The Ultimate Road Trip Songs
Travel and music go hand in hand! Music is the best tool we have to access a different world than the one we live in, next to actually traveling to faraway lands. Some songs are so powerful that they might actually inspire us to pack our things and go on an adventure in the physical realm, not just in our heads. Many folk traditions carried out in all parts of the world have been either sung by traveling bands and musicians, some entertaining the courts of monarchs, some playing for the people, through centuries.
This tradition is somewhat carried in the modern world too! With the ability to travel increasing in the modern world, musicians (and their fans) tour the world to share the power of music. Travel has always been at the root of music, so it only makes sense that some songs are particularly good to travel and inspire wanderlust. Here are some examples below that you can add to your road trip songs playlist!
Contents
1. Best Road Trip Songs to Sing-Along in the Car
Road Trippin’ by Red Hot Chili Peppers
What song could inspire the emotion of road-tripping better than this one? Red Hot Chili Peppers might be known for their energetic stage presence and eccentric funk music, they sure know how to make a calm but entertaining song that will make a perfect addition to your best road trip songs playlist while you are on the road “with your favorite allies”.
An unfortunate thing about road trips is that they cannot go on forever, but they can end on the most beautiful destinations! Among the best places road trips can end up on are beaches. Did you know there are amazing beaches in Istanbul that you can see and enjoy? Check out this blog post for a sweet trip to the hidden gems in the beaches of Istanbul.
California Dreamin’ by The Mamas and The Papas
California Dreamin’ captures the essence of longing for a place that is the home of your most pleasant memories, a place where you’ll be “safe and warm”. Even if you’re not going for a road trip to the West Coast of America, this song will inspire you to travel nonetheless. It also helps that the multivocal nature of the song makes for a perfect sing-along experience with your loved ones that you are traveling with!
Keep the Car Running by Arcade Fire
Several prominent artists themselves have covered this great song, so why shouldn’t you give it a listen on your road trip? This song is all about keeping on; keeping the car running and not giving up.
EAGLES: Take It Easy
The Eagles are a classic rock band that have produced some great road trip songs. Their song “Take it Easy” is a perfect example of a mellow but upbeat tune that celebrates the freedom and romance of the open road. Other great Eagles songs to add to your road trip songs playlist include “Hotel California” and “Desperado”. These timeless classics are sure to keep you entertained as you cruise down the highway.
Cyndi Lauper: I Drove All Night
If travel means escape to you, then this song will make a great contribution to the list your top road trip songs. The song captures the rhythm of the late 80s, which makes it a great song to sing along to, if you are road tripping with your loved ones or on your own. As you drive on the road, longing to finally be at peace at your travel destination, this song should accompany you on your journey.
Steppenwolf: Born To Be Wild
Born To Be Wild is the ultimate song for adventurous travellers; the song is all about finding the unexpected joys of traveling, and the exciting feeling of going away. However you may be traveling, whether by motorbikes like the imagery Born to Be Wild evokes, car, plane, ship or on foot, this song will definitely inspire you to get up and get on with your adventure!
Sweet Home Alabama by Lynyrd Skynyrd
If you’re on a road trip and looking for some great road trip songs to add to your road trip songs playlist, you can’t go wrong with “Sweet Home Alabama” by Lynyrd Skynyrd. This classic rock hit is a celebration of the southern state, with its catchy guitar riffs and iconic lyrics that will have you singing along in no time. Whether you’re driving through Alabama or just passing by, this song is sure to get you in the mood for adventure and make your road trip all the more memorable. So turn up the volume and let the music take you away!
500 Miles by The Proclaimers
500 Miles by The Proclaimers is one of the classic road trip songs that will keep you and your friends singing along for miles. The catchy beat and iconic chorus make it the perfect addition to any road trip songs playlist. As you hit the open road with your windows down, this song will give you the energy to keep going for miles on end.
Africa by Toto
One of the best road trip songs that you can add to your road trip songs playlist is “Africa” by Toto. The song has a catchy beat and the lyrics are perfect for a long drive. The song has been around since the 1980s, but it still remains popular among people of all ages. Whether you’re driving with friends or family, listening to “Africa” by Toto will surely make your road trip more enjoyable and memorable. So, don’t forget to add this classic song to your road trip songs playlist!
The Beatles Twist and Shout
The Beatles have a wealth of songs that are perfect for a road trip. Some of their most popular hits like “Drive My Car,” “Ticket to Ride,” and “Back in the U.S.S.R.” are upbeat and perfect for singing along with while cruising down the highway. Other great road trip songs by The Beatles include “I Want to Hold Your Hand,” “Can’t Buy Me Love,” and “Help!” Their music is timeless and always puts people in a good mood, making it the perfect addition to any road trip songs playlist.
American Girl – Tom Petty
“American Girl” by Tom Petty is one of the most iconic road trip songs that captures the spirit of adventure and freedom on the open road. The song’s upbeat tempo and catchy melody make it a perfect addition to any road trip songs playlist. As you cruise down the highway, you can sing along to lines like “Well, she was an American girl, raised on promises” and feel a sense of nostalgia for all the adventures that lie ahead. So turn up the volume and let this classic American rock song be the soundtrack to your next epic road trip.
The Rolling Stones: Sympathy for the Devil
The Rolling Stones have produced many classic road trip songs to enjoy on your next adventure. Their hit song “Sympathy for the Devil” is an excellent choice for a long drive, with its driving beat and engaging lyrics. Other great Rolling Stones tracks to include on your road trip songs playlist are “Start Me Up“, “Brown Sugar“, and “Gimme Shelter“. These songs will keep you energized and excited throughout your journey.
