Top 10 Songs to Listen to When You Need a Confidence Boost
#10: "Confident" (2015)
Demi Lovato
Come on, it’s right there in the title! Lovato wastes no time championing confidence here, reinforcing the fact that there’s no shame in it. The singer owns their power the whole way through, and by the same token encourages listeners to do the same. Indeed, the track leaves no room for uncertainty, with the lyrics and instrumentation coming together to create an electrifying listening experience. It practically sends a jolt of self-assuredness through our bodies every time we hear it. You may not be super confident before pressing play. But we’re pretty sure you’ll be ready to stand your ground and show everyone who’s boss once this banger starts blasting.
#9: "Survivor" (2001)
Destiny's Child
Life knocks us all down at one point or another. And there may even be people who try to make you believe that you can’t make it without them. But Destiny’s Child’s “Survivor” won’t let us buy into any of that negativity! For one thing, it’s an amazing R&B tune, with a strong beat and decisive lyrics that always get us pumped. More than that though, it speaks to something important. Beyoncé, Kelly Rowland, and Michelle Williams come together to help us see that we have what it takes to hang in there, work hard, and thrive. It goes without saying, but we feel like the ultimate survivors whenever this song comes on.
#8: "Bejeweled" (2022)
Taylor Swift
Say it with us now: shimmer! We all have those days (or weeks) where we feel kind of blah for a myriad of reasons, romantic or otherwise. In those moments, it can be easy to forget that we’re sparkly. Thankfully, this song is there to assure us we’re still bejeweled. Come for the fun TikTok dance, but stay for the playful yet empowering lyrics and fairytale-inspired video. Seriously, it’s basically impossible to listen to the catchy synth-pop track without grinning. So don’t fight the magic — let it remind you that, like Taylor Swift, you can still make the whole place shimmer! If anyone ever tries to make you doubt that, just “Shake It Off.”
#7: "Beautiful" (2002)
Christina Aguilera
There are a lot of sad ballads out there for when you want to be all up in your emotions. This isn’t one of them, though. While a slower song, “Beautiful” is anything but depressing. It’s emotional, yes, but in an introspective way that leaves anyone who hears it feeling beautiful, inside and out. It tells us that it’s okay to ignore the naysayers and embrace every part of yourself, vulnerabilities and all. Plus, Aguilera’s vocals are so awe-inspiring that each word instantly touches our hearts. And if you’re looking for something more upbeat, Xtina still has you covered. Remember, they can’t hold us down!
#6: "Born This Way" (2011)
Lady Gaga
First thing’s first - this tune will have you dancing your butt off. The pure joy of movement it inspires is enough to make anyone happy. But of course, there’s a lot more to “Born This Way” than that. The electropop hit is all about loving oneself and seeing our differences as strengths, and has gone on to become something of an ‘anthem’ for marginalized groups. It’s easy to see why, as the track isn’t afraid to scream its message from the rooftops for everyone to hear. By being unapologetic about its championing of self-love, “Born This Way” convinces everyone listening that they’re perfect as they are.
#5: "I Will Survive" (1978)
Gloria Gaynor
This impeccably written disco anthem has had people finding their inner badass for decades, and we don’t see that changing any time soon. No matter what form of hardship you’re struggling with – romantic, professional, personal – the list goes on – the tenacious content resonates. Plus, you can tell Gloria Gaynor believes every word she’s belting, which makes us believe them, too. So whenever you feel afraid and petrified, cue up “I Will Survive” and let it lift you up. Say goodbye to whatever or whoever’s held you back, because we’ve got all our lives to live, and we’ve got all our love to give, and we’ll survive.
#4: "About Damn Time" (2022)
Lizzo
Lizzo is one of the most positive artists out there, regularly using her platform to raise others up. Honestly, you could fill an entire confidence-boosting playlist with her records – “Juice” anyone? Whether you need a refresher on how “Special” you are or want to feel “Good as Hell”, she’s got you. But we want to take a moment to spotlight the Grammy-winning “About Damn Time.” From the second the first note plays, we’re compelled to turn up the music, turn down the lights, and soak in the celebratory feeling that we’re gonna be alright. The infectious track gives us permission to free ourselves from past stress and celebrate who and where we are now – that’s empowering stuff.
#3: "I'm Still Standing" (1983)
Elton John
Sir Elton John, we bow down! “I’m Still Standing” is as fresh a hit as they come. There’s almost a sense of childlike glee imbued within the synth-heavy music. That – combined with John’s magnetic delivery and the scintillating melody – instantly invigorates our spirits. The whole thing is essentially an ode to making it through and getting back up no matter how many times one has fallen. Now, you may have noticed that survival is a recurring theme in the songs we’re discussing. This one tackles it in an exciting way that makes us want to show off our best moves while singing along. Needless to say, “I’m Still Standing” makes it easy to kiss low self-esteem goodbye.
#2: "Fight Song" (2015)
Rachel Platten
Sometimes, a series of difficult events make us forget just how powerful we are inside. But that force remains within us even when we don’t see or sense it – it just needs to be unlocked. That’s where “Fight Song” comes in, helping us unleash our inner warriors. A pop rock number all about taking your life back and reclaiming your spark, it’s an excellent anthem for when you need to remember you got this. Rachel Platten sells every single lyric, while all the instruments gorgeously meld together to elevate the heartwarming final product. The result is a stimulating fight song for the ages that has us ready to use our voices and make waves.
Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
"Flowers" (2023), Miley Cyrus
Talk About a Catchy Ode to Self-Love & Independence
"Scars to Your Beautiful" (2015), Alessia Cara
A Reminder That You’re Beautiful Just the Way You Are
"Roar" (2013), Katy Perry
Getting Us Ready to Roar Loud Enough for All to Hear
"Respect" (1967), Aretha Franklin
An Empowering Anthem That Always Puts a Pep in Our Step
"Brave" (2013), Sara Bareilles
Being Brave Isn’t Always Easy, but This Song Motivates Us to Try
#1: "Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You)" (2011)
Kelly Clarkson
We all know the “what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger” quote. But Kelly Clarkson turned it into a full-blown banger. From both musical and lyrical standpoints, “Stronger” hits all the right, high-energy notes. While the track itself is about rebuilding after a relationship ends, the underlying sentiment can apply to virtually any situation. The chorus alone lifts our mood and never fails to get us fist-pumping while proclaiming our independence. So the next time you need to believe in yourself, turn up the volume on “Stronger.” Go ahead, stand a little taller and immerse yourself in everything it has to offer – you’ll feel brand new and invincible.