Are you the kind of person who likes music that almost forces you to snap your fingers to its good groove? Can you not be fussed with a soppy ballad? The kind of person who craves a decent beat to work out or even walk out to?
Steady beats really are the way to go, whether you are seeking a noisy yet crafted distraction whilst you work or a dancing tune to vacuum your entire house (household chores without ABBA is really a crime against art).
Read on to discover 15 different catchy and dependable steady-beat songs from various styles that will have you totally pumped up!
1. “Can’t Stop The Feeling” by Justin Timberlake
This song perfectly encapsulates a beautiful sunny summertime to me! Making memories with friends, going on trips abroad, getting suntans, and eating far too many ice creams, everyone loves it! It’s a feel-good song almost designed to lift your mood, dance til you drop, or help you make it to the end of the last exhausting workout of leg day!
You won’t be able to “stop the feeling” of being unbeatable in whatever you’re doing as long as you soundtrack this song to it! I am tempted to believe Timberlake gained the ability to inspire greatness in others through his time in “The All-New Mickey Mouse Club” as a child actor but that might be a little far-fetched and others may disagree either way. You won’t be able to stop listening to this song!
2. “Rebel Rebel” by David Bowie
If you’re in need of a serious headbang, perhaps to release some of that Friday feeling or just to relive your misspent youth then check out the epic guitar riff on this old-time song. Bowie’s tragic death in 2016 rocketed him back to fame, although it can’t be said that he ever really left people’s minds, especially as he is officially one of the best-selling musicians of all time.
This song shows off his immense talent perfectly. The steady beat is brilliant for bringing out your youthful rebellious side go on. You know you want to! (the author takes no responsibility for any petty crime or vandalism or general rebellion that occurs due to the subsequent publication of this entertaining and lighthearted article).
3. “Give Me One Reason” by Tracy Chapman
For a more laidback yet still steady beat song, check out this classic from Tracy Chapman. If you need “one reason” to try out a new style of music to your normal playlists, then perhaps this is it Tracy is a self-described feminist and social activist, taking a particular interest in human rights activism, which is just another reason to support her awesome music!
Maybe this steady-beat song will be the perfect “New Beginning” to your dreaded work sesh? (that’s the name of the album for anyone who didn’t get that, honestly my talent is wasted here, moving on.)
4. “As It Was” by Harry Styles
I was strongly not a fan of One Direction so I was hesitant to even search for let alone listen this brand-new chart-topping single from Harry Styles! However, whether you were a one-directioner or an abstainer ten years ago, even I have to admit that this is a beautiful song. It seems that Harry has grown up since his boy band days, starting his solo career in 2017.
This song is a testament to this. It is a nice, dreamy, retro-feel song that will be the perfect addition to any steady beat songs playlist. This one could really work as the soundtrack to some restorative sleepy self-care time with friends. I’m thinking of candles, facemasks, pedicures, and manicures.
5. “Sexy and I know it” by LMFAO
“I work out” enough said. This song truly needs no introduction, unless you don’t already “know it”. The music video for this song contains far too many men in speedos for my liking and has been flagged for sexual content several times on YouTube.
Expert Tip: However, the song itself still went to the number one spot on the US Billboard hot 100 and stayed there for two weeks upon its release. So I have to admit it is really a banger of a song.
6. “When You Love Someone” by James TW
To get your sweet steady beat song’s acoustic hit then look no further than this catchy song by James TW. This could really be the perfect montage song for a summer’s adventure, documenting a trip abroad, time at home with family or friends, or even memories for the end of a trip.
The kind of content often found on YouTube, which is where James launched his career in 2012, after being encouraged into music by his parents. This song is just so beautiful and versatile in my opinion, no wonder he was asked to play it on The Ellen DeGeneres Show in 2017 and I think you should give it a go too.
7. “We Don’t Talk About Bruno” from Encanto
Disney has really smashed it out of the park with this one. Although I haven’t yet seen the film myself. I LOVE this song! It’s a mashup of rap, tango, and musicals with even a cappella section, and so this is one of the steady-beat songs that really has it all!
It’s sure to be a hit with people of all ages, especially as the film is too, so this song makes the perfect addition to any family event (family workout anyone?) or children’s party. Just don’t you dare talk about Bruno!
8. “Toxic” by Britney Spears
Another classic, sprung back into the spotlight (if it ever left) by Pitch Perfect 3 in 2017. I have heard that this song was actually written about The Supervet (Noel Fitzpatrick) as he is an ex-partner of the writer, although I’m not sure how true that is and I’m not sure how I feel about thinking of Noel in a “toxic” way.
