Six Albums You Can Run To
December 2nd, 2009
When it comes to picking running music, I take a few things into consideration: BPM (is it fast enough to match my stride?), QUALITY (is this Song/Album/Artist EPIC melt your face off?) and finally, MEANING. Meaning is something that I define as something personal in the song itself song (like a “powersong” or “pump you up theme song”).
As much fun as I have making playlists to match any occasion or type/length of run… there have been a few stand out ALBUMS that I have been known to take out for long runs (in consecutive weeks even!) The following is a HOT list of six albums I’ve used over the past year in from start to finish for either races or training (in no particular order).
The Bravery – Sun and Moon [Genre: Indie Rock]
If you like bands like The Killers, Franz Ferdinand and She Wants Revenge, you’ve probably already heard of The Bravery. I like Sun and Moon because they did TWO VERSIONS of the same album. Nice flow, good tempo and not too whiny for borderline Indie Emo music.
Tiesto – Kaliedoscope [Genre: Electronic/Dance/Trance]
This is a great album for glowstick raver runners (you know who you are). DJ Tiesto made a more pop influenced vocal trance compilation album (think epic female vocals). I ran the Long Beach Half Marathon to this and I loved it!
The Killers – Day and Age [Genre: Indie Rock]
The Killers are hands down one of my favorite bands of all time. This particular album I love for trail running (listen to “Dustland Fairytale” and you’ll know what I’m talking about.) If you like The Killers and have one of their albums already, you will need to approach this one with an open mind. None of their albums sound continuous but each one has its own particular flair. This is one of my favorites (tied with Hot Fuss).
Moby – Play [Genre: Electronic/Dance/Trip Hop]
I never know what genre to put Moby in other than awesome. Play is one of his most critically acclaimed albums that also happens to be great for running. Good tempo with feel good beats to keep you groovin’ till the cows come home. I like to listen to this album when I’m running at beach near sunset – try it – you’ll like it!
Peaches – Impeach My Bush [Genre: Electro/Clash/???]
Peaches is kind of like raunchy aggressive electro punk fusion DJ dance madness. Her subject matter (see album title) may make you blush but it might also be because you’ve just kicked up your pace to the music. Seriously, this album is not for the faint of the English language use heart. Rated: NC-17
Kanye West – Graduation [Genre: Hip-Hop]
I’m probably the last person on Earth who will freely admit to loving Kanye West (me and maybe Lady Gaga). This album was very popular around the time of my first ever 10K (The Nike Human Race 2008) and Stronger (still one of my favorite Nike+ power songs) is on it. Graduation has a lot of songs about triumph over adversity and Kanye just being totally in your face about it. Love him!
I have never wanted a pair of running pants so bad in my LIFE. Must have them or I will DIE!
