13 Albums Worth Cycling With
There are days when you just go out for a short ride down the block and then there are days when you get away from everything and ride until the sun goes down. Some people enjoy listening to the birds or the wind, but most of us like to have a soundtrack to our ride. We scraped together a list of albums worth uploading to the ole' MP3 player before you go out for your next bike ride. We hope you find something you like.
- Ryan Adams - Heartbreaker (2000)
- This album is full of slow, somber tracks for the long country rides but picks up the pace right when you need that extra boost.
- Elliott Smith - Figure 8 (2000)
- Smith was known for his elegant acoustic songs, but this one packs a punch and we love every second. Figure 8 is filled with dirty, grunge lead guitar and heavy drums that swirl around his soft voice to make it strangely fierce. Just when you think Smith is bringing the album back down to his usual tone, a raging storm of heavy instrumentation comes swooping in to pick you up. You're gonna like this one.
- Bombay Bicycle Club - A Different Kind of Fix (2010)
- This isn't just because they have "bicycle" in their name. That just gives them bonus points. We're not even going to tell you about this album. Just pop it in and go. You're welcome.
- Daft Punk - Random Access Memories (2013)
- Daft Punk have been around for quite a long time now but they are still able to put out an album full of killer songs that set the standard for electronic and pop music. This album is a tall glass of their classic mind-blowing electronic composition blended with disco guitar and bass that'll keep your head bobbing for days. The unlikely combination is topped with perfect hooks and fat drums. Don't be surprised if you start the album over and keep riding.
- Nirvana - Nevermind (1991)
- This album doesn't need any explaining. If you want to ride harder than you ever have, this should be in your inventory.
- Wilco - Yankee Hotel Foxtrot (2001)
- If you aren't familiar with Wilco, you should be. Voted 3rd best album of the 2000s by Rolling Stone Magazine, this album is a melting pot of sounds that will pick you up and force you on an adventure you won't regret. It's thrilling, compelling, strange, beautiful and so very perfect for a long ride.
- Beck - Morning Phase (2014)
- This album is completely gorgeous and a great companion for a reflective ride. Beck won't let you down.
- Blood Orange - Coastal Grooves (2011)
- This guy is obviously a little strange, but his quirkiness is irrelevant once you hear his undeniably phenomenal grooves. If we had to bottle this and sell it, we'd label him some sort of modern version of Prince with extra, extra groove.
- Etta James - At Last (1960)
- Please just buy every bit of Etta James that you can find and don't look back. You'll be the cyclist singing at the top of your lungs without a care in the world.
- First Aid Kit - The Lion's Roar (2012)
- This Swedish folk-rock duo won't disappoint you with their captivating harmonies and songwriting. This is a taste of classic folk modernized to be refreshing and remind you to pull out the old records when you get home. Get out of the city, press play and enjoy.
- Andrew Bird - Break It Yourself (2012)
- Bird is absolutely incredible. The violin has never, ever, ever sounded so unbelievably sweet. Bird is a one-man extravaganza who masterfully uses looped violins, guitars and whistles to create complex and superb pop songs.
- Lianne La Havas - Is Your Love Big Enough (2012)
- Havas draws from the well of American Soul and Folk and combines it with her soulful, British voice and pop songs to create an album with surprising depth that is refreshing from such a young artist. There is no dull moment in this album. You'll find hints of Bon Iver, stumble into a jazz standard and then get smacked with a pop song reminiscent of a Beyonce tune. We'll be honest with you and say it's completely sexy. You won't be bored, so pick this one up for your daily commute.
- Jay-Z and Kanye West - Watch the Throne (2011)
- These two powerhouse hip-hop artists got together and made an amazing compilation of supremely composed songs. If you want to push yourself to ride further and faster, this album will keep you motivated, determined and riding hard.
There are plenty more, but you need to get out and ride.
