hip hop road trip songs

Hip-Hop’s Greatest Road Trip Songs

By Stereo Williams

Published Wed, March 6, 2024 at 11:00 AM EST

The only thing better than hopping in the car and riding to nowhere is having a great soundtrack to push things along. Songs about the open road are a great American tradition – from “Rocket 88” to “Freeway of Love.” In Hip-Hop, those songs convey a sense of freedom and identity, beyond just the allure of hitting the highway, there’s also the sense of self that comes from riding around the neighborhood, speakers blaring, rims spinning. Whether long drives, or slowly rollin' the streets on a Sunday—these are some classic rap road songs that you'd have on deck.

For the Riders: All-Purpose Anthems

“My Hooptie” – Sir Mix-A-Lot (1989)

As Hip-Hop became more obsessed with flashy, luxury vehicles, it’s sometimes great to think back to when it was cool to rap about the kind of junker we all had to push at some point or another.

There’s no better ode to the lemon than Mix-A-Lot’s classic “My Hooptie,” featuring an always broken windshield, non-working meters   and dragging tailpipe. Sir Mix-A-Lot had a knack for story raps about cruising with his boys, and while “Posse On Broadway” might be more beloved, “My Hooptie” is the quintessential everyman car song. We’ve all had this car.

DROP YOUR EMAIL

To stay in the know, “24s” – t.i. (2003).

Tip has a few songs that define the early 2000s, and “Top Back” is another car banger that could have easily been on this list. But it was this ode to bigass rims that helped set things off for Clifford Harris’ early career, and the hook is one of his best. 

Produced by DJ Toomp, it perfectly captures ATL swagger and the car culture that defines so much of southern rap from Miami to Atlanta to Houston. And T.I. is on one throughout the track. “I'm in a drop-top Chevy with the roof wide open/My partners looking at me to see if my eyes open/Cause I've been dranking and I've been smoking…” A ridin’ masterpiece.

Ridin' - Chamillionaire feat. Krayzie Bone (2005)

The thrill of driving is as American as apple pie — but the reality of “Driving While Black” is just as inherent in the experience of so many young Black people. This classic hit from Chamillionaire illustrates the duality of both:  it’s an undeniable car classic that also functions as a harrowing tale of how just being a brotha cruising in your ride can lead to an altercation with the cops.

The Texas rapper was inspired by UGK’s classic 1996 album, and with a heavy assist from Krayzie, Cham makes it clear that, for certain folks, there is no easy liberation to be found in going for a ride in the whip. But he also couches that message in a song that functions as perfect car music. Quite a trick to pull off.

Block Bangers for Urban Road Warriors

“You’re Gonna Get Yours” – Public Enemy (1987)

P.E.’s first album is bombastic and aggressive, but it may surprise younger listeners with how it’s not quite as focused on righteous, raging rhetoric as their later, more famous works. 

The clearest example of Chuck D’s early approach is this car-themed classic. Often casually referred to as “My ’98 Oldsmobile” it features Chuck rhyming over an almost Run-DMC-esque truck rattling beat courtesy of the Bomb Squad, where he makes his Olds sound like an urban terrain vehicle made for b-boys. He rhymes about his ride as if it’s his only protection against the suckas hatin.’ Tell me you can’t relate. Perfect anthem for any road warrior.

“The Boomin’ System” – LL COOL J (1990)

LL COOL J was blanking out throughout Mama Said Knock You Out, a classic album with no shortage of bangers. But this car anthem classic made it clear that James Todd Smith knew a thing or three about having a dope-ass system in your car. A sentiment that resonated with heads from Queens to Cali, LL perfectly tapped into the energy of riding around with the system loud as hell.

“LET’S RIDE” – Q-TIP (1999)

The former A Tribe Called Quest frontman’s solo debut Amplified may be most remembered for shiny pop singles like “Breathe & Stop” and the ubiquitous “Vivrant Thing,” but it was this chill ode to riding in your whip that best crystalizes who Kamal Fareed was going to be circa Y2K. 

Name-dropping the classic rock of The Who alongside the Hip-Hop du jour of Biggie, Q-Tip makes a perfect case for rolling to the sounds of your choice and not letting the outside world interrupt the groove.

IMPALA ANTHEMS: FOR SITTIN’ SIDEWAYS ON A SOUTHERN SLAB

“DRIVE SLOW” – KANYE WEST FEAT. PAUL WALL (2005)

‘Ye was in full bloom on Late Registration, and this Paul Wall-assisted, southern-flavored tribute to riding was one of the standouts on an album that many still consider Yeezy’s best. Over an inspired Hank Crawford sample, ‘Ye and Wall rap about car culture as a metaphor for life, and Wall almost missed the session. 

“I got pulled over on the way to the studio,“ he said in 2016. "My driver made a right turn from the wrong lane. “I said, ‘Hell nah. This ain’t real.’ I cussed the police out thinking I was getting ‘Punk’d. I almost ain’t make it.”

The remix featured a verse from T.I. and the video is an orgy of dope cars. “That verse was actually the first verse that I wrote when I was writing ‘Sittin’ Sidewayz,'” explained Paul. “Back in those days, I didn’t know how to harness the power of the production sometimes.” In the end, he decided that those rhymes were “hard” but, “Didn’t really go hand-in-hand with that beat.”

“LACVILLE ’79” – DEVIN THE DUDE (2002)

Devin is Hip-Hop’s most laconic storyteller; like a laid-back cousin who tells stories better than anybody else in the family. His classic single breaks down the joys of having a car that’s all your own — warts and all. 

Like Mix-A-Lot’s “My Hooptie,” this is an ode to a car that we all have owned at some point, and it’s the perfect anthem for hitting the road on a lazy afternoon or two. It also wouldn’t hurt to have a doobie in the ashtray — not that anyone’s advocating that sort of thing.

“STILL TIPPIN’” – MIKE JONES FEAT. PAUL WALL AND SLIM THUG (2004)

It’s slow as syrup and perfectly encapsulates Houston’s car culture in a genre-defining four and a half minutes. Mike Jones never quite topped his debut single, a tribute to chopped-and-screwed sound of DJ Screw and to a uniquely Texas flavor of rap that had been a part of southern rap since the early 1990s. 

The whole song is a dedication to cruising, and of course "tippin' on four 4s, wrapped in four Vogues." It dropped the Houston sound smack dab into the middle of the mainstream, made stars out of Paul Wall and Slim Thug — and ensured that no one would have to ask “Who is Mike Jones?” ever again.

LOWRIDER LEANING: CLASSICS FOR CALI CRUISIN’...

“LET ME RIDE” – DR. DRE (1993)

The good Doctor’s G-Funk classic perfectly captures the essence of The Chronic and the feel of So Cal cruising. Even if you’ve never seen Crenshaw and Slauson, the slice of laid-back Cali cool puts you right there. The gunplay and tough talk are there, but take a backseat to the feel good vibe of rollin’ in ya 64, a sentiment that anyone can relate to who has ever gone for a Sunday road trip on a gorgeous day.

“HIGH TIL I DIE” – 2PAC (1996)

This song isn’t exactly about a car or about driving, but it perfectly captures a certain feel associated with carefree cruising when you got nowhere to go. Like a lot of Pac anthems, the freewheeling feel belies lyrics that warn of danger at every turn — even while sounding unaffected (“When I'm in traffic, it's kinda rough and, I drive a bucket, Live the Thug Life nigga – screaming ‘fuck it’”). It’s quintessential Pac, and a perfect thug anthem for a ride.

“JEEP ASS NIGUH/BORN TO ROLL” – MASTA ACE (1993, 1994)

Former Juice Crewer and Brooklyn legend Masta Ace became a somewhat unlikely advocate for Hip-Hop car culture in the mid-1990s. The rhyme animal semi-reinvented himself as a cruise anthem rapper with hits like this. Of course, “Jeep Ass Niguh” first appeared in 1993s Slaughterhouse before it was reinvented as the decidedly West Coast-leaning “Born To Roll” a year later. It gave Ace one of his biggest crossover hits and came to define car songs that Cali loved in the 1990s. He would dive headfirst into the sound on 1995s Sittin’ On Chrome, but this was his first foray into such subject matter — and still his best.

New Classics

"backseat freestyle" - kendrick lamar (2012).

"Backseat Freestyle" by Kendrick Lamar is a standout track that exemplifies Lamar's lyrical prowess and storytelling abilities. Released as part of his critically acclaimed album "good kid, m.A.A.d city," the song showcases Lamar's journey from Compton to international stardom. With its infectious beat and hypnotic flow, Lamar delivers a captivating narrative that delves into themes of ambition, identity, and the complexities of growing up in a challenging environment. The track serves as both a celebration of his roots and a reflection on the struggles he faced on his path to success. Through vivid imagery and clever wordplay, Lamar paints a vivid picture of his upbringing while also offering insight into his aspirations and dreams. "Backseat Freestyle" stands as a testament to Lamar's ability to craft compelling narratives within the framework of his artistry, solidifying his status as one of the most influential voices in modern Hip-Hop.

"In My Feelings" - Drake (2018)

Drake's "In My Feelings" car challenge took the internet by storm, igniting a viral sensation that swept across social media platforms. The challenge, inspired by the catchy chorus of Drake's hit song, involves participants dancing alongside a moving vehicle to the infectious beat. Originating from comedian Shiggy's interpretation of the song's lyrics, the challenge quickly gained momentum, with countless individuals from all walks of life eagerly joining in on the fun. Celebrities, athletes, and fans alike embraced the challenge, sharing their own renditions and adding their unique flair to the viral craze. However, the challenge also sparked concerns regarding safety, prompting warnings from authorities about the potential dangers of dancing in traffic. Despite these concerns, the "In My Feelings" car challenge served as a testament to the power of music and social media in creating moments of shared joy and cultural phenomenon

*This post has been updated

* HEADER CREDIT: Dr. Dre and Fab 5 Freddy during 1993 MTV Video Music Awards at Universal Amphitheater in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic, Inc)

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50 Best Road Trip Songs: From Beastie Boys to Bruce Springsteen and Beyond

Join SiriusXM as we take a look at 50 of the most iconic road trip songs to include in your playlist this summer!

Looking for the best road trip anthems to soundtrack your drive? There’s something special about cruising down the highway in the summer with your loved ones, windows down and volume up!

Whether you’re off on vacation or just taking a day trip, it’s hard not to smile when the sun’s shining and there’s nothing ahead but the open road. The only thing that could make it better is the perfect song playing at full blast. We’ve gathered the perfect summery tunes to accompany you on your travels. So, fasten your seatbelts and come along for the ride with SiriusXM as we look at 50 of the most iconic road trip songs!

Listen to nonstop hits on Road Trip Radio (ch. 301) now →

Sing-Along Anthems

A road trip usually means you’ve got time to kill on your way to your destination. Time flies when you’re having fun, and there’s no better way to get the good vibes going than by rolling down the windows and blasting out some sing-along anthems!

From Bruce Springsteen ’s lyrics about hitting the road to find success to Vanessa Carlton’s pop hit about going the distance for love, these iconic tracks are essential road trip listening. Whether you’re a natural performer or more of the humming type, you’ll be singing along in no time!

• “Paradise By the Dashboard Light” — Meat Loaf
• “A Thousand Miles” — Vanessa Carlton
• “Proud Mary” — Tina Turner
• “Psycho Killer” — Talking Heads
• “Born to Run” — Bruce Springsteen
• “Go Your Own Way” — Fleetwood Mac
• “American Pie” — Don McLean
• “Livin’ On a Prayer” — Bon Jovi

’80s Throwbacks

If you really love a blast from the past, these songs are for you. So many ’80s tracks are ideal for road trips, with nostalgic melodies and catchy beats which instantly transport you back in time. Get your neon leg-warmers out — it’s time for permed hair and iconic dance moves as you cruise down the open road (and take a trip down memory lane)!

• “Little Red Corvette” — Prince
• “I Drove All Night” — Cyndi Lauper
• “Walk This Way” — Aerosmith and Run DMC
• “Danger Zone” — Kenny Loggins
• “Runnin’ Down a Dream” — Tom Petty

’90s Bops

As you make your way through your journey, you might also want to make your way through music history. Jumping forward a decade, the ’90s is where you’ll find catchy rhythms and beautiful melodies that will make any journey enjoyable. From TLC to the Beastie Boys, here are some perfect songs to sing with your besties as you contemplate your lives on the open road.

• “Waterfalls” — TLC
• “All The Small Things” — Blink-182
• “No Sleep ‘til Brooklyn” — Beastie Boys
• “Man! I Feel Like a Woman” — Shania Twain
• “Everyday Is a Winding Road” — Sheryl Crow

2000s Bangers

Another decade on, the bops just won’t stop! From Corinne Bailey Rae’s smooth vocals to Miley Cyrus’ 2009 party pop, these early 2000s tracks are essential for a summer adventure. These catchy tunes will get even the grumpiest backseat drivers nodding along, so be sure to add them to your road trip playlist.

• “Long Road to Ruin” — Foo Fighters
• “California” — Phantom Planet
• “Chasing Pavements” — Adele
• “Put Your Records On” — Corinne Bailey Rae
• “Shut Up and Drive” — Rihanna
• “Party in the USA” — Miley Cyrus

Modern Pop Hits

A road trip doesn’t technically have to be by car. Maybe you’ve taken a page out of Lil Nas X’s book and you’re making your way on horseback. Either way, these modern pop hits are must-haves on your travels. Channel your inner Ed Sheeran as you drive down those country lanes!

• “Barbie World” — Nicki Minaj and Ice Spice (with Aqua)
• “Castle on the Hill” — Ed Sheeran
• “Levitating” — Dua Lipa
• “Vroom Vroom” — Charli XCX
• “Old Town Road” — Lil Nas X

Classic Rock

When the going gets tough, it’s time to headbang your way down the highway. Driving long distances can get tiring, so when you need an energy boost, these are the tracks to turn up to eleven. All you need is your headband and your air guitar — get ready to kick back and let the beat drive you onwards to Paradise City!

• “Paradise City” — Guns N’ Roses
• “Highway Star” — Deep Purple
• “Here I Go Again” — Whitesnake
• “Highway to Hell” — AC/DC
• “Who Are You” — The Who

Baby Driver (2017) Soundtrack

This Edgar Wright film combines two great things: music and driving. It also happens to have a fantastic soundtrack! Many movies through the years have captured the spirit of driving in many different ways, such as Easy Rider  (1969), Little Miss Sunshine  (2006), and Mad Max: Fury Road (2015). These songs will have you enjoying your journey, but you’ll also be planning your next movie night!

• “Radar Love” — Golden Earring
• “Baby Driver” — Simon & Garfunkel
• “Chase Me” — Danger Mouse feat. Run the Jewels & Big Boi
• “Brighton Rock” — Queen

From Luke Combs ’ heartfelt cover of Tracy Chapman’s 1998 hit to Willie Nelson ‘s love letter to the journey ahead, country music is perfect for reflective moments on the road. These songs encapsulate the often bittersweet joy of travel, which resonates with the freedom and adventure of road trips. Have your tissues at the ready — some of these tracks are real tear-jerkers!

• “Highway Vagabond” — Miranda Lambert
• “Sweet Home Alabama” — Lynyrd Skynyrd
• “Fast Car” — Luke Combs
• “On the Road Again” — Willie Nelson
• “Take It Easy” — Eagles
• “Life is a Highway” — Rascal Flatts
• “Take Me Home, Country Roads” — John Denver

While we certainly hope your road trip doesn’t feel like you’re going through the valley of the shadow of death, we do have a song for that. Whether it’s Coolio or Q-Tip providing the soundtrack to your road trip, there are plenty of hip-hop songs about driving to get you through even the longest of journeys. Check out these tracks to help you vibe while you drive.

• “Ridin’” — Chamillionaire feat. Krayzie Bone
• “A Boomin’ System” — LL Cool J
• “Gangsta’s Paradise” — Coolio
• “Let Me Ride” — Dr. Dre
• “Let’s Ride” — Q-Tip

Find more music to soundtrack your summer road trip on SiriusXM.

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From backseat singalongs to nomadic anthems, the best road trip songs capture the feeling of freedom that’s sometimes just a car ride away.

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The requirement for any good road trip is great songs. Whether you’re embarking on a solo trip down the highway or gathering for a vacation with friends and family, you’re going to need some tunes to keep you company along the way. We’ve collated classic driving songs from throughout the eras and assembled the best road trip songs to fire up as you head out on the open road.

Listen to some of the best road trip songs for your next vacation on Apple Music and Spotify .

25: Youngblood Hawke: We Come Running

With its driving beat and epic build up, this indie-pop song from LA pop-rockers Youngblood Hawke will get you revving down the highway. They spell it out directly, inviting the listener to head “for the open door, tell me what you’re waiting for”.

No Doubt, The Ink Spots, And Amy Winehouse: Currently Trending Songs

The beatles’ ‘let it be’ film to launch on disney+, 24: blink-182: what’s my age again.

In just under two and a half minutes, blink-182 ’s ‘What My Age Again’ is pop-punk perfection. This song cooks and there’s nary a second wasted, which is exactly what you want in the best road trip songs.

23: The Killers: Mr Brightside

Pomp, bombast, killer riffs and melodies is one way to set you free, even when stuck in traffic. “Mr. Brightside” from The Killers ’ debut album, Hot Fuss , is the rare road trip song that can get you through the traffic blues and out of the “cage” that is the daily grind.

22: Nirvana: Breed

Just like Appetite For Destruction , Nirvana’s Nevermind features an endless array of road trip songs, but there’s one standout track that sounds like burning rubber. With its blast of feedback and machine-gun intensity, “Breed” will get everybody headbanging in the backseat.

21: Sammy Hagar: I Can’t Drive 55

This is a classic highway vacation song. If the Red Rocker can’t you get to go past the speed limit (which we’re not officially condoning), nothing else will. Sammy Hagar’s breakout solo single has been blasting out of every car stereo since 1984, and has never stopped.

20: Katy Perry: Teenage Dream

When there’s a long stretch of road ahead, sometimes you want psychedelic acid rock where you can put cruise control on and zone out, but when you’re traveling on vacation with a crew, singalong pop anthems are the best road trip songs. Katy Perry ’s ode to the endless possibilities of adolescence will have you sticking your head out the sunroof like a drunk teen on prom night.

19: Warren G (featuring Nate Dogg): Regulate

Few songs encapsulate an entire era better than this 1994 G-funk classic. Between Warren G’s storytelling and Nate Dogg’s smooth vocals, this is the song you can blast whether you’re cruising in your drop top or mid-sized sedan.

18: John Mellencamp: Pink Houses

This slice of heartland rock isn’t all that it seems. John Mellencamp seems to paint the perfect picture of the American dream, but if you keep listening, it’s really the indictment of a broken system. On one hand it remains a misunderstood political song but on the other, it’s a great road trip song.

17: The Rolling Stones: (I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction

Tapping into that feeling of wanderlust, The Rolling Stones ’ search for satisfaction landed them their first No.1 hit . From Charlie Watts’ propulsive drumming to Mick Jagger’s cracking vocals and Keith Richards’ fuzz-box riff, “Satisfaction” beckons you to the road and the dancefloor.

16: U2: Where The Streets Have No Name

Like the morning’s first light coming over the desert highway, this U2 anthem begins with the sound of heavenly organs that quickly build to a driving rhythm led by The Edge’s arpeggiated guitar lines. Political origins aside, the song conjures images of the American West and the open road. It’s hard not to feel nostalgia when you glide in and out of traffic.

15: Guns N’ Roses: Appetite For Destruction

Forget road trip songs, this is a road trip album. From the menacing “Welcome To The Jungle” to the soaring “Rocket Queen” that closes Guns N’ Roses ’ Appetite For Destruction , you won’t find an album of songs better suited to a road trip vacation than this.

