There’s no accounting for taste, aka defending some choices on my workout playlist

There’s no accounting for taste, aka defending some choices on my workout playlist
There’s no accounting for taste, aka defending some choices on my workout playlist

There’s no accounting for taste, aka defending some choices on my workout playlist

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I’m running the Rock n’ Roll half marathon on Sunday (and scared out of my shorts about it.) One thing I need when I run is frivolous pop, the sillier and more booty-shaking the better in order to trick myself into thinking that I’m not actually running but dancing in a huge public nightclub. Below, see some of my most necessary recent additions, and the reasons why my rational brain knows why I shouldn’t like the songs. What are your guilty pleasures for working out, i.e. songs you normally wouldn’t admit listening to? Leave ‘em in the comments section!

Katy Perry’s “Last Friday Night (TGIF)”

Why I shouldn’t like it:

  • Glorifies illegal activity, promiscuous sex and binge drinking
  • Katy Perry’s singing skills are questionable
  • Do we really want to support the return of the sax solo?
  • She was in the Smurfs movie

Why I do:

  • It’s got a light, innocent ‘80’s vibe that I like
  • It makes me happy and want to party, which is an unusual feeling when I’m running
  • It makes me want to chant “TGIF!” while I run
  • The sax solo is mercifully short

Ke$ha’s “Blow”

Why I shouldn’t like it:

  • Glorifies disillusioned party culture
  • Ke$ha’s singing skills are questionable
  • Do we really want to support the popularity of auto-tuning?

Why I do:

  • Good beat for running
  • Building crescendo that’s ideal for building up running fortitude
  • Dance party in my head

Lady Gaga’s “Born This Way”


Why I shouldn’t like it:
  • Potentially rips off Madonna
  • Arguably offensive to cholas and “orients”
  • Arguably offensive to GLBT people who don’t appreciate having an official anthem foisted upon them
  • Lady Gaga is occasionally just annoying in general.

Why I do:

  • Good beat
  • Has a tendency to come on towards the end of my runs, when I most need something uplifting
  • Mention of being “on the right track” coincidentally ideal for running
  • Occasionally makes me sing out loud when I’m running

Anything by Britney Spears

Why I shouldn’t like it:

  • Question of whether I am actually supporting Britney Spears or the little person who lives behind her face and who operates her body via a succession of complicated gears
  • Britney’s singing skills are questionable

Why I do:

  • No self-respecting workout mix is complete without Britney