Self-love is the best kind of love, and one of the best ways to love yourself is by giving yourself encouragement through music. What we listen to impacts our mindset, so we have to make sure we are feeding our minds songs that will give us confidence and remind us of our self worth. Whether you are working out and getting ready for the summer, taking a study break as you are preparing to ace that next exam, or just giving yourself a daily reminder that you are a queen, here are 17 songs perfect for hyping yourself up:
- Soulmate – Lizzo
-
We are starting this list with a song from the queen of self-love herself, Lizzo. The first time I heard of Lizzo was when I saw her perform at Coachella in 2019. Immediately, she gave vibes of self-love and confidence not only through her performance, but also her lyrics. This song was one of my favorites when I saw it performed live, and it is also my favorite of her album. “Soulmate” reminds us that we have to date and love ourselves. We can be our own soulmate! Knowing how to take care of ourselves is more important than any validation someone else can give us.
- Like a Girl – Lizzo
-
From the same album, “Like a Girl” is also a bop. It takes the idea of girl power to the next level and reminds listeners to never be ashamed of our gender. Being a girl and taking on the world as a female qualifies as a superpower, and sometimes we need to be reminded of that.
- Kings and Queens – Ava Max
-
Continuing on the theme of girl power, Ava Max’s “Kings and Queens” definitely deserves a spot on this list. The song has both obvious and hidden metaphors spreading the idea that women are just as strong as men, if not stronger. I also love this song because it shares the message of women supporting women. We are definitely stronger when we come together and not “dancing on our own.” The catchy beat of this song is also definitely a mood booster!
- Brave, Honest, Beautiful – Fifth Harmony
-
Fifth Harmony may not be together anymore, but their music still lives rent-free in my playlist. “Brave, Honest, Beautiful” is one of my favorite songs of theirs because it reminds me that I can embrace my authentic self and best traits while not being ashamed of doing so. Honestly, the whole album fits the idea of this list. So, when you are adding some new songs to your playlist, definitely give the album Reflection a listen.
- That’s My Girl – Fifth Harmony
-
“That’s My Girl” is another one of Fifth Harmony’s popular singles, and it’s about hard work paying off. With the finals season grind just around the corner, this song is the perfect reminder that you are killing it.
- Independent Woman – Destiny’s Child
-
This song is a major throwback, but it is still an iconic classic. If you ever need a reminder that any man—or any person for that matter—should not control you, give this song a listen. It can also serve as motivation for that finals’ grind, so you can get that degree and be an “independent woman”.
- Woman Up – Meghan Trainor
-
This is my favorite Meghan Trainor song of all time. “Woman Up,” like many of the songs on this playlist, honor female strength. This song also preaches that no matter what struggle or adversity you face, you can still do anything and make an impact. I always scream the chorus: “Don’t matter what you’ve been through, just make them remember you. This one is for all my girls, woman up.”
- How You Like That – BLACKPINK
-
It does not matter if you cannot understand all the lyrics because the vibes of “How You Like That” transcend the boundaries of language. The beat, strength and determination conveyed through the vocals is enough for any listener to feel the girl power of this song. This song is actually the first track on my workout playlist, and it never fails to hype me up.
- 21st Century Girl – BTS
-
Just like “How You Like That,” “21st Century Girl” does not need to be in English to make you feel like a queen. This song is all about being different and embracing your uniqueness. This BTS song is from an album that is a couple of years old, and it still remains one of my top favorite songs. If you ever need an extra smile, look up a video of the group performing it because I guarantee the energy will make you feel loved.
- Boss B**** – Doja Cat
-
If you have been on TikTok within the past year, you are definitely not a stranger to this song or the slow-mo videos of celebrities that are often paired with it. When you listen to this song, you are reminded that it is okay to stand your ground. Plus, you can also pretend to have your glamorous red carpet moment like in the “Boss B****” TikToks. Listen to this song and “shine like gloss.”
- Savage – Megan Thee Stallion
-
This track is also not a stranger to TikTok or social media. “Savage” is one of the songs that marks the beginning of quarantine, but we can also associate it with other ideas like loving ourselves. This song reminds us that we do not have to apologize for any of our personality traits. Therefore, even if you aren’t “classy,” “bougie,” or “ratchet,” being a true savage is embodying Megan Thee Stallion’s energy and knowing that you have worth.
- Drip – Cardi B (Ft. Migos)
-
I could not write this article without including at least one song from Cardi B. Cardi literally does not give a care about what other people think of her and continues living her truth despite the haters. Therefore, it is only appropriate she is mentioned. I chose “Drip” because while the song does not explicitly mention self-love or girl power like the other songs on this list, it has the energy of feeling yourself and recognizing your value.
- Girl on Fire – Alicia Keys
-
Another throwback, but this song is still an essential. “Girl on Fire” is not only a fantastic karaoke song, but it is a fantastic anthem. The song can make us feel like the next “it girl,” and the lyrics are generalized, but in a good way. Therefore, you can apply it to any situation in your life and feel amazing.
- Just Like Magic – Ariana Grande
-
This song is all about manifesting and keeping positive vibes. The lyrics encourage empowerment by claiming what you want. I am a true believer that the first step to achieving any dream is confidence in yourself, and “Just Like Magic” reminds us of this. Next time you listen to this song, remember that you can achieve even the unthinkable with hard work and keeping a queen mindset.
- I Like That – Janelle Monae
-
I absolutely love Miss Janelle Monae, and “I Like That” is one of my favorite songs of all time. The song has the message to love being different from everyone else. No matter what bullies or weird stares you face, if you truly love something, keep pursuing it. This song embodies a queen mindset because Janelle says it perfectly: even in hard times, “you are the s***.”
- Run The World (Girls) – Beyonce
-
This is a cliche track to add to a confidence playlist but deserves to be mentioned. “Run the World” is a great upbeat song, and it never fails to tell its listeners about the strength of women. It is the ultimate girl power track.
- Salute – Little Mix
-
I’m ending this list with “Salute” because it is all about women supporting women. Girl power is stronger in numbers, and we have to remember that no matter our background or taste, all women can be queens. This track is the perfect song to not only hype yourself up but also the other women in your life.
Remember, queen, no matter what you are going through, you got this. Mindset is everything, and music can heavily influence it. Hopefully, this list helped you find some new songs or just remember some old iconic ones. Happy listening, and don’t be afraid to have a personal dance party if needed!