You found our list of top team building songs.
Team building songs are motivational music that unites the group and improves team productivity. For example, “We Will Rock You,” by Queen and “Run the World,” by Beyoncé. The purpose of these songs is to put team members into cooperative and positive mindsets.
These tunes are similar to teamwork songs and conference songs, and can be used as an employee morale booster.
This post includes:
- songs about hard work and success
- motivational songs for work
- songs about achieving goals
- team building fight songs
- pump-up songs for teams
Here is the list!
List of team building songs
From all-time classics to newer hits, here is a list of songs to use for team building.
1. Don’t Stop Believin – Journey
This megahit is one of the all-time best group songs. Few folks can resist joining the refrain, and with multiple voices belting out the chorus, team members are less likely to feel self-conscious about singing.
Most uplifting lyric: “Don’t stop believin’/Hold on to that feeling.”
2. Roar – Katy Perry
“Roar” by Katy Perry is a song about gaining confidence and finding inner strength. This pop hit is one of the greatest team building fight songs, and is so catchy that teammates will have trouble not singing along.
Most uplifting lyric: “I got the eye of the tiger, a fighter/Dancing through the fire/’Cause I am a champion, and you’re gonna hear me roar.”
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3. We Didn’t Start the Fire – Billy Joel
A musical number about the global social and political problems of the 1950’s to 1990 might not seem like an obvious choice for a team building anthem. However, “We Didn’t Start the Fire,” by Billy Joel actually makes a great team building exercise. The complex lyrics provide a challenge, and many groups like to create parody versions with words that relate to the company or team.
Most uplifting lyric: “We didn’t start the fire/It was always burning, since the world’s been turning/We didn’t start the fire/No, we didn’t light it, but we tried to fight it.”
4. All I Do Is Win – DJ Khaled
“All I Do Is Win” by DJ Khaled is one of the most high-energy pump-up songs for teams. This song promotes the swagger and confidence needed to achieve goals and helps teams enter a winning mindset. Plus, the chorus is fun to chant and commands team members to wave their hands.
Note: The lyrics of the verses are a tad racy, so playing the radio edit in the workplace or at game practice is probably a good idea.
Most uplifting lyric: “All I do is win win win no matter what.”
5. High Hopes – Panic! At the Disco
“High Hopes” by Panic! At The Disco is an inspiring song about overcoming obstacles and achieving dreams. This tune can rally teams to be more resilient and can energize the group. Plus, the song is fun to dance to.
Most uplifting lyric: “Had to have high, high hopes for a living/Didn’t know how but I always had a feeling/I was gonna be that one in a million/Always had high, high hopes.”
6. The Final Countdown – Europe
“The Final Countdown” by Europe is a way to bring levity to situations with tense deadlines. The song can spur teams to finish strong and complete projects on time, and de-stress while doing so. While the lyrics about transcending Earth may be aspirational, the instrumental synth-pop hook is the element that gives the song oomph.
Most uplifting lyric: “It’s the final countdown.”
7. Can’t Hold Us – Macklemore and Ryan Lewis
“Can’t Hold Us” is one of the best hype songs for teams. The upbeat tempo keeps groups energized, and the catchy hook inspires teams to push through and put forth maximum effort. This song makes teams feel invincible, and inspires awesome performance.
Most uplifting lyric: “Can we go back? This is the moment/Tonight is the night, we’ll fight ’til it’s over/So we put our hands up/Like the ceiling can’t hold us.”
8. Hall of Fame – The Script ft will.i.am
“Hall of Fame” by The Script is one of the best songs about achieving goals. The song assures that listeners can overcome obstacles and achieve greatness in any pursuit, and is a tool to give teams confidence. “Hall of Fame,” helps team members visualize a win, and can motivate the team to keep working hard.
Most uplifting lyric: “‘Cause you burn with the brightest flame (Yeah)/And the world’s gonna know your name (Yeah)/And you’ll be on the walls of the Hall of Fame.”
9. Happy – Pharrell Williams
“Happy” by Pharrell is the ultimate feel-good song. This tune celebrates having an optimistic attitude and refusing to let naysayers or bad situations stand in the way of joy. The song spreads positivity and encourages teammates to share in each other’s happiness.
Most uplifting lyric: “Clap along if you feel like a room without a roof/Because I’m happy/Clap along if you feel like happiness is the truth.”
10. Heroes (We Could Be) – Alesso ft Tove Lo
“Heroes,” by Alesso is the perfect song to unlock your team’s potential. The lyrics claim that anybody has the power to achieve greatness and encourage listeners to choose to be extraordinary. “Heroes” is an anthem for going above and beyond and surpassing expectations. Also, the fact that the song is called “we could be heroes,” instead of “I could be a hero” helps teams to think of victory as a team effort.
Most uplifting lyric: “We could be heroes, me and you.”
11. Centuries – Fall Out Boy
“Centuries” by Fall Out Boy is one of the most epic songs for team building. The lyrics talk about becoming a legend and being remembered, and the accompanying music is intense. This song can help spur teams towards lasting glory.
Most uplifting lyric: “And I can’t stop ’til the whole world knows my name
‘Cause I was only born inside my dreams.”
12. Eye of the Tiger – Survivor
“Eye of the Tiger” is one of the most popular motivational songs for work. The instrumental opening instantly sparks adrenaline and is one of the most recognizable song openings ever. The song tells the story of withstanding setbacks, rising to challenges, surviving adversity, and keeping dreams alive. “Eye of the Tiger” is the ultimate fight song and serves as an immediate confidence boost.
Most uplifting lyric: “It’s the eye of the tiger/It’s the thrill of the fight/Rising up to the challenge of our rival.”
