems like I had forgotten these songs many years ago. So thanks for the reminder. I’m gonna buy these songs now and will use them to boost my motivation when going to the gym.

    By the way I absolutely love your blog and the topic of personal development in general. You’re writing with insight and compassion, that’s what I like most about your articles. Keep up the good work and stay save.

  29. Very nice listing. Maybe you could also add a section with the most motivating songs from the 80s and 90s. I love that era music wise.

  30. I love music, I need to get motivated so your text about motivating songs is highly appreciated. As a side note you could also add links to the videos on YouTube that would make it much easier for your readers. Nonetheless cool list and much of the songs are very motivating.

    Thanks CM

  31. These are some of the classic slow rock songs with good rhythm and and motivating lyrics.

    RHCP- Soul to squeeze

    Stone Temple Pilots- Plush

    Manowar- Master of the wind