If you’re reading this, you’re likely one of those people who start every day with a nice long run. Or maybe you’re one of those who need a push and motivation to run that one time a week. Whatever your case, a smashing running playlist will enhance your running experience.
Music shouldn’t be a background noise when you’re in running mode. Fast beats can keep you on pace while motivating lyrics elevate your mood. What’s more, with an excellent no-skip playlist, you can even lose track of time and set up a new record.
So, how to make a running playlist? You need to research and experiment to compile a list that’s worthy of listening to during your training. But why would you do that if we’ve already done the work, so you don’t have to? Below are the best songs for a running playlist in 2022, broken down by genres.
Rock Runner Songs
We start with the music genre that leaves no one indifferent and has its ways of pushing us past our limits - rock. Aggressive yet pleasing, rock running playlist does a great job motivating us to run faster and longer. That’s especially true if you add some motivational lyrics to help you reach your workout goals even when you don’t feel like it. Without further ado, let’s dive right into the best rock music for runners!
Zitti e Buoni - Maneskin
This incredible Italian rock band is more than just famous for winning the Eurovision Song Contest of 2021 with an even more incredible song Zitti e Buoni ( Shut Up and Be Quiet). They are a band of four young individuals showing us everything is possible, even running 20 miles.
Zitti e Buoni, a fast track full of guitars combined with psychedelic elements, will push you beyond your limits with Maneskin’s aggressive yet compelling sound. It’s a manifest for those who want to move forward by embracing their uniqueness, whether you understand the lyrics or not. Damiano’s voice, Victoria’s bass, Thomas’ guitar, and Ethan’s drums are there to get you moving whether you’re running outdoors or on a treadmill.
Seven Nation Army - White Stripes
With The White Stripes, even a seven-nation army won’t hold you back from achieving your running goals. This alternative rock song has become a sports anthem. Powerful riffs not only make you want to move but do it with vigor.
Whether you like rock music or not, adding Seven Nation Army to your running playlist can be the force you need to keep you up and running.
Eye of the Tiger - Survivor
Some songs never get old, like old and gold Eye of the Tiger of Survivor. This iconic 80’s rock song will be, if not already, the push you need to continue when things get sweaty. Running isn’t the same without this song, whether you're running in a park or the gym.
The lyrics “Went the distance, now I'm back on my feet” perfectly depict a runner who goes that extra mile to stay healthy and fit. Not just that, the beat is super motivating, helping you overcome running challenges and propelling you to the finish line. It’s no wonder why this song is one of the best motivational running songs.
Lasciami Stare - Maneskin
Another great song from Maneskin (no favorites here), although not as popular as Zitti e Bouni, Lasciami Stare is one of the best songs to run to because it talks about rebirth. And that’s exactly how we feel after a great workout. It also talks about freedom and not being a puppet in a cage, which, again, is how we feel when we run - free (at least some of us).
“Ora ho la forza necessaria per rinascere” literally means: “Now I have the strength necessary for a rebirth” - enough to motivate those of us who find any type of workout extremely challenging. If you’re not interested in the Italian lyrics and their meaning, this song’s energetic beats are inspirational enough to get you going.
Electronic Music for Runners
What better way to enhance your running experience than by adding some electronic music to your running playlist? Fast electronic beats can get your blood pumping even before you start working out. But once you start, there’s no stopping until you finish. Below are some of the best electronic songs for runners.
Satisfaction - Benny Benassi
If you’re one of those humans who don’t find any satisfaction in running, this song might change your mind. Satisfaction by Benny Benassi was a dance hit in 2003, making people want to take action in every sense of that word.
Not only does this song make you move on the dancefloor, but it also does wonders in keeping you running and fast. It's no wonder why that is one of the best songs for running.
It Makes You Forget - Peggy Gou
Peggy Gou, a South Korean DJ and record producer, will make you forget that you’re running with this gentle, melodic tech-house song. The light, uplifting beats are perfect for keeping us on track while magical vocals transport us to another dimension.
You probably won’t even feel like you’re running, thanks to the magical beauty of this song. And if you’re someone who enjoys it, the satisfaction will double.
Rascals - Jim Rider
Another melodic electronic song, Rascals from Jim Rider, deserves to find its way to your running playlist. Recently released, this deep house song is perfect for light, casual running because its sound is soft but still uplifting.
Running while listening to Rascals feels like a sweet dream from which you don’t want to wake up, allowing you to run longer without the pressure. That’s why it made its way on our running music playlist.
Howling - Signs (Rodhad Remix)
Howling’s Signs is a perfect representation of the dark side of electronic music. Although not as dark as industrial techno, Signs are here to produce slight anxiety, prompting us to run faster than we would normally, almost as if we were running from something.
Keep in mind that this song might not be for everyone, but for some, it will be the hidden gem they were seeking to help them destress.
Freed from Desire - Gala
Gala's late 90s hit deserves a place on your workout playlist for running because it's a lovely, uplifting love song with happy, fast electronic beats. Synchronize your moves with the rhythm of this song and let it take you to the finish line.
Genre Mix for a Running Playlist
If you’re not that into rock or electronic music, here are several songs for runners from mixed genres. You’ll find rap, R’n’B, disco, and pop to enhance your running experience and boost your motivation while making you feel like the star of your own movie.
Lose Yourself - Eminem
The first rap to win an Oscar for Best Song, Lose Yourself is a very motivating song, inspiring us to do and give our best. It has its way of entering our minds and hearts, encouraging us to start over when we fail and each time do better.
This iconic song might be just what you need to endure that last mile. Lose yourself in the music and let it take you 8 miles down the road and back.
Don’t Stop the Music - Rihanna
This song from the period when Rihanna went bad will give you the energy you need to get yourself going. Thanks to the fast electronic beats, you'll easily keep the pace. It will also motivate you to do the necessary work to look your best next time you go out.
Shake the stress away along with Rihanna’s dreamy voice and, before you notice, you’ll feel and look much better than before.
Survivor - Destiny’s Child
Wake up the survivor in you with this 2002’s hit from Destiny’s Child. A powerful song Survivor is, it can not only motivate you to run avidly but also let you work out your issues while on the road.
An excellent song to put you in your movie, Survivor can ensure you get the job done, whether that’s a 5- or 20-mile run.
Bad Guy - Billie Eilish
We are all bad guys sometimes, and Billie Eilish’s hit can put you in that movie where you can freely be the bad guy (or girl) and enjoy it guilt-free unless you eat ice cream after your workout.
Fast-paced, electronic beats do nothing less than get you going along with the rhythm, and that’s why it’s one of the best songs to run to.
Maniac - Michael Sembello
Another old but gold, Maniac from Michael Sembello is an energetic 80s hit that sure has its way of motivating you to give your best out there on the track. If you watched the movie Flashdance, you know it’s a story about not giving up. And that’s exactly what you’ll do with this song on your running playlist.
Elevate Your Music Experience
There you have it. Now you can listen to the best running playlist and achieve your workout goals while enjoying it. You might add all or only a few of these runner songs to your playlist - that’s up to you.
However, what happens when you can’t even enjoy your music because of the low-quality sound of your earbuds? Or maybe your earbuds can’t handle all the sweat from your workout? Don’t worry because we’ve got you covered!
NeoPodz earbuds are IPX6 rated, meaning they won’t be affected no matter how much you sweat. What’s more, their supreme sound quality will elevate your music experience making your workout more satisfying than ever. Check them out and see for yourself.
