Here’s the perfect playlist to boost your mood and energy. For best results, make sure you turn the volume way up!
1. Howlin’ for You by the Black Keys
Awesome because: This funky beat, also featured in the Limitless soundtrack, will have you tapping your toe.
2. Poison by Nicole Scherzinger
Awesome because: Nicole Scherzinger’s get-your-heart racing song about her bad girl power combines crunchy guitars with a relentless beat.
3. The Only Hope for Me is You by My Chemical Romance
Awesome because: You might not expect to see My Chemical Romance on a playlist that’s supposed to boost your mood, but some electronic-sounding synth action makes this an exciting track.
4. All Over Me by Default
Awesome because: Amazing rhythmic guitars right out the gate complement surprisingly romantic lyrics from a very talented Canadian band.
5. Crazy by Gnarles Barkley
Awesome because: Cee Lo’s breezy vocals and the insistent bass line, along with lyrics like My heroes had the heart to live their lives out on a limb, are sure to boost your mood and pump you up.
6. Ocean Avenue by Yellowcard
Awesome because: The lyrics conjure up images of summer beaches and summer romance, and the guitar combined with the feverish violin (Yellowcard’s signature instrument) make this the perfect pump up track.
7. Black or White by Michael Jackson
Awesome because: A playlist designed to get you pumped wouldn’t be complete without a little MJ.
8. Like OMG, Baby by DJ Earworm
Awesome because: This mashup combines Usher, Ke$ha, Rihanna, Esmee Denters, Alexandra Burke, and several other artists.
9. Stand Out by Tevin Campbell
Awesome because: You may recognize this from this critically acclaimed film… A Goofy Movie. In all seriousness, just TRY not to tap your feet to this upbeat tune.
10. Look at Me Now by Chris Brown feat. Lil Wayne & Busta Rhymes
Awesome because: That bit where Busta Rhymes raps for an eternity without a breath is pretty incredible.
11. Don’t Stop Me Now by Queen
Awesome because: It’s a song all about having fun and shedding the downers that try to slow you down.
12. She’s So High by Tal Bachman
Awesome because: This one is a classic, and it’s so easy to pretend that the lyrics She’s so high above me, she’s so lovely are about you!
13. Love Shakes Everything by Mashup-Germany
Awesome because: This song mashes up Metro Station’s Shake It with Musikk’s Love Changes Everything, and the energy is incredible.
14. Remember the Name by Fort Minor
Awesome because: Pretty sure this song was meant to be a pump-up song; a fantastic tune to get you pumped and keep you focused.
15. I’ll Be Missing You (Don’t Raise Your Glass) by Mashup-Germany
Awesome because: A song that mashes Kelly Clarkson, Pink, Faith Evans, Mike Posner, and Tracy Chapman into just under 4 minutes of awesomeness belongs on a pump-up playlist.
16. Hero by Nas feat. Keri Hilson
Awesome because: Aggressive rap stylings and don’t-back-down lyrics from Nas make this song perfect for any of us that want to feel like conquering superheroes.
17. Here It Goes Again by OK Go
Awesome because: It’s an upbeat 90s tune with an infectious hook, and haven’t we all felt that When it rains, how it pours feeling before? Perfect tune to get you through that unbelievably stressful day.
18. Release Me by Agnes
Awesome because: This club anthem with a unique orchestral by Swedish pop star Agnes makes you want to get up and dance.
19. Hands Open by Snow Patrol
Awesome because: Aggressive beat right out the gate as Snow Patrol lead singer begs you to open your heart and collapse into me, tired with joy.
20. Silly Boy by Eva Simons
Awesome because: The beat of this one is simply infectious, with an electronic-sounding grind underscored by pulsing electric guitars.
21. Wanna Be Mixin’ Somethin’ by Norwegian Recycling
Awesome because: MJ is a master at making you want to get up and dance anyway…when Smooth Criminal, Bad, and Man in the Mirror, along with a little Justin Timberlake, a little Timbaland, and a little Nelly Furtado are mashed up into one, set to the beat of Billie Jean, the result is pure energy.
