Seeking Ascension: 10 Songs to elevate your running playlist
- Phoebe Davidson
- 12 hours ago
- 6 min read
It can sometimes feel like the quest for the perfect running song is the only thing driving me to run in the first place. There are countless factors to consider when curating the ideal playlist: your mood, pace, mileage, the temperature outside, even the scenery on your route. Nearly ten years into a running career, I struggle to choose songs that elevate my run without feeling overplayed or overstimulating. Don’t get me wrong, certain songs will always hype me up, no matter how many times they’ve been played (queue “Red Nation,” "Run This Town,” and “Remember the Name”), but I’ve also learned the hard way that burning through my best pump-up songs in the first mile can leave me wiped too soon. That’s why I always look for fresh, dynamic songs to keep my playlist exciting.
Whether you're a seasoned runner, run occasionally, or are just starting a running journey, it's always helpful to get fresh song suggestions for your running playlist. The right song can help you tap into a primal sense of power, giving you that cinematic sense of strength and accomplishment to push you through. Curated carefully, a good running playlist makes you feel like you're taking flight as you find a rhythm in your stride. Whether you’re looking for a slow, transcendental build, a bass-heavy trap, or an up-beat house song to keep that BPM up, here are ten songs that might just elevate your runner’s high (with a little extra groove):
“Some Sunsick Day” - Morgan Delt
This song opens with a bright, looping riff that feels like the sun at your back. The tones sound like a warped electric piano or a Mellotron flute. The light, almost weightless quality of this repeating melody gives the track a sense of forward motion, perfect for a run on a bright spring day. Layered over a steady, hypnotic groove, this melody acts as both a guiding force and a dreamy backdrop, making it the perfect soundtrack to a happy run that feels more like floating than sprinting.
“Vitamin C” - Can
“Vitamin C” creeps in with a tight, infectious drum groove that feels like a pulse pushing you forward. Jaki Liebezeit’s crisp, metronomic beat is the backbone, locking in with a deep, rolling bassline that keeps your feet moving. Layered over this rhythmic foundation, eerie, almost robotic synth stabs and Damo Suzuki’s fragmented, urgent vocals create an electrifying, almost ominous tension; like sprinting through a neon-lit city at night. The song’s relentless momentum makes it a perfect choice for a run aimed at combating anxiety or anger. When the adrenaline of emotion runs out and you need a burst of energy, this track keeps you locked in a hypnotic, unstoppable rhythm.
“Bass and Time” - Ancient Astronauts
Some runs call for high-energy intensity, but others thrive on effortless flow. “Bass and Time” is built for the latter. The track’s laid-back yet propulsive beat feels like gliding over pavement, with crisp drum breaks and a deep, rolling baseline that keeps you locked into a smooth rhythm. The jazzy horn and hip-hop-infused groove add just enough bounce to keep things interesting without feeling overwhelming. It’s the kind of song that makes your run feel like a montage scene—steady, cool, and in the zone. Whether you’re easing into your stride or cruising through the final stretch, “Bass and Time” keeps things moving with style.
“Running From the Cops” - Phantogram
Few songs capture the feeling of pure, adrenaline-fueled motion like "Running from the Cops." From the moment the heavy, distorted beat kicks in, it feels like you’re being propelled forward by something bigger than yourself. The chopped-up vocal samples and eerie synths swirl around the pounding drums, creating a sense of urgency without feeling frantic. It’s dark, pulsing, and just chaotic enough to keep you pushing your pace. Whether you’re sprinting through a hill workout or just trying to shake the weight off of the day, this track makes every run feel a little more cinematic— like you’re the main character in a high-speed getaway.
“Wind It Up” - Gwen Stefani
If your run needs some pure, unfiltered energy, “Wind it Up” delivers in full. From the moment the yodeling beat drops, it’s impossible not to pick up the pace. The stomping percussion and marching-band snare rolls give the song an almost military precision—perfect for keeping your cadence sharp—while Mrs. Stefani’s playful, commanding vocals make it feel like she’s personally hyping you up. It’s bold, a little weird, and the perfect kind of ridiculous to make you forget how many miles you have left. Whether you’re powering through the last stretch or just need a burst of fun mid-run, this track guarantees a second wind.
"Omote" - Yuki Chiba
“Omote” pulses forward with an effortless cool that makes you feel like you should be strutting along the street in Yuki Chiba’s next music video. His smooth flow glides over the beat, never rushing, just floating, making this the perfect song for an easy, meditative run. You may recognize the beat from Megan The Stallion’s “Mamushi,” a track from the summer of 2024 featuring the Tokyo-born artist formerly known as KOHH. The groove is steady and intense without being overpowering, giving you just enough rhythm while letting your mind wander. This track makes for the perfect background if you’re seeking weightlessness on your run.
"Cornfield Chase" - Hans Zimmer
This may seem like an odd choice, but the grand build of Zimmerman’s Cornfield Chase, written for the 2012 film Interstellar, always seems to lock me into a run when I need it most. It's one of those songs that doesn’t simply accompany your run, but transforms it. The momentum builds slowly, layer by layer, the arpeggiated keys, sweeping strings, and deep resonant bass create a sense of urgency and awe. It could make anything feel cinematic, but if you’ve seen the film, you can’t help but push a little harder under the emotional weight of the song’s associations.
“The Points That Matter” - Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross
The first time I saw the movie Challengers, I sat in the theater thinking about how perfect the soundtrack was for a workout playlist. The movie’s score was crafted by the acclaimed duo, Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross (known for soundtracking films like The Social Network and Gone Girl). “The Points that Matter” is infused with intensity, starting with a minimalist electronic pulse that gradually layers with atmospheric synths and subtle percussive elements to move from meditative to urgent. It is an ideal choice for runners who thrive on controlled endurance. By the time the track reaches its peak, you can’t help but find a steady rhythm. You may, however, find yourself needing a follow-up that matches the song’s intensity. In this case, “Challengers,” or the longer “Challengers: Match Point,” might satisfy your energy.
“Texas” by BigXThaPlug
From the first horn blast, “Texas” announces itself with authority—bold, brassy, and built to make you feel untouchable. Big X’s deep, commanding flow rides that Texas-twanged beat with effortless confidence, giving you the kind of swagger and energy that makes every stride feel powerful. Whether you’re powering up a hill or just trying to stay in the zone, this track ensures you do it with style.
“Dance Yrself Clean” - LCD Soundsystem
LCD Soundsystem’s 2010 “Dance Yrself Clean” perfectly captures the feeling of starting on a run, slowly finding your rhythm, and then breaking into full stride just as you reach a runner’s high. The nine-minute song parallels that exact progression. The first three minutes simmer with hushed vocals and a minimalist beat, perfect for a warm-up jog. Then, just when you’ve settled in, the song explodes— drums crash, synths pulse, and suddenly, you’re moving faster without even realizing it. The energy shift is electrifying, turning your run into a euphoric forward push. This song is one of many from LCD Soundsystem on my running playlist, but it’s so perfect I find myself wishing I could stretch the song to fit a whole run, as it always guarantees a boost when I need it most.
Check out the full Spotify playlist for this article below. What do you want to read about next on Enharmonic Magazine? Let us know in the comments!
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