Perfect for sports or driving! High-energy, fast-paced tracks that will get you pumped
When you’re driving, out for a run, or just want to get pumped up, you crave songs with a sense of speed, right?
They’re also essential for extreme sports like snowboarding and skateboarding.
But even if you say “up-tempo, energetic tracks,” a lot of people probably feel like, “It’s so hard to find them!”
So in this article, I’ll introduce songs with a exhilarating sense of speed that are perfect for a variety of situations.
Try listening while imagining which scenes they’d fit best.
- [For BGM or workouts] Fast-tempo, high-BPM songs
- [Fuel Your Fighting Spirit] An Adrenaline-Pumping Fight Song
- Songs That Make You Want to Run: Music for Running and Jogging to Get You Motivated!
- Songs that hype you up just by listening—recommended tracks from timeless classics to the latest releases
- Theme songs from F1 and car races. Classic tracks that are also great for driving.
- [Sports Day] A roundup of exhilarating, fast-paced tracks perfect for relay race BGM!
- [To All Athletes] Inspirational Sports Anthems & Empowering Theme Songs
- An exhilarating song
- Upbeat, bright songs: a collection of tracks that lift your mood when you listen
- [Mood-Boosting Japanese Music / J-POP] Sky-High Hype & Chill Lift! A Collection of Up-Tempo Classics
- A song by a rock band bursting with exhilarating energy and a sense of speed that you want to listen to in the summer.
- A high-energy band number! A hype, crowd-pleasing track with male vocals.
- Hype to the max! Party songs recommended for the Yutori generation
Great for sports or driving! Uplifting, fast-paced tracks (111–120)
migratory bird[Alexandros]
![migratory bird[Alexandros]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/O_DLtVuiqhI/sddefault.jpg)
A powerful track by [Alexandros] that rides a driving, exhilarating rock sound with a message of courage and challenge in pursuit of your dreams.
It vividly expresses the determination to push forward on the path you believe in, as well as the desire to connect with people’s hearts through music.
Released in March 2015, the song was chosen as the theme for the film “Akegarasu” and the ending theme for the TV program “Sakigake! Ongaku Banzuke ~EIGHT~,” and surpassed 100 million views on YouTube in August 2019.
It’s recommended not only when you need courage to move toward your dreams, but also as a boost to your motivation during workouts or strength training.
Go for it!Urufuruzu
This is a fantastic track that gives you confidence and energy.
Its disco-style rhythm, catchy guitar lines, and positive message are compelling, giving you the courage to try without fearing failure.
Released by Ulfuls in December 1995, the song’s exposure on TV and in the media at the time rapidly boosted the band’s popularity.
Included on the album “Banzai,” it led to their first appearance on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen in 1996, and that same year they also won the Golden Arrow Music Award.
It’s the perfect song for when you need courage to keep facing challenges or want to fire yourself up.
It’s also great for getting hyped together with friends and uniting your hearts as one!
BOW AND ARROWYonezu Kenshi
The exhilarating melody and powerful drum patterns brilliantly capture the sensation of sprinting forward.
Crafted by Kenshi Yonezu, this piece portrays the courage and passion of taking on figure skating through the metaphor of a bow and arrow.
It vividly depicts both the challenger striving to surpass themselves and the bonds with those who support them, achieving a fine balance between the allure of sports and human drama.
Released in January 2025, it was selected as the opening theme for the TV anime “Medalist.” Yonezu, a fan of the original work, personally requested to create the anime’s theme song—a background that is reflected in the work’s high level of polish.
From brisk exit scenes to dynamic performances at school sports days, the song’s tone complements the powerful movements of children and stands out as one of its key charms.
WINDING ROADAyaka × Kobukuro
A song by Ayaka and Kobukuro that touched many hearts as the theme for the Nissan Cube commercial.
With the gentle harmonies of the three singers, it tenderly expresses the “hope for dreams” deep in our hearts and the “positive step toward tomorrow.” Life isn’t linear; it’s more like a journey that turns corners and faces unexpected walls.
But when you find light at the end of the road, this song gives you the courage to take that step without hesitation.
Since its release in February 2007, it has been included on the albums Sing to the Sky and ALL SINGLES BEST 2, and was also performed at the 58th NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
It’s a perfect track for long drives or moments when you’re about to take a new step forward.
damnFuji Kaze
This is a track by Fujii Kaze that leaves a strong impression with its breathtaking performance and vocals, conveying a swelling of emotion as he confronts the self throughout the song.
Set to a rhythmically driven piano rooted in R&B and soul, it explores themes of self-love and self-liberation.
It was included on the March 2022 album “LOVE ALL SERVE ALL” and was also released as a single in September of the same year.
Chosen as the theme for NTT Docomo’s “docomo future project” commercial, the piece beautifully expresses a dialogue with the self through its performance.
It’s the perfect song for moments of restlessness or anxiety, or when you want to look inward.
The music video, directed by Kento Yamada, depicts the struggle and growth toward self-liberation through Fujii Kaze’s performance.
Its exhilarating sound makes it a recommended pick when you’re feeling rushed.
P.A.R.T.Y. ~Universe Festival~DA PUMP
A party tune released after the smash hit “U.S.A.” It also features the distinctive “Baiiin Dance,” inspired by Ken Shimura’s “Aiin” gag.
It’s a dance number with a kayōkyoku vibe, and its unique rhythm—almost like it’s really going “boing”—is seriously addictive.
This is definitely the kind of track you want to blast at a club or party and get everyone hyped together!
KICK BACKYonezu Kenshi
How about an anime song that’s both fast-paced and incredibly fiery? This one is performed by Kenshi Yonezu.
It was used as the opening theme for the anime Chainsaw Man and became a huge hit.
With a cool drum and bass rhythm, it also features Daiki Tsuneta.
The lyrics carry a powerful message about striving and seeking the future, and the energetic sound will grab you by the heart.
Released digitally in October 2022, it reached No.
1 on the Billboard Japan Hot 100.
It’s perfect for tough times, when you want to get back on your feet.
Whether for a drive or a run, it’s sure to set your heart ablaze.