January is traditionally the month to hit the treadmill on the quest to shed those holiday pounds and build up some guns. While typical workout playlists are filled with pop and dance-flavored songs that just don’t do it for the folks at Gibson.com. To help rev up your workout playlist, we’ve put together a list of 10 Unlikely Workout Songs That Rock, presenting you with heavy songs that should help get your blood pumping. What do you listen to when you’re pumping iron?
10. Disturbed, “Liberate”
From the moment the ragged riffing of “Liberate” gushes out of the speakers, one thing is pretty obvious: Disturbed know how to make a blustering rock song that doesn’t let up. Musically, the fast-paced rhythm makes this Believe song an ideal workout track. Credit guitarist Dan Donegan’s skillful guitar work for helping this alternative metal band really soar.
9. Beastie Boys, “Sabotage”
The signature track on the Beastie Boys’ Ill Communication sets the feel for the rest of this explosive record. “Sabotage” relies on old-school-styled rhyme schemes and dense, flogging rhythms, and the combination of frenzied instrumentals and catchy lyrics makes this a cut that’s perfect for strength training.
8. Foo Fighters, “Everlong”
At first, “Everlong” doesn’t seem like a great workout song, but the hushed opening quickly builds to a stream of rocking guitars and steady rhythms. This Foo Fighters track isn’t meant for high-energy workouts. Instead, “Everlong” is a steady-paced number that builds just enough to lean on when you need endurance, not speed. Cheering you on is grunge personality Dave Grohl and his commanding vocals.
7. AC/DC, “Thunderstruck”
“Thunderstruck” is prototypical AC/DC – loud, raucous, flagrantly fun metal brimming with scorching power chords, larger-than-life hooks and masculine lyrics. As with all AC/DC tracks, this great workout song has an edge to it, and the chanted lyrics are purpose-crafted to get hips shaking.
6. Shinedown, “Devour”
From the crescendoing opening drums, Shinedown’s first track off The Sound of Madness grows and grows until the thick guitars and singer Brent Smith’s powerful pipes flood in. On “Devour,” Shinedown tenaciously hit every mark, bulking up rhythms and lacing melodies with memorable lines. The song’s enthusiasm and energy makes it a great tune for gearing up for your next big run.
5. Papa Roach, “Last Resort”
Papa Roach are determined to get you sweating and burning fuel with “Last Resort,” a jumbled combination of Jacoby Shaddix’s rapped vocals and toothed, high-octane guitars. While its subject matter is serious, the song’s strength and momentum is so explosive that it simply makes you want to move. Fast. When you need to pump yourself up for a big round of training, turn this song up.
4. Jay-Z & Linkin Park, “Numb/Encore”
The beats on Jay-Z and Linkin Park’s famed “Numb/Encore” mash-up fly all over the place before settling into a pulsating, high-octane groove. Jay-Z is a world-class rhymer and Linkin Park’s rap-rock hybrid is packed with drive, which gets your pulse pounding in seconds flat.
3. Cake, “The Distance”
Cake’s “The Distance,” hands down, is the most likely workout song on this list. The lyrics of this Fashion Nugget gem are a must-listen for the start of any long run: “He’s going the distance / He’s going for speed … Because he's racing and pacing and plotting the course / He’s fighting and biting and riding on his horse / He’s going the distance.” “The Distance” is a slow burner and a song that’s well-matched for long-distance runs.
2. Rage Against the Machine, “Testify”
Lead guitarist Tom Morello’s lively guitar sets the stage for “Testify,” off Rage Against the Machine’s third studio album, The Battle of Los Angeles. Shortly after, Zack de la Rocha and the rest of Rage join in, bringing the momentum to a new level of power and passion. Like most of Rage’s lyrics, the chants of “Testify” build to a feverish pitch: “Now testify / Now testify / It's right outside your door / Now testify / Yes testify!” Any song with this much energy belongs on a workout mix.
1. Kid Rock, “Bawitdaba”
One of rock’s biggest success stories in the late ’90s, Detroit rap-rock star Kid Rock broke into the mainstream with his fourth LP, 1998's Devil Without a Cause, toting a killer and cocky single called “Bawitdaba.” The big-headed anthem begs you to get up and move. If you find yourself dragging at the end of a long workout, put on this track and watch your vigor return.
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