Dear listeners,
Last week I shared a workout playlist and asked you to submit a song that motivates you to move. I thought it would be fun to post some of the responses at the end of a future newsletter. But so many of you suggested such fun and varied selections that I’ve decided to do something that’s never been done before in the entire history of The Amplifier: create a playlist composed entirely of reader recommendations.
I know, I know, “the whole history of The Amplifier” is about a month and a half at this point. But still – it’s unprecedented!
As I wrote last week, for me a good workout playlist combines familiarity and novelty. I took that into account when selecting and ranking these songs, so you hear a mix of new and old, popular and obscure. I loved reading about it Why these numbers motivate you and what they inspired you to achieve so I’ve included your comments below.
I also enjoyed seeing which songs featured in the recommendations; the single song most suggested by far had to go on the list, and it appears here as number 11. (In the interest of suspense, scroll down for the reveal.) Bluegrass, baroque orchestral music, Beyoncé: Your choices really include a huge musical spectrum. More than one of you has admitted to loving Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch’s “Good Vibrations,” and frankly, you do too.
I’m so glad we’re creating this musical community together – I think the collaborative nature of today’s playlist really speaks to that.
Listen along here on Spotify as you read.
1. Fleetwood Mac: “tusk”
I love how the song starts off quietly and slowly and builds and builds and builds on itself. I’ve seen it perform live and it gives a thrill to my blood. I find it ideal for the warm-up leading straight into training. — Virginia Moench, NC (Listen on YouTube)
2. Mary J. Blige: “Fine”
The lyrics and beats are uplifting and encouraging. It’s great to walk, run, bike or lift to, and you can take dance breaks! — Alexa, Philadelphia (Listen on YouTube)
3. Janet Jackson: “If”
This song has it all, and let’s not forget that epic video! If you have soul, “If” is guaranteed to make you sweat. Drop and give me 20! — Paige Getz, Conn. (Listen on YouTube)
4. TV on the Radio: “Wolf Like Me”
It has the highs, the lows and the perfect crescendo at the end. I had a spin instructor who knew it was my favorite and would drop it for me quite regularly. — Shelley, Brooklyn, New York (Listen on YouTube)
5. Gang of Four: “I found that essence rare”
It’s gritty, rhythmic, has a lot of energy and pushes me to move the weights in the opposite direction than the pull of gravity. — Rick Gaston, Oakland, California. (Listen on YouTube)
6. Hot Chip: “Whistle”
My best runs help me remember the physical feeling of losing myself on the dance floor. This song takes me there! — Greta, Chicago (Listen on YouTube)
7. Sylvester: “You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)”
Back in the days of aerobics classes, this was one of the songs we used regularly – we never got tired of it or the exercise. It’s also a great song to dance to! — Betsy Wendt, Silver Spring, Md. (Listen on YouTube)
8. Jamie xx: “Gosh”
This number is just what your neurons need when you want to shut off the world and pump through something into hyperfocus. I play it for work or jogging and it makes me feel like I’m putting on sunglasses and blasting into the matrix. Every time. — Natalia, Manhattan, NY (Listen on YouTube)
9. Grimes: “Kill v. Maim”
If I have to spend three minutes on a treadmill to get my heart rate up during a strength session, it’s Grimes’ “Kill v. Maim.” Pretending to be a vampire gangster (or whatever it is about), foaming at the mouth is extremely motivating! — Laura, London (Listen on YouTube)
10. Outkast: “BOB (Bombs Over Baghdad)”
I made a mix a few years ago for a half marathon I was preparing for. The fifth or sixth track I selected was “Bombs Over Baghdad” by Outkast. On the day of the race, when I got to that track after about 30 minutes, it inspired me to pick up the pace. From there I pressed repeat for the next 90 minutes and felt great! “Bombs Over Baghdad” gives me a lift like no other. — Michael Pittman, Durham, NC (Listen on YouTube)
11. Eminem, “Lose Yourself”
It’s a cliché, but it’s undeniably one of the greatest workout songs ever made: Eminem’s “Lose Yourself.” The believe-in-yourself lyrics, the dramatic tension that builds during the song, and the fact that the bpm pairs perfectly with a cardio workout. — Joe Stracci, Cold Spring, NY (Listen on YouTube)
12. The Avalanches, “Because I Am Me”
It’s like someone took Runner’s High and sonically bottled it into this shot. The first beat drop! The horns! “Knock it out the ballpark, Frankie!” This track always gives me the extra push I need to finish a particularly tough run or workout. — Andre Plaut, Brooklyn, NY (Listen on YouTube)
mom’s spaghetti,
Lindsay
The amp playlist
Listen on Spotify. We update this playlist with every new newsletter.
“Readers choice! 11 Motivational Workout Songs” track list
Track 1: Fleetwood Mac, “Tusk”
Track 2: Mary J. Blige, “Just Right”
Track 3: Janet Jackson, “If”
Track 4: TV on the Radio, “Wolf Like Me”
Track 5: Gang of Four, “I Found That Essence Rare”
Track 6: Hot Chip, “Whistle”
Track 7: Sylvester, “You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)”
Track 8: Jamie xx, “Gosh”
Number 9: Grimes, “Kill v. Maim”
Track 10: Outkast, “BOB (Bombs Over Baghdad)”
Track 11: Eminem, “Lose Yourself”
Track 12: The Avalanches, “Because I’m Me”
Bonus tracks
Two weeks ago, the enigmatic underground pop star Yes Paul made his live debut – 12 years after the release of his debut single. Tonight he plays the first of two shows in New York City. In honor of this occasion, why not take another look at the wonderfully glitchy pair of songs that started it all, the menacing “BTSTU” and the shy sensual one “Jasmine”? And if you want a primer on why so many people care about this guy in the first place, I’d humbly suggest this pitchfork article I wrote about him almost exactly ten years ago (!) which doubles as a time capsule of 2013 internet ephemera. Were we ever that young?
