Credit: D.S.B.

Besides being the newbie on the block (in FBG years I’m a fit bottomed baby, Avery-like), I’m also the one who stands out like a sore thumb when it comes to my tastes in music. You see, I’m not really a pop lover. I may dabble in the bubble-gum genre from time to time, but I’m usually the chick listening to either raunchy rap (good for the heart) or sappy beach music. (It’s the Los Angeles mentality creaping in.) Needless to say, I wasn’t totally stoked about reviewing Christina Aquilera’s album entitled Bi-on-ic.  Her songs tend to make my butt twitch with their cheasy sexuality.

This album though…Well, let’s just say I have a new favorite running album. Milka whaaaa?!  The album is chock-a-block full of fast-beat yummy jams. It’s as if Lady Gaga and Madonna threw their albums in a blendor of  awesome and out poured a Bionic smoothie. Mmmm, tasty.

It just doesn’t get any better than songs like “Glam” that feature the pop princess instructing folks to work their hips from side to side. I LOVE songs that tell me what to do. Once a beat starts bumpin’, I’m pretty much a slave. Other morsels to devour include “Elastic Love,” “Hate Boys” and “My Girls.”

I warn, these songs will have you moving at a crazy pace, but thankfully there are five or so slow songs, reminiscent of Adele’s sound,  that will help you catch your breath. It’s been a long time since I’ve loved every track on an album. This album is ideal if you’re the type of gal who strongly dislikes creating your own playlists. Just hit play and wait for your inner Bionic woman to kick in.

Have you heard the album? Love it? Hate it? Feared pop like I did, but now see the light? Tell us what you think! —Tish

Credit: stusev

Every once in awhile a song comes along that just gets in your brain and gets comfy, staying there for weeks (if not months), and making you a tad obsessed with its beats and lyrics. A song that makes you hit repeat over and over again. A track that you shamelessly blare in your car and at home. For me, this recent obsession is the song “Bulletproof” by La Roux. And from the way ya’ll talk on Twitter, I’m not the only one. This song, with its 80s-tastic vibe, has made many of our readers psyched to work out and go a littler farther and a little harder while on the treadmill.

So today we’re reviewing the whole self-titled La Roux album. For those who love the CD, we’re preaching to the choir, but I’m hoping to also expose this new chick to those of you who haven’t stumbled upon her yet. ‘Cause seriously, if this was the workout CD of last summer, I might pick this one as this summer’s album.

The Track List: La Roux

1. In for the Kill (4:08)—This starter track is the best way to start a workout. It’s lively, upbeat and everything you want in a warm-up song. Plus it talks all about going in “for the kill,” which I interpret as going in “for the killer workout.”
2. Tigerlily (3:24)—I love the attitude and sass of this one. It’s got some serious girl power to it, so rock it out, yo. Bump up that incline or speed, find a good strong steady pace and focus on the lyrics. They’re fun. And feisty.
3. Quicksand (3:05)—This isn’t my fave track on the album, but it ain’t bad. Again, it’s upbeat and will get you moving. So use it for the middle of your workout, when you’re in the groove and wanting to zone.
4. Bulletproof (3:26)—This is the uber-catchy one that you know and love—or will love after you hear it. It’s best to use when you’re doing intervals and really need some musical help to push you. Plus you can imagine that your awesomeness is deflecting bullets. Fair warning though: It TOTALLY gets in your head and lives there.
5. Colourless Colour (3:28)—If “Bulletproof” is the song to get you hyped for an interval, this is the song to recover to. It isn’t sleepy, but it’s relaxed. And with lyrics about feeling the “sun on my skin,” it’s perfect for an outdoor sweat-a-thon.
6. I’m Not Your Toy (3:19)—This is another one of my faves on the album and it brings more girl power to your workout. If you’ve ever felt like a dude was using you or kept you hanging on for no reason other than his own enjoyment at watching you wonder what the heck is going on (almost every girl has at least one of those experiences), you will love this one. Smart lyrics, fun tempo—you can’t beat it. Another great recovery song or steady state song.
7. Cover My Eyes (4:32)—This track starts off slow and tender and stays that way, making it ideal for a cool down, stretching or even yoga. It’s a heartfelt, emotional song that makes you want to hug poor, brokenhearted, mohawk-clad La Roux. Poor girl. Stretch it out.
8. As If by Magic (3:51)—I can’t put my finger on why, but this song makes me think of my childhood. Something about capturing that innocence and wonder of the world. It also makes me think of love, just powerful, beautiful love. And who doesn’t love that? Use it as a steady state track for cardio and feel the magic.
9. Fascination (3:41)—La Roux picks the pace up again with this one that’s both soothing and energizing. (Actually, I’d characterize the whole album like that, which is probably why I love it so much!) It’s a great song for thinking about past relationships, experiences and other random ish from the past. So find a good moderate-intensity level and get nostalgic.
10. Reflections Are Protection (4:20)—I adore the opening beat on this one. Makes you want to strut. So use that ‘tude to have some fun and shake those hips a little. You’re an FBG, so shake that junk in the trunk! And if you’re in a more serious mood, listen to the lyrics. It’s deep, yo.
11. Armour Love (5:52)—This quiet little song evokes a little Sinéad O’Connor feel, which I’m totally okay with. While I do love the track, it’s a bit of a downer for a workout, unless you’re feeling lonely and need to sympathize with someone. Then cool it down, girlfriend.
12. Growing Pains (3:26)—You get one final fun and poppy track. It starts off pretty benign but becomes more high-energy as you go, so it’s a perfect go-get-’em song. Gradually pick up your pace, feel the song’s resentment, and work it out.
13. Track 13 (4:20)—This untitled bonus track is fun and like “Growing Pains,” it builds. Also great for a cool down or recovery, it’s a techno-electronic track that has a message that can hilariously (and wrongly, I’m sure) be applied to working out: “Finally, my savior is here.”

