Year-End Playlist: My Favorite Songs for Running 2023

Earlier this year, I took up running and because of that, I spent a lot of time making, and adding to my playlists. Besides the fact that I don’t want to listen to the sound of my heavy breathing, I need something to keep me motivated, especially when I’m running on a treadmill in my apartment complex’s gym. I also consider myself to be a bit of a music snob (I spent much of my teenage years on Tumblr discovering the joys of indie and alternative music). So, I present to you, my favorite songs for running in 2023. 

Also, this is what my house looked like growing up.

My Newest Favorites (2023 Releases)

Speed Drive — Charli XCX

If you read our Spotify Wrapped article, you already know how we feel about this song. And if there’s something about Charli XCX, she’s going to make an absolute banger about driving (listen to Crash and VROOM VROOM if you don’t believe me). Written and recorded for Barbie, “Speed Drive” is an upbeat song that played during the chase scene in Mattel’s offices during the film. So it was quite literally made to be run to. If that isn’t enough to convince you—or you haven’t seen the Barbie movie yet (where have you been?) — it also samples 1981 “Mickey” by Toni Basil. 

Overall, “Speed Drive” will make you feel like that girl, even if you don’t identify as a girl at all. Although I don’t condone the reckless driving discussed in this song, I do condone using this song to pump you up to get you ready for your most intense runs.

Anti-Curse — Boygenius

If you haven’t had the chance to listen to The Record by Boygenius, I would highly recommend listening to the entire thing before 2024 rolls around. But if I had to pick one song from this artist to add to my running playlist, I would almost instantly say “Anti-Curse.” It isn’t the highest energy song out there; there are peaks and valleys, but not every run is going to go as planned, so these ups and downs can feel relatable. Some moments feel easy, like running is the most natural thing you can do, and then there are slower moments, where you’re trying to keep pace. 

There’s a consistent rhythm in this song, something I find to be crucial when I’m putting together a running playlist, and as the song continues to build, you feel stronger with it. “Anti-Curse” is one of those songs that has made even some of my toughest runs feel great, dare I say, magical. Another great running song from The Record would probably be their song “Not Strong Enough,” which was probably the most commercially successful song from the album this past year.

Is It Over Now? — Taylor Swift

I promise I won’t bombard you with Taylor Swift songs on this playlist, but she is just a fantastic songwriter that makes it hard to ignore her. With the re-release of 1989 (Taylor’s Version) Swifties got to relive their favorite songs, and maybe even found their new favorite. “Is It Over Now?” is another song with an excellent beat (thank you, Jack Antonoff), and for some reason, I like a good, angry song when I’m running, and there is definitely some anger towards someone in this song (A.K.A. Harry Styles). 

Even though  I like to listen to a variety of music in my day-to-day life, there is something about a good synth-heavy pop song that just makes me want to run, “Is It Over Now?” is no exception to this statement. Adding this song to your running playlist will make you feel like the main character of a Nicholas Sparks novel struggling through a messy breakup, and there’s something motivating about that when I’m running.

Rush — Troye Sivan

I did not see Dua Lipa open for Troye Sivan when I was 15 for the internet to call him an industry plant when he released his newest album. That being said, it’s an excellent album, and “Rush” is a great, fast-paced running song that will keep you going in the moments that you decide that you want to give up on your running career. From the moment the song begins, you know you’re in for an infectious pop song, and as we know, that’s the kind of music I love to run to. 

The chorus of the song combines layers of singing over the continuous beat that is dizzying but creates an awesome mindset in the middle of a run. Even though he’s most definitely not singing about a runner’s high during this song, if you end your run on this song, you, too will be talking about how good it felt out on the trails or on the treadmill.

After Midnight — Chappell Roan

2023 was a renaissance for bubblegum pink pop music for the girls and the gays. Chappell Roan’s “After Midnight” has a special little groove that will bring some joy back to your runs as you train for your next race, and it’ll allow you to review your pace if you’ve been going as fast as you can for the first few songs. Use this song as a moment to catch your breath, slow down for a little bit, and find the joy in running again.

“After Midnight,” is one of my personal favorites for running because it combines the poppy-synth elements that I love on my runs while also featuring a fun little guitar riff, and Roan’s vocals are just awesome throughout this song. This could also go into a fun little dance playlist if you aren’t into running, or of course, for your hot girl walks.

