Almost two years ago (note to self: buy more moisturizer – time is flying) we posted a playlist on our blog about the music that we love…in secret. Yup, you know the type of songs. They’re the ones that are in your Top 25 Most Played on iTunes – yet you don’t admit to listening to in public. The ones that you’d be mortified to have your hipster friend know about. The ones you listen to while marathon training and sing to while driving home after Sunday family dinner.

What we learned from the last post? We all love us a guilty pleasure track. Well good thing gang: there has been a lot of deliriously shitty catchy music released in the last couple years, plus a lot of old favourites we just can’t seem to live without. Find this sweetly sinful playlist here.

Without further ado.....

the no shame workout playlist, part II

“Rest Of My Life” – Ludacris featuring Usher and David Guetta

Just the names listed above should scare any seasoned music lover. Put them together and it’s like getting nacho cheese and chips at 7Eleven at 3am: while it seems like a good idea at the time, the shame spiral after can be severe.

“I Feel For You” – Chaka Khan

THIS IS THE GREATEST VIDEO EVER. I should start a Chaka fan club. #goalsetting

“Whatever You Like” - T.I.

I could listen to T.I. talk about popping bottles all day.

“Turn Me Loose” – Loverboy

Local Vancouver boy Mike Reno threw on a pair of red leather pants and things have been getting hot and heavy ever since (like 30 years ever since). If you’ve ever been to the Roxy (Vancouver’s finest spot for people watching post-Canucks games) you know the power this song has.

“Starships” – Nicki Minaj

We wish she would stop picking on our Patron Saint of No Shame (aka Mariah), but nitpicking aside…this song is a classic.

“Die Young” – Ke$ha

This is the second time in a row that Ke$ha has made the No Shame playlist. Congratulations!

“Music and Me” – Nate Dogg

I actually don’t consider this to be a guilty pleasure but my friends have pleaded with me to retire the proverbial do-rag. Good thing I have the sense to categorically refuse.

“Where Do You Go” – No Mercy

Poor No Mercy has been looking for their lover for 20+ years via a 90’s beat. I hope they never find them because this song is MUY CALIENTE.

“I’m A Flirt” – R. Kelly featuring T.I. and T-Pain

I won’t sugarcoat it: I am a Robert Kelly apologist.  Yeah, I know…this isn’t really acceptable. What IS acceptable? Him talking about hollering at shorties and drinking Courvoisier on the weekends. Trust me, I tried to deny my urges for Kels but the feeling was too strong.

"We Like To Party" - Vengaboys

If getting on the Venga Bus is wrong, I don't wanna be right.

"Call On Me" - Eric Prydz

Now all MTV plays is reality shows and dysfunctional families making bad life decisions, but back in the day when they played actual music videos this was the greatest thing since sliced bread.

"Motownphilly" - Boyz II Men

These are boyz you can take home to mom. They're also responsible for the majority of Junior High makeouts for Gen-Yers. #KanyeShrug

“My Maria” – Brooks and Dunn

For the love of God, Ronnie Dunn: stop using eyebrow pencil on your goatee. But please, please keep crooning FOREVER.

What songs do you secretly love with a burning passion? You can tell us…we won’t say anything, promise.

Yup, it's January. After the mayhem of the holiday season, a sense of calm has taken back over. The air is clear and fresh, intentions have been made and goals set. All that's left is to get up and GO.

We made this playlist to keep things simple and also motivate you to keep on keepin' on when the urge to complicate things arises (yeah, we're looking at you, after work drinks at the local water hole).

back to the basics playlist

*Editor's Note: new year, new functionality: we are now hosting our playlists on 8Tracks. Check them out - we love them and hope you do too! 

1. haim - forever

Danielle, Este and Alana Haim, three sisters from LA, met up with drummer Dash Hutton and put together an entire album clearly inspired by 80's dance parties growing up. Hints of Stevie Nicks and Annie Lennox swirl throughout this track, perfect for warming up and getting inspired by your favourite ladies of rock.

