Motivational Music for Monday Mornings

Chris Walter

"9 to 5," Dolly Parton

The theme song to the 1980 film was one of the decade’s biggest hits. No other song — country or otherwise — captured the daily grind better.

L. Cohen

"Manic Monday," the Bangles

The 1986 hit single was the girl group’s first monster hit. Trivia: Prince penned it for them. (Normal folk couldn’t get away with rhyming Sunday with “funday” and “runday”.)

Lee Jenkins

"Money (That’s What I Want)," Flying Lizards

While the band never achieved, say, Journey’s chart-God status, their cover of the Barrett Strong song crowned them indispensable to the pantheon of motivational tunes. Play it and remind yourself why you even bother.

Chris Walter

"Eye of the Tiger," Survivor

The universal kick-ass anthem. Worth replaying on the commute into work until your ears bleed.

Paul Natkin

"She Works Hard for the Money," Donna Summer

The Disco Queen’s 1983 monster hit is one of the most played singles in history. The quintessential theme song for every overworked and underpaid gal in America.