There are moments that call for more than just a great song—they demand records that amplify anticipation, celebrate achievement, and bring people together. Whether powered by triumphant guitar riffs, booming 808s, infectious pop hooks, or timeless hip-hop production, these tracks capture the feeling of rising to the occasion and embracing the spotlight. 

From iconic anthems that have energized generations to today’s viral hits shaping the cultural conversation, this playlist spans genres, eras, and audiences while sharing one thing in common: they soundtrack moments where confidence, momentum, and excitement take center stage. Consider these the songs built to keep the energy high from the first pitch to the final celebration. Get in the vibe with the playlist HERE, presented by MLB. 

Eye of the Tiger – Survivor  Few songs embody determination quite like “Eye of the Tiger.” Built around one of rock’s most recognizable guitar riffs, the track steadily escalates into an adrenaline rush, making it a timeless soundtrack for moments that demand grit and resilience. Its enduring presence across sports, film, and pop culture has cemented it as an anthem that continues to energize generations. 

Who Told You That – Tucker Wetmore Tucker Wetmore leans into laid-back confidence on “Who Told You That,” turning rumors into a feel-good country anthem driven by infectious hooks, bold attitude, and easygoing charm. Crisp guitars, driving percussion, and a radio-ready chorus give the track an effortless momentum. It’s the perfect soundtrack for summer road trips, ballpark afternoons, and celebrating the win.

Goosebumps – Travis Scott With hypnotic bass, atmospheric production, and Travis Scott’s signature larger-than-life delivery, “Goosebumps” captures the anticipation that builds before unforgettable moments. A streaming powerhouse that has become a live-show favorite, its slow-burning intensity creates the kind of electric energy that keeps audiences locked in from start to finish. 

Ohtani – Eladio Carrión Named after one of baseball’s most recognizable global stars, “Ohtani” channels elite performance through razor-sharp lyricism and sleek trap production. Eladio Carrión uses the reference as shorthand for excellence, ambition, and consistency, while the track became a standout within Latin hip-hop for its clever writing and cultural relevance. 

BOOKER T– Bad Bunny  “Booker T” thrives on swagger, confidence, and undeniable momentum. Powered by hard-hitting production and Bad Bunny’s charismatic performance, the song became a fan favorite that reinforced his global dominance. Its larger-than-life energy and instantly recognizable beat make it feel tailor-made for moments that demand maximum hype. 

Find a Way – A Tribe Called Quest 
A Tribe Called Quest’s “Find a Way” blends smooth jazz-influenced production with effortless chemistry, delivering a reminder that perseverance doesn’t always have to come through volume. Its laid-back groove and thoughtful lyricism have helped the track endure as a beloved classic, representing creativity, optimism, and timeless artistry.  

DEGENERE – Myke Towers featuring Benny Blanco “DEGENERE” pairs Myke Towers’ melodic confidence with Benny Blanco’s polished, infectious production, creating a track that balances swagger with undeniable replay value. Its blend of Latin rhythms and modern pop sensibilities helped fuel strong streaming performance while showcasing the global reach of today’s Latin music landscape. 

Poetry in Motion –SiR&Anderson .Paak “Poetry in Motion” lives up to its title with silky instrumentation, effortless grooves, and two artists operating at the top of their craft. SiR’s smooth vocals paired with Anderson .Paak’s unmistakable charisma create a track that celebrates precision and flow, earning praise from fans for its musicianship and understated cool. 

American Cars – Noah Kahan “American Cars” pairs reflective storytelling with driving guitars and a soaring chorus, capturing the nostalgia, freedom, and quiet introspection that define so many summer moments. Warm, anthemic, and effortlessly singable, it’s a track built for open roads, golden hours, and memories that linger long after the season ends.

Just Wanna Rock – Lil Uzi Vert Clocking in at just over two minutes, “Just Wanna Rock” wastes no time delivering pure energy. Jersey club-inspired production, relentless tempo, and an infectious chant transformed the track into a viral phenomenon across social media and live events, making it one of the defining crowd-hyping records of its era. 

What We Do – Freeway featuring JAY-Z & Beanie Sigel “What We Do” captures the relentless hustle that defines chasing greatness. Anchored by Just Blaze’s triumphant soul-sampling production and standout performances from Freeway, JAY-Z, and Beanie Sigel, the track has become a revered hip-hop classic whose urgency and resilience continue to resonate more than two decades later. 

In Your Eyes – Alesso, OneRepublicand  “In Your Eyes” showcases OneRepublic’s gift for crafting uplifting pop-rock anthems with soaring melodies and polished production. Driven by Ryan Tedder’s emotive vocals and an expansive chorus, the song radiates optimism and forward momentum while reinforcing the band’s reputation for emotionally resonant, arena-sized songwriting. 

Motion Party –BossManDlow “Motion Party” is fueled by booming bass, quotable bars, and the confident delivery that has quickly made BossMan Dlow one of rap’s fastest-rising voices. The track’s infectious energy and growing popularity across streaming platforms and social media capture the excitement of an artist building undeniable momentum. 

Iconic by Mistake – LE SSERAFIM, ILLIT & KATSEYE Bringing together three of K-pop’s most talked-about acts, “Iconic by Mistake” delivers glossy production, infectious hooks, and a message rooted in confidence and self-belief. The collaboration generated significant buzz among global fans, highlighting the genre’s ability to unite powerhouse talent while celebrating individuality and ambition. 

Gemstone – Don Toliver Don Toliver’s “Gemstone” shines through atmospheric production, hypnotic melodies, and his unmistakable vocal style. The track balances luxury and ambition with a cinematic soundscape, reflecting the confidence of an artist who continues to expand his influence while delivering music built for immersive, high-energy moments. 

Shabang– Drake “Shabang” pairs Drake’s effortless charisma with sleek production that balances swagger and celebration. Built on memorable flows and polished sonics, the track reinforces his ability to dominate cultural conversation while delivering the kind of infectious energy that naturally fuels communal moments and repeat listens. 

The 9th annual Nashville Songwriter Awards is adding to its star power with newly-announced performances from Steve Earle, Ashley McBryde and Chris Stapleton.

The awards ceremony is set for Sept. 22 at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium and will honor some of the top songs and songwriters of the year. The show will also feature performances from writers and/or artists including Jacob Davis, Ray Fulcher, Ben Johnson, Blake Pendergrass, Hunter Phelps, Lydia Vaughan, Neil Medley and more.

Vince Gill will be honored with the Kris Kristofferson lifetime achievement award, Paul Williams will be honored with the NSAI President’s keystone award, while Pendergrass will be celebrated as songwriter of the year and Riley Green will be feted as songwriter-artist of the year.

Other honors to be presented during the evening include accolades for song of the year, the “10 Songs I Wish I’d Written” awards and the legendary song award.

Stapleton and McBryde are both previous honorees in the “10 Songs I Wish I’d Written” category, with Stapleton being honored in 2024 (“White Horse”), 2022 (“You Should Probably Leave”), 2021 (“Starting Over”), 2018 (“Broken Halos”) and 2014 (the Luke Bryan-recorded “Drink A Beer”). McBryde was honored in the “10 Songs I Wish I’d Written” category in 2022 (“Never Wanted to Be That Girl”) and 2021 (“One Night Standards”).

Earle’s 1986 album Guitar Town is considered a classic, especially in the Americana genre, while his song “Copperhead Road” was named an official state song of Tennessee in 2023. In 2020, Earle was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame and he was made a member of the Grand Ole Opry in 2025.

Tickets for the event go on sale starting July 17 10 a.m. CT at ryman.com.