1967 Timeless Classic Hit, Released 59 Years Ago Today, Ranked 'Best Inspirational Song' of All Time
Whether you need motivation while navigating a rough patch in life, a tune you know will push you to go harder during your workout, or just a classic that is genuinely inspiring to help you look on the bright side of things, everyone needs a playlist to turn to when they need to add a little pep in their step.
Time Out curated an essential list of the 37 best inspirational songs of all time to give listeners a "sweet boost," and it's no surprise that the 1967 classic song "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell took the No. 1 top spot.
An enduring and timeless love anthem, the hit was originally written by Nickolas Ashford and Valerie Simpson in 1966 and recorded as a duet by Gaye and Terrell. It was officially released as a single on April 20, 1967, becoming a major success and Top 20 hit, peaking at No. 19 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 3 on the R&B Chart.
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Telling the story of unwavering devotion, the song describes two lovers who will go through hell and high water to be together-expressing how there's nothing that can stand between them. "Ain't no mountain high, ain't no valley low / Ain't no river wide enough, baby / If you need me, call me, no matter where you are / No matter how far, don't worry, baby / Just call my name, I'll be there in a hurry / You don't have to worry," the lyrics express, via Genius.
In the chorus, the duo croons, "Ain't no mountain high enough / Ain't no valley low enough / Ain't no river wide enough / To keep me from gettin' to you, baby."
It was later inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999 and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in the "legendary song" category in 2011, according to the Michigan Rock & Roll Legends Hall of Fame Museum. The smash is additionally regarded as "one of the most important records ever released by Motown," an April 20, 2021 anniversary post shared by a verified Marvin Gaye Facebook fan page with over 3.5 million followers wrote.
In 1970, Diana Ross famously covered the song, turning it into a No. 1 Billboard Hot 100 hit, per Classic Motown.
Related: 1967 Classic No. 1 Hit Ranked Ultimate 'Greatest Song' of All Time Turns 59 Years Old Today
Best Inspirational Songs of All Time, According to Time Out
Time Out's list spans a variety of decades and genres-from soul, pop, and rock to hip-hop, rap, and funk. The wide-ranging roundup is the perfect example that people view "inspiration" as many different things. From inspiring love songs to vibrant hits meant to help you work yourself out of a rut, there's bound to be a track that appeals to every type of music lover.
Check out the Top 10 below, and the rest of the list on the publication's website.
10. "Born to Run" by Bruce Springsteen, 1975
9. "Birds of a Feather" by Billie Eilish, 2024
8. "***Flawless" by Beyoncé, 2013
7. "(Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher" by Jackie Wilson, 1967
6. "Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger" by Daft Punk, 2007
5. "Survivor" by Destiny's Child, 2001
4. "I'm Still Standing" by Elton John, 1983
3. "Lose Yourself" by Eminem, 2002
2. "I Will Survive" by Gloria Gaynor, 1978
1. "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell, 1967
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This story was originally published April 20, 2026 at 1:53 PM.