Top 10 Sport Songs for Every Part of the Journey

Touchdown! Home run! Goaaaaal! You exhale a sigh of relief and scream your lungs out simultaneously which you did not know was humanly possible to do and cling to your friends with tears in your eyes. However, sports are not all about the victory dances and shiny trophies. It is about the journey that will lead you to that victory. Once you have gone through your team's journey of trials and tribulations and experienced the intensity of the game, the undeterred determination and the perseverance of the human spirit, it is then you can now understand and appreciate a moment of victory.

The ecstasy, frustration or exuberance of this journey cannot be framed and relived with words, but with the right soundtrack these defining moments can live on forever. When you hear these special songs, the waterworks return as if they had never left and the spirit and pride you had felt the night you tasted victory will again be refreshed as if it never left your memory.

Whether you are an athlete looking for something to pump you and your team up to victory or simply a spectator living vicariously through your favorite sports team here are my top ten sports songs that can satisfy both genders and different tastes in music that will always be classic and fresh and will also take you back to the greatest games of your lifetime.

1. Queen- We are the Champions

If you have ever lent your ears to this song, you of course know that this song is absolutely all about winning. If you haven't heard this song, then just read the title! Sometimes when victory is finally firm in your grasp, you can't help but rub it in your opponent's face. Freddie Mercury and company theatrically sing about the difficult journey of victory that has caused them to rightfully earn the privilege of bragging rights. The grandeur guitar solos and dramatic pounding of drums are all you need to feel the larger than life status that victory brings.

2. Journey- Don't Stop Believing

This song, first released in 1981, has stood the test of time. Its crisp arena rock sound and piano rock intro are a true representation of the 80's era. However, since its release, it has become a staple soundtrack for some of the greatest moments in sports history. Steve Perry belts out the signature lyric and title of the song that never fails to give athletes and sports fan alike the hope and unfailing faith that they need to drive them to victory. And when the moment finally comes where the confetti comes pouring down upon you and your teammates are lifting you up on their shoulders, this song will surely bring you to tears of joy. If your team's fate turned to be less than what was expected, this song will help instill unwavering faith into your spirit.

3. Queen- Another One Bites the Dust

From a first listen, the distinct bass line can put you in that coolly confident mood that will make your opponents perish without you even breaking a sweat. Freddie Mercury's conviction of the song's title will have you feeling like you are invincible and a force to be reckoned with. Listen to this song before playing in a big game and you will have enough spirit to leave all your competitors behind you as you head towards the end zone, home plate or whatever it may be never looking behind at those who have eaten your dust.

4. Destiny's Child- Survivor

I figured that typical sports songs are usually aimed towards the male dominated sports crowd so I wanted some songs specifically for those female fighters. Although this song is attributed to deeper issues of life, this song is perfect for female (or male) athletes who have a fire within them to achieve their goals and will not stop at all costs until they reach the victories they seek. This high energy song will instill a feeling of invincibility, undeniable strength and unwavering determination perfect for an upcoming game.

5. Lil Jon feat. Trick Daddy and Twista- Let's Go

A more modern sports anthem that has come out in recent years, this collaboration between Lil Jon, Trick Daddy and Twista combines a hard rock sound and energetic hip hop sound that gives you more energy than a highly caffeinated energy drink. If you don't mind dirty language in your sports anthem, this song will leave you prepared to beat your rivals to a metaphoric pulp. Also if you are watching your favorite team from the nosebleed seats, the electric riffs can help recharge your spirit to cheer your team on until the last seconds of the clock.

6. Survivor- Eye of the Tiger

Another good sports- themed song made famous by the film, Rocky. It is hard to picture dedicated athleticism without hearing this song in your head. Featured in numerous television commercials, pop culture references, and in the Ipods of hard working athletes, Survivor's Eye of the Tiger is all about getting down to business. From the intensity of the opening riff to the sheer animalistic lyrics, just one listen to this song will transform you into an undefeatable fighter.

7. R. Kelly - World's Greatest

Although this song's title emits the same image as another song on this list, R. Kelly's peaceful and calming vocals emit a feeling of humility and an air of graciousness when it comes to accepting victory. The delicate bounce of the snare drum coupled with a piano and string accompaniment offer a sentimental retrospect through a journey leading to a momentous victory.

8. Kelis- Bossy

This song might not be a conventional choice for a sports song but from the opening notes along with Kelis' spoken message allows for an in-your-face confidence that demands all respect from any opponent that dare try to go up against an unstoppable force. This song oozes of Kelis' attitude that female athletes can easily adopt with just one listen. 'Bossy' will leave you with an upfront attitude that will be a perfect mood setter for defending home turf and really showing rivals and visiting spectators alike who's boss.

9. Christina Aguilera- Fighter

Another song that can help female athletes fire up their game is Christina Aguilera's powerful anthem "Fighter". The hard rock sound that serves as the backdrop for the fiery vocals of Aguilera is the perfect song to compliment a fearless, rock solid attitude that will help any athlete find their way to victory. Listening to this song before facing off with your biggest rivals can give you the pumped up confidence to end the rivalry once and for all.

10. Van Halen - Jump

To end this list, I decided to end it with another era defining song. Van Halen's Jump can encourage weary and trodden athletes to forget about the seeming familiarity of defeat. This song breathes in renewed spirit for athletes to pick themselves off their feet and revive the determination and perseverance they had forgotten was inside them. A great motivational song with upbeat synthesizer riffs along with the arena rock inherent of the 1980s' can take your spirits to new heights and to victory!