Songs to rock when you want to rock Philly style!
by Melissa Field
When the remaining days of winter get you down, blast these great Philadelphia tunes for a brighter, warmer run.
Song: I-76
Artist: G. Love and Special Sauce
Album: Yeah, It’s That Easy
This underrated Philadelphia song by Philadelphia’s own G Love and Special Sauce contains an upbeat chorus paying tribute to the Sixers and our infamous Schuylkill Expressway. It will be hard not to crank this tune and run through South Philly or Fishtown, both neighborhoods mentioned within the song’s lyrics. More than any other Philly-grown artist, G Love seems to gather the sounds and sites of our rockin city and put them to music most seamlessly. For a great sunny day run, also try Peace, Love and Happiness from the album Superhero Brother.
Song: The Next Movement
Artist: The Roots
Album: Things Fall Apart and The Roots Come Alive
If you live in Philly and have not yet fallen completely in love with The Roots, please do so now. They are a little bit hip-hop, a little bit jazz and rock, and a whole lot of talent. This Philly group was discovered while playing on South Street and they have since racked up numerous awards. The Next Movement will certainly get you going on up and down the cultural main street where the Roots were first heard.
Song: Getting Jiggy With It
Artist: Will Smith
Album: Big Willie Style
Any song that opens with “On your mark ready set let’s go” is destined to make a great running song. As we all now know from the Fresh Prince lyrics, Will Smith hails from West Philadelphia. Getting Jiggy With It is a great, fun song, and even includes a shout out to Philly within the lyrics.
Song: Ain’t No Mountain High Enough
Artists: Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell
Tammi Terrell, a Philly gal, teamed up with Marvin Gaye to give us this 1967 hit. When those hills seem quite high and you’re hitting a wall, rock this Motown favorite and you’ll feel recharged.
Song: Gonna Fly Now
Artist: Bill Conti
Album: Rocky Soundtrack
If you’ve ever run a race in Philadelphia, you will note that this song gets excessively overplayed. And yet, there is just something about it. It is one of the great running songs, and as Philadelphia runners, it is certainly ours—for better or for worse. Use it to push yourself through a run that touches the Italian Market and sends you up the Art Museum steps in true Philly style.
Song: Motown Philly
Artist: Boyz II Men
Album: Cooleyhighharmony
You like this song. It’s ok to admit it. I just did. And besides, running music is supposed to be fun. This song is fun, will get you moving, will remind of why you left the fashion of the 1990s behind you, and may even inspire you to break out the running man dance at your next race for a good laugh.
Song: Golden
Artist: Jill Scott
Album: Beautifully Human: Words and Sounds, Volume 2
Jill Scott, a North Philadelphia native, is an award winning singer, poet, and actress. She has a beautiful, soulful voice and Golden has a great beat to keep your pace steady. The chorus simply says, “I’m living my life like it’s golden”. And really, that line alone makes for a stellar running mantra.
Song: Streets of Philadelphia
Artist: Bruce Springsteen
Album: Philadelphia Soundtrack and The Essential Bruce Springsteen
When your run is winding down and the sun is setting over the city, there is no better song. Streets of Philadelphia is one of the more profound songs about our city of brotherly love. When the Boss goes to work to create a song about the classic American city, he doesn’t disappoint.
Song: Sailing to Philadelphia
Artist: Mark Knopfler
Album: Sailing to Philadelphia
You will remember Mark Knopfler from his days with Dire Straits. Knopfler has since embarked upon a successful solo career and Sailing to Philadelphia features a duet with James Taylor. This is a slow ballad that will help you zone out. This song is a great tribute to Philadelphia’s rich history, and because it mentions the Delaware River, it is the perfect song for a run up Columbus Blvd.
Song: Top of the World
Artist: Van Halen
Album: The Best of Both Worlds
Van Halen is not from Philadelphia, but this is the song that was played when our Phillies became World Champions in 2008. Pump this song as you run the Championship Parade route down Broad Street and to the Sports Complex. The lyrics will deliver you to that sweet intersection where adrenaline meets accomplishment. Much like crossing a finish line or watching your favorite team win, Top of the World will remind you of why, sometimes, you’ve just gotta believe.