Song DNA
Misophonia Triggers
A meditation on middle-class stagnation and workplace disillusionment, featuring Berninger's distinctive baritone over a rhythmically unusual but steady instrumental backdrop.
Hear it the way it was made
The right gear changes everything.
Moods: contemplative, introspective, melancholy, weary
Traditions: alternative rock, indie rock
How this song sits on each sensory axis
A dynamic range of 4/10 is within the normal pop-mix band. There is variation between verse and chorus, but it's the kind of variation most listeners encounter routinely.
Sudden changes: none. Transitions are musically signaled — nothing will surprise you if you're only half-listening.
Texture is layered — a full arrangement with clear separation between parts.
Predictability is high — the song telegraphs what it will do next. A sensory-sensitive listener can usually guess where it's going without close attention.
Vocal style: dynamic vocals.
Where this sits in The National's catalog
We have 63 songs from The National in the library. Of those, 15 are rated Safe, 47 Moderate, and 1 Intense. This song's dynamic range of 4/10 sits below the artist average of 5.8, making it the #50 most dynamic track of theirs in our library.
Other tracks from Boxer
We have 11 songs from this album. Overall, the album leans moderate in sensory profile.
- Fake Empire — moderate DR 6
- Mistaken for Strangers — moderate DR 8
- Brainy — moderate DR 6
- Squalor Victoria — moderate DR 7
- Green Gloves — safe DR 5
- Apartment Story — safe DR 4
- Start a War — moderate DR 6
- Guest Room — moderate DR 6
- Slow Show — moderate DR 6
- Mr November — moderate DR 6
2007 context
Released in 2007. We have 311 songs from that year in our library, averaging a dynamic range of 6.3/10. This track is quieter / less dynamic than the year average. Explore more from the 2000s.
Explore by mood and tradition
Why this rating
We rate this song Moderate because it falls between our Safe and Intense thresholds on at least one dimension. Moderate is the default for most well-produced music that has real arc but no surprise elements. Full rubric: methodology.
Rating last reviewed: 2026-04-13. Reviewed by the Music I Want editorial team against the documented methodology.
Think this rating is wrong? Email the editor — every message is read and ratings get revised.
Frequently asked about "Racing Like a Pro"
Quick answers pulled from the song's sensory analysis.
What is the sensory intensity of "Racing Like a Pro" by The National?
"Racing Like a Pro" by The National rates as Moderate intensity. Dynamic range 4/10, none sudden changes, layered texture. Moderate is the default for well-produced music with real arc but no surprise elements.
How loud is "Racing Like a Pro" — what is its dynamic range?
"Racing Like a Pro" has a dynamic range of 4/10. Within normal pop-mix variation. Movement between verse and chorus but nothing dramatic.
Does "Racing Like a Pro" have sudden or surprising changes?
No. "Racing Like a Pro" has no sudden unsignaled changes. Every transition is musically telegraphed.
What is "Racing Like a Pro" best for?
In our library "Racing Like a Pro" is recommended for: deep listening, emotional release, focus, meditation. These tags are assigned only where the song's sensory profile genuinely supports the use case.
When was "Racing Like a Pro" released?
"Racing Like a Pro" is from 2007, on the album "Boxer". It appears in our 2000s catalog.
What is the emotional mood of "Racing Like a Pro"?
We tag "Racing Like a Pro" as contemplative, introspective, melancholy, weary. Moods are tonal descriptors based on how the song reads emotionally — separate from the sensory intensity axes.
What is the vocal style of "Racing Like a Pro"?
The vocal style is dynamic vocals.
Should I listen to "Racing Like a Pro"?
"Racing Like a Pro" is Moderate intensity — fine for most listeners, but with enough dynamic activity that it works best as active listening rather than background.
Songs with the same DNA
layered texture, similar intensity — across any genre or era.
Safer alternatives with a similar feel
These songs share similar moods but with a gentler sensory profile.
What this song means to people
No stories yet. Be the first.