Dave's Recs: Top Songs to Go Jogging to

By: Dave Griffiths, Programming Director

One of my favorite parts of summer is jogging outdoors. You truly are the master of your own element while on a run and it’s a great way to shed some of those barbecue beer calories. However, in order to have a successful run, I have to have a good playlist on, and these are the songs that keep me going:

"The Adventure" - Angels and Airwaves

For my runs, the key to everything is the song that I start out with, and usually, it’s always Angel and Airwaves. I remember hearing this song on the radio as I was leaving from high school after taking my last final, so I’ve always associated it with summer. It’s a great song with a catchy riff and the perfect tempo to establish a pace for your run. The message is all about starting something new and going on a journey, sort of like the feeling you get whenever you start a run.

"Saturday Night’s Alright (For Fighting)" - Elton John

Elton John is one of the greatest musicians that the world has ever seen and this song is a testament to that fact. It’s an upbeat song that never lets you slow down for a second. Whenever you need to get back on your pace or get things going a little faster, this is the song to be playing.

"Born to Run" - Bruce Springsteen

There’s a reason why this guy’s called the Boss. Although this is not my favorite Springsteen tune, this pure, high-speed American rock song is the perfect song to accompany a summer run. Its message of just letting go and seeing what happens is the perfect mindset to have while jogging.

"Congratulations Smack + Katy" - Reggie and the Full Effect

I love The Get Up Kids, so naturally I have a few Reggie and the Full Effect songs on my playlist.  This song is so simple with an insanely catchy beat and the backing synthesizer provides a nice background to the guitar riffs. The song is also wicked fast and it’s a necessity when you’re going for an endurance run and need a little help to get back on speed.

"Superheroes" - Daft Punk

At the end of my runs, I always like to end with a sprint. But by that time, I’m usually pretty tired and need something to amp me up. This song is always my standby because it gets you going from the very first 10 seconds. The repetitive chant built in with a building bass and synthesizer line is the perfect way to channel that last bit of energy to make it back to the finish line.