14: Dr. Dre: Let Me Ride

Any G-funk track is made for driving, but this cut from The Chronic is the ultimate road trip song. Between the Parliament-sampling chorus and Dre ’s evocative verses, “Let Me Ride” was tailor-made for summer driving… and is even better if you’re cruising around in a drop top.

13: Bob Seger: Hollywood Nights

While Bob Seger sings about “looking down at the lights of LA” in this 1978 hit, the anticipation of a night on the town is universal. Seger’s frantic vocals and epic storytelling, combined with the uptempo music, is the perfect formula to speed towards the horizon.

12: Cyndi Lauper: I Drove All Night

Some people escape the “sticky and cruel” city by seeking solace in the great outdoors. Not Ms. Lauper. Her vocal calisthenics are just the motivation to drive all night to see your lover.

11: Snoop Dogg: Gin And Juice

Another slice of G-funk heaven. You don’t need hydraulics to roll with the melodic flow of “D-O-double-G.” Released during the heyday of gangsta rap, Snoop took the wild antics of his hometown, Long Beach, and turned them into an idyllic summer jam.

10: Jackson Browne: Running On Empty

Few artists embodied the late 70s Laurel Canyon sound quite like Jackson Browne. “Running On Empty” isn’t a hard road rocker, but Browne could turn the most mundane experiences (like running out of gas) into a metaphor for missing out on the connections in life.

9: The Beatles: Day Tripper

The Beatles have an endless catalogue of travel tunes, from “Ticket To Ride” to “Drive My Car,” but “Day Tripper” is the real road trip song. Featuring one of the best guitar riffs of all time , “Day Tripper” is not so much about a quick getaway but about trying on the hippie lifestyle for a day or two.

8: Stevie Wonder: Master Blaster (Jammin’)

This could be included among the best vacation road trip songs for the intro alone, but the whole thing swings with a swagger that won’t (hopefully) have you swerving from side-to-side. Stevie Wonder ’s tribute to Bob Marley saw Stevie moving away from his typical one-man show and inviting a whole crew to boogie down.

7: Willie Nelson: On The Road Again

Country music is littered with dirt-road anthems, but one of the true classics is Willie Nelson ’s ode to the nomadic life, “On The Road Again.” Nelson was tasked with creating an original song for the aging rocker character he played in the film Honeysuckle Rose . Willie delivered and nabbed an Oscar nomination in the process.

6: Tom Cochrane: Life Is A Highway

Canadian treasure Tom Cochrane is a household name up north, but in rest of the world he’s best known for this highway song anthem that’s become the perfect pep talk for hitting tarmac.

5: Prince: Little Red Corvette

Prince seemingly never suffered from either writer’s block or a shortage of sexual metaphors, as evidenced on his 1983 classic, “Little Red Corvette.” This tale of an ill-fated one-night stand was supposedly inspired by his bandmate Lisa Coleman’s pink Edsel, but “little red Edsel” just isn’t as catchy a refrain.

4: The Beach Boys: Fun, Fun, Fun, I Get Around

Both of these Beach Boys tunes helped define the 60s driving culture, particularly in the winding highways of Southern California. Tight harmonies and terrific rhythms, these songs will transport you to the windswept cliffs of the Pacific Coast Highway, driving along with the top down.

3: Tom Petty: Runnin’ Down A Dream

“Free Fallin’” is a great singalong, but when it comes to essential Tom Petty road trip tunes, “Runnin’ Down A Dream” takes the cake. Thanks to the highway imagery and scuzzy guitar riffs, this hard-charging song is best listened to with the windows down and your foot on the gas.

2: Bruce Springsteen: Born To Run

No survey of the best road trip songs would be complete without The Boss. Bruce Springsteen ’s entire body of work unpacks the experience of small-town living and the feeling that escape is just a car ride away.

1: Steppenwolf: Born To Be Wild

You don’t need a bike or road leather to blare this Steppenwolf classic. Most famously featured in the film Easy Rider , Jon Kay’s invitation to “head out on the highway” is a song that became an American anthem and a call for rebellion.

Honorable Mentions

Looking for more great road trip playlist songs for your next vacation? With compulsively sing-along lyrics, these tunes are perfect for lonely highways where you just want to shout out your open car window.

John Denver – Take Me Home, Country Roads The Proclaimers – I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles) Tracy Chapman – Fast Car Lynyrd Skynyrd – Sweet Home Alabama The Eagles – Take It Easy Fleetwood Mac – Go Your Own Way Sheryl Crow – Everyday Is A Winding Road The Grateful Dead – Truckin’ Toto – Africa Arcade Fire – Keep The Car Running Ray Charles – Hit The Road Jack Bon Jovi – Living on a Prayer Ike & Tina Turner – Nutbush City Limits Don McLean – American Pie The Allman Brothers – Midnight Rider Outkast – Hey Ya Rascal Flatts – Life Is A Highway Van Morrison – Bright Side of the Road Sufjan Stevens – Chicago Rihanna – Shut Up And Drive The Eagles – Hotel California The Allman Brothers Band – Ramblin’ Man Elton John – Tiny Dancer Simon & Garfunkel – America Pointer Sisters – I’m So Excited ABBA – Waterloo Dolly Parton – 9 to 5 Billy Joel – Piano Man Paul Simon – Graceland

Looking for more options? Check out our list of the best songs about cars and driving .

11 Comments

June 26, 2019 at 7:37 pm

Golden Earring – Radar Love

June 27, 2019 at 5:16 pm

Mountain Jam, The Allman Brothers Band

August 2, 2019 at 8:34 am

Neil Young : White Line, DriveBy, Albuquerque, Trans Am

September 21, 2019 at 4:00 pm

Joanne Nagen

September 25, 2019 at 5:02 pm

John Hartford Steam Powered Aeroplane; Joe Bonamassa Drive; Govt Mule Travellin Tune; Greatful Dead Truckin;Jerry Reed’s Eastbound and Down …..as Roy Rogers said Happy Trails to you Thanks

September 25, 2019 at 6:29 pm

“It’s a Car!” by Sean Morin is a little-known but extremely fitting, perfect vibe, catchy little road trip song. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T3piktwUcP0

Mike Einhorn

May 28, 2020 at 5:24 am

Bruce Springfield?

September 18, 2021 at 7:27 am

Rolling Down the Highway – BTO Rockin’ Down the Highway – DOOBIE BROTHERS Highway Star – DEEP PURPLE

How’s these NOT make the list?

Belvin Sweatt

January 7, 2022 at 1:08 am

You left out the best one— Sniff and The Tears—Drivers Seat.

January 7, 2022 at 12:01 pm

Here is my Road Trip playlist: Windows are Rolled Down – Amos Lee Call Me The Breeze – Lynyrd Skynyrd Florabama – JJ Grey & Mofro Mustang Sally – Buddy Guy f. Jeff Beck Going to California – Led Zeppelin Hotel California – Eagles Road to Nowhere – Talking Heads Tangled Up in Blue – Bob Dylan Me and Bobby McGee – Janis Joplin Joy – Lucinda Williams Breakdown – Jack Johnson Comin’ Home – Lynyrd Skynyrd Take the Long Way Home – Supertramp Till the Sun Comes Up – Jack & Weatherman

June 3, 2023 at 5:42 am

The triffids – Wide Open Road

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90+ Best Road Trip Songs for Your Travel Playlist

Travelling by road can be both wonderful and tiresome–that’s why you need a great soundtrack to keep you singing along! Here I’ve compiled some of the best road trip songs from rock to hip hop; 1950’s through to now—there’s a little something for everyone. You can take this as one, mega, road trip playlist or use the themed sections to find exactly the kind of music you are after. Scroll to the end to get a link to my Spotify Road Trippin’ playlist with all these tunes.

Press skip, and get to your favourite selection:

Press skip and get to your favourite selection:

Old-school road trip songs, 1990-forward road trip songs, all american road trip tunes, all australian road trip songs, car-themed tracks, girls road trip songs, country road trip songs, get this list on spotify.

Disclosure: I may earn compensation from the purchase of any product or service linked on this website, at no extra cost to you. I only link to products I use and love, therefore feel comfortable recommending.

All the classic, pre-1990’s tracks about driving, cars, trucking and travelling by road.

• Cruisin’ – Smokey Robinson
• Go Your Own Way – Fleetwood Mac
• Take the Money and Run – Steve Miller Band
• Don’t Stop Me Now – Queen
• Danger Zone – Kenny Loggins
• Born to be Wild – Steppenwolf
• I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles) – The Proclaimers
• Ain’t No Stoppin’ Us Now – McFadden & Whitehead
• Hit the Road Jack – Ray Charles
• Truckin’ – Grateful Dead
• Born to Run – Bruce Springsteen
• Here I Go Again – Whitesnake
• Where the Streets Have No Name – U2
• Ride Like the Wind – Christopher Cross
• Life is a Highway – Tom Cochrane
• Willin’ – Linda Rondstadt
• Roadhouse Blues – The Doors
• I Drove All Night – Cyndi Lauper
• Road to Nowhere – Talking Heads
• Radar Love – Golden Earring
• Is Your Mama Gonna Miss Ya? – Bryan Adams
• Keep on Truckin’ – Eddie Kendricks
• Running on Empty – Jackson Browne

Post-1990, road-trip-ready tracks for passing the time and getting your groove on.

• Window Seat – Erykah Badu
• Tints – Anderson .Paak ft. Kendrick Lamar
• Ain’t it Fun – Paramore
• Old Town Road – Lil Nas X ft. Billy Ray Cyrus
• Shut Up and Drive – Rhianna
• Car Wash – Christina Aguilera and Missy Elliott
• On The Road – Bonfire Set
• A Thousand Miles – Vanessa Carlton
• Home – Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros
• Runaway Baby – Bruno Mars
• Keep the Car Running – Arcade Fire
• One For the Road – Arctic Monkeys
• The Distance – Cake
• Road Trippin’ – Red Hot Chili Peppers
• Slow Ride – Kenny Wayne Shepard
• Send Me on My Way – Rusted Root
• Your Turn to Drive – David Bowie
• Let Me Ride – Dr Dre
• Anywhere – Passenger
• Remember That Night? – Sara Kays

Best destination-themed road trip songs for journeys across the US.

• Californication – Red Hot Chili Peppers
• Sweet Home Alabama – Lynyrd Skynyrd
• Graceland – Paul Simon
• America – Simon and Garfunkel
• Route 66 – Chuck Berry
• Nutbush City Limits – Tina Turner
• Save Me, San Francisco – Train
• Louisiana Bayou – Dave Matthews Band
• Tennessee Whiskey – Chris Stapleton
• The Beehive State – Randy Newman
• Texas Sun – Khruangbin and Leon Bridges
• Dear Chicago – Ryan Adams
• Leaving Las Vegas – Sheryl Crow
• Empire State of Mind – Jay Z ft Alicia Keys

Did you know Australia is approximately the same size as the 48 contiguous US States?! So when it comes to epic road trips and songs to match we can hold our own.

• Follow the Sun – Xavier Rudd
• Weather With You – Crowded House
• One Way Road – John Butler Trio
• St Kilda to Kings Cross – Paul Kelly
• Great Southern Land – Icehouse
• Drive – Shannon Noll
• Road to Gundagai – Slim Dusty
• Chained to the Wheel – The Black Sorrows
• The Car Song – Cat Empire
• Sounds of Then – Gang Gajang
• Flame Trees – Cold Chisel
• Tenterfield Saddler – Peter Allen
• I’ve Been Everywhere – Lucky Star
• Solid Rock – Goanna
• Highway to Hell – AC/DC

The best road trip songs with the word “car” in the title; along with odes to specific makes and models; and stories all about cars.

• Camaro – Kings of Leon
• Paradise by the Dashboard Light – Meatloaf
• Fun, Fun, Fun – The Beach Boys
• Get Outta My Dreams, Get Into My Car – Billy Ocean
• Black Devil Car – Jamiroquai
• Little Red Corvette – Prince
• Fast Car – Tracy Chapman
• Shelby ’68 – Kylie Minogue
• Two Dope Boyz (In a Cadillac) – OutKast
• Mercedes Benz – Janis Joplin
• Mustang Sally – Wilson Pickett
• Drive My Car – The Beatles
• Stickshifts and Seatbelts – Cake

Fiercely feminine road trip tunes, including some great artists old and new!

• Roam – The B-52s
• Every Day is a Winding Road – Sheryl Crow
• Everywhere – Fleetwood Mac
• Drive All Night – Joss Stone
• Where You Lead – Carol King
• Pink Cadillac – Natalie Cole
• I Love It – Icona Pop ft Charli XCX

Best road trip songs for country music lovers.

• On The Road Again – Willie Nelson
• Take Me Home (Country Roads) – John Denver
• I’ve Been Everywhere – Johnny Cash
• King of the Road – Roger Miller
• Ramblin’ Man – Allman Brothers
• Wagon Wheel – Darius Rucker
• Days Go By – Keith Urban
• Red Dirt Road – Brooks & Dunn
• Highwayman – Highwaymen

If you have a favourite road trip song not listed here – drop me a line in the comments. See this post for international travel music and you will find themed playlists accompanying most of my road trip itineraries featuring artists from, and songs about each destination.

Peace, love & inspiring travel,

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The 50 Most Essential Songs for Your Perfect Road Trip Playlist

Ready to hit the open road? Load up your playlist with these songs first.

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Car-culture tunes cross musical genres as seamlessly as changing lanes, moving between classic country, heavy metal, folk, funk, and rap. Whether you're in the mood for Rihanna or the Ramones, we've put together an eclectic list of the 50 best road trip songs to keep you humming along your journey. (Pro-tip: Once your road trip playlist is all loaded up, don't forget to download some audiobooks and plan a few games too.)

"Holiday Road" by Lindsey Buckingham

Even if you’re stuck driving a Family Truckster, this song will take you right back to carefree days. (Who else thought this was Kenny Loggins?)

RELATED:  The Quintessential Best Summer Songs From the Last 60 Years

"Radar Love" by Golden Earring

You may not be able to name another song the Dutch band Golden Earring recorded, but this classic 1973 hit combines "midnight love" with the drive-all-night ballad for a road trip win.

"Ramblin' Man" by The Allman Brothers Band

A seventies version of the age-old musical trope of people who call the road their home and can't be burdened with staying in one place (see also: "Brandy," "Take It Easy" and "Me and Bobby McGee").

RELATED:   40 Song Lyrics That We've Been Messing up This Whole Time

"Little Red Corvette" by Prince

Songs about cars are a favorite subset of the road trip song genre, and Prince sets the bar high with this song about a "car" (ahem) that goes too fast.

"Hot Rod Lincoln" by Commander Cody and His Lost Planet Airmen

This rockabilly tribute to racing cars was first recorded in 1955 but has been covered by lots of fast-picking twangy guitarists since, most famously in 1971 by Commander Cody.

"Shut Up And Drive" by Rihanna

Everything about this song is engineered to pop perfection: Her purring vocals, bouncy melody, and double entendres. Every girlfriends' weekend playlist needs some RiRi — and one that starts with a road trip needs this song.

"No Sleep Till Brooklyn" by Beastie Boys

This Beastie Boys hit from their first album,  Licensed to Ill , hits two well-traveled road trip sub-genres: the musician-singing-about-being-on-the-road genre and the paean to a specific destination. It's guaranteed to add a little energy to the playlist and revive the driver.

"Rocket 88" by Ike Turner (Jackie Brenston and His Delta Cats)

Recording as Jackie Brenston and His Delta Cats, Ike Turner was instrumental in turning the key and igniting rock and roll with this jumping twelve-bar blues composition. You can feel the purring power of the car, and the undeniable attraction of going too fast. (Rocket 88 was a nickname for the recently minted Oldsmobile 88.)

"Road to Nowhere" by Talking Heads

You can feel good about getting lost with this tribute to a long aimless drive. Embrace the opportunity to yip, yodel, and scat along with lead singer David Byrne.

"Fun, Fun, Fun" by The Beach Boys

America's romance with the car had been jumpstarted by the end of WWII, but it really hit cruising speed in the 1960s with groups like The Beach Boys and Jan and Dean singing about being teenagers, driving fast cars, and having fun. 

"On The Road Again" by Willie Nelson

Willie Nelson wrote his first song at nine years old and hasn't stopped yet, even at 87. This heartfelt love song for a life of touring with musician friends was reportedly written on the back of an airplane airsickness bag.

"Highway to Hell" by AC/DC

Here we have the perfect soundtrack to every miserable traffic jam along your road trip. Bon Scott's guttural vocals make singing along particularly satisfying when frustrated by a standstill.

"I've Been Everywhere" by Johnny Cash

This fast-paced litany of geographic destinations is the more entertaining musical version of sitting through someone else's travel slideshow. Johnny Cash takes a 1959 Australian song (in which all the destinations are Down Under) and makes it his own.

"Drive My Car" by The Beatles

Not only does this song benefit from Paul McCartney's perfect formula for delicious pop confection, its final verse, "Beep beep'm beep beep yeah" is irresistible.

"Semi-Crazy" by Junior Brown

No road trip playlist is complete without a trucker song. Austin musician Junior Brown recorded arguably the perfect one, complete with twanging solos on his unique double-neck guitar: half electric, half pedal steel.

"State Trooper" by Bruce Springsteen

Pretty much every song on Springsteen's 1982 album Nebraska  involves cars and driving, usually at night, but there's an urgency to "State Trooper" that is familiar to any driver who's flown past a speed trap and hoped not to get pulled over. 

"Old Town Road" by Lil Nas X

Not only does this 2019 blockbuster combine Lil Nas X's rap and trap music bona fides with some classic country elements (banjo! Billy Ray Cyrus!), it even samples a song by industrial rock group, Nine Inch Nails. Besides being catchy and fun, the song made history by simultaneously appearing on both country and hip-hop charts.

"Mercury Blues" by Alan Jackson

You may think that a love song to a brand of car was written by an advertising executive, but this song was first recorded in 1948 by a blues musician from Mississippi. Lots of bands have covered "Mercury Blues" but country boy Alan Jackson had a hit with it in 2010, the year that Mercurys were discontinued.

"Low Rider" by War

The revving engine, the insistent riff of the saxophone, singer Charles Miller's Mariana Trench – deep repetition of "Low. Ri. Der" — no wonder the Chicago Tribune called this song the "quintessential cruising song."

"Truckin'" by Grateful Dead

Every playlist meant for driving should probably include a song that repeats "what a long, strange trip it's been" a few times. This particular Dead song has been singled out for recognition not just by Rolling Stone and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, but in 1997, the Library of Congress declared it a national treasure.

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100+ Best Road Trip songs (to sing along with as you drive!)

Looking for good road trip songs? Honestly, the right driving songs in the right playlist can make or break a road trip! Here are 100+ best road trip songs to sing along with as you drive!

And don’t forget to download your FREE road trip planner below , to help you plan your road trip.

*We work hard to make this the best motorhome travel blog and road trip website possible, full of helpful content for you. The website is supported by our readers, so if you buy through links on this site we may earn a commission- at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain our own .

If you find this post useful, you can also treat us to a coffee – we promise to enjoy it while creating more useful content like this- we might even indulge in a biscuit (or two!)

JUMP AHEAD TO...

Best Road Trip Songs

Planning a road trip or long drive is tough. There are a million things to think about. And one of the things often overlooked is a road trip playlist!

Whether you’re travelling by car, RV, camper or bike, this list of the 100 best road trip driving songs is guaranteed to make the miles fly past!

We’ve got a mix of great driving songs to sing along too: songs for girly summer road trips, classic rock, all-American, a bit of country and some modern 2020 tunes- all designed to create the PERFECT playlist for your journey. And with over 100 road trip songs to choose from, you’re guaranteed to find something for everyone to sing along with on the road.

Make planning your next road trip EASY (& fun!)

When you’re planning a road trip, keeping track & organising all your ideas is often the hardest part. Fix that TODAY with our printable pdf road trip planner. Grab yours FREE now

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How to create a great road trip playlist with sing-along songs!

