Clouds by Trip Lee

This one's for the dreamers.

SONGS THAT HELP BY SOUL MOTIVATION RECORDS

This song has been one of my go-to jams for a while now.  I feel like it's time I make sure you are hip to this tune.  This song makes me smile.  This song is all about dreaming.  It's all about making sure you wake up on the right side of the bed no matter which side you actually wake up on.  You can choose every day to live for your dreams.  This is your time.  This is your spot.  And if you want to live in the clouds, do it.  It's a whole other world up there.

Way up in the clouds like I'm on one.

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Everything's Alright From Jesus Christ Superstar

Live TV at it's best!

SONGS THAT HELP BY SOUL MOTIVATION RECORDS

I am a sucker for musicals, especially Andrew Lloyd Weber musicals.  So when I heard they were doing a live version of Jesus Christ Superstar on NBC with John Legend and Sara Bareilles, I was in.  I expected it to be decent but was actually blown away by how amazing it was!  The set was awesome, the cinematography was off the charts and the performances were spot on!  I loved it.  But the biggest take away for me was that I had forgotten how great the songs were in Jesus Christ Superstar.  Especially this one.  I love the simple melody and encouraging message of "Everything's Alright."  And although it's a song sung to Jesus at a stressful time in His life, I think it's a song that can encourage us all at a stressful time in ours.  Simple and sweet, the message rings true...

Everything is alright, everything's fine.

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Rose Garden by Shad

You can't be mad or sad while you listen to Shad.

SONGS THAT HELP BY SOUL MOTIVATION RECORDS

See, I'm a rapper so that rhymed.  But seriously, Shad is quickly becoming one of my new favorite rappers.  He has such an infectious, positive energy and never does that shine as bright as it does in his song Rose Garden.  Such a fun, sample-heavy jam.  The hook says it all:

I didn't promise you a rose garden along with the sunshine,
There's gonna be some rain sometimes, watch out.

There is going to be some rain sometime and it's important to be ready for it.  But after the rain, you can kick back and enjoy your rose garden.  No reason you can't have both.  So sit back, enjoy the rain and enjoy this happy jam by Shad.

Can't cower when the rain falls.

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Try Again by Aaliyah

It's been a long time, I shouldn't have left you without a dope beat to step to.

SONGS THAT HELP BY SOUL MOTIVATION RECORDS

I have always loved this song.  Mainly because it's just a dope song with a dope Timbaland beat.  But as I grow older and wiser, I've been looking more at the message in the songs I like.  This is a great, classic message.  If at first you don't succeed, brush yourself off and try again.  Yes, this song is talking about a relationship because, you know, all popular songs have to talk about love.  But the hook and the message is still clear and can be applied to whatever you are trying to achieve.  Success takes hard work.  Everybody fails.  But the people who win are the ones who never give up.  So if you ever have a day where you are thinking about giving up, just hit play and listen.

Dust yourself off and try again.

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Rainbow Connection by Kermit The Frog

Sometimes you just need to listen to a hopeful frog sing about rainbows.

SONGS THAT HELP BY SOUL MOTIVATION RECORDS

Rainbow Connection.  It's a classic song that we all know but I think we often forget about how great of a song it is.  It's cute and funny to watch Kermit The Frog sing, but if you really listen to the song, it has a great message and a beautiful melody.  This is a song I keep coming back to time and time again.  And although it seems like a song for kids, the older I get, the more I appreciate it.  Over the years there have been many great artists who have recorded it, but nothing beats the original.

Someday we'll find it.  The rainbow connection.

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This Is Me from The Greatest Showman

Oh man.

SONGS THAT HELP BY SOUL MOTIVATION RECORDS

Have you seen it yet?  I'm sure it will go down as one of the greatest movies of 2018.  It's The Greatest Showman and it is definitely great!  Inspiring, hopeful, beautiful, funny, really entertaining, this movie does not disappoint.  And today's Song That Helps is the standout track from that soundtrack "This Is Me."  This song is the epitome of what a great song can be.  Musically dynamic with great production and powerhouse vocals on top.  All screaming a message of being proud of who you are and that everyone deserves success.  I mean, how great is that?  Have you left to go see the movie yet?!  Well, if not, take a listen to the song first!

Look out 'cause here I come.  This is me.

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Dreamer by K'NAAN

It's ok to feel good!

SONGS THAT HELP BY SOUL MOTIVATION RECORDS

There is power in hip-hop.  This song uses that power to remind us "it's ok to feel good."  I'm not sure if you know who K'NAAN is, but he is an amazing rapper/songwriter who grew up in Somalia, one of the harshest places in the world!  Yet growing up in the chaos over there, seeing awful things every day, he still chose to pursue his dreams.  To not give up and make excuses, but to find his way out of the chaos into the success of a career in music.  He is such a great example of what you can accomplish if you choose positivity every day, get up and get to work.  No matter where you are from, you were created to succeed!

So fight through the chaos.  Dream big dreams.  And go make them true.

