Songs with 170 BPM are among the fastest tracks found in modern music. A tempo of 170 beats per minute creates a rapid, energetic pulse that is commonly used in genres such as drum and bass, electronic music, punk rock, metal, and high-intensity workout playlists.
At 170 BPM, the music moves quickly, with each beat lasting approximately 0.35 seconds. However, a song’s perceived speed depends on more than BPM alone. Some tracks at 170 BPM may feel slower because of half-time rhythm patterns, while others can feel extremely fast because of aggressive drums and dense arrangements.
BPM values can vary slightly between different sources because of rounding, different song versions, or different methods of counting the beat. Therefore, songs listed around 170 BPM may sometimes appear a few beats higher or lower.
What Does 170 BPM Mean in Music?
BPM (beats per minute) measures how many beats occur in one minute of music. A song at 170 BPM contains 170 beats every minute, making it a very fast tempo.
At this speed:
- One beat lasts about 0.35 seconds
- The rhythm feels energetic and driving
- Drum patterns can create a strong sense of movement
- Songs often feel intense and exciting
For comparison, many pop songs are commonly between 100 and 130 BPM, while 170 BPM sits in a much faster range.
You can learn more about tempo measurement in this guide to what BPM means in music.
Popular Songs With 170 BPM
Many fast and energetic songs are found around the 170 BPM range. Exact values may differ depending on the version and analysis method.
| Song | Artist | Genre | Approximate BPM |
|---|---|---|---|
| “The Pretender” | Foo Fighters | Rock | Around 170 BPM |
| “Misery Business” | Paramore | Pop Punk | Around 170 BPM |
| “Through the Fire and Flames” | DragonForce | Metal | Around 170 BPM |
| “One” | Metallica | Metal | Around 170 BPM |
| “Fireflies” | Owl City | Electronic Pop | Around 170 BPM (half-time interpretation possible) |
| “Knights of Cydonia” | Muse | Alternative Rock | Around 170 BPM |
These examples show that a 170 BPM tempo can create very different experiences depending on the musical style. A rock song may feel aggressive and powerful, while an electronic track may use the same BPM for a fast but controlled dance groove.
What Does 170 BPM Feel Like?
A 170 BPM song usually feels:
Fast and Energetic
The rapid beat creates a strong feeling of forward movement. This makes 170 BPM popular in music designed for excitement and physical activity.
Intense and Driving
Fast tempos work well with:
- Heavy drum patterns
- Powerful basslines
- Repeated rhythmic structures
- Energetic performances
Physically Motivating
Because of its strong pulse, 170 BPM is often chosen for:
- Running playlists
- High-intensity workouts
- Sports training music
However, BPM alone does not determine energy. A slower song with strong dynamics can feel more powerful than a faster song with a softer arrangement.
Genres That Commonly Use 170 BPM
Drum and Bass
Drum and bass is one of the genres most strongly associated with tempos around 170 BPM.
Many DnB tracks sit around 170–175 BPM, with 174 BPM being a common reference tempo. The fast breakbeats combined with heavy bass create the genre’s signature sound.
You can learn more about this relationship in the guide to drum and bass tempo.
Electronic Music
Some electronic styles use 170 BPM for:
- Fast dance rhythms
- Complex percussion
- High-energy drops
Punk Rock
Fast punk songs often use high BPM values because the quick tempo supports:
- Aggressive guitar rhythms
- Fast drum patterns
- Energetic vocals
Metal
Some metal songs use very high tempos to create:
- Technical drum performances
- Fast guitar passages
- Intense musical sections
Why Does 170 BPM Sometimes Feel Like 85 BPM?
A 170 BPM song can sometimes feel closer to 85 BPM because of half-time rhythm.
This happens when:
- The drums emphasize every second beat
- The bass follows a slower pulse
- Listeners naturally group beats into larger patterns
The mathematical relationship is:
170 BPM ÷ 2 = 85 BPM
This does not mean the song is actually 85 BPM. The measured tempo remains 170 BPM, but the groove may feel slower.
Understanding this difference between measured tempo and perceived rhythm helps explain why some fast songs still feel comfortable and danceable.
How to Use 170 BPM Songs
For Running and Workouts
170 BPM songs can work well for energetic activities because the consistent pulse can help maintain movement.
They are commonly used for:
- Running playlists
- Cardio sessions
- High-energy training
For DJ Sets
DJs use fast-tempo tracks to:
- Increase energy levels
- Create intense transitions
- Build momentum during performances
Because many electronic genres use similar BPM ranges, tracks around 170 BPM can mix smoothly.
For Music Production
Producers may choose 170 BPM when creating:
- Drum and bass tracks
- Fast electronic music
- Aggressive rock arrangements
A metronome can help musicians maintain accuracy when practicing fast rhythms.
How to Find More Songs Around 170 BPM
If you want to build a playlist of fast-tempo songs:
- Search for tracks between 165–175 BPM.
- Listen to the groove instead of relying only on the number.
- Check whether the song uses half-time or double-time rhythm.
- Use a BPM detection tool to confirm tempo.
You can use a song tempo finder to check the BPM of individual tracks.
Why BPM Values Differ Between Sources
The same song may appear with different BPM values because:
- Different tools analyze different sections
- Live versions may change tempo
- Some songs contain tempo changes
- Some sources count subdivisions differently
- BPM values may be rounded
For example, a song might be listed as 170 BPM by one source and 85 BPM by another if one uses a half-time interpretation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are songs with 170 BPM?
Songs with 170 BPM are fast-tempo tracks containing approximately 170 beats per minute. They are common in drum and bass, electronic music, punk, metal, and high-energy playlists.
Is 170 BPM considered fast?
Yes. 170 BPM is considered a very fast tempo compared with most popular music styles.
What genres use 170 BPM?
Drum and bass, electronic music, punk rock, metal, and some fast dance styles commonly use tempos around 170 BPM.
Is drum and bass usually 170 BPM?
Yes. Many drum and bass tracks are around 170–175 BPM, although some styles may use slightly different tempos.
How long is one beat at 170 BPM?
At 170 BPM, one beat lasts approximately 0.35 seconds.
Hurst is a music rhythm and tempo analysis writer at Music Tempo Finder. She focuses on BPM detection, tempo analysis, beat synchronization, and music workflow tools for DJs, producers, musicians, and music learners.