The window wound down, the stereo cranked up and some awesome tunes you can sing along to; perfection, right? But if you’re anything like us, your phone/iPod is a random mix of all sorts of music- including a Christmas album or 7.

That’s why a road trip playlist is so important- you don’t have to worry if the next tune will be great, you already know it will be! 

• Make sure the songs are downloaded onto your phone/ ipod. Otherwise, you’re going to use up a lot of data and/ or run the risk of being in an area with bad signal and no music!
• Like listening to things as you drive? Check out Audible – you can get podcasts, audiobooks and more- it’s a perfect way to pass the time on a long drive.

You might be able to get 3 MONTHS FREE music at Amazon. Click HERE to take advantage 

I’ll be honest- there was some…. let’s call it “discussion”… over the best travel songs to include on this list. My husband prefers classic rock for driving songs. I like songs you can sing along with in the car and songs to drive fast too (NEVER above the speed limit though… right?!)

We compromised on creating a road trip playlist with song choices from all of us, so we hope there’s something in here for you!

So, let’s get to the best road trip songs.

(Update: This post started off as 100 of the best road trip songs… it’s growing as we add more in, so no idea how many are here now!! )

20 Rock Classics- the BEST Road trip Rock songs

• Danger Zone – Kenny Loggins
• Nutbush City Limits – Ike & Tina Turner
• Dude Looks like a Lady – Aerosmith
• American Pie – Don Mclean
• Whole Lotta Rosie – AC/ DC
• Don’t Stop Believing – Journey
• Paradise City – Guns N’ Roses
• All Night Long – Rainbow
• Cats in the Cradle – Ugly Kid Joe
• Here I Go Again – Whitesnake
• Jump – Van Halen
• We Built This City – Starship
• Summer of ’69 – Bryan Adams
• Hell ain’t a Bad Place to Be – AC/DC
• The Boys are Back in Town – Thin Lizzy
• Rio – Duran Duran
• Saturday Night’s Alright for Fighting – Elton John
• Who are You – The Who
• Go Your Own Way – Fleetwood Mac
• Love Walked In – Thunder

Best Driving Songs- All-American road trip songs

• Born in the USA – Bruce Springsteen
• Sweet Home Alabama – Lynyrd Skynyrd
• Walk This Way – Aerosmith & Run DMC
• My Life – Billy Joel
• Living on a Prayer – Bon Jovi
• Footloose – Kenny Loggins
• One of these Nights – The Eagles
• Born to be Wild – Steppenwolf
• Nothing but a Good Time-  Poison

Planning a road trip? You might find these posts useful:

• How to plan a road trip
• The BEST printable road trip planner (FREE!)
• Most useful road trip apps
• 100 inspiring road trip quotes

25 Modern road trip songs to sing along with (2020 update)

Our favourite modern (ish!) driving songs, all of which are perfect to sing along to in the car and belt it out- especially in a traffic jam with people staring at you!! Add any (or all!) of these to your perfect summer road trip playlist.

• Physical- Dua Lipa
• Stupid Love – Lady Gaga
• Dance Monkey – Tones & I (you know you love it…)
• Take Me Back to London – Ed Sheeran
• All the Good Girls go to Hell – Billie Eilish
• What a Man Gotta Do – Jonas Brothers
• Castle on the Hill – Ed Sheeran
• Uptown Funk – Mark Robson & Bruno Mars
• Rockstar – Nickelback
• Looking for a Good Time – Lady Antebellum
• It’s My Life – Bon Jovi
• Take me to Church – Hozier
• Hold Back the River – James Bay
• Shut Up & Dance – Walk the Moon
• Happy – Pharell Williams
• The Pretender – Foo Fighters
• Hall of Fame – The Script
• Centuries – Fall Out Boy
• Sex on Fire – Kings of Leon
• The Kill – 30 Seconds to Mars
• Mr Brightside – The Killers
• My Songs Know What You Did in the Dark – Fall Out Boy
• Don’t Threaten Me with a Good Time – Panic at the Disco
• Knights of Cydonia – Muse
• If I had you – Adam Lambert
• All the Small Things – Blink 182

The ultimate girl’s road trip playlist- perfect songs to sing along with in the car!

Ah- I LOVE girly road trips, especially in the summer. There’s nothing better than some sunshine, good friends and some GREAT songs on the stereo. Here are some of our favourite road trip songs for girls (although we don’t mind if you boys listen to them too! 😉 )

20 Modern road trip sing-along songs for girls

• Rolling in the Deep – Adele
• Waking Up in Vegas – Katy Perry
• Trouble – Pink
• Everytime We Touch – Cascada
• According to You – Orianthi
• Bang Bang – Jessie J, Ariana Grande & Nicki Menaj
• Black Magic – Little Mix
• Heartbeat Song – Kelly Clarkson
• Sax – Fleur East
• Can’t Be Tame d- Miley Cyrus
• Fight Song – Rachel Platten
• The Best Damn Thing – Avril Lavigne
• Call Me Maybe – Carly Rae Jepsen
• U and Ur Hand – Pink!
• Part of Me – Katy Perry
• Shake it Off – Taylor Swift
• This is Me – Greatest Showman Soundtrack
• Raise Your Glass – Pink
• Living la Vida Loca – Ricky Martin
• Baby one more time – Brittany Spears

20 Classic road trip songs for girls to sing along to in the car!

• Walking on Sunshine – Katrina & the Waves
• Bitch – Meredith Brooks
• Everything I do, I do it for you – Bryan Adams
• Holding Out for a Hero – Bonnie Tyler
• Wake Me up before you Go-Go – Wham
• It’s Raining Men – Weather Girls
• Love Shack – B52s
• I’m so Excited – Pointer Sisters
• Dancing in the Moonlight – Toploader
• 9 to 5 – Dolly Parton
• Uptown Girl – Billy Joel
• Heaven is a Place on Earth – Belinda Carlisle
• Man! I Feel like a woman – Shania Twain
• Girls Just Wanna Have Fun – Cyndi Lauper
• Poker Face – Lady Gaga
• Burning Love – Wynonna (I much prefer this version- sorry Elvis!!)
• Love My Life – Robbie Williams
• Torn – Natalie Imbruglia
• Proud Mary – Tina Turner
• Summer Nights- Grease

14 Driving Songs with ‘road in the title’- perfect for a road trip playlist!

• Hit the Road Jack – Ray Charles
• Every Day is a Winding Road – Sheryl Crow
• Take me Home, Country Roads – John Denver
• The Long and Winding Road – The Beatles
• Bright Side of the Road – Van Morrison
• Long Road To Ruin – Foo Fighters
• Road Trippin’ – Red Hot Chilli Peppers
• Back on the Road Again – REO Speedwagon
• Thunder Road – Bruce Springsteen
• Road to Hell – Chris Rea
• Road to Nowhere – Talking Heads
• Old Town Road – Lil Nas X
• Roadhouse Blues – The Doors
• Road Less Traveled – Lauren Alaina

15 best songs about driving and cars

Some of the best songs about driving (and cars!) – all perfect for a road trip playlist!

• Mustang Sally – The Commitments
• Bat out of Hell – Meatloaf
• I Drove all night – Roy Orbison
• Rhythm Made Me Do It – Shania Twain
• Drive By – Train
• Greased Lightnin’ – Grease Soundtrack
• Paradise by the Dashboard Light – Meatloaf
• Bad Habit – The Offspring
• Car Wash – Rose Royce
• 2,4,6,8 Motorway – Tom Robinson Band
• Little Red Corvette – Prince
• Pink Cadillac – Bruce Springsteen
• Route 66 – Chuck Berry
• Drive – The Cars
• Drive My Car – The Beatles

Planning a long drive? These post might help

• 15 Essential road trip tips you NEED to know
• Things to remember before you leave
• Healthy snacks for road trips

Best Driving songs to drive faster to (and sing along with!!)

Yes, we’ve already had some AMAZING road trip songs for the playlist, but here are some more to crank it up and sing along with (just watch that speed limit!!)

• Don’t Stop Me Now – Queen
• Monkey Wrench – Foo Fighters
• Eye of the Tiger – Survivor
• Beat It – Michael Jackson
• 50 Ways to say Goodbye – Train
• River Deep, Mountain High – Tina Turner
• Cherry Pie – Warrant
• I would do anything for love – Meatloaf
• Addicted to Love – Robert Palmer
• Pour Some Sugar on Me – Def Leppard (one of the best songs about sugar ever 😉 )
• Any Way you Want it – Journey (or the Rock of Ages version!)
• DOA – Foo Fighters
• Lowlife – Theory of a Deadman
• Making it Hard – Hinder
• Oblivion – Terrorvision
• Haven’t Had Enough – Marianas Trench
• Angel with a Shotgun – The Cab
• Silent Majority – Nickelback
• Run to You – Bryan Adams
• Thanks for the Mmrs – Fall Out Boy
• The Anthem – Good Charlotte
• Teenagers – My Chemical Romance
• High School Never Ends – Bowling for Soup
• Seven Nation Army – White Stripes
• Kung Fu Fighting – Carl Douglas
• Build Me up Buttercup – The Foundations
• Johnny B Goode – Chuck Berry
• Come As You Are – Nirvana
• Teenage Dirtbag – Wheatus

20 Quieter Road trip songs- for when the kids are sleeping!

These songs are perfect when you want to turn it down a little bit. Admittedly, we tend to turn them up, but then we don’t have young kids anymore!

(Top tip for parents- these children’s car games won’t drive you crazy. Promise!)

• Livin’ Thing – Electric Light Orchestra
• All I Need is a Miracle – Mike and the Mechanics
• Everybody wants to Rule the World – Tears for Fears
• Money for Nothing – Dire Straits
• In the Air Tonight – Phil Collins  (just remember to air drum quietly!!)
• I don’t want a lover – Texas
• The Chain – Fleetwood Mac
• The Gambler – Kenny Rogers
• Stay with Me – Rod Stewart
• All Night Long- Lionel Richie
• No Son of Mine – Genesis
• Easy Lover – Phil Collins & Philip Bailey
• Every Little Thing She Does – The Police
• It’s a Beautiful Day – Michael Buble
• Jesus, He knows me – Genesis
• The Day We Caught the Train – Ocean Colour Scene
• All Right Now – Free
• Another Brick in the Wall – Pink Floyd
• Mama Told Me not to Come – Tom Jones
• Boys of Summer – Don Henley

Classic road trip driving songs for EVERY trip

These are some of our favourite driving tunes- but they didn’t really fit anywhere else (or they did, but my OCD with the numbers wouldn’t allow it!) Still, don’t forget to put these onto your ultimate driving playlist!!

• Africa – Toto
• Waterloo – Abba
• Like I Roll – Black Stone Cherry
• Sharp Dressed Man – ZZ Top
• I Love Rock n Roll – Joan Jet
• Counting Stars – OneRepublic
• Song 2 – Blur
• Only The Good Die Young – Billy Joel
• Dreadlock Holiday – 10cc
• Englishman in New York – Sting
• Stacy’s Mom – Bowling for Soup or Fountains of Wayne
• The Power of Love – Huey Lewis and The News
• One of Us – Joan Osborne
• Won’t Get Fooled Again – The Who
• When the Going gets tough – Billy Ocean
• I Can’t Dance – Genesis
• Losing My Religion – R.E.M
• We Are Family – Sister Sledge
• Video Killed the Radiostar – The Buggles
• Hit Me with your Best Shot – Pat Benatar
• I Got You (I Feel Good) – James Brown
• Graceland – Paul Simon
• Since You Been Gone – Rainbow
• Total Eclipse of the Heart – Bonnie Tyler
• Are You Gonna Go My Way – Lenny Kravitz
• I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For – U2

Spotify Link for this road trip playlist

If you’d like to download this playlist on Spotify, you can do so here.

And if you found it helpful and like our playlist, feel free to buy us a coffee 😉

Best Road Trip Songs- how did you like our Playlist?

Every single one of these songs makes us turn the volume up and sing along like crazy people- much to the amusement of anyone around us!

These are driving songs to embarrass yourselves to and enjoy every second.  I hope it’s given you some great ideas for your own road trip playlist- let me know what you include on yours!!

How else can I help you today?

• Record your trip in one of these beautiful road trip logbooks
• How to plan an epic RV trip for beginners
• The BEST gifts for road trippers
• Essential road trip kit
• Best Children’s car Games

Kat never planned to buy a motorhome. She also never planned to quit her job as an air traffic controller, go touring around Europe in said motorhome, start one of the UK’s largest motorhome travel websites… or get a cocker spaniel.

Find out how she went from stuck in the rat race to being a digital nomad and inspiring thousands of people to have their own epic adventures here.

If you’d like to connect with Kat, send her an email or follow her adventures on social media.

Sharing is caring!

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15 comments.

Wow that is a great list. You have a few I had forgotten. Very complete list of all music genre. That is the only problem I have with things like Sirrus and XM you have to select only one type. I love Pandora but as you mentioned DATA, DATA, so Ipod it is for roadtrips.

Thank you! We had a lot of fun writing it and listening to old songs 🙂 Yeah, Data is definitely something worth considering- it can get expensive quickly otherwise!

You missed out poison alive Cooper got to be on

thanks for the information

You’re welcome!

What an awesome song list. Thanks for sharing this list. take care…

You are very welcome- glad you enjoyed it. Happy Road trip!

Great lists. I made playlists on Spotify that can be accessed by anybody. Makes it easy if you have Spotify.

How do I access the playlist that you made

Rockin’ down the highway by The Doobie Brothers

Is there a way to automatically click a link or something so my Apple Music will automatically take and start playing the 150 song list

Wow. Now I have something to do while waiting for lockdown to end. I’ve never heard of some of yours! You won’t have heard of some of mine! Each to his own. I will start with Stones, Clapton, John Mayalls Bluesbreakers, Sonny Boy Williams……….Can’t stop, I’ve got to get my iPod.?

This is a really lovely list. I would also recommend Dead American Presidents’ Peaches for trips through farm country.

I miss the golden Earring with Radar love.

Can’t believe you don’t have and Go-Go’s songs listed!! I can think of a few that are awesome road trip songs !!

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The best road trip songs of all time

These road trip songs will make your next excursion a memorable one, whether you’re driving for few hours or a few days

Don’t get us wrong—we really love city life. But sometimes day-tripping to a nearby summer music festival doesn’t quite satiate our need for escape, and that’s where these classic road trip songs come in. When the urge strikes, it’s time to hit the highway/motorway/ whatever for a good, old-fashioned road trip. Of course, you can’t drive in complete silence—well, you can, but the very thought is giving us a flat tyre—so we’ve compiled our list of the best road trip songs to get your motors running and propel your journey into fifth gear. Crank up classics from the Boss, the Dead and Prince, and even some Whitesnake, as you cruise along the open road, forgetting every care in the world.

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Best road trip songs, ranked

1.  ‘Born to Run’ by Bruce Springsteen

Like Bruce Springsteen’s ‘Born in the U.S.A.,’ ‘Born to Run’ is darker than it may seem. Embedded in the scuffed poetry of the lyrics is a potent combination of rebellion, sex, disgust and determination—brought to life by the throaty passion of Springsteen’s voice, the liberating wail of Clarence Clemons’s sax and the sheer propulsive force of the E Street Band’s backup. “Someday girl, I don’t know when/We’re gonna get to that place where we really wanna go,” Springsteen promises. ‘Born to Run’, for all its spikes, takes you there. It’s a love song, an urban-jungle cry and a perfect anthem of pedal-to-the-metal escape.

2.  ‘Little Red Corvette’ by Prince

It doesn’t take a B.A. in poetry to figure this ditty’s got nothing to do with cars. In the world of Prince, coupés are women, horsepower is a pack of Trojan condoms, and gas is stamina in the sheets. The beat takes its time, synthetic drums echoing into the distance, just as the Purple One implores his one-night stand to take it slow, to make it two, three or more nights. Dez Dickerson peels out in the guitar solo, but she’s the one driving here. Perfect choice of car model—elusive, American, curvy, risky. It wouldn’t work as a Ferrari or Rolls.

3.  ‘Here I Go Again’ by Whitesnake

Been dumped recently? You need to go for a drive (preferably in a Jaguar XJ). You’ve made up your mind. You ain’t wasting no more time. So tease your hair, don your pleather, and crank up the volume on this 1982 hit—just try not to get stuck in traffic. This power ballad works better on the open road (with no adjacent drivers to judge your Coverdale cover moves).

4.  ‘Where the Streets Have No Name’ by U2

This anthemic opening track from U2’s landmark 1987 LP, The Joshua Tree, is an ideal kick-starter for any road trip (particularly if you're wandering about the California desert where the titular yucca plant is commonly found). From a whisper, the sound of an organ builds up like a spiritual beacon being unveiled. It’s well over a minute before the Edge’s churning guitar and Adam Clayton’s propulsive bassline kick in, and another 40 seconds before Bono’s vocals touch down. By then, you’re ready to hit top gear and wail along: ‘I want to run/I want to hide/I want to tear down the walls that hold me inside.’ Though this road trip song is about Bono’s vision of an Ireland free from class boundaries, it has inspired countless highway warriors to venture out to those places that maybe aren’t on the map.

5.  ‘Love Shack’ by the B-52s

‘Hop in my Chrysler! It’s as big as a whale, and it’s about to set sail!’ booms Fred Schneider on this all-time great party song . Admittedly, it’s hard to dance like no one’s watching when you’re behind the wheel of a Chrysler (or a Fiat Punto, for that matter), but ‘Love Shack’ will liven up any road trip. If your bum’s getting numb, just whack it on and have yourself a little front or backseat disco. 

6.  ‘Sweet Home Alabama’ by Lynyrd Skynyrd

American football possibly killed off Southern boogie rock. Hear us out. Because of college pigskin rivalries, this song could not be made today. College football is a matter of life and death down there, literally. Iconic trees and people have been murdered over games. Skynyrd was born deep in SEC country: The boogie-rock brothers were from Jacksonville, not Alabama, and cut the track in Georgia. Could you imagine a bunch of Gators fans cutting a tune that could in any way be construed as ‘Roll Tide’? Yankees and rivals love to mock and loathe the Crimson Tide, but when this ditty plays, every human in the room, no matter the allegiance, becomes a temporary, gen-u-wine Mobile redneck.

7.  ‘I Drove All Night’ by Cyndi Lauper

The irreverent thrift-shop spunk that defined Cyndi Lauper’s persona in the 1980s sometimes overshadowed her killer range and sensitivity as a vocalist, but ‘I Drove All Night’—from her third album, 1989’s ‘A Time to Remember’—finds her in a different mode. Driven by a feverish desire, she takes the wheel and makes her own way to her lover’s bed. (She may coyly ask, ‘Is that all right?’ but by that time she’s already done it.) And Lauper’s impressively sustained last note is a perfect expression of the song’s sense of undeterrable yearning.

8.  ‘Fast Car’ by Tracy Chapman

Tracy Chapman’s beautifully direct 1988 hit, from her eponymous debut album, gives escapism an especially poignant twist. The speeding car and its romantic freedom (‘City lights stretched out before us/Your arm felt nice wrapped 'round my shoulder’) can’t be separated from what it’s speeding from: a life of urban poverty, trapped taking care of deadbeats—first a drunk father and then, at the end, the very driver that she had dreamed might carry her to rescue.

9.  ‘Keep the Car Running’ by Arcade Fire

If there’s one quality that characterizes Arcade Fire’s sound, it’s urgency—and nowhere is that more evident than on ‘Keep the Car Running’ from the band’s super noir, grandiose 2007 ‘Neon Bible’ album. Based on singer Win Butler’s childhood nightmares (‘Men are coming to take me away!’ he pines), ‘Keep the Car Running’ expands these fears into a sense of global anxiety, and the certainty that there must be something better down the road (‘Don’t know why, but I know I can’t stay’). On its release, the song was likened to prime-era Bruce Springsteen; imagine fans’ joy when Butler and Régine Chassagne made a surprise showing at the Boss’s stadium gig to bust out the song with him. Warning: You will need to be super-careful not to break the speed limit if you play this song while driving.

