Road trips are the perfect way to enjoy the summer. You get out and see the country. Hopefully, you’re able to discover and explore some fantastic new places. They can be short or long, but the most important thing is to get out on the road. If you’re going to be spending any time motoring along the highway, though, you are going to need some tunes. Music can be what keeps you awake and pumped for the drive. To me, the songs you listen to while on a road trip have to be upbeat, and you have to be able to sing along with them. The following list will give you a good jumping-off point for your own road trip playlist.
California by Phantom Planet – I love this song for a road trip first of all because it’s about being on the road. It’s a little mellow, but it’s a lot of fun to belt out while on the open highway. Especially if you are actually driving to California.
Electric Feel by MGMT – This is my favorite song at the moment. It is really up-tempo and fun. It has a disco-like sound, but it is modern. And you can’t not sing along with the lyrics. You will never fall asleep at the wheel if you have this song playing.
Drive My Car by The Beatles – A great addition to your playlist because of the car theme. Plus, it’s by one of the greatest bands of all time. Everyone knows them, and everyone knows this song. With the pavement passing under your tires, you will sing “beep beep yeah!” with gusto.
It’s Still Rock and Roll to Me by Billy Joel – Another song that mentions an out of style car. It’s fantastic to play because it’ all-around fun. Billy always puts a smile on people’s faces.
American Boy by Estelle – This one is a little different from the others on the list. The hip hop beat is definitely up-tempo, so it will keep you awake. I like that it also talks about traveling and seeing new places. What more can you ask for as you explore new locales?
Somebody Told Me by The Killers – I absolutely love this band. I adore just about every song they play, but this one in particular is great to keep you jamming on your drive. It’s a few years old, so most anyone you’ll have in the car will be familiar with the lyrics, and everyone can sing along.
Summer in the City by The Lovin’ Spoonful – This song is fabulous for summer drives. The sound effects in the background are amazing, and the words just flow together excellently. It also adds a great vintage feel to your playlist.
Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen – There is no one who doesn’t know the words to this song. My favorite part about it is all of the different sections to the piece. It really is a rock opera in miniature form. A person can really just feel silly doing all of the voices, but anything goes (at least as far as singing) in the car on a road trip.
I Want You to Want Me by Letters to Cleo – Most people are familiar with this song because of the 10 Things I Hate About You soundtrack. They know the words, and it’s fun to belt out.
Rock This Town by Stray Cats – This song just maintains a really nice, steady up-tempo beat that will keep you rocking on the road. There will be no way for you to be lulled to sleep by the dotted lines if you have tunes like this pumping out of your car stereo.
Use this list, and keep it close at hand while you drive off into the sunset on your next road trip. You won’t regret it.