Have you heard the album? Love it? Hate it? Wanna try it? Tell us what you think! —Jenn

Credit: kindofadraag

A few weeks ago, after borrowing this album from Erin and falling madly, deeply and passionately in love with its catchy poppiness, I started following Lady GaGa on Facebook. Much to my pleasure, Ms. GaGa updates pretty regularly—and she calls her fans “little monsters.” For some bizarre reason, this is the cutest and most perfect pet name for GaGa fans in my opinion, and whenever I see it, I smile agreeing that, yes, I am a little GaGa monster. Heck, the woman is named after a Queen song. I really have no choice but to bow at her weirdly dressed feet and declare “I’m not worthy,” a la Wayne Campbell and Garth Algar circa 1992.

Now that I’ve declared my love, let’s review GaGa’s latest album release, The Fame Monster. This album is an addition/continuation to The Fame, showing the dark side of celebrity. As you’ll see though, this eight-track CD is plenty energizing and true to the monsters, albeit with more emotion and less overt sexuality (a good and a bad in my opinion).

The Track List: Lady GaGa, The Fame Monster

1. Bad Romance (4:54)—I’m a little more than obsessed with this one. And thank goodness I convinced my husband that she’s a talented performer (see Queen reference above) and not just a sex kitten so that I can listen to it on repeat without him threatening to leave me. Whether I’m cleaning the house, busting a move in the car at a stoplight (yep, been known to do that) or bumping up the speed on the treadie, it is my current go-to song. (And it’s super fun to sing the line “I’m a free bitch, baby!” I find it paradoxically inspiring.)
2. Alejandro (4:34)—This is a slower track than “Bad Romance,” but it’s still fun. The talking intro is super theatrical, and the entire song reminds me of Madonna’s “La Isla Bonita” with a GaGa twist. Save this song for the middle of your workout when you’re bored and need a distraction. This song tells a story.
3. Monster (4:09)—Definitely the darker side here with lines like “He ate my heart.” Poor Lady GaGa. But the track still has a dang good beat. And is kinda Brit-like. It’s really a great bitter warm-up song.
4. Speechless (4:31)—You can definitely hear the Queen influence of this track in the beginning, and then GaGa gives you almost a twang, and then it reminds me of some of the deeper feeling songs that Christina Aguilera did on this album (and, yes, that album was more than just wet ass-less chaps, believe it or not). Plus, she plays the piano in it, which I love. Perfect for a cool down.
5. Dance In The Dark (4:49)—This breathy, techno track instantly had a place in my heart when I heard its sampling of George Michael’s “Careless Whisper.” It’s definitely high energy and a little disco-y, but the lyrics are dark, even mentioning celeb tragedies, such as JonBenét Ramsey.
6. Telephone (3:40)—Featuring Beyoncé, this one is f-u-n. Very woman-empowering with some really freakin’ strong vocals. Perfect for a workout!
7. So Happy I Could Die (3:55)—Yes, this song talks about Lady touching herself a lot, but I think it’s more in a “I’m here; I’m present” sort of way. At least that’s my story, and I’m sticking to it. This track makes for a great recovery song when doing intervals. Just beware, she sings about red wine a lot, and it sure gives this FBG a craving for a good red zin post-workout!
8. Teeth (3:40)—The final track doesn’t disappoint. It’s funky, fun and exactly what you’d expect for a dark Lady GaGa song, including a chorus repeating “Show me your teeth.” I love the song’s sass. And, again, it’s theatrics. Save it for when you’re ready to pick up the pace!