10.  ‘Truckin’’ by Grateful Dead

Let us pause, and acknowledge the fact that this road trip song has been recognised by the U.S. Library of Congress as a national treasure. Mmmm. Written and performed communally by Jerry Garcia, Phil Lesh, Bob Weir and lyricist Robert Hunter, the catchy, bluesy shuffle turns the band’s misfortunes on the road into a metaphor for getting through life’s constant changes. And really, what’s a good trip—or a good life—if you can’t exclaim at the end, ‘What a long, strange trip it’s been’?

11.  ‘Road to Nowhere’ by Talking Heads

The gospel-choir intro to this upbeat single, off 1985’s ‘Little Creatures’ LP , makes for a great start to any road-trip mix. The song celebrates the journey over the destination—as frontman David Byrne puts it, ‘I wanted to write a song that presented a resigned, even joyful look at doom.’ (Typical of him.) Not every end point is a good one, but we’ll be damned if this march doesn’t have us enjoying the ride.

12.  ‘Graceland’ by Paul Simon

Road trips are a time for contemplation, whether we expect it (or like it) or not. Paul Simon’s 1986 single is a perfect, toe-tapping example—we’re treated to what’s basically his stream of consciousness on a drive to Graceland with his son after the failure of his marriage to the late, great Carrie Fisher. At turns both nostalgic and hopeful, it runs the gamut of emotions we always seem to experience a little more profoundly on the road.

13.  ‘Take It Easy’ by the Eagles

The Eagles took flight in 1972 with their debut single: a quick but mellow paean to the romance of the road, where a world of troubles—romantic and otherwise—can be shucked at the mere sight of a girl (my lord!) in a flatbed Ford. Cowritten by frontman Glenn Frey and his friend Jackson Browne, the song’s rejection of worry and release into insouciant adventure are perfect for relieving tension on a drive. As the lyrics gently urge: ‘Don’t let the sound of your own wheels drive you crazy.’

14.  ‘America’ by Simon and Garfunkel

Add this one to your bucket list: Everyone should be required (at least once) to listen to their restless side, hitchhike, board a bus and go to another city/state/country to find something better—as described in Simon and Garfunkel’s 1968 classic, which follows two young lovers on a Greyhound in search for America. Take your sweetie along for the ride, smoke cigarettes on the side of the road, chat with the weirdos you meet on your journey, and by all means, indulge in a few slices of all-American pie.

15.  ‘Route 66’ by Chuck Berry

This R&B standard, written in 1946 by Bobby Troup, has been covered by everyone from the Rolling Stones to John Mayer and Depeche Mode. We’re partial to Chuck Berry’s 1961 rendition, which matches the 2,400-mile pilgrimage on the L.A.–Chicago-connecting titular highway to a T. Who better than the father of rock & roll to accompany a trip past greasy-spoon diners, tiny towns frozen in time and striking Americana landscapes?

16.  ‘Home’ by Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros

First and foremost a love song, the L.A. troupe’s jingly-jangly 2010 smash single is also, obviously, about coming home – making it the perfect road trip song. Naturally, the feel-good tune should be played at the end of your voyage, when you’re speeding a bit because you just can’t wait to get home to your significant other/parents/puppy/comfy bed.

17.  ‘Going Up the Country’ by Canned Heat

Released in 1968 and adapted from a 1920s blues song, Canned Heat’s highest-charting single was the unofficial anthem of Woodstock—and even after all this time, it’s the perfect track to kick off a road trip, a steering-wheel-tapping, grin-inducing song that makes you immediately pine for sun-drenched fields: “I’m going where the water tastes like wine, we can jump in the water, stay drunk all the time.” Those dudes had their priorities straight…just so long as they had a designated driver.

18.  ‘I’ve Been Everywhere’ by Johnny Cash

Music has always had the power to educate. Billy Joel’s ‘We Didn’t Start the Fire’ taught us more 20th-century American history than a year’s worth of school hisoty lessons. For a CliffsNotes anatomy lesson, we turned to Professor Sir Mix-a-Lot. And when it comes to geography, there is no better musical resource than this name-dropping country ditty, first released with North American locales in 1962 by Canadian crooner Hank Snow. In four verses, 91 places are rattled off in rapid-fire succession—destinations both big (Chicago and Nashville) and small (Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, and Haverstraw, New York). This road trip song has been covered many times and adapted for different regions of the globe, but we’re partial to the Man in Black’s 1996 rendition, simply because his weathered, gravelly bass-baritone suggests a man who has indeed been everywhere.

19.  ‘Hit the Road Jack’ by Ray Charles

Fiendishly simple with its descending piano chords, ‘Hit the Road Jack’ is sung from the perspective of a philanderer being ejected by his lady. By all rights this 1961 R&B classic should win a prize for being impossible not to sing along to: ‘What you say?!’ screams soul hero Charles to his velvet-voiced Raelettes. Later he complains, ‘You can’t mean that,’ about as convincingly as a cat picking bird feathers from between its teeth. The track's most memorable use in a road trip appears in the 1989 comedy movie The Dream Team .

20.  ‘Holiday Road’ by Lindsey Buckingham

Hard to hear this seemingly happy little sock hop without thinking of the Griswold family station wagon zooming to Walley World. As its dark video helps to underline, the lyrics speak more of feeling trapped than free. The Fleetwood Mac man was an ace at hiding his boyish ache behind melodic smiles. Which is why this road trip song is such simple genius: It works the same whether you’re chained to a desk and longing for a vacation or finally on the highway, shooting to God knows where with no deadlines.

21.  ‘Mr. Blue Sky’ by Electric Light Orchestra

The sweet spot is 176 beats per minute. That’s a giddy run, the pace of your footsteps hitting the pavement as you jog home after a first kiss. Though we haven’t tested this, we theorise it is the precise cadence of fence posts whipping past your window as you motor down a highway just above the speed limit. ‘Mr. Blue Sky’ is 176 beats per minute, which is why, whenever it plays, you have the urge to run like a big dumb puppy dog to a boyfriend/girlfriend, or let the wind blow through your hair at 76mph, as you croon along to the vocoder like a robot. Warning: When ‘Mr. Blue Sky’ is used without such outlets, it can cause deep wanderlust.

22.  ‘I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)’ by the Proclaimers

If there’s one road trip song that can unite everyone in the car in the simple act of thumping whatever surface is near them in time with a ludicrously catchy tune, it’s this one—a hit in 1988 for Scottish twins the Proclaimers. Fun fact: The ‘havering’ referred to in the first verse (‘And if I haver, I know I’m gonna be the man who’s havering to you’) is Scots slang for babbling foolishly. So now you know.

23.  ‘Ride Like the Wind‘ by Christopher Cross

Take your EGOT and stuff it. Chris Cross has the transportation trifecta—mega-hits for the sea (‘Sailing’), sky (‘Arthur’s Theme’) and road (‘Ride Like the Wind’). People condescendingly pigeonhole the guy as yacht rock (the pink flamingo on his smash album doesn’t help), but he’s truly yacht-jet-and-rental-car rock. Despite its lily-white reputation, ‘Ride‘ is cool and dangerous. It’s possibly—no, probably—about drug smuggling. Racing away to Mexico with Michael McDonald as the devil on your shoulder. Hearing those percolating bongos, wind effects, electric piano and oily guitar licks, it could fit right on Daft Punk’s ‘Random Access Memories’ album . It remains DJ gold. Call it ‘Get Unlucky’.

24.  ‘Ramblin’ Man’ by the Allman Brothers Band

We may not have been born in the backseat of a Greyhound bus (thanks, mum!), but for whatever reason, the idea of being a ramblin’ man (or woman) is endlessly appealing. And when we play this 1973 hit—based on Hank Williams’s 1951 song of the same name—on the open road, that’s exactly who we are. At least until Monday.

25.  ‘On the Road Again’ by Willie Nelson

Nothing beats hitting the open road, where you can escape the stress of work, family, bills, city life and just be free, man. Just ask tireless road dog Willie Nelson. The Red Headed Stranger penned this 1980 country hit—the ultimate get-the-hell-out-of-town anthem—not in the back of a tour bus but rather, of all places, on a barf bag midflight.

26.  ‘Runnin’ Down a Dream’ by Tom Petty

Some would argue that we could have built this entire list solely out of Petty tunes—but we had to make a choice, and we picked this 1989 single from the song man’s first solo record, ‘Full Moon Fever’. Not only does it take place in a car, but the tune’s reference to Del Shannon’s ‘Runaway’ and killer guitar solo make it a perfect fit for blasting out of your speakers while cruising down the interstate in pursuit of the American dream, your future destination or simply that next roadside burger.

27.  ‘Let Me Ride’ by Dr. Dre

Dr. Dre’s ‘The Chronic’ album arrived on the heels of the 1992 South Central riots. Folks in Compton were looking to escape and could not—and not just because of the traffic on the 110 and 405. This was a cry for cruising with the bucket seats dropped back, slow rolling on a resting-heart-rate rhythm and those G-funk dog-whistle keyboards. ‘Swing down, sweet chariot, stop, let me ride,’ goes the chorus lifted from Parliament’s ‘Mothership Connection,’ itself based on a slave spiritual. But just because the song hides a deeper political meaning the way lowriders hide a subwoofer in the trunk, there’s no reason Dre can’t roll in style. Specifically, in a 1964 Chevy Impala shoed with Dayton rims (a.k.a. ‘Ds,’ as in ‘Throw some Ds on that bitch’).

28.  ‘Born to Be Wild’ by Steppenwolf

The riff, like the rev of a motorcycle throttle, has become so terribly commonplace, it’s hard to imagine what it must have been like to hear its ‘heavy-metal thunder’ with virgin ears during the opening credits of Easy Rider . Today, Steppenwolf’s monster hit is a movie-trailer cliché on par with ‘Bad to the Bone’ and ‘I Got You (I Feel Good).’ What was once-tough biker rock is now Viagra-ad fodder. Still, if you can wash out the soundtrack memories of Problem Child, Dr. Dolittle 2, Rugrats Go Wild, et al., the dirty little number still rips, along with a deep huff of exhaust fumes and jazz cigarettes.

29.  ‘Don’t Stop Believin’’ by Journey

A thousand terrible karaoke performances have somewhat dulled the lustre of this once-gleaming classic ’80s song , but once it comes on in the car, you’ll be in love with it all over again within seconds. Just don’t use it as a road map—there is no such place as South Detroit. Okay, there is, but it’s in Ontario, Canada, so you might need your passport. 

30.  ‘Interstate Love Song’ by Stone Temple Pilots

The underrated STP (hey, that’s a fuel additive) was never truly a grunge band. The ‘Core’ album was a trend-surfing foot in the door, the American equivalent to Blur’s baggy-riding ‘Leisure’. Really, the bands have more melodic ambitions. Scott Weiland, as his solo albums and pink fur coat proved, had far more Bowie in him than his peers. ‘Interstate Love Song’  was the lifting of the veil, when the Pilots announced, Hey, we actually listen to the Beatles , not the Melvins. It chugs along with drop-top bliss, even if the chorus is oddly about trains, not driving.

31.  ‘Radar Love’ by Golden Earring

Appropriately for a song about driving, this 1973 cut from Dutch rockers Golden Earring is one of the best road trip songs ever written. ‘The road has got me hypnotised, I’m speeding into a new sunrise!’ wails singer Barry Hay, as that bassline gets your head nodding and your foot instinctively pressing down on the gas. ‘Radar Love’ also has the best breakdown of any rock song ever. This is an indisputable scientific fact.

32.  ‘Life Is a Highway’ by Tom Cochrane

Okay. We know how heavy-handed these metaphors are. And how forced the rhymes are. We never said every song on this list was a masterpiece. But we dare you not to sing along with the chorus of this 1991 cheesefest— especially on a highway. Maybe no one ever listens to the song in its entirety (sorry Tom), but one or two ‘life is a highway’s are pretty much mandatory. Give in.

33.  ‘The Way’ by Fastball

Alt-rock band Fastball had a breakout 1998 hit with this fast-driving tale of a married pair that ditches its conventional home and family, in favour of a dream life on the highway with no destination. The feel-good, sing-along optimism of the chorus—‘They’ll never get hungry, they’ll never get old and grey’—has a dark undercurrent: Weeks after their disappearance, the bodies of the real-life Texas couple who inspired the song were discovered in an Arkansas ravine. But all of life’s roads hit a dead-end eventually: Better, maybe, at least to leave the driveway.

34.  ‘California’ by Phantom Planet

Contrary to popular belief, the hair-metal power ballad did not die by grunge’s bullet. The hair just got shorter and the trousers got looser. Case in point: this 2002 theme from The O.C. It is emo made only from the emotion of uncut nostalgia. It is basically Motley Crüe’s ‘Home Sweet Home’ for mollycoddled millennials, right down to the video compiled from sentimental tour footage. And it is oddly reminiscent of Al Jolson’s ‘California, Here I Come.’ That’s some feat, finding the common ground between Jolson and the Crüe. Man, remember when Ryan became a cage fighter after Marissa died?

35.  ‘Shut Up and Drive’ by Rihanna

This electro bop from 2007 isn’t a top-tier Rihanna tune, but it still kinda rips. Driven – pun definitely intended – by a crafty sample from New Order’s club classic ‘Blue Monday’, it’s an unashamedly fluffy new wave pastiche that’s as much about sex as hitting the open highway. Don’t even pretend you can resist it – especially when the chance of RiRi releasing new music any time soon seems to get slimmer with each passing year. 

36.  ‘Running on Empty’ by Jackson Browne

There’s a reason this song soundtracks the Forrest Gump  protagonist’s famous transcontinental jog: Few pop tunes capture the rush of earthbound travel—by foot, by car or, in Jackson Browne’s case, by tour bus—better than this autobiographical FM-radio staple. But what makes it a classic is the ambiguity in Browne’s message. ‘I don’t know where I’m running now; I’m just running on,’ he sings, perfectly summing up how the desire for escape can be its own kind of trap.

37.  ‘Two of Us’ by the Beatles

The Fab Four’s back catalogue is replete with songs about travelling around: ‘Drive My Car,’ ‘Day Tripper,’ ‘Ticket to Ride,’ ‘Yellow Submarine’—the list goes on and on like a long and winding road. No Beatles track, though, captures the feeling of setting off into uncharted territory with someone special better than ‘Two of Us,’ penned by Paul McCartney in 1969. There is debate as to whether McCartney’s partner in crime in this song is future wife Linda Eastman, as he claims, or John Lennon, which some of the nostalgia-infused lyrics would suggest. No matter—an impromptu road trip is a good time whether your passenger-seat companion is your new flame or your counterpart in the greatest songwriting tandem of all time.

38.  ‘Chicago’ by Sufjan Stevens

Some songs make your heart beat faster from the get-go, and 2005 road-trip song ‘Chicago’ is just such a gem, announcing its entrance in a whirlwind of strings and a rush of percussion. The backing cuts suddenly to Stevens’s voice, whispering that most universal human sentiment: ‘I fell in love again—all things go, all things go,’ and then later, another familiar feeling: ‘I made a lot of mistakes, I made a lot of mistakes.’ It’s this acknowledgement of our frailty, coupled with our irrepressible capacity for hope and excitement that gives  ‘Chicago’ its electrifying, driving charge. That and the fact it features in the ridiculously touching road movie Little Miss Sunshine .

39.  ‘Fade Into You’ by Mazzy Star

Night driving found a shimmering musical complement in this ethereal 1994 track from dream popsters Mazzy Star. In a rare bit of sonic magic, it seems that no matter how fast you’re driving, the low beats per minute on ‘Fade Into You’ always manage to sync up perfectly with the passing dividing lines visible from your car’s two headlights. And a night drive, preferably undertaken as you’re pining for an unrequited love, wouldn’t be complete without Hope Sandoval’s dusk, haunting vocals echoing throughout your ride. Two-lane highway bliss, by moonlight.

40.  ‘The Golden Age’ by Beck

This 2002 road trip song, off Beck’s desolate, heartbreaking ‘Sea Change’ , is one of the most perfect and profound illustrations of driving as a means of escape. It’s best played at night, in the desert if you’ve got one handy, when you feel like crap but have pretty much come to terms with it. And when, as Beck says, ‘You've gotta drive all night just to feel like you’re okay.’ Go forth, drive and wallow. Maybe you’ll feel better in the morning.

41.  ‘Scar Tissue’ by Red Hot Chili Peppers

The L.A.-bred Peppers clearly know a thing or two about hitting the highways, as evidenced by a song catalogue riddled with Cali-inspired, crank-up-the-dial tunes. For a journey out on the open road, we like this lead track off the band’s 1999 album, ‘Californication’, due to its lilting desert-by-twilight vibe. The song’s main attraction is John Frusciante’s wailing guitar solos, which achingly embody Anthony Kiedis’s lyrics about isolation and the twisted, drug-fuelled paths he’s traversed (‘With the birds I’ll share this lonely view’). Enter tumbleweed, stage right.

42.  ‘Every Day Is a Winding Road’ by Sheryl Crow

The little sister to Tom Cochrane’s ‘Life Is a Highway,’ Sheryl Crow’s 1996 hit unabashedly co-opts the use of automotive byways as metaphors for life’s ups and downs. (Billy ‘the world is a vampire’ Corgan apparently misread the memo.) The ‘wacky’ characters in Crow’s songs are often a bit too precious for our liking—in this case, a vending-machine repairman with a daughter he calls ‘Easter’ (what?)—but the chorus always gets us fired up for some hairpin turns, even when we’re cruising down a seemingly endless straightaway. This road trip song works perfectly when your destination is San Francisco’s iconic Lombard Street, whose residents probably have this tune swirling in their heads 24/7.

43.  ‘Jack & Diane’ by John Cougar Mellencamp

Inevitably, your road trip is going to hit some lulls: You’re fighting off the yawns, your passengers have passed out, and it's 57 miles to the next pit stop. When this happens, there’s one sure-fire way to get your journey back on course: Unleash the Cougar. Indiana’s favourite son specialiaes in songs about the heartland, and his crowning jewel is this 1982 chart topper about two high-school sweethearts and the twists and turns of their American Dream. Despite the jaunty beat and an epic drum breakdown rivaling the one in Phil Collins’s ‘In the Air Tonight,’ the tale is cautionary, urging us to savour those thrilling, carefree teenage years. Oh, to be young, in love and suckin’ on chilli dogs outside the Tastee Freez.…

44.  ‘King of the Road’ by Roger Miller

Did our dads play this 1964 ditty on long car rides when we were little? You betcha. Do we think they contemplated the potential consequences of making penniless vagabonds sound super cool? Doubtful. Regardless, it’s a timeless everyman’s anthem, and darn if it isn’t catchy. We really like listening to it in our van down by the river.

45.  ‘Green Onions’ by Booker T. & the M.G.’s

This R&B instrumental, recorded in 1962, is the perfect soundtrack for an unhurried drive, when you’re sick of singing along and ready to just cruise. It’s repetitive, much like the open road, but with a steady beat and some soulful Hammond organ to keep things interesting. Widely considered to be one of the greatest songs of all time, it’s received accolades from Rolling Stone , Acclaimed Music, the Grammy Hall of Fame and the Library of Congress. If AAA had a greatest songs list, we’re sure ‘Green Onions’ would be on that, too.

46.  ‘Mustang Sally’ by Wilson Pickett

You can probably blame censorship for our automobile sex fetishes. Early rock & rollers couldn’t sing about sex, so they sang about their cars…with not-so-subtle undertones. ‘Mustang Sally,’ the grandmother of ‘Little Red Corvette’ only wants to ‘ride around,’ and Pickett howls with his thumb out, looking to hitch. Don’t let this song’s karaoke staple status let you forget what it’s really about. 