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Try by Pink

OK, it's time for another guilty pleasure song....

SONGS THAT HELP BY SOUL MOTIVATION RECORDS

Some people love pop music.  Some people think it is all cheesy and elementary.  I am somewhere in the middle but I definitely think simple pop songs have their place in the world.  As a matter of fact, sometimes it is the simple pop songs that speak the most truth into our lives.  Sometimes it is that simple song with simple words that you need to hear right at a certain moment.  This is one of those songs for me.  Sometimes we just need to hear Pink tell us to "get up and try."

Where there is desire, there is going to be a flame.  Where there is a flame someone's bound to get burned.  But just because it burns doesn't mean you're going to die.  You gotta get up and try and try and try.

Pink is a wise woman.

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I Ain't Give Up On You Yet by Propaganda

I just cannot get enough of this song lately...

SONGS THAT HELP BY SOUL MOTIVATION RECORDS

This is a hard time for America.  There is a lot of division and anger in our country.  All of our problems are being put out there for the whole world to see.  It's a confusing time to be an American.  Enter my man Propaganda.  This song just reminds me to not give up on America.  Not to give up on my dreams.  Not to give up on the music I love which has also been through a lot of changes, some good and some bad.  The true power we have as humans is our perseverance.  The way we truly win is to never give up. 

America has its problems, but I still love this country like crazy.  And I know we are going to be ok because we will never give up.  

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You Can't Stop Me by Andy Mineo

Are you ready to get pumped?!

SONGS THAT HELP BY SOUL MOTIVATION RECORDS

Sometimes you need a song that wakes you up, gets you pumped and reminds you of everything you are capable of.  This is one of those songs!  Right from the very first "you can't stop me"you feel ready to conquer the world!  And this song is not just a fluffy feel-good anthem, it is chalk full of lyrical mastery and phenomenal rhythmic delivery.  Andy Mineo is the real deal delivering a great message with skills that could compete with any of the masters out there today.  And best of all, Andy is saying something we all need to hear.  We truly can accomplish just about anything in our lives with enough focus and tenacity.

So whenever you are starting to feel defeated, just hit play on this Andy Mineo classic and be reminded that no one can stop you!

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I'll Find You by Lecrae

This is song #2 by Lecrae on our Songs That Help list.  And I'm sure it's not the last.

SONGS THAT HELP BY SOUL MOTIVATION RECORDS

This is such a great song.  Not only is the hook beautiful and catchy, but the lyrics are both contemplative and encouraging.  Lecrae talks about trusting in God when you just can't deal with something on your own.  Whether you believe in God or not, it's important to remember you are never alone.  When you are dealing with something big and you just can't find the answers you are looking for, you can let go.  Trust that there is a greater power who will help guide you.  Also, you are not alone here on this earth.  You are surrounded by other humans who are just waiting to love you.  Look around.  They are everywhere.

So don't give up.  Just fight a little longer my friend.  It's all worth it in the end.

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You Are Not Alone by Michael Jackson

Man I miss Michael Jackson.

SONGS THAT HELP FROM SOUL MOTIVATION RECORDS

No doubt one of the greatest entertainers of all time, I think Michael Jackson's ballads are sometimes overlooked.  Listening to Michael sing "you are not alone" feels deep and real.  I always feel like he is singing to me.  That was the magic of Michael Jackson.  Even though he is gone, he left us with so much musical magic to draw upon when we need it.  This is one I go to often.  It reminds me of the truth, I am not alone.  You are never alone.  I'm here and so is the whole world.  We are with you.  Always.

Thanks Michael.

Ready for some more Songs That Help? 

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Gratitude by Earth, Wind and Fire

Is there anybody on earth who doesn't like Earth, Wind and Fire?  When you combine funk, groove and a message of gratitude, you have got yourself a Song That Helps indeed!  

SONGS THAT HELP FROM SOUL MOTIVATION RECORDS

This song is such great, laid back funky tune.  I can put this on and cruise around all night long in my 2006 Chevy Malibu.  Windows down.  Breeze in my hair...ok, on my bald head.  Feeling good.  Happy.  Thankful.  Take a minute to listen to this tune and focus on all the amazing things you have in your life, whether big or small.  Maybe things are tough right now, but you are alive.  You are breathing.  You get the adventure of another day.  Be thankful.  And know you are never alone.  Earth, Wind and Fire will get you there every time.

#gratitude

Ready for some more Songs That Help? 

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Ain't Nobody by Jeff Lorber

Ok I've been talking so much about this song lately I guess I should make it an official song that helps!  A song doesn't have to have a deep meaning to make you feel good.  Sometimes it's just the way it is arranged and the passion in the playing that takes you to where you need to be.  This is one of those songs for me!

SONGS THAT HELP FROM SOUL MOTIVATION RECORDS

Mostly known as a Rufus/Chaka Khan song, "Ain't Nobody" is a typical love song lyrically.  But the funkiness of the song has always been it's big selling point.  Then when you put it in the hands of a musical master like Jeff Lorber, well, you have got something really great!  I love almost every version of this song I have ever heard, but this one is my favorite.  Groovy, musical and catchy as all get out!  I promise you will be humming this one for a while.

