From nostalgic forgotten classics to iconic hits and unassuming motivators, here's a list of both understated and popular songs you should have in your training playlist
It's January, it's a new year, and there are plenty of races now on the horizon. Whether you're training for a 5km race, T100 or MetaSprint, a marathon or HYROX, there'll be times in the training block where you're going to have to remind yourself one thing: "I can do this. Watch me."
One of the most helpful ways of getting you to that finish line is the right music. If you look deeper, rhythm is very much present in sports. Whether you're trying to control your mindset, your heart rate, the beat of your running shoes hitting the ground, or the timing of your lifts in the gym or one-twos in ball sports, you'll need that rhythm ingrained in your mind. Once its broken, you'll either begin slowing down or become irrational in your game plan.
There's no telling what songs help, everyone has their preferences! There's also a group of people who prefer to run without any music at all, instead opting to listen to the birds chirp in the trees, the sounds of waves crashing along the coast or the cars driving by. Even these peaceful sounds help in keeping the pace and staying on beat.
While some may rely on rap and fast-paced music, others may find slower pieces or musicals more motivational. Sportplus.sg curated a mini playlist below made from different genres. If you're looking to pump up your confidence on a run or process your emotions in the gym, here are some songs you should definitely have.
We'll start with three of our community runners' favourites, before diving into sportplus.sg's own recommendations by genre!
Sofie Chandra, Founder of Happy Pace Club and Captain of The High Panters - No music OR Lose My Mind by Brennan Heart & Wildstylez
It's all or nothing for Sofie Chandra, founder of Happy Pace Club and Captain of The High Panters. Sofie is one of the few who actually prefers to run without music, opting to listen to the sounds of nature instead. However, it's the total opposite during her HIIT and strength trainings. When she trains hard, the beats in her ears pop off even harder. Perhaps that’s what makes her the unstoppable force she is in the community!
According to Sofie, she even listens to this when going to sleep too...make of that what you will.
Mulyadi Muhammad, Marathoner - Mr Brightside by The Killers
Jamming out to Mr. Brightside is nothing short of a universal experience. The instant that iconic opening guitar riff hits, your adrenaline kicks into overdrive. With Brandon Flowers pouring raw angst into every lyric, you’ll feel every emotion surge through you. And those 16th-note hi-hats in the verse? They don’t just drive the song’s urgency and energy—they'll push you too.
Vanessa Oh, Runner and Pacer - REACT by Switch Disco ft. Ella Henderson and Robert Miles
Whether you're hitting the gym or getting your miles in in the gym, 'REACT''s pulsating rhythm, uplifting melody and driving bassline will pump you up.
While Vanessa’s choice may not be as chaotic as Sofie’s love for Hardstyle, her favourite track boasts a relatively slower pace—but it’s so euphoric that you simply won’t be able to stop running once it’s in your ears.
Punk Rock / Pop Punk
Know Your Enemy - Green Day (130bpm)
From the rallying drum beats at the very start to Billie Joe Armstrong's powerful, iconic voice and the band's backing vocals, the song has all you need to keep you running. The lyrics are liberating, there's a guitar solo, there's anger and frustration, this song will do you wonders in helping to push through the pain in your legs.
Ignorance - Paramore (171bpm)
Training to blow off some steam? Ignorance by Paramore is the song to let out some anger. The song itself is about the anger and disconnect Hayley Williams (the Frontwoman) felt for her bandmates at the time, and the lyrics are the epitome of angst.
With the song's 171bpm tempo, and the verse being led by an isolated, pumping bass drum, you're going to keep going.
Only Ever Only You - modernlove.
There's a plethora of intense and heart-wrenching punk rock/pop punk songs out there from bands like Sum41, Blink-182 and more that are well known, so here's a new one from an upcoming Irish band you'll want in your playlist if you're wanting to train and feel all your anger and emotions at the same time.
It's so pulsating from beginning to end that you won't even have time to think of stopping.
K-Pop
Mantra - JENNIE (117bpm)
Released in October 2024, JENNIE's 'Mantra' is a certified hit, though it hasn't been making its rounds around the sporting community just yet despite its rallying lyrics. Admittedly, this one may resonate with women much more.
It's a feminist anthem that celebrates girl-power and living freely, peacefully yet loudly as a woman in any given space. With sports still being male-dominated, this dance-pop hit will have your self-confidence shooting to new heights. After all, JENNIE's confidence can be felt through her vocals and the song's bass riff.
Chk Chk Boom - Stray Kids (102bpm)
With its infectious dance choreography, inspiring lyrics and relentless Latin-inspired drumbeat, Chk Chk Boom is the ultimate anthem for crushing your goals. Also released in 2024, the song has been described as a celebration of having "the confidence to hit your target more perfectly than anyone else." Stray Kids' signature youthful and edgy energy shines through, as it does in nearly all their tracks. The unwavering confidence of all eight members is bound to resonate and inspire you.
So if you're aiming for that personal best, put this on loop!
I Am The Best - 2NE1 (128bpm)
For the old school K-pop lovers who've been there since the early 2000s, this is a certified classic. The song starts by chanting "I am the best" multiple times in Korean before transitioning into one of the most iconic dance beats in K-pop history. Need we say more?
