Are you planning to load your car’s trunk and hit the road for an unexpected adventure? Pump up the volume of this playlist and live the full experience.
From the long instrumental solos to the most singing anthems, the best road trip songs have one thing in common: they capture the unparalleled feeling of freedom that a car trip creates. Endless roads, unfamiliar landscapes, moments of euphoria and moments of reflection... All of these scenarios deserve a soundtrack that lives up to its name, exciting and memorable. One less item on your road trip checklist. Grab the wheel, turn up the volume and let yourself go.
Music to travel endless roads
“Born to be wild” by Steppenwolf
Since appearing on the soundtrack of Dennis Hopper's 1969 classic Easy Riders, his guitar riff, which seems to mimic the roar of a motorcycle, is a call to rebellion on the road. When John Kay sings "head out on the highway" there is only one thing to do: go with the flow.
“Born to run” by Bruce Springsteen
With its unmistakable melody and the sound of Clarence Clemons' saxophone, this song grows and grows as if it were a car accelerating on miles of lonely asphalt. Running away, searching for a better future and speed condensed into a voice that always seems to be on the verge of breaking. The Boss knows what life on the road is all about.
“I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)” by The Proclaimers
Traveling is about getting further and further – physically and spiritually – and the only purpose of this song is to push you further. Its catchy chorus will get everyone in the car to synchronize their voices, and then alternate them on the "nananana" of the bridge. Try not to put it on repeat, if you can.
“Hotel California” by Eagles
An enigmatic place, a journey from innocence to experience, a dreamy landscape... The place to which this song takes us, whether it is real or not, makes us imagine that beyond, at the end of the road, there is a better place. Its instrumental passages sound better when the air enters through the window.
“Sweet Home Alabama” by Lynyrd Skynyrd
Even if you don't live in Alabama or have never set foot there, you can't help but sing the chorus of this southern rock anthem with all your might. Its rhythmic guitars weigh on the accelerator, raising the speed and spirit.
“Little Red Corvette” by Prince
Despite the title, this is not about cars. If there was one thing that made Prince stand out from the rest of the musicians of his era, it was not only his incredible guitar playing, but also his metaphors. It's all about women, one-night stands and unbridled lust. The song takes its time – like passion –, but its beat seems to never stop.
“Day Tripper” by The Beatles
There are many Beatles songs about traveling, but this one has that fun, unbiased side that the Liverpool guys were so good at balancing. A memorable introduction, a short duration and an easy to sing chorus make it ideal for traffic jams – the worst part of a road trip.
“My Sharona” by The Knack
Who's making my motor run? This new wave power pop hit is not dedicated to a car, but it wouldn't be surprising. Its voice play and energizing whoa's can test a passenger's attention. A great remedy against back seat drowsiness.
“Don’t Stop Believin’” by Journey
You've sung it in karaoke until you've been kicked out, but you've never stopped to reflect on the trip that its protagonist is making, a journey to nowhere but one that holds a ray of hope. At the wheel of your car it will take on a new meaning.
“Home” by Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros
All journeys come to an end and the time comes to return home. But that doesn't mean you have to listen to sad songs. This lively folk hit will make the return trip more enjoyable and remind us that home is where the people who love us are.
What did you think of our selection of best road trip songs? Did you feel the need to get in the car immediately? Wherever you go, don't forget to take some of the OSTRICHPILLOW products with you. Because even if you rest in the car, you can do it comfortably.
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