11 Unorthodox Pump-Up Songs
By Lance Pauker
Be it for the gym, a looming exam, or a just particularly bland day, pump-up music is an essential component for conquering any of life’s storms. Here are a few to possibly add to your next smattering of motivational tracks:
1. Christmas Eve/Sarajevo – Trans-Siberian Orchestra
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MHioIlbnS_A&w=960&h=720]
If you think this song is simply reserved for the month of December — or according to the holiday sales cycle, anytime after tomorrow — think again. A gem of a song to listen to when trying to power through that late night workload.
2. Resurrection – Michael Calfan (Axwell’s Recut Version)
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N-6iNzwXEg0&w=1280&h=720]
Although this can definitely be classified as EDM, this song feels much less “lets go spend $300 at a club and wear v-necks,” and much more “It’s 33 degrees, I’m a linebacker on the Pittsburgh Steelers, lets get this W, go 9-7, and nab that fifth seed.” Very strong gym playlist song.
3. Carry Your Throne – Jon Bellion
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xI_bxix-6Xo&w=1280&h=720]
Up and comer Jon Bellion has been mentioned in many a music post, which is mostly because he’s one of the most original, awe-inspiring, and potential-filled musicians in the world today. Carry Your Throne, which was released yesterday, is like if Game of Thrones had a musical baby.
4. She Is Beautiful – Andrew W.K.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EmY1ubPiLF8&w=960&h=720]
Party-master Andrew W.K. is known for his hard-hitting yet, positive and upbeat songs. You may remember this from one American Pie.
5. The Young And The Hopeless – Good Charlotte
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KmW9Lv8FpV4&w=960&h=720]
Technically emo, technically incredibly depressing. But when you can take songs like this and move beyond the depression — make them into something duly powerful — the pump-up becomes supreme.
6. Don’t Let Me Fall – B.o.B.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KkKG33-XtpA&w=1280&h=720]
Great song, great buildup, great video. Not exactly a hard-hitting banger, but thoughtful and energetic enough to really shine.
7. Spitfire – Porter Robinson
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=89KV_LcbqsA&w=1280&h=720]
Every time I listen to this song I feel like I’m about to commit a high-stakes bank robbery. I never act on the feeling, which is probably a pretty good thing.
8. Right Now – SR-71
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AtBaCEZJfJA&w=960&h=720]
Also great for refusing to admit that high school ended 7 years ago.
9. Snake In The Grass – Waka Flocka Flame ft. Cartier Kitten
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RhZiXYPR34o&w=1280&h=720]
A list of “unorthodox pump-up songs” definitely requires some trap. Waka Flocka certainly fits the bill.
10. Pacific Rim – Tom Morello
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1vU7XqToZso&w=960&h=720]
About once every two months, I spend 4-6 minutes driving acquaintances into stifling boredom by telling them how great a movie Pacific Rim is. This theme song, done in part by Audioslave and Rage Against The Machine guitarist Tom Morello, is a killer.
11. First Breath After Coma – Explosions In The Sky
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w0o8JCxjjpM&w=960&h=720]
Nowadays, Explosions in the Sky is associated with this pretty excellent, I’m a grown adult but also a five-year old child Friday Night Lights-like wonder. Unorthodox pump-up to the max.