Now I know that not everyone loves the GaGa as much as we do. Tell us, do you love or hate her? And if you love her, what’s your fave GaGa song, little monsters? —Jenn

Credit: kindofadraag

I love me some Shakira Shakira. The chica can shake her hips like no other pop diva around, and she makes super-catchy Latin-infused pop music. I’ve been a fan ever since Whenever, Wherever, which, believe it or not, I made up a little dance to (hey, I was young). After my dance-tastic fave, I fell for Hips Don’t Lie, Underneath Your Clothes and Don’t Bother. Makes me want to make a Shakira mix tape! I recently added her latest album, She Wolf, to my Shakira ensemble. Does it stack up for working out? Read on!

The Track List: Shakira, She Wolf

1. She Wolf  — The title track on the album  is, of course, a goodie. Complete with catchy lyrics, howling and panting, this track’s beat will get you moving. While it won’t have you sprinting, it is a good warm-up song and is now one of my Shakira staples. It’ll have you busting out your she wolf (or he wolf) in the gym!
2. Did It Again — Nothing like Brit’s Oops tune, this song has what I’ve dubbed an “urgent pace,” perfect for picking up the pace in your workout. Shakira manages to bring out the sexiness along with a Smooth Criminal vibe. Winner!
3. Long Time — If you manage to keep your hips from bopping from side to side during this one, you have more self control than I do. The lyrics are a little repetitive, but it has an interesting sound and a good steady beat, perfect for a long run.
4. Why Wait — Not my favorite track on the album, but Shakira again brings thudding beats that will have you beating the pavement or the treadmill.
5. Good Stuff — How many songs start off with a gong? Not enough! Even with its slow pace, this one has enough interesting sounds to keep you tuned in for its entirety (or like me, wishing it was a bit longer than its 3 minutes). Perfect for a warm-up or a cool down.
6. Men in This Town — Starting out as a lament on the lack of good men around, this song quickly morphs into a techno-dance tune slash ballad that the single ladies will appreciate. Then there’s the most awesome fresh-and-so-clean chorus (cue Outkast flashback here!) that you just have to hear to appreciate.
7. Gypsy — A light pop tune, this one showcases Shakira’s vocals and has more heart and less dance than her other tunes. This one makes me want to skip in a field of flowers. Or listen to it while I cool down. Whatever.
8. Spy — Featuring Wyclef Jean, this one didn’t stand out in the She Wolf crowd. It’s an interesting collaboration, but not one that I’ll put on my faves list any time soon.
9. Mon amour — She had me at the claps. Seriously, I have a theory that any song with clapping is going to be awesome to work out to, and this one keeps that streak going. Plus, this one, called mon amour, wishes an ill vacation on an ex lover (or current lover? it’s hard to tell). It’s pretty much my favorite on the album.
10. (11 & 12) Loba, Lo Hecho Está Hecho, Años Luz — She Wolf, Did It Again, and Why Wait in Spanish. Great for working on your Español!
11. Give It Up — Featuring Lil Wayne, this final track is dirty, but catchy and fun. Fave line? Shakira “swings them hips like nunchucks.” Reason enough to buy the song right there, and so true!

