Driving is more than just a way of getting from point A to point B. It can also be a fun, relaxing, and exhilarating experience, especially when you have the right soundtrack to accompany you. Whether you’re cruising on the highway, stuck in traffic, or enjoying a scenic route, there’s a song for every driving situation.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the best songs about driving for different occasions, from road trips to romantic dates. We’ll also give you some tips on how to create your driving playlist and enjoy the ride.
Why Do We Love Songs About Driving?
Songs about driving are a popular and diverse genre, spanning different styles, eras, and cultures. But what makes them so appealing and relatable? Here are some possible reasons:
- Songs about driving capture the freedom and adventure of being on the road. They express the joy of exploring new places, escaping from routine, and living in the moment.
- Songs about driving reflect our moods and emotions. They can be upbeat and cheerful, melancholic and nostalgic, angry and rebellious, or romantic and sensual. They can also help us cope with stress, boredom, or loneliness.
- Songs about driving celebrate the bond between drivers and their cars. They show how cars can be more than just vehicles but also companions, symbols, and extensions of ourselves.
- Songs about driving enhance the experience of driving. They make us feel more engaged, alert, and entertained. They also create a sense of rhythm, harmony, and synchronisation between us and our cars.
How to Choose the Best Songs About Driving for Different Occasions
There’s no definitive answer to what makes a good driving song. It depends on your personal taste, preference, and mood. However, there are some general guidelines that can help you choose the best songs about driving for different occasions:
- Consider the purpose of your drive. Are you going somewhere specific or just wandering around? Are you in a hurry or taking your time? Are you alone or with someone else? These factors can influence the types of songs you want to listen to.
- Consider the environment of your drive. Are you driving in the city or in the countryside? Are you driving during the day or at night? Are you driving in good or bad weather? These factors can affect the mood and atmosphere of your drive.
- Consider the genre and tempo of the songs. Different genres and tempos can have different effects on your driving performance and enjoyment. For example, fast-paced and energetic songs can make you drive faster and more aggressively, while slow-paced and soothing songs can make you drive slower and more calmly.
- Consider the lyrics and message of the songs. Some songs have lyrics that directly relate to driving, while others have lyrics that are more metaphorical or abstract. Some songs have positive and uplifting messages, while others have negative and depressing messages. Choose songs that resonate with you and your situation.
The Best Songs About Driving for Different Occasions
Now that we’ve covered some of the basics of choosing songs about driving, let’s look at some of the best songs about driving for different occasions. We’ve divided them into four categories: road trips, traffic jams, scenic drives, and romantic dates. Of course, these categories are not mutually exclusive, and you can mix and match songs from different categories as you please.
Road Trips
Road trips are one of the most common and exciting occasions for driving. They involve long distances, diverse destinations, and unpredictable adventures. Road trips require songs that are upbeat, catchy, and fun. Songs that make you want to sing along, dance in your seat, and enjoy the journey.
Here are some examples of road trip songs:
Born to Run by Bruce Springsteen
This classic rock anthem is all about escaping from a boring town and chasing your dreams on the open road. It’s full of energy, passion, and optimism.
I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles) by The Proclaimers
This catchy pop song is a declaration of love and devotion that spans 500 miles. It’s simple, repetitive, and irresistible.
Life is a Highway by Tom Cochrane
This upbeat country rock song compares life to a highway that goes on forever. It’s full of positive vibes and encourages you to live in the present.
On the Road Again by Willie Nelson
This mellow country song is a tribute to the joys of travelling and performing as a musician. It’s soothing, nostalgic, and relaxing.
Road to Nowhere by Talking Heads
This quirky new wave song is about embracing the uncertainty and randomness of life. It’s playful, ironic, and catchy.
Traffic Jams
Traffic jams are one of the most frustrating and stressful occasions for driving. They involve long waits, slow movements, and annoying noises. Traffic jams require songs that are calm, soothing, and distracting. Songs that make you forget about the traffic, relax your mind and entertain your ears.
Here are some examples of traffic jam songs:
Don’t Stop Believin’ by Journey
This iconic power ballad is a motivational song that urges you to keep believing in yourself and your dreams. It’s uplifting, inspiring, and epic.
Don’t Worry, Be Happy by Bobby McFerrin
This cheerful acapella song is a simple reminder to not worry about the problems in life and just be happy. It’s optimistic, humorous, and catchy.
Here Comes the Sun by The Beatles
This sweet acoustic song is a celebration of the sun and its positive effects on mood and nature. It’s warm, bright, and hopeful.
I Will Survive by Gloria Gaynor
This disco classic is a powerful song that expresses resilience and independence after a breakup. It’s empowering, defiant, and catchy.
Three Little Birds by Bob Marley
This reggae song is soothing and assures you that everything will be alright. It’s peaceful, positive, and relaxing.
Scenic Drives
Scenic drives are one of the most enjoyable and beautiful occasions for driving. They involve stunning views, natural wonders, and artistic impressions. Scenic drives require songs that are atmospheric, expressive, and immersive. Songs that make you appreciate the scenery, feel the emotions and lose yourself in the music.
Here are some examples of scenic drive songs:
Africa by Toto
This soft rock song is a tribute to the continent of Africa and its diverse landscapes and cultures. It’s rich, exotic, and majestic.
Hallelujah by Leonard Cohen
This haunting folk song is a complex exploration of love, faith, and music. It’s deep, poetic, and moving.
Hotel California by Eagles
This classic rock song tells the mysterious story of a hotel in California that represents the dark side of fame and fortune. It’s intriguing, captivating, and epic.
