When you’re late to class, looping “Smoke Signals” by Phoebe Bridgers isn’t going to put that pep in your step. Crank your beats-per-minute up from those melancholic 80s to the bouncy 120s — or what I call, the perfect songs to strut to class to!
- “Telephone” (feat. Beyoncé) by Lady Gaga
-
Lady Gaga is the undisputed queen of a struttable discography.
At 122 BPM, you can practically hear your imaginary knee-high boots clacking rhythmically against a glossy runway. The only downside to Gaga in your ears is the irresistible desire to swing your hips a bit further than socially acceptable at 8 a.m. Other Gaga tracks that fit the bill include “Paparazzi” (115 BPM), “Just Dance” (119 BPM), “Poker Face” (119 BPM), and even the snappier “Abracadabra” at 126 BPM.
Molly Peach / Her Campus - “I Love It” by Charlie XCX
-
A 2010s classic and nostalgic throwback for all of us 2000s babies, “I Love It” gets your heart pumping at 126 BPM from the first note. Think the smell of sunscreen at summer camp, carefree elementary school afternoons, and the windows down in the back of your mom’s car; its energy is unmatched, and so are your classmates’ faces when you strut into lecture grinning like you just lived the whole montage.
- “Last Train To London” by the Electric Light Orchestra and “Morning Train (Nine to Five)” by Sheena Easton
-
Both released from 1979 to 1981 about trains and clocking in between 121 to 122 BPM, how could these classics not get paired together? These songs will have you breaking the fourth wall with a cheesy smile and a hot cup o’ joe in your hand.
Caution: these tracks require a warm-tinted pair of sunglasses, tight pants, and a groovy attitude.
- “Venus” by Bananarama
-
At a pulsing 126 BPM, “Venus” will pump you up for your midterm like no other. When all that’s left to study is your confidence, “she’s got it, yeah, baby, she’s got it” is exactly the line that any girl needs to hear.
- “Let’s Be Friends” by Emily Osment
-
Perfect for a sluggish Monday morning following a rowdy weekend, and even better for a Friday walk to class — pre-gaming the night ahead. At a solid 124 BPM, “Let’s Be Friends” lets your mind drift to your hallway crush while your legs kick it into high gear.
- “Rock That Body” by the Black Eyed Peas
-
Sticking with that night-out energy, “Rock That Body” dials you in from the start. At 125 BPM, you’ll be the coolest speed-walker on campus. Don’t be afraid to toss a friend some finger guns — you are that girl.
- “Hartwell” by Clairo
-
Indie girls get to class on time, too. If pop isn’t your style, “Hartwell” flows at a struttable 118 BPM. With lyrics nodding to ‘college’ and ‘Boston Common,’ this song is my personal BU “I made it” anthem — and it should be yours too.
- “Sue Me” by Audrey Hobert
-
The fast-paced narrative lyricism of “Sue Me” keeps your intrusive thoughts at bay and your legs on the way (to class)! Whether you’re vibing with the clever words or the head-bobbing beat, at a perfect 120 BPM, this one deserves a few listens.
- “The Promise” by When In Rome
-
At 118 BPM, “The Promise” will have you twirling and skipping your way to class. If you’re seeking a dreamy, cinematic energy that romanticizes your walk, look no further.
- “The Fate of Ophelia” by Taylor Swift
-
Now, here is one for the Swifties. The new release “The Fate of Ophelia” has already claimed a spot on my playlist. The song’s 124 BPM makes for a brisk walk to class. Just don’t be surprised if you’re still humming it when you get there.
- “House Tour” by Sabrina Carpenter
-
Another 2025 pop hit, coming in at 118 BPM, “House Tour” is girly, witty, and gives you the confidence to rock a mini skirt shorter than the time you have left before class.
- “Is It True” by Tame Impala
-
Tame Impala never fails to deliver unique, standout basslines while letting his vocals melt seamlessly into the instrumentals. In “Is It True,” his chorus vocals take center stage, making the title lyric instantly recognizable and irresistibly catchy.
Also, a new holiday classic, the Halloween-inspired single “Dracula,” is an additional favorite to walk to class at 115 BPM — just a touch slower than “Is It True” at 118 BPM.
- “Naked In Manhattan” by Chappell Roan
-
Grab a hairbrush and turn your bed into a stage; this one may actually make you late. Chappell’s lesbian anthems not only open my stride, but also my mouth as I lip sync for my life. Everyone you pass will witness your performance, and since you’re already out-pacing them at 118 BPM, you might as well out-sing them too!
YouTube - “Something Good Can Work” by Two Door Cinema Club
-
With lines like “let’s make this happen, girl,” this song is motivating, upbeat, and altogether a fun listen. At an ideal 120 BPM, your steps will fall right on beat as you soak in the positive energy.
- “Man I Need” by Olivia Dean
-
Closing out with an emerging artist, Olivia Dean delivers a soft and yearning approach to 119 BPM. “Man I Need” feels like a refreshing breath of crisp fall air, and her pop-infused take on soul allows for a smooth yet swift walk to class.
Bonus Struttable Tracks:
- “Hung Up” by Madonna (125 BPM)
- “Breakin’ Dishes” by Rihanna (125 BPM)
- “My Type” by Saint Motel (118 BPM)
- “May Flower” by Towa Bird (118 BPM)
- “JOYRIDE” by Kesha (116 BPM)
Recommendations for when you have time for a slower strut to class:
- “The Man” by The Killers (106 BPM)
- “Hustle That Cat” by RuPaul (105 BPM)
I hope you enjoyed these 120 BPM hits! Now, feel free to enjoy a stop at Starbucks because you’re showing up to that 8 a.m. promptly and full of pep.
Want to keep up with HCBU? Make sure to like us on Facebook, follow us on Instagram, check out our Pinterest board, watch us on TikTok, and read our latest Tweets!