New(er) Songs, Pre-2023

Looking for Somebody (to Love) — The 1975

This song is super fun and upbeat—until you read the lyrics (it’s a good thing you can’t understand a word Matty Healy is saying). Between the smacking drums and unrelenting guitar riff, “Looking for Somebody (to Love)” is an awesome rock song, and the saxophone throughout really pulls it together. I often use this song as my run-as-fast-as-you-can-song as it’s a fun little tune that I always enjoy.

Though the subject matter of this song is rather dark, you would never be able to tell through the production and major key; this is a staple in The 1975’s discography and many of my favorite songs to run to by them fall into this category. 

Stockholm Syndrome — One Direction

It’s about time we start taking Boy Band music seriously, because they get excellent songwriters to put together absolute bangers, like this bonus track from One Direction’s final album as a group of five, Four. “Stockholm Syndrome” sounds like it’s using a cannon for the drum fills and Harry Styles sounds great—which shouldn’t come as a shock to anyone—on the chorus. It’s also a long song, which allows you to cover more mileage during your runs, and as a slow runner, that is a great feeling.

I had a One Direction phase in early middle school that fizzled out pretty quickly, but this song pulled me right back in and I am not afraid to say I listen to this song often especially when I am running and working out. The song also draws inspiration from the 1985 song, “Everybody Wants to Rule the World,” by Tears for Fears, which makes it even more fun to listen to.

Cruel Summer — Taylor Swift

I can assure you that this is the last Taylor Swift song on this list. “Cruel Summer” was a gem on the Lover album and the booming drums are great for staying on beat and keeping a strong pace. From the moment the song begins, you can tell you’re in for a treat, and as the song builds, you’ll want to just start moving your body. Though the song follows a pretty traditional verse-chorus-verse-chorus build, each chorus feels a little bigger than the last, which keeps you going, even when you want to give up.

When it comes to running, not every song needs to be fast. Sometimes a mid-tempo beat is when I feel my running is the strongest and it’s often these songs that allow me to continue running, even when I’m tired during my training. Next time you’re on a run, make sure to try adding this song to your rotation, it won’t disappoint.

Misery Business —Paramore

I’m not saying that Hayley Williams was right for writing some of the lyrics in this song, that being said, I am acknowledging that it’s a great song for running if you’re like me, and like to be a little angry when you’re on the treadmill. Williams is wailing on the vocals and as the song goes on, you’ll feel the power and anger in your legs as you continue towards your running goal. The changes of pace throughout this song also allow for short breaks while overall, continuing to run as hard as you can for the majority of the song.

Again, there are some questionable lyrics in this song that definitely do not meet a 2023 standard of feminism, but it is a classic at this point. Running to “Misery Business” is a lot of fun, and gives you the stamina to continue during those slower moments sprinkled throughout the song.

If You’re Too Shy (Let Me Know) — The 1975 

Looking for a really fun running song? Look no further than “If You’re Too Shy (Let Me Know).” Similar to “Looking For Somebody (To Love),” this song has a fun little saxophone riff that will make you want to get up and move around.  With a strong set of drums and a steady bassline, this song is easy to add to a pre-existing running playlist and it will fit with ease. With a very “classic” 1975 sound, this song brings the fun to running.

When you’re adding this song to your playlist, make sure you click on the one that says “Edit” as the full-length version of the song has a rather long opening, that may not get you in the mood to go out on a run. If you do add the full-length one, though, you could always start with this song and use that as your little warm-up. At the end of the day, it’s up to you and whatever makes you happy. When I’m running, I’m a bit impatient and I want to get into it, so I go for the shorter version.

Songs I Love from Before I Was Born

Man! I Feel Like a Woman — Shania Twain

Let’s go, girls, it’s time for a run. Shania Twain makes joyful and fun music that should be celebrated and mixed into any playlist. “Man! I Feel Like a Woman” might be an obvious choice, but it’s a classic for a reason. With lyrics you can sing along to and the iconic guitar that’s heard throughout the song, it’s obvious why I would want to add this song to my running playlist. Just know that if you add this song to your playlist, it’s a non-skip—there’s always room for Shania during any event, running or not.

If there’s a day when running doesn’t sound appealing, “Man! I Feel Like a Woman” is a great tune to throw on to get you pumped up and ready. When you’re listening to this song, nothing can go wrong, and you’ll feel motivated and strong when the song comes to an end.