Fleetwood Mac – Go Your Own Way
Fleetwood Mac is an iconic band famous for their classic hits that make for great road trip songs. Their music has a timeless quality that is perfect for listening to while driving through scenic routes. Some of their most popular tracks include “Go Your Own Way,” “Rhiannon,” and “Dreams.” These songs are perfect for singing along to and will keep you entertained throughout your journey. Fleetwood Mac’s music is the perfect accompaniment to any road trip, providing a sense of nostalgia and adventure at the same time.
Phil Collins: In the Air Tonight
Phil Collins has been a staple in road trip songs playlists for decades. His hit song “In the Air Tonight” is a classic that never gets old and is one of the best road trip songs. With its iconic drum break and haunting vocals, it’s the perfect song to blast while cruising down the highway. But Collins has plenty of other great tracks that are perfect for a road trip, such as “Sussudio,” “Easy Lover,” and “Take Me Home.” Whether you’re singing along at the top of your lungs or just nodding your head to the beat, Phil Collins is sure to make any road trip more enjoyable.
Bruce Springsteen: Born to Run
Bruce Springsteen’s music is perfect for a road trip songs playlist. His classic hit “Born to Run” has a powerful and energetic beat that will keep you energized on the road. The song captures the spirit of adventure, freedom, and youthful rebellion that are all part of the quintessential American road trip experience. It’s easy to sing along to, making it a great choice for group sing-alongs in the car. With its catchy guitar riffs and driving drum beats, “Born to Run” is a must-have on any road trip songs playlist.
Queen: Bohemian Rhapsody
Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen is a classic road trip song that has been enjoyed by generations. It’s catchy melody and powerful vocals make it an ideal choice for long drives. The song’s epic build-up and crescendo are perfect for those moments when you’re driving through vast, open landscapes, and the lyrics about freedom and adventure perfectly capture the spirit of a road trip. Bohemian Rhapsody is a timeless classic that will always be associated with the joy of hitting the open road.
Bob Dylan: Like a Rolling Stone
Bob Dylan’s songs are perfect for a road trip playlist. His classic hit “Like a Rolling Stone” is a must-have for any long drive. Other great options include “Tangled Up in Blue” and “Shelter from the Storm.” These songs have stood the test of time and continue to resonate with listeners today. So, load up your playlist with some Bob Dylan and hit the open road!
2. How to create a playlist for your road trip on Spotify / Apple Music?
Spotify
You can spice up your Spotify playlists by customizing the picture, adding a text to its description and picking a unique title for your playlist. You can look at other playlists that are made by other users on Spotify, to find songs about traveling on the road. With its vast collection of playlists, scouring through Spotify’s archives for the perfect playlist can be a daunting task. However, instead of spending hours searching, why not use this opportunity to create your own unique road trip songs playlist? By selecting your favorite songs and incorporating them into a personalized mix, you can set the tone for your journey and make it that much more memorable. Whether it’s upbeat tunes to keep you energized or mellow tracks to help you unwind and relax, there are endless possibilities when it comes to curating the perfect road trip songs playlist. So go ahead, get creative and let the music take you on an adventure!
Some road trip playlists already available on Spotify that you might find useful are:
Apple Music
Apple Music is the perfect source for road trip songs. The curated playlists and vast archive make it easy to find your favorites. With regular updates and a variety of moods and genres, there’s something for everyone on Apple Music. The service also offers personalized recommendations, so if you’re not sure what to listen to, Apple Music can suggest something based on your listening history. In addition, Apple Music’s “Up Next” feature lets users queue their favorite songs for uninterrupted listening during long drives. It’s a great choice for anyone looking for good road trip songs, with its vast music library and user-friendly features offering a seamless experience.
Some Apple Music albums that might be able to help you in your song search are:
3. What are fun things to do on car trips?
There are plenty of fun things you can do on car trips to make the time pass more quickly and enjoyably. Here are a few ideas:
- Play road trip games like “I Spy” or “20 Questions”
- Bring along small travel-sized games like cards or travel board games
- Take in the scenery along your route and stop at interesting roadside attractions
- Plan ahead and pack snacks, drinks, and other treats to enjoy during the trip
- Make rest stops at interesting towns or landmarks along the way
- Bring a camera and take pictures of memorable moments during your trip
FAQ
What songs to listen to while driving?
What songs to sing in the car?
How do I choose music for my car stereo so that it doesn't sound like "the radio"?
What should we not listen to while driving?
- Loud music: Listening to music that is too loud can be distracting and make it difficult to hear traffic sounds or emergency sirens.
- Podcasts or audiobooks: While these forms of entertainment can be enjoyable, they require a certain level of attention that may distract you from focusing on the road.
- Phone calls: Talking on the phone while driving can be dangerous and is often illegal in many places. It is best to pull over if you need to take a call or use hands-free technology.
- Intense or emotional content: Listening to content that makes you emotional or agitated can also be distracting and impair your ability to drive safely.
How can I make my own playlist for a road trip?
- Choose a theme or mood for your playlist: You can select songs based on a specific genre, artist or mood that you want to create.
- Make a list of your favorite songs: Think about the songs that you love and that fit with the mood or theme you have chosen.
- Add some new songs to the mix: Discover new music by browsing through popular road trip songs playlists on streaming services like Spotify or Apple Music.
- Organize your playlist: Arrange the tracks in an order that flows well and keeps you engaged throughout the trip.