10 Songs to Sweat To

“Eww why did he put the word ‘sweat’ in the title?”

            Well the sweating is optional, but I felt compelled to reveal some of the songs that I absolutely love to have on while running. Oh, and don’t worry the running is optional as well. In fact, I don’t care what you do to these songs, or if you even listen to them at all. You’re loss!

            But beyond that be aware this is not a countdown, this is just a few lil’ ditties (Does anyone even use the term ditties anymore?) that I think make for a great running / workout experience. I figure I’ll list them out, describe a few of them and maybe why I think they are motivational.

NOTE: I am an adult so some of these songs contain adult themes and language!

            So here goes….

1. Thousand Foot Krutch – Born This Way

If you’re not acquainted with TFK than you are missing out. In related news, if you have never ran sprints while listening to a song that has lyrics like; “I got lightning running through my veins /

Ain't nobody gonna stop this train / So hop on board, or get out the way / 'Cause I was born this way” -  you are likewise missing out.

2. Charles Bradley - Ain’t It a Sin

I first heard this song while watching the Netflix series Luke Cage. It immediately stopped me in my tracks. No, literally, I stopped the episode so I could research who was singing this song, and then went immediately to ITunes to buy it! It was as if I was hearing James Brown 2.0, and several of the lines in the song are custom made anyone who’s tried to be the nice guy, and had it blow up in their face.

3. Breaking Benjamin - I Will Not Bow

Breaking Benjamin is a powerhouse when it comes to workout songs for me personally. Their powerful, driving guitar chords, coupled with their dramatic and evocative words always seem to help me push the pace and keep it there.

4. Childish Gambino - Bonfire

To paraphrase perhaps the most famous line regarding taste in art; “I may not know rap, but I know what I like.” While some lines might seem like the typical misogynistic, threatening fare you’ve heard in 1,000 other rap or hip-hop songs, this stands alone because of the unique construction. It’s built to last, which shows as this song is pure fire from beginning to end.

5. Johnny Cash - Hurt

I know, you’re thinking; “But David why the hell would you run to this song?” See, for me running isn’t just about going the farthest or the fastest, it’s about emotion, a feeling, releasing stress. Sometimes it is also about feeling anything other than what you might be feeling during a run (fatigue, soreness, dread etc.). One listen to this and you can only focus on Mr. Cash’s timelessly haunting vocals coupled with Trent Reznor’s gloomy libretto.

6. Disturbed - Indestructible

Motivation, if motivation were a thundering barrage of kick ass lyrics and guitar riffs. Turn it up (LOUD) and go get you some!

7. Run the Jewels – Oh my Darling Don’t Cry

“Don't need a preacher preachin' on my behalf / No teacher can't teach my arrogant ass / I'm blowin' on crippy while readin' the scriptures as written by Egyptians while sippin' on whiskey / Aye baby you with me?”
I’ll be honest, trying to find a coherent theme in this track is difficult, but damn it sure sounds cool!

8. 7L & Esoteric - Godless America

Only recently did I discover 7L and Esoteric, and I’ve already added several of their songs to my running playlist. For me, this one has it all, the bass line is sick (is that what all the cool kids say nowadays?), the lyrics deliver a punch, and it has its own unique sound.  

9. Paul Simon -  You Can Call Me Al

Oh how do I love thee, let me count the ways: One; this is nearly the first video I ever saw on MTV. Two; Chevy Chase was in it. Three; this song is fun and just makes me happy. Four; it reminds me through not-so-subtle phrases that I need to remember to work on my abs after I run.

10. Eminem – Cinderella Man

This guy takes up a great deal of space on my Ipod as well. This song (IMHO) has near perfect cadence to match Eminem’s lyrical beating, just what one needs to take their mind off their feet beating against the pavement.

            Well and there you have it. I’m sure if you’ve heard of any of these artists than you have an opinion of them already formed. And that’s fine, I don’t expect everyone to start cranking Cash at the gym (but how awesome would that be?).

            Anyway, hope you enjoyed my ramblings and maybe even found a few good jams (Does anyone even say jams anymore?) to get through your workout.