Feedback: The Soundtrack of Success

In July, inspired by the magazine's look at Starbucks' move into the music industry, Fast Company asked readers, "What does success sound like to you? What songs help fuel your creative fire?" We received more than 100 emails from readers -- many sharing their perfect workplace mixes. After sorting through -- and listening to -- hundreds of songs, the Fast Company team has compiled our own workplace mix based on your recommendations: The Soundtrack for Success. It makes for interesting listening; the music is almost as diverse as our readership. If you use iTunes and the Music Store, you can download the soundtrack in part or whole. (If that link doesn't work, look for it in the iMix section.) We hope you like it!

Jimmy Eat World, "The Middle"

"This song inspired me during my career change. It helped me realize that I shouldn't be in such a rush and just focus on myself." -- Catherine

Tears for Fears, "Everybody Wants to Rule the World"

"This song was the anthem for the British soccer team in the early '90s when I lived in London and was played over and over on the radio to get everyone behind the team. The song is emotive of success; it is about optimism and hope. (The Brits are hopelessly optimistic about their chances of success in soccer!) I play it when I'm working late at the office, and I play it on my iPod when I'm out running. It is simply a happy song that fills me with determination. I feel like I can take on anything when I listen to this!" -- Michelle Poole, Timberland, Stratham, New Hampshire

Coldplay, "Clocks"

"I often listen to 'Clocks' prior to a meeting or when I'm trying to get into a creative head space. It's an interesting coincidence that the album's title is 'A Rush of Blood to the Head.' The lyrics work their way through a series of impossible situations -- 'tides I can't swim against' --to a melancholy resignation --'Am I a part of the cure, or am I part of the disease?' -- and culminates with a hopeful signal: 'Nothing else compares.' The constant refrain, 'You are,' implies a sense of deep satisfaction and focus, despite the challenges. On every listening, I end up with the sense that we're so close to doing something magical -- with our work, for our families, and in our lives." -- Mike Rowlands, Octopus Solutions, Vancouver, BC

Graham Parker, "Passion Is No Ordinary Word"

"With anything we do, it's all about passion. This song makes it clear that passion is no ordinary word." -- Marc Ferrara

Etta James, "Money (That's What I Want)"

"To me, music at work is much more than background noise or filler. The best tunes create a great groove, and I feel myself get in synch with the beat, the mood, and even the lyrics. Etta James, and this song especially, creates that environment for me, evolving past a physical rhythm into a mental or emotional groove. I feel happier, think more clearly, and particularly when I'm involved in the creative process, I'm much sharper and more productive. How can you not be inspired by her voice?" -- Jim Kasch, Vista Federal Credit Union, Orlando, Florida

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, "Requiem: II. Kyrie Eleison"

"The mass, which is sung in Latin, evokes shattering force commingled with extraordinary intensity and at the same time powerful delicacy, constantly shifting -- like life itself. I listen to the mass for inspiration, for a glimpse of concepts and sacred things greater than me and my existence, to reach serenity, to be moved again and be touched. At those times, I know again nothing is impossible. Reaching far into the soul is paramount to expressing passion and doing great work, creatively." -- Valeria Maltoni, Cerexagri Inc., King of Prussia, Pennsylvania

Night Ranger, "The Secret of My Success"

"One line -- 'The secret of my success is I'm working 25 hours a day' -- plays through my mind over and over and over again. The song really says 'living,' but given the job market of the past four years, it's really symbolized working to me. It connotes pounding the pavement for work, getting your foot in the door, working so hard you can't breathe and ultimately, being rewarded. I've always burnt the candle at both ends by working hard during the day, playing sports at night, and then pounding out the Great American Novel late at night. Whenever I start to wonder why I'm doing it or how on earth I can keep up the pace, my brain switches over to pressure mode and that song clicks on in my head. I use it to get me through the writer's block, a long commute, and day-to-day frustrations." -- Hallie Hoffman, Charlotte, North Carolina