Son of Man — Phil Collins

One thing about me, I love a good soundtrack, and the music Phil Collins made for Disney’s Tarzan is no exception. “Son of Man” is upbeat and tells Tarzan’s story of struggle from young boy to adult. So you’re not a human being raised by gorillas, you’ve struggled with things in your life, too. “Son of Man” is the perfect mix of motivation and uplifting emotions that you need, and it will leave you feeling like the strongest man in the jungle, even if you can’t swing from the trees.

“Son of Man,” is an emotional song and I do listen to it on almost every run. It makes me feel good and the lyrics make me feel like I can continue, even if I’m tired and have been running for a long time. On top of all of that, it has a classic Phil Collins drum in the background, and there are very few things better than that, musically.

Little Lies — Fleetwood Mac

Looking to add a little magic to your runs? Don’t forget about Fleetwood Mac for all of your running needs. Though “Silver Springs” has been having a bit of a renaissance this year on TikTok, this is a personal favorite of mine. I love a good harmony and sometimes when you’re running up a steep hill or on some difficult terrain, you need something to distract you from the tougher moments.

This song was on my road trip playlist recently when I was in the process of moving and my mom was shocked by the amount of Fleetwood Mac that was in the mix. Though I do usually tend to veer towards pop music, I like to think that I’m pretty eclectic, and sometimes a little surprise on your run is all you need to enhance your run and add a little extra joy to your workout routine.

Angel Eyes — ABBA

Something about me, I love Mamma Mia and because of that, I am a rather large ABBA fan with “Angel Eyes” being one of my favorites. Though it wasn’t a part of the original Mamma Mia soundtrack, it’s still an excellent song that combines some of my favorite elements for a running song. As a slow runner, it’s not a super fast song, which makes it easy for me to keep a strong pace without feeling like I’m losing my breath or like I need to take a break or slow down. “Angel Eyes” is also in a major key, making it sound like a happy song, but when you listen to it, it’s actually about the heartbreak of two lovers, and I love a good secret sad song.

ABBA is also well known for their disco-influenced pop music, giving it a great steady beat throughout the song. And as one of the most influential groups in music history, it feels only natural to include their music in a playlist of my favorite running songs. Just  like I said with Fleetwood Mac, I’m a bit of a sucker for good harmony in a song.

This Charming Man — The Smiths

As Zooey Deschanel said in 500 Days of Summer, I love The Smiths. Though some of their music is definitely a little odd, and at times sad, “This Charming Man” is a fun little song that I like to add into the mix from time to time for a different vibe during my run. Similar to many songs on this list, it’s an upbeat number that you can put on and get lost in all of the little details as you listen.

Running in the mornings is sort of how I mentally prepare myself for the day and sometimes, I just like to clear my head.  So, having a song like “This Charming Man” is great for that as I can explore the lyrics, the guitars, and all of the elements that make this into one of my favorite songs by the Smiths. 

For My Fellow Millenials and Early Gen. Z Friends

Strut — The Cheetah Girls

I was a 2000s kid, which meant that the era of DCOMs (Disney Channel Original Movies) was kind of my thing. Let me just say, The Cheetah Girls 2 was a personal favorite for me, mostly because of this absolute banger. Have I ever been to Barcelona? Nope. But I can’t wait to go so I can run around the city listening to “Strut.” This song features a slow beginning, making it a great song to start your run to as you can slowly ease your way into it before moving into a faster pace. 

“Strut” is also a relatively long song, which gives you time to get into a groove, running (or dancing). I often find it difficult to start my run on a short song because I feel like I’m not making a lot of progress or, by the time I find a comfortable pace, the song is already done. So getting something a little longer allows me to find that happy place during my runs, and I enjoy relishing in that moment.

Bet On It —Zac Efron

This song is a little bit of a meme, but if you grew up watching Disney Channel, you cannot convince me that you haven’t at least thought about recreating this scene at a golf course at least once in your life. “Bet On It” is the emotional climax of High School Musical 2 where Troy Bolton has to make a decision about what is most important to him. So as the movie’s hero struggles with his journey, you can feel the same emotional journey he goes through while you’re running.

Though it would definitely be more fun to run through the rolling mountains of New Mexico to this song, I do love to pop this track on when I’m on the treadmill. It’s a great up beat song that makes you feel like you can accomplish anything and right when you feel like you’re ready to give up, the song slows down, giving you a moment to catch your breath before Zac Efron triumphantly claims for himself—and you—“I’m not gonna stop,” which makes you want to keep going right along with him.

