30 Best Songs to Row To: The Ultimate Workout Playlist

Finding the perfect soundtrack for a grueling rowing session can be transformative, turning a challenging workout into a powerful and exhilarating experience. This isn't just about any music; it's about selecting songs with the right tempo, energy, and emotional resonance to push you through those final strokes. To help you find that perfect rhythm, we've compiled a list of outstanding tracks, a collection designed to complement the intensity and rhythm of rowing. This selection represents a diverse range of artists and styles, from infectious funk grooves that will get your heart pumping, to anthemic power ballads that provide that much-needed surge of motivation when fatigue sets in. Think powerful vocals that match the intensity of your pull, driving beats that sync with your strokes, and uplifting melodies that keep you focused.

Whether you prefer the infectious energy of a classic rock anthem or the uplifting pulse of a modern pop hit, this curated playlist will have you reaching for the oars with renewed vigor. The tracks selected offer a compelling blend of timeless classics and more contemporary hits, proving that great music transcends generations. This is more than just a workout playlist; it's an opportunity to rediscover the power of music to motivate, inspire, and transform even the most challenging physical endeavors. We hope you'll discover new favorites and appreciate the enduring legacy of these incredible songs, each carefully chosen for their ability to enhance your rowing experience.

High-Energy Anthems for Power Strokes

These songs pack a punch with strong beats and bold lyrics, keeping rowers energized with rhythmic drive. 'Eye of the Tiger' is especially iconic—perfect for pushing through intense rowing sets.

  • Uptown Funk

    Uptown Funk

    Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars

    2014

  • Roar

    Roar

    Katy Perry

    2013

    PRISM

  • Firework

    Firework

    Katy Perry

    2010

    Teenage Dream: The Complete Confection

  • Happy

    Happy

    Pharrell Williams

    2013

    G I R L

  • Eye of the Tiger

    Eye of the Tiger

    Survivor

    1982

    Working Class Dog

Classic Rock Motivation for Endurance

With powerful riffs and legendary vocals, these rock classics are ideal for sustaining energy over long rowing distances. 'Don't Stop Believin'' inspires perseverance through every stroke.

  • Sweet Child O' Mine

    Sweet Child O' Mine

    Guns N' Roses

    1987

    Appetite For Destruction

  • Livin' On A Prayer

    Livin' On A Prayer

    Bon Jovi

    1986

    Slippery When Wet

  • Don't Stop Me Now

    Don't Stop Me Now

    Queen

    1978

    Bohemian Rhapsody (The Original Soundtrack)

  • We Will Rock You

    We Will Rock You

    Queen

    1977

    News Of The World (2011 Remaster)

  • Don't Stop Believin'

    Don't Stop Believin'

    Journey

    1981

    Escape (2022 Remaster)

Upbeat Pop to Keep You Moving

Feel-good tunes that keep the momentum going. 'Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go' brings fun energy while 'Walking on Sunshine' fuels positivity during each rowing session.

  • CAN'T STOP THE FEELING!

    CAN'T STOP THE FEELING!

    Justin Timberlake

    2016

    TROLLS (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)

  • Dancing Queen

    Dancing Queen

    ABBA

    1976

    Arrival

  • Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go

    Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go

    Wham!

    1984

  • Stronger

    Stronger

    Kanye West

    2007

    Graduation

  • Walking on Sunshine

    Walking on Sunshine

    Katrina and the Waves

    1983

Powerful Ballads for Rhythm and Focus

These songs offer emotional depth and steady rhythm, perfect for maintaining focus and smooth strokes. 'Imagine' sets a peaceful but determined pace on the water.

  • Hey Jude

    Hey Jude

    The Beatles

    1968

    With The Beatles (Remastered)

  • I Want to Know What Love Is

    I Want to Know What Love Is

    Foreigner

    1985

    Agent Provocateur

  • Imagine

    Imagine

    John Lennon

    1971

    Imagine

  • Let It Be

    Let It Be

    The Beatles

    1970

    Let It Be (Remastered)

  • Here Comes The Sun

    Here Comes The Sun

    The Beatles

    1969

    Abbey Road (Remastered)

Adrenaline-Pumping Songs for Speed

For rowers pushing their limits, these tracks provide high-energy momentum. 'Lose Yourself' creates intensity, while 'Born to Run' propels you forward with unstoppable drive.

  • Smells Like Teen Spirit

    Smells Like Teen Spirit

    Nirvana

    1991

    Nevermind (Remastered)

  • Lose Yourself

    Lose Yourself

    Eminem

    2002

    The Blueprint 3

  • Stairway to Heaven

    Stairway to Heaven

    Led Zeppelin

    1971

    Led Zeppelin IV (Deluxe Edition)

  • Born to Run

    Born to Run

    Bruce Springsteen

    1975

    Born To Run

  • I Love Rock 'n' Roll

    I Love Rock 'n' Roll

    Joan Jett , the Blackhearts

    1981

Inspirational Classics for Victory and Strength

These legendary songs encourage resilience and inner strength, pushing rowers toward personal achievements. 'I Will Survive' is a timeless anthem of perseverance.

  • Wake Me Up

    Wake Me Up

    Avicii

    2013

    True

  • Bohemian Rhapsody

    Bohemian Rhapsody

    Queen

    1975

    A Night At The Opera (Deluxe Remastered Version)

  • The Fox

    The Fox

    Ylvis

    2013

  • Hotel California

    Hotel California

    Eagles

    1976

    Hotel California (2013 Remaster)

  • I Will Survive

    I Will Survive

    Gloria Gaynor

    1978

    Future Bound