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
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- Songs That Make You Want to Run: Music for Running and Jogging to Get You Motivated!
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- 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
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- [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
Recommended for sports and driving! High-energy, fast-paced songs (11–20)
Fashion Leader feat. Soy SauceORANGE RANGE
If you’re looking for a song packed with a sense of speed, how about this one? It’s a track by ORANGE RANGE, released in November 2008 as their 14th single.
It was also used as the CM song for Ezaki Glico’s “Pocky Chocolate.” Its pop, catchy melody and lyrics that shine with distinctive wordplay are truly appealing.
The song carries a message about enjoying fashion and valuing your individuality.
Perfect for running or driving, its refreshing rhythm is sure to boost your motivation.
Give it a listen, and you’re guaranteed to have an energetic day.
HONEYL’Arc〜en〜Ciel
The 10th single by L’Arc~en~Ciel, a four-piece rock band active in Japan and abroad that wields meticulously crafted arrangements and a distinctive vocal style.
Released simultaneously with two other singles, it became as popular as the big hits “Kasou” and “Shinsoku ~lose control~,” and is regarded as one of L’Arc~en~Ciel’s signature songs.
With brisk guitar strums, tight obbligato lines that sharpen the track, a bassline that surges and twists with boundless energy, and a punchy drum beat, it delivers a robust ensemble despite its straightforward band sound.
It’s a perfect pick when you want something with a sense of speed—great for sports or driving.
RunPanorama Panama Town
Known by the abbreviation Panopana and having won the Grand Prix at RO69JACK, a competition hosted by rockin’on, before their major-label debut, the three-piece rock band Panorama Panama Town released the digital-only single Run on May 10, 2023.
Its ensemble, which adds dance elements to 1980s UK post-punk, makes a strong impact.
The contrast between the floating guitar riffs and the catchy synth sounds evokes an old-school vibe while creating a modern atmosphere.
It’s an addictive rock tune that will lift your spirits for sports or driving.
The wave that slashes through youthatarashii gakkou no rīdāzu
One of its charms is the way the song rolls forward through its developments.
It’s a track by ATARASHII GAKKO! included on their April 2023 EP “Ichiji Kikoku” (Temporary Return).
Thanks to the rapidly shifting timbres, it never gets old.
The lyrics—about overcoming the conflicts and anxieties of youth to become stronger—are uplifting.
It was also selected as the theme song for Lemino’s original drama “Tai Ari Deshita.
~Ojousama wa Kakutou Game Nante Shinai~.” Exercising with this song playing feels really good.
Just be careful not to get carried away and push the pace too hard!
Vanilla Skyw.o.d.
w.o.d is a three-piece rock band whose name is an abbreviation of “webbing off duckling,” meaning “a duckling that can’t swim.” Their digital single Vanilla Sky, released on April 13, 2022, features sentimental lyrics that evoke feelings for a former lover.
The ensemble, highlighting lyrical guitar sounds and a driving beat, makes for perfect background music to liven up a car ride.
It’s a rock tune with a nostalgic atmosphere—airy yet sharply edged.
peace signYonezu Kenshi
By the end of 2018, Kenshi Yonezu had even performed on the year-end Kohaku Uta Gassen, and he has now become an artist who truly represents Japan in both name and reality.
While many of his songs tend to have a calm atmosphere, the track “Peace Sign” is a fast-paced rock song.
The guitar sound, drums, bass, and melody are all incredibly cool—you never get tired of listening to it, no matter how many times you play it.
Recommended for sports and driving! High-energy, fast-paced tracks that will pump you up (21–30)
Make Up Daynaniwa danshi
Naniwa Danshi is a seven-member idol group from the Kansai region that has been expanding their activities beyond music programs into various fields.
Their fifth single, Make Up Day, released as a double A-side with Missing, was selected as the theme song for the TV drama Crimson Life.
Its ensemble, featuring a driving synth sound, is sure to color refreshing moments like drives or sports.
It’s a refreshing track with dance-classic beats that will lift your spirits.