2. van she - idea of happiness

Electro-tinged with enough bass to keep things from getting too sweet. The entire Van She album is awesome - this title track is the highlight.

3. big boi featuring a$ap rocky and phantogram - lines

Ever since releasing "Sir Lucious Left Foot: The Son Of Chico Dusty", Big Boi has been on a mission to prove open-mindedness is as important to him as swagger. His new album has him partnering with some familiar names (Sleepy Brown) as well as some new unexpected artists - Little Dragon shows up twice as does electro darling Phantogram. This track is perfect for grinding out tough intervals.

4. tegan and sara - closer

Somewhere along the line Tegan and Sara decided to ditch their guitars at the coffee shop and go synth EVERYTHING. I was nervous when I first heard they were working with David Guetta ("how does THAT work?!") but the results have made me swallow my skepticism.

5. bruno mars - locked out of heaven

Yup, it's the most popular song on iTunes right now. My inner music snob wants to scoff, but no matter: this song is awesome. After I saw Bruno rock out on Saturday Night Live, I like him even more. Does anyone else hear some Police/Sting vibes in this song?

6. kanye west featuring big sean, pusha t and 2 chains - mercy.1

Ever since Kanye's partnership with Jigga last year, he's been putting out serious sh!t. Maybe it has something to do with trying to make up for "Lift Off" - the fake Ghostface Killah album review of "Watch The Throne" still has to be the best thing I've read in a long, long time.

7. royksopp - what else is there? (thin white duke remix)

It's an oldie and it's still such a goodie. This remix takes a good song and turns it legendary, so much that I struggle not to put it on every workout playlist I put together.

8. solange - losing you

Living in Beyonce's shadow probably isn't the most comfortable place in the world. Solange proves on her new album that she isn't a B-grade version of her sister, she's actually completely different - and it's a really good thing, too. This is the best Madonna song that isn't a Madonna song ever (that's a compliment).

9. santigold - the keepers

Every time I think I've exhausted Santigold's album "Master Of My Make-Believe", I find yet another track that makes my Top 25 Most Played. This was a highlight at her performance at Coachella last year.

10. dirty projector - gun has no trigger

I saw these guys open for TV On The Radio a few years back and was absolutely blown away. If the lead singer's voice sounds familiar, it's because she collaborated with Major Lazer last year on the amazing "Get Free." Definitely worth seeing live.

11. macklemore and ryan lewis featuring evan roman - a wake

Right now these dudes are the toast of the town, with good reason. Their lyrics are awesome and the songs are so easy to listen to, from working out to road trips. We can't wait to see what they come up with next.

What music are you kicking off the New Year with? Share with us what's keeping you motivated and focused on your big plans for 2013!

healthy holidays playlist

Deck The Halls - Glee Christmas Tribute
Comforting, fun and a festive "gleeful" twist.

All My Bells Are Ringing - Lenka
Love love love this, fun, new, fresh, and not about Rudolph, great beat.

Last Christmas - Wham!
Classic, little bit of 80s for your holiday run or sweat!

All I want for Christmas - Mariah Carey
Is any holiday playlist complete with Mariah? Mariah! She's on fiy-ah!

White Christmas - Michael Bublé
What's a holiday list without a little dose of Bublé?

Baby It's Cold Outside - Leon Redbone & Zooey Deschanel
From the "Elf" soundtrack. Makes your heart warm around the holidays. Sing it with the one you love.

Deck the Halls - SheDaisy
Such a great holiday beat and beautiful vocals. Perfect for half way through your workout.

The Time (Dirty Bit) - Black Eyed Peas
I know it's not a holiday song, but it's really needed on any run or workout you may venture in right now.

Carol of the Bells (In the style of Trans-Syberian Orchestra) - The Festival of Rock Orchestra
First off, this is my ULTIMATE favourite Holidays song of all time. Still looking for the best version, but this one is pretty wicked.

