No one can deny the joy in hearing an uplifting song in times of struggle, or maybe just even after a hard day at work. From the Beatles to Iggy Azalea, Neon Tommy is listing the best songs to inspire you. 

1. “Beautiful Day” by U2 

This song that makes you want to explore and take a breath of fresh air, perhaps even interact with nature because it is a beautiful day. Also, as an incentive to watch the video, Bono actually appears sans glasses (*gasp*).  

2. “Here Comes the Sun” by the Beatles

If the best band ever tells you it’s alright, it is alright.  

3. “Brand New Day” by Van Morrison

Although more of a “deep cut,” this song is highly recommended to play on a morning drive. Even if you’re stuck on traffic on the 110, the world will still feel beautiful with Van's crooning voice.  

4. “Awake My Soul” by Mumford and Sons

These lyrics are so exceptionally wise, they may produce thoughts of reflection and realization: "Where you invest your love, you invest your life."    

5. “Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World” by Israel Kamakawiwo'ole

Combining two of the absolute most uplifting songs ever written just seemed like a good idea. Thankfully, Kamakawiwoʻole already did it for us. 

6. “You Get What You Give” by the New Radicals

The line “You only get what you give, just don’t be afraid to live” is, by far, the best the declaration this one-hit wonder ever stated. Besides calling out Beck, Hanson, Courtney Love, and Marylin Manson, of course. 

7. “Solsbury Hill” by Peter Gabriel

It would be a challenge for anyone to listen to this song and not want to go out and adventure. Gabriel wrote this about starting a solo career after Genesis and he couldn’t have written more fitting lyrics about starting anew. 

8. “Now Is the Start” by A Fine Frenzy 

An absolute must-listen for anyone in need of a clean start, or perhaps to guilt yourself to going to the gym this new school year. 

9. “Head Full of Doubt/Road Full of Problems” by Avett Brothers

“Decide what to be and go be it.” So straightforward. Preach.

10. “See You Again” by Carrie Underwood 

A bit of more on the depressing side, this song talks about how even though people may not be here anymore, there is hope because we will see them again. That’s if you can even think about the lyrics because the video may induce emotions due to the use of children, military, and tragedy all-in-one. 

11. “Sigh No More” by Mumford and Sons

Don’t mean to use an artist twice, but this one is inspiring enough to be used in a Disney sports movie. “Love it will not betray you, dismay or enslave you; it will set you free. Be more like the man you were made to be.” The build-up to the ending also adds to the chills you will surely have.  

12. “Work” by Iggy Azalea 

Iggy made it with “no money, no family, sixteen in the middle of Miami.” Also, she also is inspirational enough to pull off Adidas patchwork pants and then vertical striped shorts with animal print. Basically, she is everything Miley is trying to be (but doing it correctly). 

13. “Life Is Life” by Noah and the Whale

“Your life is your life, gotta live like it’s your life.” No one can sum it up better than that. 

14. “Hands” by Jewel 

Basically, our now country girl is saying everyone has the opportunity to make a difference. The song is oozing with potential yearbook quotes or even use in nonprofit commercials. 

15. “What Dreams Are Made Of” by Hilary Duff

Not only did this inspire many people’s childhood dreams of finding a twin Italian pop star with an substandard accent, but it also motivated everyone to follow their dreams!

Reach Staff Reporter Jillian Morabito here.