Anyway, this naughty little number speaks of masses of empowerment to me, leaving the listener bewitched by their own possibilities. Although the descending chromatics and really high strings could leave you feeling as if it is the song itself that is actually a little toxic.
9. “Shape of You” by Ed Sheeran
Everyone you know and their goldfish will have heard this song at least once since it was released in 2017, and for good reason, it is truly a wonderful steady beat song. This song in particular has been featured in the 2022 press for some surprisingly negative reasons.
This was in the form of copyright issues filed by Sami Switch, but this has only added to its fame in my opinion, as they say, any publicity is good publicity, and the album is called divide after all! It sums up the feelings of a romantic first date and so it is a simple feel-good song.
Some really catchy humming riffs and a hit of a rap style mean that you won’t be able to resist jumping up and dancing!
10. “Immigrant Song” by Led Zeppelin
This rock classic is used in fight scenes for a reason, it’s feisty and leaves everyone feeling pumped up! The lyrics contain references to Norse mythology, which only enhances its meaty and rustic style, and the song was actually fittingly written during a tour of Iceland in 1970.
Adding this steady-beat song to any playlist is sure to improve your self-confidence by at least 110%. Although please don’t let that confidence land you in your own real-life fight scene! (Again, the author takes absolutely no legal responsibility for any irresponsible behavior associated with the suggested songs.)
11. “Yesterday” by The Beatles
Who doesn’t love The Beatles, right? One of the slow steady beat songs. “Yesterday” mourns the past after a breakup, a relatable feeling as we’ve all been there. So relatable in fact that this song is one of the most covered songs in history, and was voted the best song of the 20th century in a 1999 poll of music experts.
It isn’t really a surprise that the Beatles wrote such a successful song, as the Fab Four (as the band was known) is reportedly the best-selling music act of all time. If you’re looking for a sentimental, yet still steady beat, ballad then this is the one for you!
12. “Haven’t Met You Yet” by Michael Buble
Although synonymous with Christmas, Buble does apparently still exist at other times of the year, who knew?! I thought we all needed this as a pick-me-up after thinking about that painful breakup brought up by “Yesterday”. This truly is a feel-good, hopeful song for singletons and even for happily coupled tons (if you just simply ignore the lyrics).
It even has a surprising key change and trumpet solo in the bridge, meaning you can’t help but click your fingers and whistle along!
13. “Love On Top” by Beyonce
Did someone say key change? Beyonce went perhaps a little far with how high she could get in this song but I don’t want to believe she was just showing off. I appreciate the love sentiment. Her career has been one of female empowerment, strong quiffs, and generally being a queen.
Even a viral edited version of the music video to “All the Single Ladies” altered to have Beyonce dancing to the “Thomas The Tank Engine” theme tune (honestly, look it up) hasn’t decreased the respect she demands and gets from her fans and anyone who has ever seen her perform.
She is seriously talented. Despite the fact most (if not all) of her listeners won’t be able to match her on her awesome high singing ability, this song really will put you “on top” for that scary job interview. HIT workout or much-needed, ultra-relaxing bath!
14. “Dancing Queen” by ABBA
Nothing gets my sweat on like ABBA, and you can’t help but smile as that Swedish accent charms your ears and your heart! From winning Eurovision (for the UK, not Sweden), to the hit musical and film “Mamma Mia”, to even releasing brand new music in 2021 (what we all needed to help recover from the pandemic).
Expert Tip: “Dancing Queen” is one of ABBA’s best-known songs, and they even knew it was going to be a hit at the time they recorded it!
With flairs, sequins, piano riffs, ultimate disco dance moves, and a disturbingly distinct image of Julie Walters with a skirt on her head from the film version of “Mamma Mia”, what else do you need for a feel-good steady beat songs playlist?
15. “Steady, As She Goes” by The Raconteurs
I couldn’t talk about steady-beat songs without mentioning this throwback of a song by The Raconteurs. As the first song they ever wrote together, it is perfect for a middle-of-the-road vibe. The individual members of the band were so successful in other groups before forming The Raconteurs that they were dubbed a supergroup.
This title is well earned as, for a first song, its moody bass guitar riff and drums-heavy simple repetitive chorus make it perfect earworm material, which is no mean feat! The band went on to win a Grammy in 2009 for the best engineer non-classical album.
Therefore, I don’t think it would be too much to even go as far as to describe this song in just one single word: steady.
These 15 songs are guaranteed to leave you with a spring in your step and a smile on your face as you reminisce or discover new music. From your dad’s music with the Beatles to all new tracks from Harry Styles and even Disney, there are steady-beat songs for everyone out there, you just have to find them.
This list is by no means exhaustive but all tracks are chosen to last, to the credit of the artists who wrote and performed them, so expect these to stay on your playlists for a few years yet!