47.  ‘Going Back to Cali’ by LL Cool J

From Al Jolson to Led Zeppelin and Phantom Planet, dozens of artists have tapped into the westward dream of the Golden State. Heck, the tradition stretches back to Gold Rush ditties of the mid 19th century, Smithsonian Folkways fodder like ‘Life in California.’ But only one man made the trip wrapped in precious metals, not seeking them. Cool J cruises to the coast, as he proclaims in verse, in a Corvette with a Laurents chrome chain steering wheel, Dayton wire rims and a gold-leaf convertible top. Rick Rubin’s stark 808 beats thunder under the extremely relaxed rhymes of Mr. Ladies Love. ‘I’m going back to Cali,’ he nearly whispers before shrugging it off. ‘Hmm, I don't think so’ He might go, he might not. With his riches, he is a walking California. That’s cool. Cool enough to pull off one of the few sax solos in hip-hop history.

48.  ‘The Distance’ by Cake

With the band’s signature horns and a self-serious melody that practically requires head-bobbing and Speed Racer–esque intensity (you may even want to invest in racing gloves), this single off of 1996’s ‘Fashion Nugget’ album is irresistible. The album is filled with more on-the-nose driving songs than this one (‘Race Car Ya-Yas,’ ‘Stickshifts and Safetybelts’), but this is the money single—and got the album platinum status. Throw it on repeat and hit the open road. Just take an occasional break for track No. 7, the band’s excellent cover of Gloria Gaynor’s ‘I Will Survive.’

49.  ‘Roadrunner’ by the Modern Lovers

Talk about a brilliant juxtaposition: Jonathan Richman’s 1972 cut, written when he was 19, beautifully contrasts the Velvet Underground’s bare-bones, dirty-as-hell chugalug sound with a subject matter so suburban that Richman’s heroes Lou Reed & Co. wouldn’t dare touch it: The thrill of being young, driving in a car and blasting the radio. The song’s repetitive two-chord propulsion is a perfect late-night road-trip pick-me-up. And there’s a bangin’ cover by Joan Jett & the Blackhearts to check out, too.

50.  ‘Have Love, Will Travel’ by the Sonics

At some stage in your life—at any point between getting your driver’s licence and getting married, really—you’ll drive from ‘Maine to Mexico’ for a piece of ass, as Gerry Roslie does in this proto-punk classic. The high-tension twang of the guitar sounds like the strings are about to snap, the perfect sonic emulation of sexual frustration. A recent ad for Mexican beer claims you need an ‘encyclopedic knowledge of garage rock’ to pull up this song, as if from some lost, dusty volume. Nah, this is Rock & Roll 101.

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The 50 Greatest Car Songs in Rap History

The ultimate playlist for your whip.

Image via Complex Original

Hip-hop and car culture have long been tied at the hip. Some rappers prefer Lambo’s to Rolls Royce’s, and some like to keep it old-school. We know that In Cali they ride Dayton’s, and in Houston it’s swangers, but whether you're from the east coast, the west coast or somewhere in-between, riding clean is an absolute must.

As hip-hop has expanded to reach different cultures, the music has always reflected the importance of having a nice set of wheels. That’s why we’ve put together The  50 Greatest Car Songs In Rap History . Over the years, rappers have spilled about everything from road-tripping with their crew to stunting with their new wheels in their old hood. Take a look inside, and find out which songs we’re riding with and why they made the cut.

RELATED:  Best Songs to Blast in the Car RELATED:  25 Monumental Cars of Hip-Hop

50. Dre f/ Rick Ross "Chevy Ridin High" (2006)

Producer : Cool & Dre Album : N/A Label : Zomba When Dre of Cool And Dre stepped out from behind the boards and into the booth, he rapped about what he knew. The Miami scraper culture is huge, and Dre ended up penning this summer anthem to highlight just how much money was being put into tricking out and restoring old-school American vehicles.

Rick Ross swooped in with two stellar verses to accompany a catchy chorus and energetic production, but it was the respect paid to the Miami scraper scene that pulled listeners from everywhere into the real pulse of the city.

49. The Game f/ Techniec, E-40, Crooked I, Chingy, Lil Rob, WC & Ice Cube "My Lowrider" (2005)

Producer : Chops Album : Stop Snitchin–Stop Lyin Label : Black Wall Street On “My Lowrider,” Game linked up with some long-time west coast legends like E-40, WC and Ice Cube, and they all went in, connected by multiple generations of classic Cali car culture. Paul Wall also added a verse, bringing some Houston flavor to the track.

Aside from being an absolute banger, “My Lowrider” showed just how deeply woven car culture is into every generation of western hip-hop, going all the way back to its roots. For all the east coast has contributed to hip-hop, it's safe to say that no one does riding music like the left coast does.

48. Lil B "Rolls Royce" (2009)

Producer : Lil B Album : 6 Kiss Label : N/A For many of us, being able to own a car that we're proud of is a goal worth working for. On “Rolls Royce,” Lil B talks about how he's realized that more important than buying a dream car is the journey that gets you there and the life you lead after you can afford it.

B kicks some knowledge about how there's more to life than possessions, while relaying the message that he once strived for the same things. Superficiality is an aspect of hip-hop that's not going away, but Lil B's “Rolls Royce” puts it all in perspective.

47. Will Smith "Just Cruisin'" (1997)

Producer : Poke & Tone Album : Big Willie Style Label : Columbia Records Be it starring in blockbuster movies and television shows or crafting classic rap records, Will Smith does it all and has it all. Though, as he demonstrates on “Just Cruisin',” sometimes we've all got to get away. Working your ass off all week is sure to catch up with you at some point. “Just Cruisin'” is the perfect soundtrack for hitting the open road, alone in your whip, and going wherever those last few gallons of gas will take you.

46. Waka Flocka Flame & Slim Dunkin f/ D-Bo "BMW" (2011)

Producer : Southside Album : Twin Towers 2 Label : N/A On “BMW,” Waka Flocka and Slim Dunk turn the Bavarian Motor Works acronym into an abbreviation for “body made wrong.” It's playful and it's hilarious, but more importantly it's a testament to the fun-loving bond that these two rappers had. “BMW” is one of the best songs these Waka and Slim made together, before Slim Dunkin's passing in December of last year.

45. Lil Boosie "Tight Whips" (2009)

Producer : Unknown Album : Thug Passion Label : N/A It's hard to break a man's spirit when he's gotten his haircut, taken a fresh shower and has some nice wheels to drive around in. On “Tight Whips,” Boosie's feeling himself, and his energy is contagious. This is the theme music for the Friday night ride to the club, when the only thing left to do is hop out and make sure everybody sees you.

44. Slim Thug f/ Paul Wall "Top Drop" (2009)

Producer : Mr. Rogers Album : Boss Of All Bosses Label : Boss Hogg Outlawz/E1 Music “Top Drop” isn't your typical song about cruising in an old Cadillac, and stunting for all to see. Instead, the beat utilizes keys and a sample to curate a reflective mood. Slim Thug and Paul Wall rap thoughtful verses, and touch on how sometimes a car can be all a person has to momentarily escape their problems. Anytime you need to take that late-night drive to get your mind off everything you're going through, put this on repeat and ride out.

43. Gucci Mane & Waka Flocka Flame "Ferrari Boyz" (2011)

Producer : Drumma Boy Album : Ferrari Boyz Label : 1017 Brick Squad/BSM/Asylum/Warner Bros. Not known for his class and sophistication, on “Ferrari Boyz,” Gucci raps about passing on the Rolls Royce Phantom, opting instead for the wilder and more fitting yellow, two-seater Ferrari. Waka joins in on the fun and cops the red one, and the Ferrari Boyz tandem rips through the streets of Atlanta.

The song boasts a charming aimlessness, as if the two friends simply drive around, with nowhere to go, impressing women and being cheered on by locals all day. Of course, it's not that simple, but that doesn't stop us all from wishing we could also buy colorful Ferraris and parade around the city with our friends.

42. Rick Ross f/ R. Kelly "Speedin" (2008)

Producer : The Runners Album : Trilla Label : Slip-n-Slide/Def Jam Though Rick Ross is known for having quite the car collection, “Speedin” is not only about mashing the gas, doing 100-miles-per-hour in a Maybach. It's also about living the fast life. Ross raps about money flowing in and out of his accounts faster than he can wrap his head around and doing things he always dreamed of on the regular.

Rozay realizes the excess can be dangerous. However, he raps about it inconspicuously enough that if you're not paying attention, you might think it's just a great record about expensive cars and high speeds. Forget a one-liner with a double meaning. This entire song doubles as a metaphor for his life.

41. Yelawolf "Daddy's Lambo" (2010)

Producer : Drama Beats, Cameron Wallace Album : Trunk Muzik 0-60 Label : Ghet-O-Vision/DGC/Interscope Through the years, there's been many a song dedicated to rappers attracting hot females with even hotter whips. On “Daddy's Lambo,” Yelawolf flips the script and raps instead about fraternizing with rich Hollywood socialites whilst trying to convince them to let him drive their daddy's Lamborghini.

The song hammers home the message that the fortunate upperclass need those who struggle to make ends meet to realize their privilege. To some, it may serve as a mirror that reveals an uncomfortable image of our society, but if you're just looking for some music to cruise to, it bangs all the same.

40. Public Enemy "You're Gonna Get Yours" (1987)

Producer : Bill Stephney Album : Yo! Bum Rush The Show Label : Def Jam/Columbia Chuck D and Public Enemy were known for whipping around Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight's. Though, as they were quick to point out on “You're Gonna Get Yours,” with a little shine comes a lot of hate. On this jam, Chuck D lashes out at the haters with some sly and probably half-hearted encouragement. With a voice made to played at loud volumes, Chuck D went in and made one of the best riding records ever.

39. Xzibit "Front 2 Back" (2000)

Producer : Rockwilder Album : Restless Label : Loud On “Front 2 Back,” Xzibit revisits the archetypal musings of hitting switches and riding old-schools, but this isn't your typical easy-going record about having fun. Instead, he brings the ruckus and spits that energetic LA hood flow that makes you want to go do something out of character. Xzibit matched the aggressiveness of Rockwilder's hard-hitting beat, and it turned out to be one of his greatest records ever.

38. DJ Quik f/ Nate Dogg "Black Mercedes" (2005)

Producer : DJ Quik Album : Trauma Label : Mad Science/Fontana Distribution There's nothing sexier than a woman who's got her own. On “Black Mercedes,” DJ Quik becomes entranced by a sexy woman in a nice car. Nate Dogg adds his usual dose of beautifully misogynist crooning, while Quik finds a comfortable pocket to settle into and spits about possibly falling in lust with this mystery woman.

Somehow, “Black Mercedes” is ageless and criminally slept on. Though, seven years later it sounds as good as it ever has. We miss you, Nate Dogg. Rest in peace.

37. Beastie Boys "High Plains Drifter" (1989)

Producer : Beastie Boys, Dust Brothers, Mario Caldato Jr. Album : Paul's Boutique Label : Capitol “High Plains Drifter” is a tale of a wild night gone awry in the Beastie Boys native Brooklyn stomping grounds. Adrock, MCA and Mike D rap about a night they drive recklessly, ruining property and committing multiple robberies, before being pulled over and booked by the police. The Beasties use their trademark tag-teaming flow for all three verses and keep the story intriguing and laughable, at the same time.

36. Coolio "Fantastic Voyage" (1994)

Producer : Brian Dobbs Album : It Takes A Thief Label : Tommy Boy Records/Warner Bros. Judging by his not-so-fantastic run-ins with the law in recent years, it's easy to assume that Coolio would relish returning to the days of old, when all he was worried about was how far he could get on a full tank of gas. “Fantastic Voyage” was Coolio anthem for anyone looking to escape the hardships of the hood and ride out to a place where the people were easy-going and parties never ended. That place doesn't exist, but Coolio made us feel like it did, and that he knew exactly how to get there.

35. T.I. "Top Back" (2006)

Producer : Mannie Fresh Album : King Label : Grand Hustle/Atlantic On “Top Back,” T.I. lets the world know exactly how he likes to ride, minus packing the machine gun arsenal of a small country, of course. He talks about the stuff of memory for all hip-hop fans in their youth, listening to music at obnoxious levels and riding only with your closest homies.

T.I. was able to step it up a bit by riding kitted-out, with tinted windows and huge rims, but we all remember blaring our music until our system was hot and on the verge of giving out for good. “Top Back” represents those times when the ride is just as important as the destination.

34. Big Tymers f/ Lac, Lil Wayne & Juvenile "#1 Stunna" (2000)

Producer : Mannie Fresh Album : I Got That Work Label : Cash Money/Universal Sometimes you've just got to shine a little bit. On “#1 Stunna,” the Big Tymers waxed poetic about that stuntastic feeling that accompanies riding through your hood in whips most commonly seen in James Bond flicks. Everyone wants to come back to their old stomping grounds and prove to the people they grew up with that they've made something of themselves and were better than their peers all along. This is the anthem for our inner egomaniacal and fantastically disrespectful selves.

33. Masta Ace Inc. "Jeep Ass Niguh" (1993)

Producer : Bluez Brothas, Ase One Album : SlaughtaHouse Label : Delicious Vinyl On “Jeep Ass Niguh,” Masta Ace takes us back to a simpler time, when street confrontations weren't always life-threatening. He raps about his Jeep boasting the loudest base on the block and how it intimidated anyone from engaging in a battle of the booming systems. This is the kind of record that's made to be played at high volumes, with your windows down and a scowl on your face, showing just how much you'd hate to be anyone else.

32. Leaders Of The New School f/ MC Jah "Sobb Story" (1991)

Producer : Eric "Vietnam" Sadler Album : A Future Without A Past... Label : Elektra Today, rappers continually one-up each other by having the newest and most expensive rides, but you better believe it wasn't always this way. In 1991, Leaders Of The New School rapped candidly about longing for their first rides on “Sobb Story.” For a young guy, sick of constantly walking city streets and eager to impress the ladies, saving up and copping your first set of wheels is a momentous occasion. Busta's built quite the car collection since 1991, but before he bought his first Murcielago, he captured those Lamborghini dreams perfectly for this LOTNS banger.

31. Lloyd Banks f/ Juelz Santana "Beamer Benz or Bentley" (2010)

Producer : Prime Album : H.F.M. 2 (The Hunger For More 2) Label : G-Unit/EMI You know what's better than having one insanely expensive whip? Having to decide between three insanely expensive whips and picking which one you'd like to drive. Make no mistake about it, Lloyd Banks has rich guy dilemmas. “Beamer Benz Or Bentley” isn't just another flashy song about whips, it's an extraordinary tale of contemplative decision-making.

We've all got problems, some bigger than others, some absurdly more expensive than others, and certainly some worth rapping a few bars about. “Beamer Benz Or Bentley” is about the kind of problems we'd all like to have.

30. Wale f/ Rick Ross & Jadakiss "600 Benz" (2011)

Producer : Cardiak Album : Self Made Vol. 1 Label : Maybach Music Group/Warner Bros. Wale's move to Maybach Music Group was nothing short of a rebirth. Before the move, his career had stalled, and linking up with Rick Ross was what propelled him to the peak of his career thus far. On “600 Benz,” Wale raps about saving some major loot and copping some new wheels.

What makes the song so powerful is that, after hitting a low-point in his career, Wale being able to cop the 600 Benz felt like a triumphant return to the winner's circle. More than being a hot tribute to a nice car, “600 Benz” is a testament to sticking out the grind.

29. The Pharcyde "Officer" (1992)

Producer : J-Swift Album : Bizarre Ride II the Pharcyde Label : Delicious Vinyl “Officer” is a tale all-too-familiar to young drivers, especially in Los Angeles. When you're driving with a suspended license, the heightened awareness and constant dodging of cop cars feels like a super-frightening game of real-life Pacman. There's a million songs in which a rapper references whipping his gaudiest wheels, but The Pharcyde kept it real about how big of a burden a car can become when you're young, broke, and irresponsible.

28. Jay-Z "99 Problems" (2003)

Producer : Rick Rubin Album : The Black Album Label : Roc-A-Fella/Def Jam Today, Jay-Z's more likely to be caught with a baby bag than a brick in his trunk, and you'd be hard-pressed to find him driving his own car. However, on “99 Problems” Jay revisits his less-glamorous hustling days and writes vividly about escaping the law with a little knowledge of his rights and some divine intervention.

Obviously, Jay was able to escape doing hard time, but had the canines shown up like they were supposed to, Jay-Z would probably own far less businesses and a lot more cigarettes. Like a great businessman, he flipped a bad experience into one of hip-hop's greatest tales of riding dirty.

27. Cypress Hill "Lowrider" (2001)

Producer : DJ Muggs Album : Stoned Raiders Label : Columbia Records “Lowrider” not only perfectly nails the imagery of the Los Angeles lowrider scene, but it's also one of the most intriguing depictions of the southern California lifestyle that hip-hop has ever produced. Mellow Man Ace kills the hook, while B-Real and Sen Dog paint the classic LA picture of riding clean, sipping brews and hitting house party after house party. In 2001, “Lowrider” made us all wish we were from Los Angeles.

26. Paul Wall f/ Big Pokey "Sittin Sideways" (2005)

Producer : Salih Williams Album : The People's Champ Label : Swishahouse/Asylum/Atlantic Records The Houston car culture really started to come to prominence in hip-hop with the emergence of Paul Wall and Slim Thug in the early 2000's. “Sittin Sideways” brought hip-hop fans from everywhere into Paul Wall's culture of swangin' cars and candy paint. The slang was different, the sound was new, but the message was tried and true. Paul Wall was paying homage, but he made us realize that the music that has so heavily influenced many of today's young rappers doesn't exist without the car culture.

25. Big Tymers "Get Your Roll On" (2000)

Producer : Mannie Fresh Album : I Got That Work Label : Cash Money/Universal The Big Tymers were known for whipping the most expensive rides imaginable. Birdman once even bragged about owning 50 cars. Instead of stunting on the hood this time, the Big Tymers made an anthem for everybody to join in on. You might not have had a Bentley or a Hummer, and you may not have been able to afford televisions in your headrests, but if you owned a car of any kind, this track had you itchin' to get out and get your roll on.

24. 50 Cent "Get in My Car" (2005)

Producer : Hi-Tek Album : The Massacre Label : Shady/Aftermath/Interscope On “Get In My Car,” 50 Cent illustrated just how easy it is to bag a hot girl when you've got some nice wheels. Fresh off the success of Get Rich Or Die Tryin , 50 was experiencing all the newfound perks of superstardom, including the switch from hooptie to Benz. You don't have to sell 10 million records to finally step your game up with the females, though. As 50 notes, there's no pick-up lines needed when you've got a decent ride.

23. Rick Ross f/ Drake & Chrisette Michelle "Aston Martin Music" (2010)

Producer : J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League Album : Teflon Don Label : Maybach Music Group/Slip-n-Slide/Def Jam Rick Ross might be hip-hop's most recognized Maybach enthusiast, but his assortment of luxury whips is likely rivaled only by the assortment of snacks he keeps on deck. On “Aston Martin Music,” Drake and Chrisette Michelle provide the tone of the record—perfectly matching the J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League backdrop—while Rozay spits about riding with the top down, accompanied only by a down chick and a lust for life. An undeniable banger, “Aston Martin Music” solidified the fact that there's no one better at making aspirational riding music than Rick Ross.

22. LL Cool J "Illegal Search" (1990)

Producer : Marley Marl, LL Cool J Album : Mama Said Knock You Out Label : Def Jam/Columbia/CBS Records On “Illegal Search,” LL exposes all the emotions and stray thoughts that a person experiences when they've been racially profiled and/or pulled over unjustly by law enforcement. When this song was released, immediately following the Reagan era, race relations were extremely tense in America, and minorities found it difficult to get their voices heard. The song is special because it's relatable, and LL used his stardom to emphasize the frustration of millions of people to an audience that might not have otherwise listened.

