Recently, my wife and I saw Wicked on Broadway, and one of the songs from the play stuck with me. It was called “Defying Gravity.” It is one of those inspiring songs that hit me hard on many levels. It got me thinking: “I wonder what kind of running song this would be?” My next thought was of songs from movies / plays that might be worth grouping into a fun running playlist.
I even asked people on The Music of Running Facebook page what some of their favorite inspirational movie / musical songs were. I have combined their favorites with some of mine. Here is the list:
1. Chariots of Fire by Vangelis (Movie: Chariots of Fire)
2. Edge of a Dream by Joe Cocker (Movie: Teachers)
3. Defying Gravity by Idina Menzel & Kristin Chenoweth (Musical: Wicked)
4. Lose Yourself by Eminem (Movie: 8 Mile)
5. Rocky Theme (Gonna Fly Now) by Bill Conti (Movie: Rocky)
6. Only the Young by Journey (Movie: Vision Quest)
7. Ass Kickin Fat Kid by Titannica (Movie: Run Ronnie Run)
8. I Melt With You by Modern English (Movie: Valley Girl)
9. Running 2 by Tykwer /Klimek/Heil (Movie: Run Lola Run!)
10. Get off My Back by Bryan Adams (Movie: Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron)
11. Hearts on Fire by John Cafferty (Movie: Rocky IV)
12. Don’t Stop Me Now by Queen (Movie: Shaun Of The Dead)
13. Eyes Wide Open by Taylor Swift (Movie: The Hunger Games)
14. Thunderstruck by AC/DC (Movie: The Longest Yard)
15. State of Love and Trust by Pearl Jam (Movie: Singles)
16. Lunatic Fringe by Red Rider (Movie: Vision Quest)
17. Good Times by INXS featuring Jimmy Barnes (Movie: The Lost Boys)
18. Going the Distance by Bill Conti (Rocky)
19. Let’s Go Crazy by Prince & the Revolution (Movie: Purple Rain)
20. Desire (Come and Get It) by Gene Loves Jezebel (Movie: She’s Having a Baby)
21. I’ll Make a Man Out of You by Donnie Osmond (Movie: Mulan)
22. Crash by The Primitives (Movie: Dumb and Dumber)
23. Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me, Kill Me by U2 (Movie: Batman Forever)
24. (You Made Me) The Thief of Your Heart by Sinead O’Connor (Movie: In the Name of the Father)
25. In the Air Tonight by Nonpoint (Movie: Miami Vice)
I’m sure I’ve missed some (Confession: these are mostly from movies because I am not a Broadway expert by any means), so feel free to send me your suggestions.
Enjoy the running, and enjoy the music!
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