Ten Great Classic Rock Workout Songs
I love listening to classic rock music and also enjoy working out and nothing is better then combining the two. With this is mind here is a list of ten of my favorite classic rock songs that can carry me through the last few minutes of any tough workout.
Obvious Child - Paul Simon
The thumping, pounding drums are so infectious and powerful that I can feel their energy passing to me through the ear buds. Simon partnered with Brazilian superstars Grupo Cultural Olodum, masters of the heavily percussive musical style called Batuque, and their drumming is the centerpiece and foundation of this song. Surprisingly, Simon has several numbers that are great for exercise such as "Late in the Evening", "Graceland", "Boy in the Bubble", and "Only Living Boy" among others.
Baba O'Riley - The Who
I try to time it so this song ends right at the finish of a hard interval. In the last minute it builds to a crescendo with the synthesizer, violin, and drums all merging together and going faster and faster, building to a frantic climax that only makes me want to push harder.
Second Hand News - Fleetwood Mac
An infectious and bouncy number from the all-time classic rock album Rumors. John McVie's bounding bass and Mick Fleetwood's crisp drumming provide the bedrock. Lindsey Buckingham's and Stevie Nicks' vocals merge together beautifully and the "pow-pow-pow" chorus puts the song into sonic overdrive. A forgotten gem.
Ramblin' Man - The Allman Brothers Band
One of the all-time great classic rock number also makes for a great high energy workout song. This irresistible Dicky Betts vehicle from the 1973 Brothers and Sisters album, the first after Duane Allman died in a motorcycle crash, is an intoxicating mix of catchy lyrics, joyous guitar picking, and sweeping slide guitar runs. This is another song I like to time so it finishes at the end of a hard aerobic interval. Dicky Betts' urgent, majestic guitar riffs near the end have a way off lifting me to higher levels of performance.
Where the Streets Have No Name - U2
The brooding synthesizer intro builds slowly like an ominous storm on the horizon. Then the Edge's urgent, ringing guitar appears like lightning flashes and mixes with Adam Clayton's pounding, pulsing bass. Turn it up loud and it will "rattle and hum" your workout. "Desire" is also another great workout companion U2 song.
The Song Remains the Same - Led Zeppelin
Fueled by Jimmy Page's crashing, jangling guitar runs and Robert Plant's screeching vocals. Another favorite Zeppelin workout song is "The Battle of Evermore," which builds slowly builds in intensity.
Working on the Highway - Bruce Springsteen
One of Bruce's faster songs. You can't sit still when the hand-clapping, knee-slapping number comes on. Bruce's manic vocal, the ringing guitar, and fast tempo are the perfect tonic to get you through a hard set or interval.
- 25 Best Bruce Springsteen Songs for Your iPod
Bruce Springsteen is one of the greatest songwriters in rock and roll history and has written some of the most iconic songs of the rock era. Here is a list of his top twenty-five songs.
Hollywood Nights - Bob Seger
Bob Seger is the definition of classic rock and this frantic track from 1978 Stranger in Town album is one of his best. The charging guitar and Bob's snarling vocal create a furious sound that will carry you along and lighten your burden for 5 minutes.
- Ten Great Bob Seger Songs for Your iPod
Ten great Bob Seger songs that everyone should have on their iPod.
American Girl - Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers
A chiming guitar intro leads into Tom's frantic vocal and builds to an urgent, blistering, jamming finish.
(What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love, and Understanding - Elvis Costello
The surging guitars, Elvis's urgent vocals, and torrid drumming all add up to 3:33 minutes of rocket fuel for your workout.
