Going on a long journey? The best songs about road trips
Posted on 28th November 2022 at 13:12
Are you the kind of person who gets caught singing along to the radio when you are waiting at the traffic lights? You don’t have to have seen Wayne’s World (but we suggest you do!) to realise the bonding experience an excellent car sing-a-long can have.
Chances are you’ve already read our essential road trip checklist, so now the practicalities are out of the way another important consideration is that all-important playlist. If you’re going to be travelling for several hours, having some road trip songs to keep you going can make the time pass quickly.
You can either use a ready-made song list from the likes of Spotify or Apple music, or create your own one ahead of your journey.
Our SMIC Autoparts Parivaar (family) loves their music so we asked them to vote for their favourite tunes to drive to - here are their music choices (English & Hindi) to keep you entertained.
1. Born to Run by Bruce Springsteen (1975)
There’s a reason this breakout song by The Boss was inducted into The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s best songs - it's an absolute belter. The song is one of finding escape on your motorcycle on the open road - absolutely what a bike trip should be about.
2. Shut Up and Drive - Rihanna (2007)
Barbadian singer Rihanna brought out this banger on her third studio album. The songstress mentions pretty much all the car parts on the car (57 Cadillac), including the engine, hood, lights and, overdrive. Rihanna also makes a pretty good mechanic in the video accompanying the song.
3. Driving home for Christmas - Chris Rea (1988)
If you’re in the UK over the Christmas holidays there is no chance you won’t hear this at least once every day on the radio. The ultimate feel-good Christmas road trip song has made the singles chart every year since 2007 - now that is longevity.
4. Take It Easy - The Eagles (1972)
If you like a chilled road trip, then this Seventies rock classic has to be top of your list. This was the American band’s debut single and probably one of their best. Crank it up and sing along.
5. Mustang Sally by Wilson Pickett (1966)
Another oldie but a goldie, this is a classic rhythm and blues (R&B) track. Whether you listen to the original by Wilson Pickett or the famous film version by The Commitments, you’re in for a treat. The Mustang had only just come out in the USA when the song was released.
6. I Drove All Night - Cyndi Lauper (1989)
While originally written for Roy Orbison, it first became a hit when Cyndi Lauper released it. Celine Dion’s version came about after she signed a deal with Chrysler cars. The haunting tale of a driver trying to get to their loved one is definitely one for a romantic road trip.
7. Born to be Wild - Steppenwolf (1969)
This counter-culture classic is for all those motorcyclists who love the thrill of the open road, Performed by Steppenwolf its a rock classic, which reached huge levels of popularity after being featured in the film Easy Rider starring Dennis Hopper, Peter Fonda and a scene-stealing Jack Nicholson.
8. On the Road Again - Willie Nelson (1979)
No one does road trips like musicians, and this song exemplifies the life of a touring band. Willie Nelson’s won a Grammy Award for Best Country Song for this ditty which was used in the soundtrack for the film Honeysuckle Rose.
9. Fast Car - Tracy Chapman (1988)
As debut singles go, this is one of the best, winning singer-songwriter, Tracy Chapman, a host of awards on its release. It made it to No. 167 on the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time ranked by Rolling Stone magazine. It made it back into the charts in 2015
10. Chasing Cars - Snow Patrol (2006)
Even the name of the band is car-related, with Snow Patrol enjoying their biggest hit to date with this love song. It was an appearance on hit show Grey’s Anatomy that really propelled the song into the stratosphere.
11. Take Me Home, Country Roads - John Denver (1971)
The title of the song means this needs little explanation and is the perfect song to listen to on a road trip home. One of John Dever’s biggest hits, it’s now one of the official state anthems of West Virginia.
12. Hawayein - Jab Harry Met Sejal (2017) - Hindi
A soul stirring masterpeice. This song makes you want to fall in love and is sure to soothe your wanderlust heart.
13. Patakha Guddi - Highway (2014) - Hindi
One of the best travel songs that Bollywood could have offered.It is a song of freedom that asks young women to be carefree and adventurous.
14. Dil Chahta Hai (2001) - Hindi
This epic title song of the movie is a perfect song to add for a road trip with friends.
15. Khaabon Ke Parindey - Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara (2011) - Hindi
One of the best travelling songs. A song that works like a light at the end of a tunnel with its uplifting and soothing words. Live fully and be fulfilled, the theme of the movie, is encapsulated in this very song.
Chances are you’ve already read our essential road trip checklist and our favourite road trip films to get you in the mood for hitting the open road. And if you haven’t, why not?
Either way, we hope you enjoyed our choices. And remember, if you need any car parts for your trip, you know where to come.
Tagged as: driving tips
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