Moonlight Sonata by Ludwig van Beethoven
This classical piano piece is a beautiful expression of contrasting emotions and moods. It’s elegant, dramatic, and sublime.
What a Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong
This jazz song is a heartfelt appreciation of the beauty and wonder of the world. It’s gentle, grateful, and uplifting.
Romantic Dates
Romantic dates are one of the most intimate and special occasions for driving. They involve love, attraction, and connection. Romantic dates require songs that are romantic, sensual, and memorable. Songs that make you feel closer to your partner, express your feelings, and create a lasting impression.
Here are some examples of romantic date songs:
Can’t Help Falling in Love by Elvis Presley
This timeless ballad is a declaration of unconditional love that transcends logic and reason. It’s tender, sincere, and romantic.
I Just Called to Say I Love You by Stevie Wonder
This catchy pop song is a simple and sweet expression of love that doesn’t need a special occasion. It’s cheerful, charming, and catchy.
Let’s Get It On by Marvin Gaye
This soulful song is a seductive invitation to get intimate and passionate with your partner. It’s smooth, sexy, and sensual.
My Heart Will Go On by Celine Dion
This epic ballad is a powerful song that celebrates the enduring and eternal love between two people. It’s emotional, dramatic, and memorable.
Wonderwall by Oasis
This alternative rock song is a confession of admiration and affection for someone who is your source of inspiration and happiness. It’s catchy, sincere, and romantic.
PetrolHeads
If you’re a petrolhead, you might want to add some songs that celebrate the power, speed, and thrill of driving.
Here are some examples of songs for a petrolhead:
Highway Star by Deep Purple
This hard rock song is a tribute to a fast and powerful car that can outrun anyone on the road. It’s energetic, intense, and exhilarating.
I Can’t Drive 55 by Sammy Hagar
This rock song is a rebellious statement against the speed limit and the authority that enforces it. It’s defiant, catchy, and fun.
Low Rider by War
This funk song is an homage to the lowrider culture and lifestyle that involves customising cars with hydraulics and other features. It’s groovy, cool, and smooth.
Paradise by the Dashboard Light by Meat Loaf
This rock opera song is a dramatic story of a young couple who make a pact of love in a car while listening to a baseball game on the radio. It’s theatrical, humorous, and epic.
Speed Demon by Michael Jackson
This pop song is catchy and describes the thrill and danger of driving fast and being chased by the police. It’s upbeat, funky, and catchy.
Car Soundtrack
If you want to add some car songs from popular soundtracks, you might want to consider these examples:
Under Your Spell by Desire
The song was featured in the 2011 film “Drive,” directed by Nicolas Winding Refn, and has since become synonymous with the film’s iconic style and aesthetic.
Danger Zone by Kenny Loggins
This rock song is the theme song of the movie Top Gun, which features fighter jets and aerial combat. It’s exciting, powerful, and thrilling.
Greased Lightnin’ by John Travolta
This rock and roll song is from the movie Grease, which features a group of teenagers who customise a car and race it. It’s catchy, fun, and nostalgic.
Lose Yourself by Eminem
This rap song is from the movie 8 Mile, which features a rapper who struggles to make it in the music industry. It’s motivational, intense, and inspiring.
Shut Up and Drive by Rihanna
This pop song is from the movie Wreck-It Ralph, which features a video game character who enters a racing game. It’s upbeat, sassy, and catchy.
You’ve Got a Friend in Me by Randy Newman
This folk song is from the movie Toy Story, which features a group of toys who go on an adventure in a car. It’s sweet, friendly, and heartwarming.
New Music Discovery Car Songs
Discover new music that celebrates the freedom, excitement, and thrill of hitting the open road, and make your driving experience even more memorable. With New Music Discovery Car Songs, you’ll never run out of great tunes to listen to, while you’re behind the wheel. If you think your track has what it takes to be featured here, reach out to us on our Socials @neonmusicnow
And, of course, it has to be about cars or feature car references.
RANGE by Afta Hill
Catchy Hip hop track by Afta Hill, an independent Iranian-Canadian Producer/Artist from Toronto. It’s a hilarious video of Afta Hill on a mission to purchase a brand-new car, presumably a Range Rover.
How to Create Your Own Driving Playlist
Now that you have some ideas for the best songs about driving for different occasions, you might want to create your own driving playlist. Here are some tips on how to do that:
- Start with a theme. Choose a theme that suits your driving occasion, such as a road trip, traffic jam, scenic drive, or romantic date. You can also choose a theme based on your mood, genre, era, or artist.
- Choose your songs. Based on your theme, select songs that match your criteria and preferences. You can use online tools like Spotify, YouTube, or Pandora to find songs or playlists related to your theme. You can also ask for recommendations from your friends or family.
- Arrange your order. Once you have your songs, arrange them in an order that creates a smooth and coherent flow. You can use factors like tempo, mood, lyrics, or message to create transitions between songs. You can also use online tools like the Playlist Generator or Playlist Maker to help you create an order.
- Test your playlist. Before you hit the road, test your playlist to see how it sounds and feels. You can use factors like length, volume, quality, or variety to evaluate your playlist. You can also ask for feedback from your friends or family.
Enjoy the Ride
Driving can be a lot more fun and enjoyable when you have the right songs to accompany you. Whether you’re going on a road trip, stuck in traffic, enjoying a scenic drive, or having a romantic date, there’s a song for every driving occasion. We hope this article has given you some ideas for the best songs about driving for different occasions and how to create your own driving playlist. Now it’s time to enjoy the ride!