21. Kanye West f/ Paul Wall & GLC "Drive Slow" (2005)

Producer : Kanye West Album : Late Registration Label : Roc-A-Fella/Def Jam On “Drive Slow,” Kanye West weaves a tale of a young kid getting his license, eager to impress the females, into a metaphor for a person's common tendency to rush the best years of their life. He reminisces on the things that we're all eager to do when we first experience the independence of getting our licenses like taking trips to the mall and picking up girls for a weekend movie night.

Kanye ultimately relays the message that it's important to live in the moment. Whether in life or en route, drive slow, homie.

20. Lil Troy Feat. Fat Pat, H.A.W.K., Lil Will & Yungstar “Wanna Be A Baller” (1998)

Producer : Bruce Rhodes Album : Sittin' Fat Down South Label : Short Stop Records/Universal Lil Troy's 1998 hit had us all aspiring to live the flashy lifestyle. Troy and his Screwed Up Click fam made driving up the highway in an old school impala, puffing some good weed with some money in your pocket sound like it was all anyone could ever want. It was evident that they yearned for that lifestyle. Perhaps, Fat Pat and Big Hawk dying before they ever got to fully experience it make the song that much more powerful.

19. Sir Mix-A-Lot "My Hooptie" (1989)

Producer : Anthony Ray Album : Seminar Label : Nastymix, Def American Recordings On “My Hooptie,” Sir Mix-A-Lot chronicles just how tough it can be when you're rolling with a dragging tailpipe and a broken tape-deck. With his Benz in the shop, Mix-A-Lot learns the hard way that driving a hooptie is the best vagina repellant available.

It's a story not unlike the reality of millions of high-school and college guys out there, who are currently whipping their beater around town ultra-cautiously, hoping their engine doesn't overheat. It's a shame-evoking method of transportation, but on the bright side, at least Sir Mix-A-Lot made an incredible song about it.

18. Outkast "Benz Or Beamer" (1995)

Producer : Organized Noize Album : New Jersey Drive, Vol. 1 Label : Tommy Boy Records On “Benz Or Beamer,” Big Boi and Dre choose to spit alternating 10-bar verses and use only a sample for the hook. Like their rhyme patterns, the structure is unorthodox, but everything falls into place over the Organized Noise production.

They rap about the expensive cars that they love so much, but also stay true to what they've always done. “Benz Or Beamer” is essentially about not letting your success define you. In that respect, we love the song for the same reason we love the group.

17. Rich Boy f/ Polow Da Don "Throw Some D's" (2006)

Producer : Polow da Don, Butta Album : Rich Boy Label : Zone 4/Interscope On “Throw Some D's,” Rich Boy raps about finally being able to afford an old school Cadillac from drug money. He does what any right-minded person would do and switches out the stock rims for some 20-plus-inch Dayton spokes.

He flosses freely, but is quick to let us know that trying him for his wheels would be bad for your health. Polow Da Don beat set the backdrop to this summer anthem, and it was because of this record that Rich Boy's career took off.

16. LL Cool J "Back Seat (Of My Jeep)" (1993)

Producer : LL Cool J, QD III Album : 14 Shots to the Dome Label : Def Jam/Columbia/SME Records A man's best friend might be his dog, but that's only after he's gotten his own place. Before then, a man's best friend is undoubtedly the back seat of his ride. On “Back Seat,” LL smoothly rapped about the dilemma of having people to do and nowhere to go, and how his Jeep became a convenient problem solver.

For a young guy, the back seat of your car has likely served as the backdrop to some of your best memories. LL's here to remind us that it's all been done before. Plenty of times.

15. Chamillionaire f/ Krayzie Bone "Ridin'" (2005)

Producer : Play-N-Skillz Album : The Sound Of Revenge Label : Chamillitary/Universal The narrative in the average rap song about riding dirty depicts the rapper knowingly in the wrong and glorifying their disregard for the law. On “Ridin',” Chamillionaire flips the script and focuses on the issue of racial profiling. He still depicts himself as illusive, but to the dismay of prejudiced Houston patrol men, it's because he's riding clean. Sure, obeying the law may not be edgy or cool, but one thing that never goes out of style is freedom.

14. Do Or Die f/ Tung Twista & Johnny P "Po Pimp" (1996)

Producer : The Legendary Traxster Album : Picture This Label : Rap-A-Lot/Virgin Records “Po Pimp” is a timeless record born out of Do Or Die's Chicago-bred affinity for Cadillac's and probably a few pulls of some incredible ganja. The Legendary Traxster sets the mood with a laid-back beat, and Johnny P really makes the song by crafting a melodic and catchy hook. Twista drops in to steal the show on the song's final verse, and 16 years later, “Po Pimp” is still one of the better riding songs ever made.

13. DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince "You Saw My Blinker" (1991)

Producer : DJ Jazzy Jeff, Hula & K. Fingers Album : Homebase Label : Jive “You Saw My Blinker” is the most complete car storytelling done by a rapper. The Fresh Prince tells the tale of driving his brand new car with his girlfriend in the passenger side, when all of a sudden, he's hit by a 90-year-old lady. When he shows up to court, the lady shows up in a wheelchair and neckbrace, effectively killing Will's case.

Aside from the fact that Will Smith says, “Bitch,” the story is funny and the flow is well-executed. Apparently, even when he takes a loss, Will Smith stays winning.

12. UGK "Fuck My Car" (1996)

Producer : N.O. Joe, Pimp C Album : Ridin' Dirty Label : Jive It's no secret that a nice car can do wonders for a guy's attempt-to-conversion rate with the ladies. Back in 1996 UGK was kicking everything you need to know about how to handle the perks of owning a brand new ride. Bun and Pimp made sure we all realized that it's not you that she's into, it's your car.

As stressed on “Fuck My Car,” one should beware of the ladies' motives and never let them get too close. However, if you're not using your ride to help seal the deal, your game needs some serious work. This record might as well be called the whip-appeal-management handbook: Port Arthur edition.

11. Masta Ace Inc. "Sittin On Chrome" (1995)

Producer : Ase One Album : Sittin' On Chrome Label : Delicious Vinyl Masta Ace's 1995 banger “Sittin' On Chrome” is a song suited for summertime stunting. Ase One does a masterful job of sampling and chopping the chorus, to which Masta Ace adds some melodic ad-libs. Then, Ace goes in, rapping about showing off his new ride, which is eventually stolen by someone posing as a valet driver. Ace took a loss, but keep this song on loop, and you'll be winning all summer.

10. Slick Rick f/ Doug E. Fresh "Sittin' in My Car" (1994)

Producer : Doug E. Fresh, Vance Wright Album : Behind Bars Label : Def Jam/PolyGram Records People have some of their most contemplative moments in their car. It's part of what makes a car yours. On “Sittin' In My Car,” Slick Rick raps about all the thoughts running through his mind as he sits in his ride awaiting his girlfriend, whom he presumes to be cheating on him. He's also caught some feelings for another woman, and in his ride, he attempts to sort it all out.

Rick's dilemma might be one you've never experienced, but we've all had some life-defining moments in our vehicles. “Sittin' In My Car” is an ode to all the growing up we do behind the wheel.

9. Three 6 Mafia f/ Lil Flip "Ridin Spinners" (2003)

Producer : DJ Paul, Juicy J Album : Da Unbreakables Label : Columbia Records “Ridin Spinners” represents a time when it was considered cool to have obscenely large rims that never stopped spinning. Looking back at this era evokes feeling similar to looking back at decade-old pictures of yourself and realizing that jacket you thought was so cool was actually a horrible and unforgivable eyesore. It was glorious, and it was ridiculous, but it was completely hip-hop.

You probably wouldn't have seen a Wall Street executive riding spinners back then or ever. And yes, rappers often bejewelled them, as expected, but Three 6 Mafia captured the time in all its splendor.

8. A Tribe Called Quest "I Left My Wallet in El Segundo" (1990)

Producer : A Tribe Called Quest, Jungle Brothers Album : People's Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm Label : Jive On “I Left My Wallet In El Segundo,” Q-Tip rhymes about taking a California-bound road trip with the rest of A Tribe Called Quest, while his mother's away on a cruise. They end up in El Segundo, where things go awry. After trying to holler at the waitress, Tip unwittingly leaves his wallet at the restaurant, which he doesn't realize until the gang has already traveled back to Brooklyn.

The song is an exhibition of Q-TIp's storytelling abilities, but also one of the only hip-hop tales about road-tripping. Fable or not, the song is one of the best in the ATCQ discography and a top 50 car song of all time.

7. 2Pac f/ Big Syke, CPO & Danny Boy "Picture Me Rollin'" (1996)

Producer : Johnny J Album : All Eyez On Me Label : Death Row/Interscope On “Picture Me Rollin',” Pac speaks on his dreams of flossing a Benz that isn't stolen, the car being the ultimate pay-off of all the hard work he was putting in at the time. For many of us, that's what makes our dream car so special, the fact that we have to endure so much to achieve it.

He talks about leading a dangerous life and having to do risky things everyday, leaving him nervous and stressed out. The constant weight of not knowing what dangers the day held seemed to be getting to Pac, and “Picture Me Rollin” was his way of putting his dreams on wax.

6. Mike Jones f/ Paul Wall & Slim Thug "Still Tippin'" (2004)

Producer : Salih Williams Album : Who Is Mike Jones? Label : Swishahouse/Asylum/Jive/Warner Bros. “Still Tippin'” was one of the biggest hits to come out of the Houston takeover in the early 2000's. The entire Houston rap scene rested on the late-night escapades of Houstoners in their whips, bumping loud music and picking up females. Mike Jones, Paul Wall and Slim Thug illustrated what those nights were all about. Their influence eventually spread throughout the country and has shaped a lot of how today's hip-hop fans have a good time.

5. LL Cool J "The Boomin System" (1990)

Producer : Marley Marl, LL Cool J Album : Mama Said Knock You Out Label : Def Jam/Columbia/CBS Records “The Boomin System” is one of the most honest accounts of stunting in rap history. LL touches on everything from blaring your sound systems in nice cars to rocking gold chains, and in the process, points out that it's all purely done for attention.

LL illustrates what we've known all along: Guys want nice cars, because women want guys who can afford nice cars. In his prime, LL knew just what to say and how to say it. The beat bangs, the flow is masterful, and there's never been a more poignant explanation as to why four wheels and a nice subwoofer have such huge effect on a guy's ego.

4. Devin The Dude "Lacville '79" (2002)

Producer : Devin The Dude Album : Just Tryin' Ta Live Label : Rap-A-Lot Let's face it, not everyone can drive Maybachs and Lambos. Some of us will forever be knee-deep in that hooptie life, but it doesn't have to be all bad. On “Lacville 79,” Devin The Dude pays homage to those of us who constantly drive below the speed limit and struggle to raise those once-automatic windows.

Devin raps about frequent visits to different mechanics and all the woes that come with relying on an old beater to get from point A to point B. If there's a silver lining, it's that at least Devin doesn't have to worry about someone stealing his ride. That's a headache safely in his possession.

3. Outkast "Two Dope Boyz (In a Cadillac)" (1996)

Big Boi and Dre always went right when everyone else went left, but they made sure they shined when they did it, never compromising who they were.

2. Lost Boyz "Jeeps, Lex Coups, Bimaz & Benz" (1995

1. dr. dre f/ snoop dogg, ruben & jewell "let me ride" (1993).

As you would expect, Dre tossed in a few lines about doing some extracurricular activities that law enforcement may not have looked upon too highly, but gangster movements aside, the good doctor delivered a classic car record.

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Home > Tips > 275 Best Road Trip Songs For Your Road Trip Playlist

275 Best Road Trip Songs For Your Road Trip Playlist

By Dymphe / February 9, 2023

Road trip songs are amazing when you're on the road! If you're looking for the perfect road trip playlist, I'm sure you'll love this one.

Going on a vacation soon? Then music will make it a lot of fun. For example, when I'm going on a beach vacation, I love listening to my beach playlist .

I always love listening to songs when traveling. And especially when I'm on the road, music is also very important.

For that reason, I made this road trip playlist. Even though this playlist is perfect for traveling, I always love listening to it.

The playlist consists of 275 songs. The genres on the list are pop, rock, dance, indie, and hip-hop. Furthermore, I've included a category of other genres as well. All the songs are perfect for your next road trip.

Depending on what music you want to listen to, you can choose one of the genres. But I'd recommend listening to all and adding them to your Spotify account.

Here are the 275 best road trip songs!

Table of Contents

Pop: Amazing Road Trip Songs With Great Melodies

One of the best genres for your road trip is the popular music genre or pop for short.

The road trip songs that belong to this category are a lot of fun. And they will make your trip much better for sure.

You likely recognize a lot of songs on this list, which is great. It is always fun to sing along songs you know very well. These songs are great while you are driving the road for that reason.

Also, pop songs are great to listen to when you are going on a road trip with other people. The other people in the car will likely also know the songs on this list! This makes these songs even better for your road trip playlist.

What's great about pop music as well is that the songs have a lot of great melodies.

Furthermore, pop songs almost always have parts that repeat.

Also, many of the parts of the song are easy to sing. This makes them even better as a road trip song.

All these aspects make that you should definitely add pop songs to your road trip playlist.

Besides that, what's great is that pop music exists for a long time. Because of this, there were a lot of songs to choose from.

To make creating your playlist with pop road trip songs easier I divided these songs by when they came out.

For example, I have a category with songs from 2015 till 2019. Also, this list contains new songs from the year 2021 till the present. These songs will likely be more familiar to you when you often listen to the radio or look at the charts. Besides that, you find older songs on this list as well.

Music From 2021 Till Now

1. It'll Be Okay - Shawn Mendes

2. Oh My God - Adele

3. Sunshine - OneRepublic

4. Shivers - Ed Sheeran

5. Cold Heart - PNAU Remix - Elton John, Dua Lipa, PNAU

6. GHOST TOWN - Benson Boone

7. Easy On Me - Adele

8. Pepas - Farruko

9. Better Days (NEIKED x Mae Muller x Polo G) - NEIKED, Mae Muller, Polo G

10. THATS WHAT I WANT - Lil Nas X

11. abcdefu - GAYLE

12. INDUSTRY BABY (feat. Jack Harlow) - Lil Nas X, Jack Harlow

13. STAY (with Justin Bieber) - The Kid LAROI, Justin Bieber

14. Woman - Doja Cat

15. Need to Know - Doja Cat

16. Bad Habits - Ed Sheeran

17. Life Goes On - Oliver Tree

18. good 4 u - Olivia Rodrigo

19. Heartbreak Anthem (with David Guetta & Little Mix) - Galantis, David Guetta, Little Mix

20. Freaks - Surf Curse

21. Build a Bitch - Bella Poarch

22. Run - OneRepublic

23. Save Your Tears (with Ariana Grande) (Remix) - The Weeknd, Ariana Grande

24. Kiss Me More (feat. SZA) - Doja Cat, SZA

25. MONTERO (Call Me By Your Name) - Lil Nas X

26. Mood (feat. iann dior) - 24kGoldn, iann dior

27. Peaches (feat. Daniel Caesar & Giveon) - Justin Bieber, Daniel Caesar, Giveon

28. Rasputin - Majestic, Boney M.

29. Cover Me In Sunshine - P!nk, Willow Sage Hart

Songs in 2020

30. Good Days - SZA

31. WITHOUT YOU - The Kid LAROI

32. positions - Ariana Grande

33. Lonely (with benny blanco) - Justin Bieber, benny blanco

34. Sweet but Psycho - Ava Max

35. Heat Waves - Glass Animals

36. Take You Dancing - Jason Derulo

37. Savage Love (Laxed - Siren Beat) - Jawsh 685, Jason Derulo

38. Put Your Records On - Ritt Momney

39. Levitating (feat. DaBaby) - Dua Lipa, DaBaby

40. Don't Start Now - Dua Lipa

41. Break My Heart - Dua Lipa

42. In Your Eyes - The Weeknd

43. Blinding Lights - The Weeknd

44. Control - Zoe Wees

45. Boss Bitch - Doja Cat

Music from 2015 Till 2019

46. Watermelon Sugar - Harry Styles

47. If the World Was Ending (feat. Julia Michaels) - JP Saxe, Julia Michaels

48. I Don't Care (with Justin Bieber) - Ed Sheeran, Justin Bieber

49. 7 rings - Ariana Grande

50. Don't Call Me Up - Mabel

51. No Lie - Sean Paul, Dua Lipa

52. Attention - Charlie Puth

53. One Kiss (with Dua Lipa) - Calvin Harris, Dua Lipa

54. The Middle - Zedd, Maren Morris, Grey

55. New Rules - Dua Lipa

56. Perfect - Ed Sheeran

57. Shape of You - Ed Sheeran

58. Happier - Ed Sheeran

59. Castle on the Hill - Ed Sheeran

60. Hold On - Chord Overstreet

61. Starboy - The Weeknd, Daft Punk

62. Cake By The Ocean - DNCE

63. Say You Won't Let Go - James Arthur

64. 7 Years - Lukas Graham

65. We Don't Talk Anymore (feat. Selena Gomez) - Charlie Puth, Selena Gomez

66. Love On The Brain - Rihanna

67. Love Yourself - Justin Bieber

68. Sorry - Justin Bieber

69. Stitches - Shawn Mendes

70. Uptown Funk (feat. Bruno Mars) - Mark Ronson, Bruno Mars

Songs From 2010 till 2014

71. Time of Our Lives - Pitbull, Ne-Yo

72. Summer - Calvin Harris

73. Maps - Maroon 5

74. Sugar - Maroon 5

75. Animals - Maroon 5

76. Rude - MAGIC!

77. Thinking out Loud - Ed Sheeran

78. Photograph - Ed Sheeran

79. Like I Can - Sam Smith

80. Story of My Life - One Direction

81. Royals - Lorde

82. Mirrors - Justin Timberlake

83. Counting Stars - OneRepublic

84. Heart Attack - Demi Lovato

85. When I Was Your Man - Bruno Mars

86. Die Young - Kesha

87. Just Give Me a Reason (feat. Nate Ruess) - P!nk, Nate Ruess

88. What Makes You Beautiful - One Direction

89. Payphone - Maroon 5, Wiz Khalifa

90. Call Me Maybe - Carly Rae Jepsen

91. Love You Like A Love Song - Selena Gomez & The Scene

92. Somebody That I Used To Know - Gotye, Kimbra

93. On The Floor - Jennifer Lopez, Pitbull

94. Hey, Soul Sister - Train

95. Grenade - Bruno Mars

96. Just the Way You Are - Bruno Mars

97. DJ Got Us Fallin' In Love (feat. Pitbull) - Usher, Pitbull

98. TiK ToK - Kesha

99. Dynamite - Taio Cruz

100. Baby - Justin Bieber, Ludacris

Music before 2010: Perfect Road Trip Songs If You Like Older Pop Songs

101. See You Again (feat. Charlie Puth) - Wiz Khalifa, Charlie Puth

102. Classic - MKTO

103. Hey Ya! - Outkast

104. Bad Romance - Lady Gaga

105. I Gotta Feeling - Black Eyed Peas

106. Party In The U.S.A. - Miley Cyrus

107. Umbrella - Rihanna, JAY-Z

108. Viva La Vida - Coldplay

109. I'm Yours - Jason Mraz

110. Gimme More - Britney Spears

111. SexyBack (feat. Timbaland) - Justin Timberlake, Timbaland

112. Hips Don't Lie (feat. Wyclef Jean) - Shakira, Wyclef Jean

113. Toxic - Britney Spears

114. I Want It That Way - Backstreet Boys

115. Careless Whisper - George Michael

116. Wannabe - Spice Girls

117. Take on Me - a-ha

118. Everybody Wants To Rule The World - Tears For Fears

119. Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go - Wham!

120. Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This) - Remastered - Eurythmics, Annie Lennox, Dave Stewart

121. Billie Jean - Michael Jackson

122. Beat It - Michael Jackson

123. Africa - TOTO

124. Let's Groove - Earth\, Wind & Fire

125. Let It Be - Remastered 2009 - The Beatles

126. Ain't No Mountain High Enough - Marvin Gaye, Tammi Terrell

127. Dancing Queen - ABBA

Songs of the dance music genre are also great to add to your road trip playlist.

These road trip songs are great for dancing, but also great while you are driving.

This genre has a lot of rhythm and great beats that I'm sure you'll enjoy and will make your trip better!

128. Where Are You Now - Lost Frequencies, Calum Scott

129. Panga (Ft. Idd Aziz) - LevyM

130. Love Tonight - David Guetta Remix Edit - Shouse, David Guetta

131. Sweet Dreams - Alan Walker, Imanbek

132. Never Going Home - Kungs

133. BED - Joel Corry, RAYE, David Guetta

134. Friday (feat. Mufasa & Hypeman) - Dopamine Re-Edit - Riton, Nightcrawlers, Mufasa, Hypeman, Dopamine

135. The Business - Tiësto

136. uNcuthu Ft. Sekiwe - LevyM

137. ily (i love you baby) (feat. Emilee) - Surf Mesa, Emilee

138. Lose Control - MEDUZA, Becky Hill, Goodboys

139. Ride It - Regard

140. Love Tonight - Edit - Shouse

141. Something Just Like This - The Chainsmokers, Coldplay

142. Closer - The Chainsmokers, Halsey

143. This Is What You Came For (feat. Rihanna) - Calvin Harris, Rihanna

144. Don't Let Me Down - The Chainsmokers, Daya

145. Waiting For Love - Avicii

146. The Nights - Avicii

147. Get Lucky (feat. Pharrell Williams & Nile Rodgers) - Radio Edit - Daft Punk, Pharrell Williams, Nile Rodgers

148. Wake Me Up - Avicii

149. Titanium (feat. Sia) - David Guetta, Sia

150. Feel So Close - Radio Edit - Calvin Harris

151. Give Me Everything (feat. Ne-Yo, Afrojack & Nayer) - Pitbull, Ne-Yo, Afrojack, Nayer

152. Fireflies - Owl City

153. Timber (feat. Ke$ha) - Pitbull, Kesha

154. Remember - Becky Hill, David Guetta

155. Head & Heart (feat. MNEK) - Joel Corry, MNEK

156. Someone To You - BANNERS

Rock: Nice Road Trip Songs With Great Beats

Here's yet another genre that is great to add to your playlist.

Rock music often features acoustic or electric guitars. These instruments add a great sound to the song.

Furthermore, there is a lot of difference in the songs that belong to this genre.

For example, there are road trip songs of this genre that are very fast, while there are also very slow ones.

Furthermore, there are songs with heavy vocals, while there are also ones with soft vocals.

These differences exist because there are a lot of subgenres of rock.

Depending on what type of song you like most, you can choose certain songs from this road trip playlist.

Also, what's great is that rock songs often feature great stories. Taking in these stories while listening to these songs will make your road trip much more fun for sure!

For example, many songs are about love, but some are also about political or social themes.

These stories make the songs much more interesting!

Like pop music, there are a lot of different songs to choose from. That's because the genre exists for more than 75 years. This makes this genre amazing if you're looking for road trip songs.

To make choosing a song for your road trip playlist easier, I divided this list of songs too.

For this list, I chose to use the year 2000 as the dividing year.

Moreover, this list contains some new songs, such as Circles by Post Malone from 2019. But this list also has older songs. For example, it also includes Sweet Child O' Mine by Guns N' Roses, which is a more classic rock song that I'm sure you know!

Music From 2000 Till Now

157. Circles - Post Malone

158. Sucker - Jonas Brothers

159. Natural - Imagine Dragons

160. High Hopes - Panic! At The Disco

161. Beggin' - Måneskin

162. Believer - Imagine Dragons

163. Thunder - Imagine Dragons

164. High Enough - K.Flay

165. Heathens - Twenty One Pilots

166. Stressed Out - Twenty One Pilots

167. Ride - Twenty One Pilots

168. Friends - Chase Atlantic

169. Centuries - Fall Out Boy

170. Locked out of Heaven - Bruno Mars

171. Hall of Fame (feat. will.i.am) - The Script, will.i.am

172. Everybody Talks - Neon Trees

173. Paradise - Coldplay

174. Animal - Neon Trees

175. Sex on Fire - Kings of Leon

176. Snow (Hey Oh) - Red Hot Chili Peppers

177. How to Save a Life - The Fray

178. Fix You - Coldplay

179. The Scientist - Coldplay

180. Clocks - Coldplay

181. Kryptonite - 3 Doors Down

182. Yellow - Coldplay

Songs Before 2000

183. Californication - Red Hot Chili Peppers

184. Bitter Sweet Symphony - The Verve

185. Basket Case - Green Day

186. What's Up? - 4 Non Blondes

187. Under the Bridge - Red Hot Chili Peppers

188. Losing My Religion - R.E.M.

189. Sweet Child O' Mine - Guns N' Roses

190. Paradise City - Guns N' Roses

191. You Give Love A Bad Name - Bon Jovi

192. Dancing In the Dark - Bruce Springsteen

193. Under Pressure - Remastered 2011 - Queen, David Bowie

194. Don't Stop Believin' - Journey

195. Back In Black - AC/DC

196. You Shook Me All Night Long - AC/DC

197. Another One Bites The Dust - Remastered 2011 - Queen

198. Mr. Blue Sky - Electric Light Orchestra

199. Highway to Hell - AC/DC

200. Don't Stop Me Now - Remastered 2011 - Queen

201. Dreams - 2004 Remaster - Fleetwood Mac

202. Hotel California - 2013 Remaster - Eagles

203. Bohemian Rhapsody - Remastered 2011 - Queen

204. Sweet Home Alabama - Lynyrd Skynyrd

205. Dream On - Aerosmith

206. Rocket Man (I Think It's Going To Be A Long, Long Time) - Elton John

207. Stairway to Heaven - Remaster - Led Zeppelin

208. Have You Ever Seen The Rain - Creedence Clearwater Revival

209. Fortunate Son - Creedence Clearwater Revival

210. Here Comes The Sun - Remastered 2009 - The Beatles

211. Brown Eyed Girl - Van Morrison

Indie: Great Road Trip Songs If You Like Alternative Music

Ready for some alternative road trip songs during your trip?

If you like songs that are lesser-known, you should choose some of the songs on this list.

Also, the songs are great to add to your road trip playlist if you want to listen to more unusual instruments.

Indie music often combines a lot of different aspects of other genres. This makes the songs unique!

Also, what's great is that if you choose to add a lot of these songs to your playlist, you have a very diverse list of music! And that's great if you want to have a nice list of road trip songs. I'm sure you'll love these songs!

212. my ex's best friend (with blackbear) - Machine Gun Kelly, blackbear

213. Can I Call You Tonight? - Dayglow

214. Someone You Loved - Lewis Capaldi

215. Bruises - Lewis Capaldi

216. when the party's over - Billie Eilish

217. Are You Bored Yet? (feat. Clairo) - Wallows, Clairo

218. Into It - Chase Atlantic

219. Infinity - Jaymes Young

220. Ophelia - The Lumineers

221. Hymn for the Weekend - Coldplay

222. Electric Love - BØRNS

223. Wait a Minute! - WILLOW

224. Shut Up and Dance - WALK THE MOON

225. Riptide - Vance Joy

226. Take Me To Church - Hozier

227. Best Day Of My Life - American Authors

228. Still into You - Paramore

229. Little Talks - Of Monsters and Men

230. Stereo Hearts (feat. Adam Levine) - Gym Class Heroes, Adam Levine

231. Tongue Tied - Grouplove

232. Pumped Up Kicks - Foster The People

233. Feel Good Inc. - Gorillaz

234. Hey There Delilah - Plain White T's

235. Numb - Linkin Park

236. Bring Me To Life - Evanescence

237. In the End - Linkin Park

238. Safe And Sound - Capital Cities

239. Best Friend (feat. Doja Cat) - Saweetie, Doja Cat

Hip-Hop music is great music to listen to during your road trip. That's why I added also added perfect road trip songs of this genre to the list.

This is a music genre that often includes rap, but there are also songs without rap. Also, there are lots of songs of this genre with both rap and other types of vocals. This combination makes these songs great too!

Besides that, these songs often have very rhythmic melodies. Also, there is sometimes beatboxing that accompanies rap.

What's great is that there is a lot of variety in these songs.

For example, there are hip-hop songs that combine with pop. Also, there are songs that feature both rap and rock.

Besides that, what's great is that these songs differ in their tempo. There are very fast songs, but also very slow songs.

The rhythm of this music genre is what makes many of these songs proper road trip songs. It is great to ride on the road while listening to a rhythm at the same time.

Also, many of these hip-hop songs contain stories that you can listen to while driving on the road. This makes these songs even better for your trip.

To make this list of songs more comprehensible I divided this list as well. Below, you can find songs from 2015 till now, and songs from before 2015.

Songs From 2015 Till Now

240. Laugh Now Cry Later (feat. Lil Durk) - Drake, Lil Durk

241. WAP (feat. Megan Thee Stallion) - Cardi B, Megan Thee Stallion

242. What You Know Bout Love - Pop Smoke

243. ROCKSTAR (feat. Roddy Ricch) - DaBaby, Roddy Ricch

244. Godzilla (feat. Juice WRLD) - Eminem, Juice WRLD

245. Bandit (with YoungBoy Never Broke Again) - Juice WRLD, YoungBoy Never Broke Again

246. Robbery - Juice WRLD

247. SICKO MODE - Travis Scott

248. rockstar (feat. 21 Savage) - Post Malone, 21 Savage

249. Ric Flair Drip (with Metro Boomin) - Offset, Metro Boomin

250. Let You Down - NF

251. goosebumps - Travis Scott

Music Before 2015

252. No Role Modelz - J. Cole

253. Can't Hold Us - feat. Ray Dalton - Macklemore & Ryan Lewis

254. Work Out - J. Cole

255. Love The Way You Lie - Eminem, Rihanna

256. Empire State Of Mind - JAY-Z, Alicia Keys

257. Low (feat. T-Pain) - Flo Rida, T-Pain

258. Yeah! (feat. Lil Jon & Ludacris) - Usher, Lil Jon, Ludacris

259. Ms. Jackson - Outkast

Other Genres: Additional Road Trip Songs That Are Perfect For Your Playlist

In the lists above I covered the genres pop, dance, rock, indie, and hip-hop.

Of course, there are more genres of road trip songs. That's why I included some songs that didn't fit the categories above in this section.

For example, there are songs of the R&B genre in this part of the list. Also, there are soul and country songs on this list.

Don't forget to add these songs to your road trip playlist, as they are great as well! Also, many of the songs are very popular songs, so you likely know them.

For example, if you want to add a great and slow song to your playlist, choose All of Me by John Legend!

Besides that, the songs of this section by Bruno Mars are great to listen to while driving as well!

260. I GUESS I'M IN LOVE - Clinton Kane

261. Leave The Door Open - Bruno Mars, Anderson .Paak, Silk Sonic

262. DÁKITI - Bad Bunny, Jhay Cortez

263. You Got It - Vedo

264. 10,000 Hours (with Justin Bieber) - Dan + Shay, Justin Bieber

265. No Guidance (feat. Drake) - Chris Brown, Drake

266. Shallow - Lady Gaga, Bradley Cooper

267. All The Stars (with SZA) - Kendrick Lamar, SZA

268. Redbone - Childish Gambino

269. That's What I Like - Bruno Mars

270. The Hills - The Weeknd

271. idfc - blackbear

272. Like I'm Gonna Lose You (feat. John Legend) - Meghan Trainor, John Legend

273. All of Me - John Legend

274. Sure Thing - Miguel

275. Temperature - Sean Paul

This was my playlist of amazing road trip songs. If you're going to travel soon, have a lot of fun! I'm sure you'll have a great time listening to these lovely songs.

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the future of music

Suggestions

50 best road trip songs (ultimate road trip playlist).

Finding the best road trip songs can elevate your journey from mundane to memorable.

We all crave that perfect soundtrack, one that mirrors the landscapes whizzing by and enhances the thrill of the open road.

Dive in, and discover the ultimate tunes to accompany every mile of your adventure.

1. “Road Trippin'” by Red Hot Chili Peppers

There’s something about the Red Hot Chili Peppers vibe that makes for excellent road trip music (that West Coast chilled vibe.)

There are many songs to pick from, but this one, which is named “Road Trippin,” is simply too good not to mention.

2. “L.A. Woman” by The Doors

One of the all-time great road trip songs by the Doors is “L.A. Woman.”

The organ solo, the bass line, the build-up, and the breakdown

It seems like it was designed to be driven in a laboratory.

It has repeated references to driving, including the closing phrase “driving down your freeway.”

3. “Waterfalls” by TLC

The song “ Waterfalls ” is recorded by the American hip-hop group TLC.

“Waterfalls,” which is frequently regarded as the group’s signature song, was a worldwide hit that topped the charts in numerous nations.

The song gave the trio their second US No. 1 after spending seven weeks at the top of the Billboard Hot 100.

This music demands to be sung along with its catchy chorus and funk backbeat.

It is one of the trio’s best songs and the ideal song for a road trip.

4. “She’s So High” by Tal Bachman

“She’s So High,” Tal Bachman ‘s breakthrough hit, continues to be a classic ballad.

We must all sing that enormous falsetto note with him throughout the chorus’s build-up.

Any road trip playlist should have this song.

5. “Sweet Home Alabama” by Lynyrd Skynyrd

Lynyrd Skynyrd is an American southern rock band .

Their second album, Second Helping , features the song “Sweet Home Alabama” (1974).

Since it has been in so many media, including TV commercials and movies, this has perhaps been overused.

Since it’s a very fantastic road trip song, it’s worth disregarding all that.

It is a must if you are driving through Alabama.

6. “Mr. Brightside” by The Killers

Even when you’re trapped in traffic, pomp, bombast, and amazing riffs and melodies can set you free.

The Killers ‘ Hot Fuss debut album contains a song called “Mr. Brightside,” a rare road trip song that can lift you out of the daily grind’s metaphorical “cage” and the traffic blues.

7. “Wagon Wheel” by Old Crow Medicine Show

Bob Dylan was contacted by the Old Crow Medicine Show and asked if they could finish writing a demo he had recorded decades earlier.

We should all be grateful that it gave us “Wagon Wheel,” one of the best party songs .

8. “Every Morning” by Sugar Ray

The main single from Sugar Ray ‘s third studio album, 14:59 , is “Every Morning,” a song that was written by the American rock group.

Sugar Ray’s Every Morning is a four-minute shot of dopamine with a calm guitar lick.

It’s the ideal song to put on while driving and sing along with friends.

9. “Don’t Stop Believin’” by Journey

Nobody, at least that I know of, doesn’t stop what they’re doing to belt out the lyrics of “ Don’t Stop Believin’ .

And you, my friend, are a liar if you shake your head and claim that you never do.

This song is ideal for any type of road trip. It’s ideal at any time.

10. “Born To Be Wild” by Steppenwolf

“Born to be Wild” by Steppenwolf must be included on any list of classic road trip songs.

The song, which was used in the 1960 cult movie Easy Rider, immediately went viral.

It is the ideal song since it glorifies the need for freedom and adventure and makes explicit references to engines and automobiles (“get your motor running”).

11. “Lose Yourself” by Eminem

The soundtrack to the 2002 film “8 Miles” includes the American rapper Eminem ‘s song “Lose Yourself.”

The song was written and produced by Eminem, Jeff Bass, a member of the Bass Brothers production team, and Luis Resto.

Eminem was the writer of the lyrics.

One of the best tracks to rap along to in hip hop is Eminem’s famous hit “Lose Yourself.”

The guitar introduces the song, which is a famous hit from his movie 8 Mile and is about having the courage to reach your full potential.

12. “White Flag” by Dido

The anthem “White Flag” by Dido is a song for women worldwide.

Here, the emphasis is on remaining steadfast, remaining true to oneself, and never giving up on your convictions.

While driving along a highway after dusk, this song is ideal for belting out loud.

13. “The Passenger” by Iggy Pop

Iggy Pop recorded and released “The Passenger,” a song written by Ricky Gardiner and Iggy Pop, on the Lust for Life album in 1977.

This Iggy Pop hit makes people think of nighttime highways and road cruising (“down the city’s backsides”) in search of fun.

Pop and co-writer/producer David Bowie were living a crazy lifestyle that included drugs, alcohol, and late nights at the time this was being written.

14. “Hotel California” by Eagles

You’ll probably end up staying at one or more hotels if you’re taking a road trip.

You’d best hope that you don’t stumble onto “ Hotel California ,” where “you can check out but never leave.

It’s very difficult to dislike this song, which ranks among the most well-known American rock tunes ever.

15. “Don’t Speak” by No Doubt

This iconic breakup song is about No Doubt singer Gwen Stefani and the band’s guitarist.

For anybody with a broken heart, this is one of the best sing-along songs .

It’s also an excellent song to put on your next driving playlist, especially if you’re trying to get away from a failed relationship.

16. “Hey There Delilah” by Plain White T’s

The Plain White T’s “Hey There, Delilah” is the ideal song for you if you’re attempting to get into your feelings throughout your lengthy drive.

It is all about the difficulties of pursuing your goals while being in a committed relationship.

The lovely song is ideal for a rainy stretch of highway.

17. “Truckin'” by Grateful Dead

One of the best songs for road trips is “Truckin’.”

First off, the sound quality through a vehicle speaker system is incredible.

“You’ve got to play your hand; sometimes your cards aren’t worth a dime if you don’t lay ’em down,” the song’s lyrics state. (Pretty profound, right?)

Another phrase that can be relevant depends on how the road trip is going: “Lately, it occurs to me what a long, strange trip it’s been.”

18. “Graceland” by Paul Simon

The seventh studio album released by American singer -songwriter Paul Simon is titled “Graceland.

It was released in 1986 by Warner Bros. Records and was produced by Simon with engineering assistance from Roy Halee.

Paul Simon must be included if we’re talking about musicians that sound amazing on the road.

His slightly melancholy voice fits wonderfully when you cast your gaze across the landscape and consider what could have been.

19. “Jessie’s Girl” by Rick Springfield

This lustful pop song is all about the singer’s excessive obsession with the fiancée of one of his friends.

If there is someone you can’t have on your mind, the buildup to the chorus is the ideal song to sing along to on your next road trip.

20. “What’s Up” by 4 Non-Blondes

The second single from American rock band 4 Non-Blondes ‘ 1992 first album, Bigger, Better, Faster, More!, is the song “What’s Up?

Several European nations, including Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Sweden, and Switzerland, as well as the United States, have all seen an increase in popularity for the song.

It peaked at number one in those countries.

The classic song “What’s Up” by 4 Non-Blondes is the ideal soundtrack for solo drives through country places.

The song is ideal for yelling at the top of your lungs because it has an epic chorus.

21. “American Pie” by Don McLean

The epic song “ American Pie ” has several references to current events in pop culture.

The 1959 aircraft disaster that claimed the lives of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and The Big Bopper is said to be the inspiration for the phrase “day the music died.”

It’s also believed that Bob Dylan is the “jester” who “sang for the king and queen, in a coat he borrowed from James Dean.”

22. “Take Me Home, Country Roads” by John Denver

Here’s another foot-tapper that is a great going-home song.

I realize that getting home isn’t the objective of road trips; the opposite is usually the case, but you have to return home eventually.

It’s also wonderful if you’re travelling on country roads, provided you aren’t stuck behind a tractor.

