Classic rock, like every music genre, possesses certain songs which empower and inspire. While not classic rock’s best known tracks, the genre’s most inspirational songs deserve recognition. So next time you find yourself loading up your i-Pod with inspirational music, remember the following selections.
3. “Shooting Star” by Poison
“Shooting Star” proves an ideal choice to kickoff this classic rock’s most inspirational songs list. When you think about the band Poison, what comes to your mind? The ageless “Every Rose Has Its Thorn” track? Maybe lust filled songs such as “Talk Dirty to Me” and “I Want Action” begins playing inside your head. If you let your mind wander long enough though, “Shooting Star” should appear.
Shooting Star” tells a story about a young girl heading to Hollywood equipped with nothing but her dreams and an ambition to succeed. The positive self-talk incorporated into the lyrics makes “Shooting Star” effectively inspirational. After all, the chorus “I am someone, look what I have done. Stare into the sun, I am a shooting star. I am something. I am someone” radiates self-empowerment.
2. “Enslaved” by Motley Crue
Similar to Poison Motley Crue sets the mood for success with a song containing self-empowering lyrics, “Enslaved.” At first consideration a track named “Enslaved” may not seem to echo an inspirational tone but listen to the song anyways. Rather than discussing enslavement Motley Crue cautions you against becoming enslaved, with the lyrics “So be sure that you are making the best of what that you have. The truth is all within yourself. Don’t be a slave, a slave to someone else.”
Instrumentals add to the track’s motivational message by utilizing different tempos. “Enslaved” starts with a slow tempo before the sound becomes increasingly aggressive. Motley Crue then slows to another less aggressive tempo at the chorus, drawing your attention to vocalist Vince Neal’s words.
1. “Right Now” by Van Halen
Transcending inspirational songs, Van Halen created a track which defines living. “Right now, hey! It’s your tomorrow. Right now, come on it’s everything. Right now catch your magic moment, do it here and now! It means everything.” The beats accompanying the lyrics further emphasizes the message through incorporating impactful chords at just the correct moments.
Overall “Right Now” deserves respect as not only the greatest inspirational song in classic rock but as one of the best inspirational songs amongst all genres.
Looking for more inspirational songs? Checkout “Three Inspirational Songs from Kenny Chesney” and “Country Music’s Most Inspirational Songs.”