Peace on Earth/Little Drummer Boy - David Bowie & Bing Crosby
Kind of love this mash-up, little bit of classic, little bit of rock.

Run Rudolph Run - Bryan Adams
Gets you moving and makes you remember the late 80s and early 90s with a smile, and you forget how you used to crimp your hair...

Christmas Tree - Lady GaGa
Really fun beat, and shockingly not traditional from GaGa. Little bit of swagger needed to rock out to this one.

Oi to the World - No Doubt
Hello 90s and welcome to my workout. Who doesn't love classic No Doubt?

Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer - Jack Johnson
Such a mellow way to cool down with my old buddy Jack Johnson.

Did we miss any of your holiday workout favourites? Leave us a comment below.

workout playlist - may 2010

Is your workout playlist stuck on repeat? Here are some old & new tracks to get your headphones (and body) jumping.

BULLETPROOF – LA ROUX
Super-fun summer pop perfect for, like, team workouts and getting-ready parties and stuff!

LITTLE LION MAN – MUMFORD AND SONS
The vocals are so warm and the lyrics so familiar-feeling on this track, you’ll swear you’ve heard it before. It IS new – but will be an old favourite in no time.

ZERO – YEAH YEAH YEAHS
Karen O is the coolest lady on the planet by a country mile. This song is solid proof.

MEMORIES – DAVID GUETTA FEATURING KID CUDI
It’s time to jump on the Guetta bandwagon – why not throw in some Kid Cudi for good measure?!

ONLY – NINE INCH NAILS
Five years later & I’m still upset that Trent Reznor cut his hair, but no matter: this is one heck of a diss track – Reznor makes getting dumped good enough to dance to! The worship continues…

B.O.B. (BOMBS OVER BAGDHAD) – OUTKAST
When people argue that electronica is the only music high-octane enough for cardio, I bring up this little ditty. Point – Lex!

PARIS IS BURNING (CUT COPY REMIX) – LADYHAWKE
Cut Copy + Ladyhawke = your new favourite song. It’s science!

STOP ME – MARK RONSON FEATURING DANIEL MERRIWEATHER
You know when you pull up to a red light and bust the guy next to you singing at the top of his lungs? It’s probably this song – it might have the catchiest chorus ever.

LISTEN UP (MSTRKRFT REMIX) – THE GOSSIP
Beth Ditto gives you some useful advice over a wicked beat. Where was this song when I needed it in high school? I could’ve used the wise words from Beth AND the street cred from MSTRKRFT. Sigh.

LET THE BEAT BUILD – LIL WAYNE
Do you have a set of intervals that hurt so good? Let Lil Wayne burn with you – this song will mimic the pain and the satisfaction at the finish.

ROAM – THE B-52’S
“Love Shack” gets all the credit – meanwhile, this hilarious track languishes on long-forgotten tape mixes. Put this on when you’re driving to the gym on “I don’t feel like working out” mornings – you’ll be ready to rock by the time you park.

TENNESSEE – ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT
Another feel-good track to lift your spirits – and we can never have enough of those, can we? We can also never have enough rhetorical questions, can we? Hmmm. Think about it and get back to me.

BANQUET (PHONES DISCO EDIT) – BLOC PARTY
“Silent Alarm” was one of the best albums of 2005 – and then Bloc Party went one step further and remixed it, causing a million hipsters to lose their collective minds. Listen to this and you’ll see why.

SKELETON BOY – FRIENDLY FIRES
One of the most unusual beats in years – you’ll spend so much time trying to figure out if this is 4/4 or 6/8 time that your run will be over before you have an answer. Running and partying at the same time – what a concept!

SHOOTING STARS (PARTY ROCK REMIX) – BAG RAIDERS
If Cut Copy and Massive Attack had a baby, it would be the Bag Raiders. Check out the remix version of the wicked “Shooting Stars” for added oomph.

