The Best Running Songs of All Time, Classic Rock Edition

Runners and joggers are always on the lookout for new material to fuel their playlists. This can often be a tedious task, as there's no easy way to find the best running songs short of stumbling on them yourself. Runners who aren't exactly in the MTV demographic may find themselves particularly out of luck when in comes to finding new workout music. In my original Top 10 Best Running Songs of All Time, I outlined a running playlist that culled the best from of a range of genres that should appeal to runners of all ages. For the more generationally advanced runners out there, I present the Best Running Songs of All Time, Classic Rock Edition.

"The End" by the Beatles
While the Beatles had an extraordinary music catalog, not all of them make the best running songs. When Ringo Starr finally lets loose a drum solo in "The End," however, you know it's going to be a rocking track.

"La Grange" by ZZ Top
The growling vocals and slick drum fills in ZZ Top's hit are some of the best in classic rock. A steady beat and catchy guitar riff optimize this song for tempo workouts.

"Roundabout" by Yes
Not everyone will have the patience to endure the extended lead-in at the beginning of "Roundabout," but those that do will be treated to one of the longest and best running songs to come out of the progressive rock movement. With a mind-blowing bass line and crazy organ work, Yes lays down the perfect background to your workout.

"Spirit of Radio" by Rush
The legendary classic rock trio didn't always create the best running songs, but the lightning-fast guitar work and driving beat in "Spirit of Radio" earn it a spot among the best running playlists. Considering runners don't have much better to do than listen to the lyrics, Rush's top-notch songwriting gives you plenty to think about while you hammer away the miles.

"Highway Star" by Deep Purple
Although Deep Purple's "Burn" edged into the original Top 10 Best Running Songs list, "Highway Star" comes in as a close second. It's lead-in is the perfect accompaniment to the start of a workout, and its rocking organ and guitar solos should keep your feet moving to the beat.

"Foreplay Long Time" by Boston
With a spectacular instrumental lead-in, Boston's rock epic is a standout even among the best classic rock songs. While it does sag a little between the "Foreplay" and "Long Time" portions, its signature guitar and smooth riffs make it one of the best running songs known to playlists.

"Ace of Spades" by Motörhead
Motörhead's beefy guitar and scratchy vocals land them among the best running songs from the classic rock era. Aggressive drumming backing a solid beat earn it a spot in playlists for even the toughest workouts.

"Touch Me" by The Doors
Mad organ work, catchy horn stabs, and the voice of Jim Morrison combine to create the Doors' greatest contribution to classic rock and running songs in general. Don't be tempted to stray too far into the catalog of the Doors for more music; most of it is too spooky and low-key to stand out among top running songs. "Touch Me," however, is a running playlist classic.

"25 or 6 to 4" by Chicago
With its signature horn work and extended guitar solo, Chicago's hit is a staple of both classic rock stations and running playlists. More self-effacing than the lengthy solos of "Free Bird" and "Green Grass and High Tides," Chicago's guitar work is filler-free and the perfect complement to an uptempo workout.

"Green Grass and High Tides" by The Outlaws
No list would be complete without a classic rock guitar solo odyssey, and the Outlaws' dramatic 10 minutes of guitar work edges out "Free Bird" for the spot. "Free Bird" takes far too long to get to the exciting part to be considered as one of the best running songs, while "Green Grass and High Tides" has a solid song going even before the solos come in. Add it to a long run playlist when you need some serious time knocked out.

For more of the best running songs, check out my original list, The Top 10 Best Running Songs of All Time.