23. “I’m Yours” by Jason Mraz

In one of the most popular love songs of the 2000s, Jason Mraz provided us with a tongue-twister-filled song to sing along to.

Singing along to “I’m Yours” in the car for four minutes is the ideal way to pass the time.

24. “I Try” by Macy Gray

American artist Macy Gray co-wrote and sang the song “I Try.”

The song was released in 1999 as the second single from her debut album, How Life Is .

With her breakout hit, “I Try,” Macy Gray created a masterpiece with her smoky voice.

The song is a therapeutic track to play in the car and portrays how all of us uncomfortable people feel when we are around the person we have a crush on.

25. “Road to Nowhere” by Talking Heads

This song’s first line, “Well, we know where we’re going, but we don’t know where we’ve been,” makes it clear that the following three minutes are going to be entertaining.

This is one of the best songs for a road trip. 

Just ensure not to be travelling on a road that leads nowhere.

26. “Route 66” by Chuck Berry

Possibly the most well-known road in the country is Route 66.

It served as the main path for migrants moving west as well (especially during the Dust Bowl of the 1930s).

Along with several other covers, including a very fine one by the Rolling Stones, this Chuck Berry song helped put it on the musical map.

27. “Stacy’s Mom” by Fountains Of Wayne

In this society, there are only two types of people: those who want to date Stacy’s mother and those who want to be Stacy’s mother.

Whichever group you belong to, you should play “Stacy’s Mom” by Fountains of Wayne loudly on your next road trip.

28. “How You Remind Me” by Nickelback

The song “How You Remind Me” is by Nickelback , a Canadian rock group.

The band’s third studio album, Silver Side Up, featured the song as the lead single, which was written by lead singer Chad Kroeger.

Before being the subject of a picture meme, Nickelback was a hitmaker.

How You Remind Me is among the best road trip music to play while driving since it captures the post-grunge energy of the 2000s.

29. “Going up the Country” by Canned Heat

It’s a great choice and makes this the ideal road trip playlist with its upbeat pace, the flute, and the lyrics about leaving the city (“I’m gonna leave the city, gotta go away”).

This song was notably performed by Canned Heat at Woodstock in 1969, but the band’s career was tragically terminated when lead singer Alan Wilson killed himself in 1970, followed shortly after by Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, and Jim Morrison. That’s too awful.

30. “On The Road Again” by Willie Nelson

One of the best road trip songs is “On the Road Again.”

While most songs are about returning home, this one is the exact opposite.

It’s all about seeking adventure, exploring the unknown, and travelling “like a band of gypsies.”

“The life I love is making music with my friends,” he confesses.

Your desire for your road trip to never end will be fueled by this.

31. “I Want It That Way” by Backstreet Boys

Backstreet Boys , an American boy band, does have a song called “I Want It That Way.”

Their third studio album, Millennium, featured it as the lead single, which was released in 1999.

“I Want It That Way” by the Backstreet Boys should be at the top of your road trip playlist if you’re ready for our favorite boy bands to make a comeback.

There aren’t many songs that are more enjoyable to sing along to.

32. “F*Ck You” by Cee Lo Green

The song by Cee Lo Green , “F*ck You,” is the ideal sing-along song for everyone who has been hurt, dumped, or dissed.

There aren’t many songs that are more therapeutic to sing, and given the vulgarity, the car is the ideal setting to let it blast.

33. “Dreams” by Fleetwood Mac

You’ve probably already figured out that songs with a strong bassline work well as driving songs.

This song’s bass begins unexpectedly and grooves along brilliantly while Stevie Nicks bemoans her relationship with Lindsay Buckingham (usually Faire for Fleetwood Mac ).

33. “Livin’ On A Prayer” by Bon Jovi

“Livin’ On A Prayer” by Bon Jovi is the epitome of 80s rock ‘n’ roll.

The story of the unfortunate pair, Tommy and Gina, serves as a reminder that anything is possible when love and a dream are present.

The huge song is ideal for belting out when driving along a highway or city street.

34. “Drive My Car” by The Beatles

The Beatles should be on every self-respecting driving playlist.

You truly have a lot of options, but since we’re talking about cars, “Drive My Car” is as excellent as any.

With his bass playing in The Beatles, McCartney was always a cut above the rest, and this is a perfect illustration.

“The Long and Winding Road” and “Two of Us” are two more you can add.

35. “More Than A Feeling” by Boston

There aren’t many legendary rock bands that can match Boston ‘s massive sound.

With its epic guitar solos and powerful vocals that you can try your best to match, its hit song “More Than A Feeling” will have you rolling down the highway.

36. “Friday I’m In Love” by The Cure

“Friday I’m In Love” by The Cure perfectly captures the spirit and style of every John Hughes movie.

Put this song on and belt it out while you drive down the highway to get the feeling that you are the lead character in everyone’s new favorite coming-of-age movie.

37. “Put Your Records On” by Corinne Bailey Rae

One of the greatest jazz-pop songs to ever be played on the radio is Corinne Bailey Rae ‘s “Put Your Records On,”  which begins with that funk guitar.

When the chorus comes on, it’s best to turn up the radio, roll down the windows, let go of all your worries, and sing as loudly as you can.

38. “Your Song” by Elton John

English singer Elton John and American songwriter Bernie Taupin collaborated on the song “Your Song,” which John performed.

It was John’s debut Top 10 single internationally.

Elton John is the king of radio ballads, and every road trip requires a song.

His hit song, “Your Song,” which stands for the gift of his love, is maybe the most romantic or recognized.

39. “In The Air Tonight” by Phil Collins

Phil Collins , an English drummer and singer-songwriter, released his first solo single titled “In the Air Tonight.”

Phil Collins’ “In The Air Tonight” is one of the greatest radio singles of all time and is credited with popularizing air-drumming.

The song begs to be sung as it builds on a soft synth.

Just be sure to keep your hands on the wheel when the loud drum solo begins.

Following the 1980 divorce of his first wife, Andrea Bertorelli, Collins penned the song while grieving.

40. “Say It Ain’t So” by Weezer

Weezer , an American rock band, is the author of the song “Say It Ain’t So.”

Rivers Cuomo, the lead singer, wrote it.

Cuomo feared the marriage between his mother and stepfather would also break apart due to his father’s alcoholism since he thought his mother and father’s marriage failed because of this.

This song, which is one of Weezer’s most famous, has a vibe throughout.

This four-minute song, which perfectly captures the anxiety and rage of adolescence, will have you switching between being calm and yelling.

It is ideal for singing along when driving with friends.

41. “Stairway To Heaven” by Led Zeppelin

One of Led Zeppelin’s best-known songs, “ Stairway to Heaven ,” is regarded by many as the greatest rock song of all time.

It is regarded as one of the best road trip songs to blast at full volume.

It portrays the tale of a greedy lady who is overly optimistic about her gloomy future.

The song’s charm and mystery are enhanced by its vague lyrics, which also let listeners interpret it in their own way.

Heads will be thumping in the car thanks to an engaging plot and a tune that builds to an enormous solo and chorus.

42. “Crazy” by Patsy Cline

Crazy by Patsy Cline is one of the songs you need to know if you’ve ever wanted to be a country diva.

The country song , which has her distinctive high voice, is ideal for singing along in the car, especially if your love life is currently in ruins.

43 “Since U Been Gone” by Kelly Clarkson

“Since U Been Gone” is a powerful and emotional song, and it was one of Kelly Clarkson ‘s first major hits.

The experience of leaving a toxic relationship is well encapsulated in this song.

We’ve all been in relationships where we weren’t treated as we should have been.

44. “Complicated” by Avril Lavigne

“Complicated” is the first song on Avril ‘s first album, Let Go , and thus her entire musical career.

It’s about the issues that arise when you try to be someone you’re not when all you need to do is chill out, relax, and enjoy life.

One of the finest songs in the pop-punk ballad genre, particularly for anybody who grew up in the early 2000s, is Avril Lavigne’s “Complicated.”

The song is one of the greatest sing-along songs ever since it combines country and punk aesthetics.

45. “Love On Top” by Beyoncé

For her fourth studio album, 4 , American singer Beyoncé recorded the song “Love on Top.”

Even though Queen B has many fantastic songs for a road trip, “Love on Top” is perfect for everyone with a heart full of love.

This song is ideal for expressing all the love in your heart since it is catchy and has a lot of 80s nostalgia vibes.

46. “All Star” by Smash Mouth

Not singing along to “All-Star,” Smash Mouth ‘s biggest song, is nearly impossible.

The song, which tells the tale of a potentially deluded wannabe rock star, has awesome wordplay and a catchy melody that demands to be sung even after we’ve heard it way too many times.

47. “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen

One of the best songs ever recorded is “ Bohemian Rhapsody ,” a monumental work of art by Queen.

Their record label objected to the notion of a song that was almost six minutes long.

Fortunately for all of us, including Wayne and Garth, the band persisted and gave us one of the best driving songs ever.

48. “I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)” by The Proclaimers

One of the greatest declarations of love ever to be recorded is “I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)”.

The biggest hit by The Proclaimers is ideal for singing along to while driving, especially if you’re returning home to a special person.

49. “Mr. Blue Sky” by Electric Light Orchestra

It’s tough to resist singing along to Mr. Blue Sky, the upbeat song that became Electric Light Orchestra ‘s most recognized hit.

Even though the song’s true meaning is debatable, your road trip playlist should include it because of the upbeat melody and entertaining lyrics.

50. “Hit The Road Jack” by Ray Charles

Ray Charles released a song in 1961 that would go on to be used as the theme music for countless TV shows, motion pictures, and commercials for decades to come.

Every woman’s “I’m fed up with my man” anthem is “Hit the Road Jack,” and its appealing simplicity makes it the perfect road trip song.

Just be careful not to put it at the end of your playlist, or it might become stuck in your head forever.

Wrapping Up Our List of the Best Road Trip Songs

So, that wraps up our post on the best road trip songs.

We’ve included a mix of old and new, as well as fast and slow songs with each one having a special meaning.

Regardless of how long your journey is, these songs will make the trip infinitely more enjoyable. 

So turn up the volume and enjoy the ride.

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Pop Songs About Road Trips

[ad_1] Pop songs about road trips have been a staple in music for decades, capturing the feelings of adventure, freedom, and excitement that come with hitting the open road. Whether you’re cruising down the highway with the windows down or embarking on a cross-country journey, these songs are the perfect soundtrack for your next road trip. In this article, we’ll explore nine pop songs about road trips, along with interesting details about each.

1. “Life is a Highway” by Tom Cochrane (1991)

One of the most iconic road trip songs of all time, “Life is a Highway” by Tom Cochrane is a high-energy anthem that celebrates the thrill of the open road. The song’s catchy chorus and driving beat make it a perfect choice for blasting in the car as you embark on a new adventure.

2. “On the Road Again” by Willie Nelson (1980)

Willie Nelson’s classic country hit “On the Road Again” has become a road trip staple, thanks to its upbeat tempo and lyrics that capture the joy of traveling from place to place. The song’s memorable melody and Nelson’s distinctive voice make it a must-have on any road trip playlist.

3. “Born to Run” by Bruce Springsteen (1975)

Bruce Springsteen’s “Born to Run” is a rock anthem that celebrates the freedom and excitement of hitting the open road. With its driving guitar riffs and powerful vocals, the song captures the feeling of escape and adventure that comes with embarking on a road trip.

4. “Route 66” by Nat King Cole (1946)

“Route 66” is a classic road trip song that has been covered by numerous artists over the years, but Nat King Cole’s version remains one of the most popular. The song’s swinging jazz beat and catchy lyrics pay tribute to the iconic highway that stretches from Chicago to Los Angeles, making it a perfect choice for your next road trip playlist.

5. “Drive” by The Cars (1984)

The Cars’ hit song “Drive” is a poignant ballad that captures the bittersweet emotions of leaving loved ones behind and heading out on the open road. The song’s haunting melody and heartfelt lyrics make it a perfect choice for those quieter moments on a road trip, when you’re reflecting on the journey ahead.

6. “Take It Easy” by Eagles (1972)

The Eagles’ “Take It Easy” is a laid-back, feel-good song that celebrates the simple pleasures of cruising down the highway with the wind in your hair. The song’s catchy chorus and easy-going vibe make it a perfect choice for a road trip with friends, as you sing along and soak in the scenery.

7. “I Drove All Night” by Cyndi Lauper (1989)

Cyndi Lauper’s “I Drove All Night” is a powerful love song that captures the exhilaration of a late-night drive to be with someone you care about. The song’s driving beat and Lauper’s emotive vocals make it a perfect choice for those long stretches of highway when you’re pushing through the darkness to reach your destination.

8. “Holiday Road” by Lindsey Buckingham (1983)

Featured in the classic road trip movie “National Lampoon’s Vacation,” “Holiday Road” by Lindsey Buckingham is a catchy, upbeat song that captures the excitement of embarking on a family road trip. The song’s infectious melody and tongue-in-cheek lyrics make it a fun addition to any road trip playlist.

9. “Fast Car” by Tracy Chapman (1988)

Tracy Chapman’s “Fast Car” is a poignant ballad that tells the story of a young woman dreaming of a better life as she drives away from her troubles. The song’s haunting vocals and heartfelt lyrics make it a powerful choice for a road trip playlist, as you contemplate where the road may lead you next.

These nine pop songs about road trips capture the thrill, adventure, and freedom that come with hitting the open road. Whether you’re embarking on a cross-country journey or simply cruising around town, these songs are the perfect soundtrack for your next adventure.

Here are 17 common questions about pop songs about road trips, along with their answers:

1. What makes pop songs about road trips so popular?

Pop songs about road trips are popular because they capture the sense of adventure, freedom, and excitement that comes with traveling on the open road.

2. What are some of the most iconic road trip songs of all time?

Some of the most iconic road trip songs of all time include “Life is a Highway” by Tom Cochrane, “On the Road Again” by Willie Nelson, and “Born to Run” by Bruce Springsteen.

3. Why do people love listening to road trip songs while driving?

People love listening to road trip songs while driving because they provide a sense of escapism and adventure, making the journey more enjoyable.

4. How do road trip songs enhance the overall experience of a road trip?

Road trip songs enhance the overall experience of a road trip by setting the mood, providing a soundtrack for the journey, and creating lasting memories.

5. What are some lesser-known pop songs about road trips that are worth listening to?

Some lesser-known pop songs about road trips worth listening to include “Drive” by The Cars, “Take It Easy” by Eagles, and “I Drove All Night” by Cyndi Lauper.

6. How can road trip songs help pass the time during a long drive?

Road trip songs can help pass the time during a long drive by keeping you entertained, providing a distraction, and making the journey more enjoyable.

7. What are some common themes in pop songs about road trips?

Common themes in pop songs about road trips include freedom, escape, adventure, nostalgia, and the thrill of the open road.

8. How do road trip songs evoke a sense of nostalgia for listeners?

Road trip songs evoke a sense of nostalgia for listeners by reminding them of past road trips, memorable journeys, and special moments spent on the road.

9. What role do road trip songs play in shaping the overall mood of a road trip?

Road trip songs play a crucial role in shaping the overall mood of a road trip by setting the tone, creating a sense of excitement, and enhancing the journey.

10. How do road trip songs reflect the cultural significance of road trips in society?

Road trip songs reflect the cultural significance of road trips in society by celebrating the sense of freedom, adventure, and exploration that comes with traveling on the open road.

11. What are some classic road trip songs that have stood the test of time?

Some classic road trip songs that have stood the test of time include “Route 66” by Nat King Cole, “Holiday Road” by Lindsey Buckingham, and “Fast Car” by Tracy Chapman.

12. How do road trip songs appeal to a wide range of listeners?

Road trip songs appeal to a wide range of listeners by offering a mix of genres, styles, and themes that resonate with people of all ages and backgrounds.

13. What makes road trip songs so memorable and impactful for listeners?

Road trip songs are memorable and impactful for listeners because they capture universal emotions, experiences, and feelings that resonate with people on a personal level.

14. How do road trip songs inspire listeners to embark on their own adventures?

Road trip songs inspire listeners to embark on their own adventures by fueling their sense of wanderlust, curiosity, and desire to explore new places.

15. Why do road trip songs continue to be a popular theme in music?

Road trip songs continue to be a popular theme in music because they tap into the timeless appeal of travel, discovery, and the open road, resonating with listeners of all generations.

16. What are some modern pop songs about road trips that are worth adding to a road trip playlist?

Some modern pop songs about road trips worth adding to a road trip playlist include “Road Trippin'” by Red Hot Chili Peppers, “Drive My Car” by The Beatles, and “The Open Road” by Post Malone.

17. How can listeners use road trip songs to create their own memorable experiences on the road?

Listeners can use road trip songs to create their own memorable experiences on the road by curating a personalized playlist, singing along to their favorite tunes, and embracing the sense of adventure that comes with traveling on the open road.

In conclusion, pop songs about road trips have a timeless appeal that resonates with listeners of all ages. Whether you’re embarking on a cross-country journey or simply cruising around town, these songs capture the thrill, excitement, and freedom that come with hitting the open road. So next time you’re planning a road trip, be sure to add these iconic road trip songs to your playlist and let the music guide you on your journey. Happy travels! [ad_2]

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Maggie Rogers made 'Don't Forget Me' with the pedal to the floor

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• Maggie Rogers
• "It Was Coming All Along"
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Is there anything better than singing along to your favorite song with your best friends in the car? There's a reason why road trip mixtapes and playlists are so popular and why the "road trip movie" is an enduring genre — being on the road with your friends means freedom and adventure.

That's how Maggie Rogers felt when she was making her new album, Don't Forget Me. Alongside her co-producer and co-writer, Ian Fitchuk, Rogers made the album with the pedal to the floor, in only five days, at Electric Lady Studios in New York City.

In the spirit of any great road trip, she did so with the willingness to just see where the road — or in this case, a song — might lead. Taking turns that felt interesting resulted in an album of free-spirited songs that mostly consist of first takes.

In this session, Rogers talks about making the album, the movies and music that inspired it, and why she wanted to bring her friends into her art.

This episode of World Cafe was produced and edited by Miguel Perez. Our senior producer is Kimberly Junod and our engineer is Chris Williams. Our programming and booking coordinator is Chelsea Johnson and our line producer is Will Loftus.

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With Taylor Swift’s new album out, how listening to sad songs can be good for you

C OLUMBUS, Ohio ( WCMH ) – From pop and country, to alternative, rock and hip hop, music is something that can boost or uplift our mood, even music about breakups and loss.

Arianna Galligher, who’s the director of the Gabbe Well-Being Office and the Stress, Trauma and Resilience (STAR) Program at Ohio State’s Wexner Medical Center, said there’s a lot of excitement around sad music, noting that there’s benefits to listening to tracks that are not uplifting or fun.

“It sort of connects us as human beings in this shared experience,” Galligher said. “Everyone knows what it’s like to feel sad, even if it’s not related to a breakup. That theme of loss is really universal.”

Taylor Swift’s “The Tortured Poets Department” has 16 songs and was rumored to be about a breakup. With its release, many people are excited about the sadness, and there’s a reason why.

Galligher said music can connect listeners through situations they have gone through including a breakup or loss and have made it out. Galligher said these experiences can end up bringing hope and giving access to our own emotions.

“We all have songs that we’ll listen to again and again and again because it really speaks to us,” Galligher said. “I think that’s just a universal connection for humanity and think it makes all the sense in the world to be a little intentional about listening to those songs.”

Though it can bring benefits, Galligher noted that over listening to sad tracks could cause concerns if it starts affecting your mental health.

“If your emotional state is starting to get in the way of your ability to function, then it might be time to employ what we call “opposite emotion action” where we start to create an environment where that emotion is less likely to flourish,” Galligher said. “So it might be worth while to change the track to a more uplifting or a pop song if we start to notice that you are steeping in the sadness for a really long time.”

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV.

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