MOMENT OF TRUTH – GANG STARR
Put this on during an introspective run and let Guru spit some truth at you. One of the most underrated MC’s ever.

STRANGE OVERTONES – DAVID BYRNE AND BRIAN ENO
The men behind Talking Heads reunited for an album last year, and contrary to must reunion acts, it kicked a$$ instead of sucking. This song is a thin slice of heaven.

Do you have any suggestions for the next playlist? Leave Alexis a comment below.

Is your workout playlist stuck on repeat? Here's a spring workout playlist filled with old and new tracks to get your headphones (and body!) jumping.

11TH DIMENSION – JULIAN CASABLANCAS
Bummed that The Strokes are on hiatus? Me too...until I heard this album. 1/3 prog rock + 1/3 electro + 1/3 indie = a party in your ears...wooOOOoooOOoo!

LAND OF A THOUSAND DANCES – WILSON PICKETT
The #1 track that makes your Uncle Barry do the twist at family weddings.

THE SEED 2.0 – THE ROOTS FEATURING CODY CHESNUTT
Hot lyrics, a wicked bass line and Cody ChesnuTT’s soulful voice still make this song a booty shaker five years later.

GOOD VIBRATIONS – MARKY MARK
A definitive 90’s track from Mr. Six Pack himself to remind you that crop tops are back “in.” Now where did I put that ab roller?

I LOVE THE BLOODY BEETROOTS – RADIO EDIT – THE BLOODY BEETROOTS
Stuck in a workout rut? Put this song on and watch your heart raise 10 beats per minute. Close your eyes and you’ll swear you’re in a German festival tent – can you say gute zeiten?!?

EMPIRE STATE OF MIND – JAY-Z & ALICIA KEYS
Working towards a big goal? Imagine running the NYC Marathon and hearing this as you cross the Brooklyn Bridge....instant goosebumps.

WOMAN (MSTRKRFT REMIX) – WOLFMOTHER
www.bada$$.com, plain and simple. Take it from someone who knows: guitar slides hurt on pavement.

I WANNA LIFE – GOLDFRAPP
Try to not to overhand clap while you’re running….it’s harder than it sounds.

TENDERNESS – GENERAL PUBLIC
Quite possibly the most fun music from the 80’s never on a John Hughes soundtrack.

I’M NOT GOING TO TEACH YOUR BOYFRIEND HOW TO DANCE WITH YOU (THE TWELVES REMIX) – THE BLACK KIDS
This song will get stuck in your head for days. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.

SANS SOLEIL – MIIKE SNOW
This Swedish duo make tunes perfect for cooling down post-workout - put this on & feel some bliss come your way.

GIVE IT TO ME BABY – RICK JAMES
I’m fresh out of excuses for this. Whatever – just give it to me? (Sorry, that was bad even for me).

PARANOID – KANYE WEST FEATURING KID CUDI
Okay, so he storms awards show stages and abuses the CAP lock key on his computer. This song is good. Like really, really, REALLY good.

THIS MUST BE THE PLACE (NAIVE MELODY) – TALKING HEADS
Talking Heads make some of the happiest music on the planet. Play on your bike ride home from yoga to extend the serenity all day long.

IF I KNOW YOU – THE PRESETS
A pulsing beat and otherworldly vocals (you may feel like an extra in Blade Runner) will make this a favourite. If you ever get the chance to see The Presets live, make it happen – they’re goooood.

HOT BLOODED – FOREIGNER
If you’ve got a problem with this song, you’ve got a problem with yourself.

EVENFLOW – PEARL JAM
Have you seen how much Eddie Vedder sweats in concert?

BLIND (FRANKIE KNUCKLES REMIX) – HERCULES & LOVE AFFAIR

May this song come with a disclaimer: just because you like music from Ibiza doesn’t mean you should wear white linen pants 24/7.

What tunes make you sweat 110%?

View some running gear:

• Run: Swiftly Racerback
• Run: Willpower Pullover
• Run: Ambition Crop