13. I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles) – The Proclaimers
“I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)” by The Proclaimers is a catchy melody about dedication. The song talks about working hard for someone else’s sake and going to great lengths to be there for the other person, which is precisely the sentiment teammates should have for each other. Also, the song’s silliness helps team members to blow off steam.
Most uplifting lyric: “And I would roll 500 miles/And I would roll 500 more.”
14. I Won’t Let You Down – OK Go
“I Won’t Let You Down” by OK Go is a song with a simple message– “you can count on me.” The song puts an emphasis on accountability and helps team members depend on each other, which is the end goal of the team building process.
Most uplifting lyric: “And I won’t let you down, no I won’t let you down.”
15. I’m Still Standing – Elton John
“I’m Still Standing” by Elton John is an anthem for overcoming adversity. The song is an affirmation of being able to overcome challenges and continue fighting. This toe-tapping tune serves as a rallying cry for teams to stay strong in the face of competition and hardship.
Most uplifting lyric: “You know I’m still standing better than I ever did.”
16. Play Hard – David Guetta ft Ne-Yo and Akon
“Work hard, play hard,” is the mantra of many high-performing teams, and is the chorus of this song. This party hit implies that to enjoy the high life, you must put in hard work and effort. The song has a high-energy beat and is the perfect addition to any spontaneous team dance party.
Most uplifting lyric: “Hey, said a hustler’s work is never through/We makin’ it ’cause we makin’ moves.”
17. Whatever It Takes – Imagine Dragons
“Whatever It Takes” is one of the best songs about hard work and success. The song lays out the reality that achieving greatness is not easy and often unpleasant, however those who are intent on succeeding will go to any length to reach the end goal.
Most uplifting lyric: “I do whatever it takes/’Cause I love how it feels when I break the chains.”
18. Run the World – Beyoncé
“Run the World,” by Beyoncé is a song that celebrates fierce females. This chart topper is ideal for all-woman teams who could use a boost in confidence or a song to commemorate a win. “Run the World,” serves as a reminder that girls can achieve anything.
Most uplifting lyric: “Who run the world? Girls.”
19. We Will Rock You – Queen
“We Will Rock You” by Queen is the epiphany of motivational team music. The chorus of “we will rock you,” functions as a battle cry that amps teams up for victory. Not to mention, the stomp-clap makes a fun team building exercise.
Most uplifting lyric: “We will, we will rock you, sing it!”
20. It’s My Life – Bon Jovi
“It’s My Life” by Bon Jovi is one of the best songs for team karaoke. Team members may not know every word to the song, yet will wholeheartedly shout out the chorus of “it’s my life,” alongside teammates. The song talks about living life on your own terms without regret, and can help team member embrace each other’s individuality and be bolder at work.
Most uplifting lyric: “It’s my life/It’s now or never/But I ain’t gonna live forever/I just want to live while I’m alive.”
21. Tightrope – Janelle Monáe ft Big Boi
“Tightrope” by Janelle Monáe is a song about withstanding criticism and not letting harsh opinions affect performance. The lyrics use the metaphor of a tightrope to show that people are going to talk no matter what, and for your own wellbeing you need to focus on the job at hand. The beat is catchy and the lyrics are empowering, and the whole team can find inspiration in this number.
Most uplifting lyric: “They trying to take all of your dreams/But you can’t allow it/Cause baby whether you’re high or low/You gotta tip on the tightrope.”
22. Shake It Off- Taylor Swift
“Shake It Off” by Taylor Swift provides a reminder not to let dismissive opinions shake self-confidence. The song advises listeners to continue pursuing goals and pay no mind to overly negative criticism. “Shake It Off,” is one the best songs to recover the team’s confidence after a defeat.
Most uplifting lyric: “But I keep cruising/Can’t stop, won’t stop moving/It’s like I got this music/In my mind/Saying, “It’s gonna be alright.”
23. The Lion Sleeps Tonight – Tokens
“The Lion Sleeps Tonight,” is one of the most fun team building songs. While the lyrics do not relate directly to work or teamwork, the harmonies encourage singers to pick a part and join in. You can even turn the tune into a virtual happy hour game.
Most uplifting lyric: “Weeheeheehee dee heeheeheehee weeoh aweem away.”
24. Lovely Day – Bill Withers
“Lovely Day” by Bill Withers is a cheerful song that declares no matter what struggles may come, looking at a loved one is enough to make it a “lovely day.” While some might dedicate the song to a romantic partner or family member, the sentiment can be applied to a team member too. Plus, “Lovely Day,” is an ode to optimism and a song that can help put team members in a positive mindset.
Most uplifting lyric: “When the day that lies ahead of me/Seems impossible to face/When someone else instead of me/Always seems to know the way/Then I look at you/And the world’s alright with me.”
25. Celebrate – Kool & The Gang
Celebrating collective wins is an important part of the team building process, and “Celebrate” by Kool & The Gang is the perfect soundtrack to group celebrations. The song encourages listeners to gather and reap the benefits of the hard work together.
Most uplifting lyric: “It’s time to come together/It’s up to you, what’s your pleasure?/Everyone around the world come on!”
Here is a Spotify playlist of these songs:
Final Thoughts
Music has mighty uniting powers and can help teams bond and develop rapport. Also, playing motivating songs can put team members in the right mindset to collaborate, persist in the face of hardship, and stay positive. Team building songs make a great soundtrack for team building events, meetings, and celebrations, or can just be good background music while working at home or in the office.
Next, check out this collection of team building movies, these teamwork shows, these motivational songs for work, and our guide to on how to do a team building dance.
Angela Robinson