You're welcome.

Want to hear more from Jeff?  Get our secret playlist called "Smooth Jazz Piano's Best" featuring many great tunes by Jeff and many others!  Available absolutely free for Apple Music and Spotify users.  Just click the link below and start listening now!

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Break My Stride by Matthew Wilder

I love the 80's!  I had some of my best years in the 80's.  Growing up, wearing parachute pants, french rolling my jeans.  Ok, don't ask to see any pictures.  But some of my favorite music is from the 80's.  There was so much color and life in the music then.  So much optimism and hope.  And even though the production was kind of cheesy sometimes, the message was great.  And this one is no exception.  

SONGS THAT HELP BY SOUL MOTIVATION RECORDS

"Break My Stride" is a song performed by American artists Matthew Wilder.  It was released in 1983 as the lead single from his debut album, I Don't Speak the Language, and became a major hit single for him in 1983 and 1984.

If you need to be reminded of how awesome you are today, just the way you are, this is the song to do it.  Don't break your stride baby!

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You Are The Universe by The Brand New Heavies

Oh man.  I just recently discovered this gem of positivity while exploring some music on Spotify.  How have I not heard this song before?  This song is so great.  Such a great positive message supported by an infectious groove.  And such a great hook.  I cannot stop singing "You are the universe!"

SONGS THAT HELP BY SOUL MOTIVATION RECORDS

"You Are the Universe" is a song by The Brand New Heavies, released in 1997.  The song charted at number twenty-one in the UK.  This song is such a jam.  Happy and groovy this song could make Darth Vader feel good on a bad day!

Listen, enjoy and smile while you picture Darth Vader dancing to this song!  You're welcome.

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Don't You Worry 'Bout A Thing by Stevie Wonder

"Everybody's got a thing but some don't know how to handle it."  Man, right from the first line you know this song is going to say something great!  Then add in the Stevie Wonder's musical magic and you have a classic song that will always help!

SONGS THAT HELP BY SOUL MOTIVATION RECORDS

"Don't You Worry 'Bout a Thing" is a song by Stevie Wonder from his 1973 album Innervisions.  It reached number 16 on the Billboard Pop Singles chart and number 2 on the R&B chart.  It conveys a positive message that we all need to hear regularly:  don't worry because everything is going to be ok!

I would follow Stevie anywhere and he will not let you down on this one.  Don't you worry about a thing!

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Lovely Day by Bill Withers

Sometimes you just need someone to remind you that today is a great day.  It is so easy to get caught up in the hustle of everyday life.  And it's even easier to get caught up in the negativity of those around you.  I have been miserable on the most beautiful, sunny days.  I may be out driving around, running errands, and just whining the whole time about traffic.  But if somehow I can remind myself to take 2 seconds and look up from my clenched grip at 10 and 2, I see the sun, the grass, the people.  All the good stuff that was there the whole time and I realize it is actually a lovely day!

SONGS THAT HELP BY SOUL MOTIVATION RECORDS

Coming in at #10 on our 10 Greatest Songs That Help list (Click here to get the free PDF), "Lovely Day" is a song by American soul and R&B singer Bill Withers. Written by Withers and Skip Scarborough, it was released on December 21, 1977 and appears on Withers' 1978 album Menagerie. This song just reeks of happiness and choosing to make the day a lovely one.

Bill Withers is wise.  Bill Withers is right.  It is a Lovely Day!

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You Get What You Give by New Radicals

Not many bands break up before their album is released.  Apparently New Radicals couldn't keep it together long enough to enjoy long term success, but at least they gave the world an uplifting jam before they said "Adieu" to the music world.

SONGS THAT HELP BY SOUL MOTIVATION RECORDS

This song is such a jam.  It uses a very simple chord progression, but what a catchy chorus.  And the words are great.  Sometimes it is the simplest songs that tell us exactly what we need to hear.  Just sing this one to yourself when you don't think you have anything left to give.  I promise it will help.

Don't give up, you've got a reason to live.

Click the picture to get your free PDF!

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The Fighter by Gym Class Heroes

Are you a fighter?  We all have one inside of us.  Sometimes it just takes the right song to bring it out.

SONGS THAT HELP BY SOUL MOTIVATION RECORDS

When I decided to start a company that does motivational music, I started researching other bands and artists that make that type of music.  Enter the Gym Class Heroes.  I was really surprised, but it turns out this band and Travie McCoy, in particular, has a lot of songs with the underlying message of overcoming the odds and reaching your potential.  I am like a lot of other people out there.  I just knew the one or two hits they had on the radio.  Who knew they had all this uplifting stuff to share with the world?  That is the kind of band that I want to hang out with.  I hope this lifts you up and reminds you of the fighter you have inside you.

Give 'em hell!

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