Last updated Mar 15, 2024 and written by Tom Richardson

The MadeSimple Start-Me-Up Playlist

Feeling unmotivated? Nothing lifts you out of a funk, like a little funk. Or electronic. Or rock. Or pop. We’ve created a Youtube playlist that’ll get your fingers tapping quick smart. Check out our choices, listen to the playlist, then get back to work. Happy listening!

 

Start Me Up, The Rolling Stones
It’s the song that inspired the playlist! ‘Once you start me I’ll never stop’ – say no more.

Give It Up, KC & The Sunshine Band
Whilst the lyrics may advise us to ‘give it up’, this song actually has the opposite effect. It’s absolutely nothing to do with work, but nonetheless, it’s massively uplifting.

Kashmir, Led Zeppelin
For when you need more intensity!

Walking on Sunshine, Katrina and the Waves
What better way to get you motivated than a song about walking on sunshine?

Symphony in G minor Op.6 No.6, Johann Christian Bach
Here’s the science bit … Classical music can really help with creativity as it has low levels of syncopation (unexpected variety of rhythms). Sometimes music without vocals can also help aid concentration – which is what you need when you have a deadline looming.

Don’t Stop Believin’, Journey
The cheesiest song on here? Perhaps. The best to sing at karaoke? Definitely.

It’s Alright Now, Bombay Bicycle Club
The majority of So Long, See You Tomorrow is about positivity and this is probably the best track on it. Very London-summertime.

Stronger, Kelly Clarkson
‘What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger!’

Supermassive Black Hole, Muse
If the high pitched tones of Matt Bellamy accompanied by guitars aplenty don’t motivate you, we don’t know what will.

Easy Lover, Philip Bailey & Phil Collins
You can’t have a playlist without a little Phil ‘The Power’ Collins? Well, we can’t at least. The beginning of this track alone warrants its place on the playlist.

Hey Ya!, OutKast
One, two, three, huh!

Chop Suey!, System of a Down
Sometimes you just need some rock to get you in the zone.

Landslide, Fleetwood Mac
A softer song but a real favourite here at MadeSimple. Great to help you chill out when it’s all getting a little too much (ok, it’s not strictly motivational).

Dancing in the Moonlight, Toploader
As you can see, we’re not music snobs.

Can You Feel It, Michael Jackson
The ‘King of Pop’ had to feature but picking which track was tricky. In the end we opted for this older effort. Yes, we can certainly feel it.

Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger, Daft Punk
Need to work Harder, Better, Faster [and] Stronger? Daft Punk can help.

Beautiful People, Chris Brown
Forgot the point of all this work? Let this track transport you to your favourite place.

Mr Blue Sky, ELO
‘Sun is shinin’ in the sky. There ain’t a cloud in sight.’

Here Comes The Sun, Beatles
More sun based shenanigans, this time from The Beatles (you can’t have a playlist without The Beatles). Perfect for when you’re closing in on the end of a project.

You Get What You Give, New Radicals
‘Don’t give up, you’ve got a reason to live.’

Give Me Just A Little More Time, The Chairmen of the Board
A floor filler as well as a desperate plea for more time in the day. What business owner doesn’t want that?

What You Know, Two Door Cinema Club
It’s all about ‘What You Know’! Taken from another upbeat album, Tourist History, let this poppy tune remind you of your strengths.

Pumping On Your Stereo, Supergrass
Are they singing ‘pumping’ or ‘humping’? Who cares – this is a 90s pop classic!

Ain’t No Mountain High Enough, Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell
Obstacles in your way? They’ll seem that much smaller after listening to this Motown beauty.

Sweet Disposition, The Temper Trap
We still love The Temper Trap’s 2009 album Conditions and this is the standout track. Motivating stuff.

I Can See Clearly Now, Johnny Nash
Repeat after us – ‘It’s gonna be a bright (bright), bright (bright) sun-shining day’!

September, Earth, Wind & Fire
Let the soothing sounds of this funky classic inspire you.

Running On Empty, Jackson Browne
If it’s good enough for Forrest Gump when running across America, it’s good enough for us.

Heroes, David Bowie
If you took the plunge to set up your own business, you’re a hero already. Here’s a little reminder.

Keep On Trying (Sechs Freunde), British Sea Power
The most recent track on the playlist. Sechs Freunde! Sechs Freunde!

Babies, Pulp
Lyrically, there’s absolutely nothing that’ll inspire you in this track. Still, for some reason, it’s majorly uplifting.

Move On Up, Curtis Mayfield
Move on up that corporate ladder with a little help from Curtis Mayfield! Perfectly used in The Wire.

Moving On Up, M People
How could we not?

Movin’ On Up, Primal Scream
Ditto.

Eye of the Tiger, Survivor
The ultimate motivational song. Whether you’re working through a tough workload, pounding the pavement on an epic run, or singing along at the top of your lungs at karaoke – this song will give you the determination to get through it!

Sabotage, Beastie Boys
Save this for when you’re at your lowest. Trust us, you’ll be up and running in no time.

The Staunton Lick, Lemon Jelly
Found your groove? This will help you stay in it.

You Make My Dreams, Hall & Oates
Uplifting and super cheery – what’s not to love? If you’re having a bad day, stick this classic on. And it’s not only us who love it, the song has appeared in five films so far, including (500) Days of Summer.

Race For The Prize, The Flaming Lips
The best song ever written about two scientists racing to find a cure.

Where The Streets Have No Name, U2
Love or hate U2, there’s no denying that this track is epic. So much so that we’ve saved it for last (we don’t know where you can go after this!).

And your suggestions (so far) …

Here I Come, Soul City

Beautiful, Carole King

Listen to the playlist now.

That’s the playlist so far! Now we want to know what gets you going. Share your favourites via our Twitter and Facebook pages and we’ll be sure to add them to the playlist for everyone’s listening pleasure!