Start All Over — Miley Cyrus

My opinions on Disney music are similar to those of boy bands, it’s about time we start recognizing that there are some good songs by these singers. “Start All Over” from the Meet Miley Cyrus album is a high-energy pop song that feels like you’re being shot out of a cannon, making it an excellent song to start or end your runs on. Start on a high note with this powerful pop banger as you find your pacing, or use it as your final push to make it towards your literal or metaphorical finish line as you complete your run.

If you’re like me and you’re looking to recreate the music video, it’s time to start running in your local neighborhood and get off the treadmill. Although I can’t guarantee the pyrotechnics and other chaos that comes with music video magic, I can tell you that you can at least get close to that fantasy in your head if you’ve been waiting to star in your own video for a while now.

What Dreams Are Made of — Hilary Duff

Have you ever wondered what dreams are made of? For me, they’re made up of hitting my personal goals and getting stronger and faster every time I run. Though this song might feel like a bit of a cheesy pick, it’s fun andwill keep you motivated as you continue to train, even if you don’t have a race coming up.

Like I said, I’m not a particularly fast runner, but I do eventually want to get down to doing a mile in 10 minutes or less. Putting “What Dreams Are Made of” on my playlist gives me the inspiration to keep trying, regardless of what my mile time was the week before. I know, cheesy, but sometimes a little bit of Disney magic can go a long way and make you feel like you can do anything, just like when you were a kid.

Burnin’ Up — The Jonas Brothers

I love a good Jonas Brothers bop from time to time, especially when it’s “Burnin’ Up.” The song is equal parts fun and ridiculous and sometimes it’s a good reminder not to take ourselves so seriously when we’re working hard. Running is hard, and sometimes getting better at it feels impossible. So I like to keep this song in rotation from time to time as a reminder that exercise, whether it’s running, swimming, lifting weights, or climbing, should be fun, and if you aren’t having fun, why are you doing it?

Overall, the song is a pretty, mid-tempo piece of music and it features some fun lyrics that will get you smiling, even after some tougher miles. Do I love finishing my run as their former bodyguard turned rap superstar Big Rob tells the boys to bring the chorus around? Yes, I do, it feels like the perfect ending to a run and I can walk for that final chorus as a short cool-down.

Hear Me Out, These are Great Running Songs

These songs have absolutely no connection to one another, but please, just hear me out when it comes to adding these to your running playlist. I promise you that there’s a reason they’re on here.

Country Girl (Shake it for Me) — Luke Bryan

This is another fun one. As much as it’s important to take your runs seriously, it’s also important to make sure you’re still enjoying yourself when you’re out there. I’m not a huge Luke Bryan fan but his songs do remSongs that Don’t Make A Lot of Sense For Runningof summers working at the county fair, so for a good little chuckle, I throw a few of these into the playlist from time to time if he is “bro country.”

Somebody to Love — Justin Bieber

I wouldn’t consider myself a Justin Bieber fan—or Belieber, as they call themselves—but I do love childhood nostalgia. Growing up, especially at pool parties, there was a lot of Justin Bieber playing, and this was always a favorite. It’s fun, upbeat, and is just another good song to run to when you’re looking for a different vibe.

Night Shift—Lucy Dacus

This is a bit of an odd choice, as “Night Shift” is a bit of a slower song overall, but if you’ve ever wanted to feel like you’re ascending into heaven while you’re running, this is the song to do it. When Dacus begins that final chorus she is absolutely wailing and it is a magical moment if you are finishing up a really great run.

You—The 1975

This is another slow burn of a song. “You” is pretty mellow for the majority of the song but right before the end something changes, the drums are way more intense, the guitars pick up, and there are layers upon layers of voices. Running to this song is the closest I will ever get to flying.

Lightning—Charli XCX

Ending the same way we started, with a Charli XCX banger. I love “Lightning” because of its whiplash-like change from the first verse to the first chorus. Starting quite tame for Charli, the song is slow and her vocals are quiet, and then like a metaphorical punch in the face, heavy drums and synths come in and you feel like you can take on the world.

Head to my Spotify to check out the full Playlist

Source: https://outdoors.com/the-year-end-running-playlist/