Shakira, as always, brings the sexiness, beats and Latin rhythm to her album. A workout winner? I think so! —Erin

Credit: allaboutgeorge

Whether or not you’ve been an American Idol fan since day one, it’s unlikely that you’ve managed to escape Kelly Clarkson’s tunes. From the overplayed “Miss Independent” to “Since U Been Gone“ and the now-popular “My Life Would Suck Without You” Without You, Kelly is a hit-maker who won’t quit. And we’re glad for that because it gives us more tunes to add to our workout playlist!

Her latest album, All I Ever Wanted, has a mix of beautiful ballads along with some serious pumping tunes. Buy the whole album for an eclectic mix of Clarkson or just the ones below that I’ve deemed most workout worthy if you’re needing some new songs to get you sweating. And if you’re wanting even more fun music, check out my bonus suggestion below!

The Track List: Kelly Clarkson, All I Ever Wanted
1. My Life Would Suck Without You—Mere minutes after I told Jenn I’d never heard this song, its pulsating beat came on the radio. I had low expectations for this song because of the title, but I want to grab this song’s cheeks and eat it up. I love it. Its fast beat will get you moving in a workout, and the slower verses still have a thumping beat that really showcase her vocal talents. It’s a song I have to stop myself from belting out when I’m on a run.

2. I Do Not Hook Up—This rockin’ tune has a a killer beat and chorus that is catchy as hell and is a great combination of ballad and rock. The title of this song doesn’t do it justice. This one is guaranteed to keep you powering through any workout.

3. Cry—Kelly slows it down here a bit for a rock-ballad with a bit of a country vibe. Her vocals are the star of the show here, but this one’s pace and three-and-a-half-minute length make it best suited for a slow warm-up, cool down or other low-intensity workout.

4. Don’t Let Me Stop You—The pace picks back up for this girl-power song. The catchy chorus will have you hooked, and the steady pace is excellent for a long run or bike ride.

5. All I Ever Wanted—This getting-over-a-boy song isn’t as much of a pump-up song as some of Kelly’s others, but the varying paces make it great for alternating intervals throughout the song. It’s got a unique vibe that makes it a nice break from the ordinary.

6. Already Gone—This almost 5-minute tune slows it down, focusing mostly on Kelly’s beautiful vocals and the beats of the drum, which were satisfyingly soothing. It makes a good accompaniment for a cool down or stretch session.

7. If I Can’t Have You—After the previous tune, this party track will get you moving. With a great beat, it will get you on a dance floor, picking up your pace or at the very least, bobbing your head. While the lyrics aren’t as memorable as other tracks, this one is worth a purchase for the thumping beat alone.

9. Whyyawannabringmedown—This smushed song title alone had me thinking that this one would be workout worthy. This song has a harder edge and makes me think of jumping up and down in a mosh pit (in a Kelly Clarkson kind of way). The short length (2:42) and quick pace makes this an excellent song for a harder interval or a big push up a hill.

10. Long Shot—I love the lyrics and sound of the verses of this song—they’re quick and catchy. While the chorus wouldn’t have me hitting repeat, I could definitely put this one in my workout rotation for a long run.

13. I Want You—This one has hints of old-fashioned teeny-bopper music with a modern flare. With the clapping and repetition of “you,” nothing else on my ipod sounds like it, so it is a fun addition to my workout mix. I bet it would do the same for you.

Buy any or all of these kickin’ Kelly tunes (or at least preview them) on iTunes or Amazon!

Credit: magnif-icence

The Black Eyed Peas’ latest CD, The E.N.D (Energy Never Dies), delivers on its promise. The energy, in fact, never dies, making this album AWESOME for a workout. Just awesome. I mean really. Could there be a more appropriate title for a CD that’s awesome for working out? No. There couldn’t.

Buy any or all of these kickin’ tunes (or at least preview them) on iTunes or Amazon!

Credit: compulsiveprep_8

Jenn and I haven’t made it a secret that we’re fans of the Britney Spears comeback. We’ve reviewed both of her most recent albums, Blackout and Circus, and regularly have her older music in our workout playlist rotation. She’s definitely a pop diva whose music pumps us up during serious cardio endeavors and who has us dancing in our cars and living rooms alike.

We embrace whatever music gets us motivated to move, from rock to pop to rap and country (well, I embrace country; Jenn not as much). And while music is one of the greatest motivators, it can also be a super reward for hard work. That’s why Jenn and I decided that she should come out for a visit so that we could see the Brit-ster live and in concert. It was a great way to celebrate our upcoming one-year Fit Bottomed Girls anniversary and to give ourselves a pat on the back for a year of hard work. (Note to readers: BIG things coming up for our one-year celebration the week of May 18, so stay tuned!)

