A Note On Music

Fall is my absolute favorite time of year. It’s the time of pumpkins (don’t get me started on the beauty of anything pumpkin flavored), crisp, cool air, and the emergence of oversized sweaters along with the masses of Hunter rain boots tromping around campus. Even though this season is pretty short-lived here atop Chestnut Hill, it’s arguably the best time of year. This fall has been especially great in terms of new music. We’ve seen fresh albums from the likes of Ellie Goulding, Mumford & Sons, The xx, Muse, and many more.

One of my favorite ways to listen to these new albums has been while running. I’m finishing up training for a fall marathon and have come to realize there is nothing more rewarding than a run or workout accompanied by a killer soundtrack. There’s no denying that a playlist can make or break the workout. Great music can push you through those final tough miles, distract you from how hard you’re breathing, and make you feel like you’re legitimately an elite athlete in a Gatorade commercial. Even if you have created a few good playlists in the past, chances are they get old pretty quickly. That being said, this week I’m dedicating the column to just a few of my current favorite running tracks. Even if you’re not a runner, this playlist can be used for any sort of sweaty workout, whether you’re logging extra time on the elliptical, facing a walk up the Million Dollar stairs, or just need that extra motivation to get your day going.

Here are my top must hears in no particular order:

“Got Somebody (Original Mix)”- Moon Boots

This is one of those tracks that just seem to creep up on you and somehow become one of the most repeated songs of the month. It never gets old, only better. “Got Somebody” remixes Wayne Wonder’s familiar “No Letting Go” and is created by a disco producer from Uganda. The track is undeniably appealing and is currently one of my favorite songs to come up on my workout playlist.

“Madness”- Muse

Every workout playlist needs a good rock tune. In this track, Muse seems to take on some electronic tones—like a simplified, easier-on-the-ears Skrillex track. I get an instant adrenaline boost from this one.

“I Can See It In Your Face”- Pretty Lights

Anything by Pretty Lights is great to work out to, in my book. This song is perfect for an endurance portion or especially gritty part of your workout.

“Anything Can Happen”- Ellie Goulding

You may have heard this particular track on the most recent Beats by DRE commercial. I love anything by Ellie, but this is undeniably upbeat, fun, and constantly on repeat on my iTunes. I love finishing up my workout with this positive track.

“Flesh and Bone”- The Killers

Lyrics can sometimes be my biggest motivator. This track is off The Killer’s latest album, Battle Born, and has some pretty motivating lyrics: “They’ll call me the contender / They’ll listen for the bell / With my face flashing crimson from the fires of hell.” Check out the Jacques Lu Cont remix of the song as well for an electronic-infused version.

“Can’t Hold Us”- Macklemore & Ryan Lewis

The tempo picks up on Seattle native Macklemore’s debut album with Ryan Lewis, The Heist, with “Can’t Hold Us.” The song creates a powerful mixture of piano keys and foot stomps/claps that’s captivating and full of energy.

Finally, it’s also always fun to throw some classics or throwbacks into your workout. My personal favorites include:

“Here I Come” by the Roots, “B.O.B” by Outkast, and “Lose Yourself” by Eminem. For some reason, I can listen to all three of these songs countless times. They are always great pick-me-ups, no matter how I’m feeling during my workout.

I hope that these suggestions will help to spice up your fall workouts! Good luck!