Top 10 Songs of Optimism

Top 10 Songs of Optimism

Posted on 14. May, 2011 by in 1 Leadership, People & Change

One thing most people don’t know about me is that I was a nightclub DJ when I was in my twenties.  My love for music started when I was 10 years old.  For my birthday I received my first stereo. It had an 8-track player, cassette player and turntable. Thirty years later music is still central to my life.

In honor of my love of music and my passion for leadership, I’m kicking off the 2nd annual search for the Top 10 songs about change.  And I need your help with creating the list.

About the List

Last year’s list focused on change from any perspective.  This year, I’m doing it a little different.

  • I want to list the top 10 songs that lift our spirits, give us hope, and create a sense of optimism.
  • Change can often be viewed as painful. Yet, when done right, change can bring us happiness.  And I believe we can all use a big dose of happiness right now.

Creating the List

I want the list to reflect the diversity of my readers.

  • In the comment sections, suggest any song you believe is about lifting our spirits, giving us hope, and creating a sense of optimism in us all.
  • Comment on other’s comments. I want to have a good dialogue about the songs that inspire us to want something better, bigger, and beyond ourselves.
  • The songs with the most comments, suggestions from others and me, and my scientific weighting technique will create the top 10 list.

Revealing the List

On Tuesday, May 24th, I’ll reveal the list of the Top 10 Songs of Optimism.  So, look at your music library and share your ideas in the comment section below.

So, what song(s) lift your spirits, gives you hope, or is about optimism? Share below.

Photo Courtesy of Tennesee

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15 Responses to “Top 10 Songs of Optimism”

  1. Maya

    14. May, 2011

    Hi Shawn
    Saw your Twitter request for this.
    There are so many great mainstream and alternative songs that fit the bill!

    One that has been showing for me lately is ‘Where is the love’ by the Blackeyed Peas. I find it incredibly uplifting, and a reminder that a loving intention can turn the world around.

    Look forward to seeing your final list. Cheers, Maya

    Reply to this comment

    • Shawn Murphy

      14. May, 2011

      Hey Maya,
      BEPs do a great job reminding us how to treat each other well. “Where is the love” is a standout on many fronts. Good choice.

      If other songs come to mind, certainly come back and share them.

      Be well,
      Shawn

      Reply to this comment

  2. John Feskorn

    14. May, 2011

    Hey Shawn~ Song that really inspires me, no it actually “pumps” me up! Van Halen – Dreams (Higher)…The song actually talks about getting knocked around a bit but still chasing your dreams; “Standin on broken dreams, never losing sight” Thanks! John

    Reply to this comment

    • Shawn Murphy

      14. May, 2011

      John,
      I have a playlist on of songs on my iPod that gets me pumped and inspired. Dreams is definitely on it.
      Thanks for sharing the song. Feel free to add as many as you’d like.

      Shawn

      Reply to this comment

  3. Angie Chaplin

    14. May, 2011

    Oh, Shawn, be prepared to be overwhelmed… I have a playlist on my iPod that I play during leadership workshops…

    “Proud” – Heather Small
    “Will You Be There” – Michael Jackson
    “If You’re Out There” – John Legend
    “It’s Who You Are” – AJ
    “The Climb” – Miley Cyrus
    “Viva La Vida” – Coldplay
    ‘Be Good to Yourself” – Journey
    “The Best is Yet to Come” – Michael Buble
    “Best Years of Our Lives” – Baha Men
    “Born to Be Alive” – Disco Kings
    “Born to Run” – Bruce Springsteen
    “The Champion in Me” – 3 Doors Down
    “Don’t Stop Believin’” – Journey
    “”Don’t Worry, Be Happy”
    “I’m Still Standing” – Elton John
    “I Can See Clearly Now” – Jimmy Cliff
    “If Today Was Your Last Day” – Nickelback
    “It’s a New Day” – will.i.am
    “Keeping the Faith” – Billy Joel
    “Lean on Me” – Bill Withers
    “Let Your Light Shine” – Keb Mo
    “Life is a Highway” – Rascal Flatts
    Live Like You Were Dying” – Tim McGraw
    “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” – Israel Kamakawaiwo’ole (IZ)
    “Stayin’ Alive” – Bee Gees
    “Unwritten” – Natasha Bedingfield
    “Walking on Sunshine” – Katrina & The Waves
    “We Are Family” – Sister Sledge
    “We Shall Be Free” – Garth Brooks
    “The World’s Greatest” – R. Kelly
    “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” – Lyle Lovett & Randy Newman
    “You Were Born For This” – Tremelo
    “Accentuate the Positive” – Perry Como
    “Beautiful Life” Ace of Base
    “We Weren’t Born to Follow” – Bon Jovi
    “Unstoppable” – Rascal Flatts
    “O-O-H Child…” – The 5 Stairsteps

    Whew… that’s all I got. Hope that helps!!!

    Lead on,
    angie

    Reply to this comment

    • Shawn Murphy

      15. May, 2011

      WOW! Angie this is the most prolific response to date! I love it. And I really like the diversity in song selection.
      The IZ version of Somewhere…is an all time fave. And John Legend’s “If You’re Out There” was in my Top 10 last year.
      Fantastic choices.

      Shawn

      Reply to this comment

  4. John Griffin

    14. May, 2011

    Hi Shawn, Great idea! Lately, the song that inspires me has been Don’t Stop Believin’, by Journey. I’ve been listening to it on my morning bike rides just get the day started. My mantra has been “Dream, but act on those dreams today.”
    Blessings,
    John

    Reply to this comment

    • Shawn Murphy

      15. May, 2011

      John,
      You’re embodying a key underlying message in this – be in action! So far Journey’s Don’t Stop Believin’ is in the hunt for a spot in the Top 10.

      Enjoy your AM bike rides – a great way to start the day.
      Shawn

      Reply to this comment

  5. Greg Blencoe

    14. May, 2011

    Shawn,

    I love the song “Keep Your Head Up” by Andy Grammer. I think it’s a great song with a fantastic message.

    Here is a link to the video on YouTube (which I’ve probably watched 20-30 times over the past couple of months!):

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CmrOB_q3tjo

    Greg

    Reply to this comment

    • Shawn Murphy

      15. May, 2011

      Greg,
      I love it when songs I’ve not heard are suggested. I’m on my way to watch the YouTube video.
      Thank you for your support.

      Shawn

      Reply to this comment

  6. Shawn Murphy

    15. May, 2011

    I’m thinking My Chemical Romance “Sing” is a current, inspirational song. Thoughts?

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hTgnDLWeeaM

    Reply to this comment

  7. Valerie Iravani

    16. May, 2011

    You Lift Me Up – sung by Jeff Groban
    I’m Walking on Sunshine – oh yea!
    Celebration – don’t know by whom.

    These songs always grab me and get my fee moving.

    Reply to this comment

    • Shawn Murphy

      16. May, 2011

      Hi Valerie,
      Excellent choices. You may be referring to Kool and the Gang’s “Celebration.” A wedding favorite and classic for sure.

      Thank you for sharing,
      Shawn

      Reply to this comment

  8. Steven Fernandez

    24. May, 2011

    Saw your Twitter request for this.

    How can anyone forget this classic!!!!

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=btPJPFnesV4

    It doesn’t get any better. Listened to it on the way to a client meeting.

    Reply to this comment

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