The concert was a great spectacle, and the circus theme lent itself nicely to many special effects and acts between songs. Hula hoops, acrobatics, cages and stilts all made the show a feast for the eyes, albeit not always appropriate for younger eyes. Overall, it was super fun and highly entertaining. Unbeknownst to us, Britney got one of her extensions ripped off during the show, but we weren’t exactly front row (or anything remotely close to it) so we didn’t notice, and the show carried on without a pause.

So now that Jenn and I have gotten our Britney-live fix, we’re going to spice up our next FitHits by letting you guys choose our next album to review. We think there’s a good mix to suit all tastes!

Can’t see the poll? Click here!

Got another idea? Let us know what you’d like to see in the comments! —Jenn

I tried to dislike Katy Perry for a long time. “I Kissed a Girl” was so over the top and supposed to be shocking and scandalous that it irritated the heck out of me. Plus, she routinely includes watermelons in her wardrobe. I love fruits, but come on.

Even the most die-hard Britney Spears fans have to take a break and spice up the workout music selection now and again, so I finally gave my poor overplayed Circus album a rest to try out Lady GaGa’s The Fame. While Lady GaGa was flying under my radar, I’m not sure how: She’s opened for the Pussycat Dolls and New Kids on the Block, and has written songs for those groups, as well as Britney herself. One of my favorite bonus tracks from Circus, “Quicksand,” was actually co-written by Lady GaGa herself. I had a feeling I’d like the LG album itself, and lo and behold, I did. Plus, she reminded me of Britney, Fergie and Gwen Stefani all rolled into one while still being original. How could it not be a killer workout mix?

The Track List: Lady GaGa, The Fame
1. Just Dance—If you’ve heard anything from GaGa, it’s probably this one since it hit the Billboard charts. The song is peppy and a perfect reminder of how fun it is to go out and get your dance groove on. The lyrics are also insanely catchy in parts, and the song overall is fully FBG-approved.

2. LoveGame—I really don’t want to get into symbolism or speculation, so I’m just going to ignore the whole “disco stick” portion of this song. This is another club-flavor dance song, with such fun lyrics that you’ll be repeating them long after you hear the song—appropriate or not. The fast tempo is perfect for an interval on the elliptical or a sprint during a run.

3. Paparazzi—While I thought the whole “paparazzi” topic would be a turnoff, the word is actually a euphemism for a stalker fan chasing a big star. Although it’s slower, it’s still such a unique sound with all the electronic effects coupled with a pretty chorus that it’s a great choice for a moderate-paced workout.

4. Poker Face—So far Lady GaGa is four of four, as far as I’m concerned. This song has such an interesting and fun juxtaposition of masculine rough-sounding vocals coupled with LG’s pretty vocals in the chorus. With a good beat and some surprisingly sassy lyrics, this one is great for any workout.

5. Eh Eh (Nothing Else I Can Say)—Not one of my favorites, but this one has a light, poppy very 80s feel to it, and I do love the “eh ehs” and how they emphasize that sound in other words. And “cherry cherry boom boom” is a great lyric for any song.

6. Beautiful, Dirty, Rich—Maybe the superficiality was just too much for me, but I just wasn’t a fan of this one. Some of it’s catchy especially whenever she says “money,” but I just couldn’t get behind it. At under three minutes, though, you don’t have to suffer for long.

7. The Fame—I expected to love this title track, but I just didn’t. It does have a good beat, but it just didn’t have the personality of the previous songs. The chorus picks up the pace, which is a great time to speed it up on the treadmill.

8. Money Honey—This one starts with the theme of the superficial, but when she starts talking about kisses instead of the “finer things” in life, she really turns it on. The chorus on this one is fab; watch for the rad pseudo-rhyming of kisses/mistress/delicious/pieces. It’s my fave. This is a good moderate-paced song, so use it for your recovery in an interval workout.

9. Starstruck—This one is quite electronic-sounding and is catchy, but it’s just not as infectious as my other faves on the album. It’s steady pace is perfect for a warm-up or strength work.

