Student Blog: Musical Motivation: The Songs to Hype You Up

If you're reading this, chances are you can point to times in your life when musical theater was there for you, helping you through your lowest moments. Musicals can provide much-needed catharsis, an escape and a relatable storyline.

But sometimes, musicals can also remind us of the power we hold. They help us tap into our inner strength and make us feel like we have the capacity to save the world-or burn it to the ground.

If you're in need of a confidence boost, and you're a bit tired of sobbing through singing your sad ballads playlist, these songs are for you!

1. "My Shot" from Hamilton

Hear me out: yes, this song and this musical are obvious choices for this list. Who hasn't heard of this show by now, and this song is probably the most famous from the musical, after the first one. But if this song doesn't get your blood pumping, I don't know what will. Even if you have "Hamilton" burnout, I bet you'd have a hard time listening to this and not rapping every line.

2. "So Much Better" from Legally Blonde

I recently watched the pro-shot of this show with one of my friends, and I was reminded of how awesome it is. It's got to be one of the best screen-to-stage adaptations ever, and while there are many different songs from this show that could make this list, I can't think of anything more satisfying than the underdog getting to show everyone that they succeeded. Elle taunting Warner is so funny and gratifying, and anyone who's ever felt underestimated by others can relate to the thrill of proving oneself.

3. "Bring It On" from Bring It On

Like "Legally Blonde," this show is chock-full of songs practically made for this list. But the title song takes the listener on a mini journey, from despondent and wounded, to angry and motivated. The song as a whole is less than three minutes, and yet it packs so much power. If you pretend that the chorus is saying your name instead of Campbell's, it's even more exhilarating. I challenge you to sing the lines, "And once I have my squad, you'll feel the wrath of good, so let the doubters and the haters and my fears be gone!" without imagining the wind whipping your hair and the sky turning stormy from the sheer force of your power.

4. "World Burn" from Mean Girls

I feel I must acknowledge the fact that there are two songs on this list sung by Taylor Louderman, and I think that speaks to the power she can pack into these performances. I'm not a big "Mean Girls" musical fan, but this song and "I'd Rather Be Me" are fixtures on my musical theater bop playlists. While I considered "I'd Rather Be Me" for this list, I feel compelled to choose this one because, like "Bring It On," it makes me feel I'm walking through a post-apocalyptic world with burning structures behind me as I, the lone survivor, take on the evil forces in an epic battle for the soul of humanity. Is this technically a villain song? Yes. Does it make me feel like the main character? Also yes.

5. "Astonishing" from Little Women

If you're on a journey of self-discovery, and you're not sure what you want in life-you just know you want more-then this is a great song for you. This is all about breaking out of your comfort zone and pursuing an image for yourself that might be a bit fuzzy, a bit vague, but it's yours. This is a song for dreamers; for those of us with high aspirations and hopes, even if we don't know quite how to get there yet. Listen to this song to remind yourself of what motivates you, and to remember that you already have within you everything you need to succeed-it will present itself when you need it.

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