Tracks for testing dynamics, rhythm and timing

For anyone auditioning a new piece of equipment, or simply wanting to check their music system is sounding its best, this is the playlist to follow. It focuses on tracks with challenging dynamics, rhythm and timing, which together form a crucial part of any piece of music. So, whether you're listening on speakers or headphones, on a desktop system or full-on hi-fi, if your set-up struggles with one of these elements you may well be underwhelmed by the overall performance.

PIXIES TAME

Dynamic range is the difference between the loudest and quietest elements of a track – and Tame is a textbook test track. Starting with a simple drum beat, bass line and whispering vocal, before erupting into an attack of guitars and a ferocious vocal, this hugely influential track has been cited by artists such as Nirvana, PJ Harvey and Smashing Pumpkins. It’s as well known for its loud/quiet template, which the Pixies truly mastered, as it is for the dramatic Gil Norton production.

TRENT REZNOR AND ATTICUS ROSS A THOUSAND DETAILS

Taken from the soundtrack for The Girl with the

Dragon Tattoo, this brooding, powerful piece builds to a thunderous crescendo. A delicate piano opening grows into a noise of electric guitars, driven by a thudding bass line. A sudden pause tests your system's ability to start and stop, before the song reaches a climax of drums and over-driven effects. Towel yourself down and weigh up how well you could decipher the details in the wall of noise.

IAN DURY & THE BLOCKHEADS WHAT A WASTE

At first listen, this Ian Dury classic seems simple and understated, thanks to the chugging drum beat, monotone vocal delivery and simple guitar stabs. But the meandering bass line livens things up before the track’s chorus bursts into life and sets the song racing towards a crescendo. Your system will need a firm grip to keep the various strands in check.

DISCRETE CIRCUIT MACHINE CODE

A consistent 4/4 beat is always a good test of timing, especially when some off-kilter stabs or percussion add a little more intricacy to the rhythm. This techno tool should drive along at pace, the bleeping effects and reverb-laden hi-hats adding some colour to the consistency of the kick drum. If your feet aren’t tapping, something is amiss with your system.

EMINEM THE WAY I AM

A looping piano riff and trademark head-nodding beats set the tone for one of Eminem's angrier raps, his off-beat delivery making for a more challenging rhythm than it first appears. If your system doesn’t time well, this track just won’t flow, but there’s enough action at either end of the frequency spectrum to ensure your system gets a work out.

RADIOHEAD 15 STEP

Almost every Radiohead album has some form of innovation, and the twitchy beats of In Rainbows test your system’s timing. The excellent production means it’s a great all-round test track, but those jittery, texture-laden drums will find out how well your speakers or headphones can carry a tune.

HEATHER WOODS BRODERICK WYOMING

An echo delay with a long decay can be useful for testing timing, and this dreamy track features lush, reverberating layers of vocals and guitar. You may wish to get lost in Wyoming, but if your system can’t keep a grip on the various elements, it just sounds lost.

JOHN MARTYN SMALL HOURS

Testing dynamics doesn’t have to involve great walls of sound. The simple guitar swells that run throughout the track offer quickfire tests of how well your system can go from quiet to loud. Despite the delicacy of the song, you need punch and a hint of sharpness to each strum for the full effect.