10. Boys Boys Boys—This one definitely reminded me of Gwen Stefani—and you won’t catch me complaining about that. This catchy tune had a fun innocence about it—minus the part about drinks in bars—with lyrics about making out with boys in the bleachers. It’s got a great beat to it and will remind you of being a teen (again, minus the bars part).

11. Paper Gangsta—I have no idea what this one reminds me of, but if you can tell me I’d love you forever. It’s got a slower pace, so it’s better for an easy run or for a strength workout. This song is okay, but I probably wouldn’t miss it if it went missing.

12. Brown Eyes—The one true ballad on the disc, this one has much more of a rock and roll vibe than all of the other dance floor hits. Definitely the cool-down song of the bunch.

13. I Like It Rough—This one definitely has a throwback 80s vibe to it, especially because it really reminds me of Somebody’s Watching Me. This one didn’t have the “it” factor for me, but would work for the elliptical.

14. Summerboy—This one didn’t win me over until the chorus, where it increases in tempo and interest. Unfortunately the chorus is followed by another lackluster verse, so while it’s not my fave, it does have a good beat and you could totally pick up your pace during the choruses for interval work.

Despite a few of the less exciting songs, this album is super fun and feisty, with great beats and an awesome dance-club feel to it. The lyrics and pace of the songs are unique and fresh and will give your workout mix a needed update. Feel free to check out my faves on iTunes or buy it on Amazon and tell us yours! —Erin

Need more music ideas for workouts? Check out our Girls Rock playlist or one of our random shuffles!

Photo grabbed from MNicoleM at Flickr.

Beyoncé has been the definition of fierce even before her new album introducing her alter ego, Sasha Fierce, was released. Whether it was back in the Destiny’s Child era or her more recent days with my faves like Irreplaceable or Ring the Alarm, Beyoncé has had me belting out tunes in the car for years. Her 2008 release I Am… Sasha Fierce is split into a two-disc set. The first disc contains mostly beautiful ballads, while the second side will get you moving. I’m not including each song here because the ballads aren’t your traditional “workout friendly” songs, but both discs have songs well worth putting into your rotation. Now, the standouts…

The Track List, Deluxe Version
Disc One: I Am…
If I Were a Boy—Even though I’m not having boy problems, I absolutely adore this song. It’s a slow ballad, but it does pick up the pace at times. And at just more than four minutes, it’s still a great length for a beautiful warm-up.

Halo—This song very much reminds me of Rihanna’s Umbrella, in more of a ballad version. I’m totally okay with that because I also l-o-v-e Umbrella (ella, ella). This one picks up the pace just a notch and is one of my favorites on this side of the disc.

Broken-Hearted Girl—This one is just catchier and more meaningful than some of the other ballads, and it grew on me the more I heard it. With a beautiful piano and a good beat, this is one is great for a run.

Save the Hero—If you love the show Heroes, buy this one. With the lyrics “Who’s there to save the hero, who’s there to save the girl after she saves the world?” how can it not remind you of that show? It’s very pretty and slow, but worth a listen.

Disc Two: Sasha Fierce
Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It)—And like the Joker said, “And here we…go.” This one has such a good beat that if it doesn’t get you moving, you must be severely depressed or dead. It’s such a great girl-power song—and I even have a ring on it. And I must mention again: the dancing. Dear goodness!

Radio—The lyrics on this one aren’t my favorite, but I still love the beat and it just sounds fun all around. I love the repeating vocals, especially the “ohs” as well as when she says “tru-uh-uh-unk.” Fit Bottomed Girls love that.

Diva—This one reminds me of Britney with the electronic voices, and it’s a little slower but definitely funkalicious. Plus, it’s fun to say that a diva is the female version of a hustla.

Hello—This one sounds like it could belong on the “I Am…” side of the album, but it’s a little quicker paced and has a little more attitude. If you had any doubt that there was still room for “You had me at hello” references in pop culture, check this song out.

Scared of Lonely—This song does a great job of putting vulnerability into an upbeat track. It would be great for a moderate-paced workout.

Even if you don’t want to purchase the whole she-bang, you can’t go wrong with these choices. This album shows that Beyoncé can do it all, from the slow beauties to the upbeat shake-your-booty songs. —Erin

Need more workout tunes? Check out our girl rock playlist!

Photo grabbed from beelover9481 at Flickr.