You'll be too busy dancing in your head to feel the pain in your legs. Your legs won't stop even if you want to.
GOOD BOY - GD X TAEYANG (130bpm)
If you're into K-pop, you can't have a training playlist without the kings of K-pop. 'GOOD BOY' is a certified classic in the world of Korean dance music. While its BPM sits at a slower 95 and well, the fact that it's in Korean, the way the duo from K-pop giants BIGBANG delivers the track will leave you feeling like an absolute badass no matter your gender, regardless of the song's title.
And sometimes, feeling like a powerhouse is all you need to push yourself.
Musicals / Movie Soundtracks
This is Me - The Greatest Showman (94 bpm)
The Greatest Showman's title track, 'The Greatest Show' is undeniably a song that should be on an athlete's playlist. "This is Me' however, is a more melancholic anthem for those looking to pull themselves out of a rut and inspire themselves.
While energising yourself with edgy, upbeat dance tunes is a go-to for many, it's equally important to embrace the full spectrum of your emotions when tackling challenges. Sometimes, that means leaning into more soulful tracks. Sports aren't easy, and neither is pushing through life’s hurdles. 'This Is Me' captures the spirit of being unapologetically yourself, and with its soaring vocals and inspiring drumline, it’s the kind of anthem that reminds you that you’ve got what it takes to make it.
Suzume - RADWIMPS ft. Toaka (78bpm)
Hear me out. It's a somber song but it's got that dramatic effect. Imagine yourself in a raw, inspiring sports documentary where you're training hard, you're giving it everything you've got to make it to the finish, everything is in slow motion and this song plays in the background.
Sometimes you have to act like you're the main character to make it in life.
He Lives in You (Reprise) - The Lion King Broadway Cast (116bpm)
In the Musical, He Lives in You (Reprise) is the show's final number, a celebration of Simba's redemption and finding it himself to return to his pride to become king after his father's death. The song features an inspiring choir of voices serenading you with some of the Broadway's most inspiring lyrics.
It'll be sure to pull you back in the game when you feel like the dreaded wall is approaching.
Pop
Mayonaka no Door (Stay With Me) - Miki Matsubara (108bpm)
Despite its release being in 1979, the song went viral a couple of years ago and earned worldwide recognition from a completely new generation. Give it a listen during your next run, and you'll know why! It's pure city pop vibes, and makes you appreciate the environment around you much more. It simply fills you with endorphins.
And that's the power of music.
Dreaming - Smallpools (119bpm)
Made popular when it was included in the video game, FIFA 14's soundtrack, 'Dreaming' has a bit of a cult following, but surely deserves more love. Within the FIFA and football community, the song is a classic, surefire way to get those legs and energies pumped.
Runners and gym-goers, add this into your playlists and while you're at it, we recommend sifting through the FIFA soundtracks from the mid 2010s, there are gems in there that'll get you to the finish line.
Jam - Michael Jackson (116bpm)
We had the King of K-pop in the list, now we have the King of Pop. The song's intro feels like the firing of a starting gun the way it instantly grabs your attention. The beat instantly kicks in, followed by a funky bass line and a voice literally telling you to get up and jam. Even if your biceps and quads are giving up, you won't be able to ignore the need to go on with the help of this song.
Rock
Cum On Feel the Noize - Quiet Riot (145bpm)
For anyone that played Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, remember how this sone made you feel? The main vocals possess the iconic power reminiscent of 1980s rock vocalists—full of raw intensity and commanding presence. They beckon you, urging you forward with a force that’s impossible to ignore. As if that's not enough to make you go,go,go, there's then a guitar solo.
Sometimes all we need to go on is a guitar solo from the 1980s.
Reputation - Joan Jett & The Blackhearts (204bpm)
Known for her rebellious front, Joan Jett is a force of nature and through her music — intentional or not — often rallies outcasts together.
'Reputation''s head banging beat and rebellious lyrics will make you feel like you can break down just about any wall. All eyes are on you, but all that matters is what you see in yourself.
Club Foot - Kasabian (102bpm)
Another iconic song on the FIFA soundtrack, 'Club Foot' starts of with a dramatic orchestral build up, before it transitions into the powerful and gritty rock song that commands your confidence. The song explores self-empowerment and defiance, urging you to face obstacles head on. It's lyrics depict being held back but wanting to push on to carve your own path, perfect for those tough interval trainings.
BONUS
We’ve packed in plenty of high-energy, adrenaline-pumping tracks but sometimes, running and training serves as an outlet to process emotions, not just escape from them. This song isn't really meant to help you keep the pace, but it's 10 minutes long and it's a devastating song. So if you're wanting to go out there and run while trying to process how you're feeling deep down, this one is for you. Plus, maybe you can use the song's length as a goal when you're already tired mid-run.
"I'll run for the whole 10 minutes without stopping (or crying)."
You guessed it.
All Too Well (10 Minute Version) - Taylor Swift (93bpm)
With thousands of songs out there perfect for a running playlist, this list could go on and on. Whatever song you choose to listen to while you train — be it for your physical or mental health goals— make sure you find that rhythm, and don't ever let anything break it. #SgSports #SgRunning #MusicPlaylist
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