1. Life is a Highway - Rascal Flatts
This was an easy one. It’s one of those songs that make you want to drive all night (that is a song that I can’t stand, by the way). It’s the type of road trip song that can perk you right up if you’re starting to feel a bit tired (side note - taking a break is better than a singalong when you are feeling driver fatigue).
2. Route 66 - John Mayer
There’s clearly a Cars theme going here. While I do love the Nat King Cole version of this song, the John Mayer one feels more road-trippy for me. It is literally a song about a road trip - can’t get more perfect than that.
3. Shut Up and Drive - Rihanna
Quite possibly the most modern song on the list, Rihanna’s Shut Up and Drive is probably less about driving actual cars and more about, well… you can fill in the blank. For me though, the song is about the enjoyment of driving. And the music video features some pretty special hot metal.
4. All Summer Long - Kid Rock
Any song about summer has the potential to become a great road trip tune. This Kid Rock song is all about an unforgettable summer, making memories, enjoying time with special people, and isn’t that all the elements of a fantastic road trip?
5. Summer of 69 - Bryan Adams
For similar reasons to why I enjoy listening to All Summer Long, I enjoy listening to Summer of 69. It’s about a summer romance, memories shared and happy times.
6. Mustang Sally - Wilson Pickett
I’m pretty sure that the reason I like this song is because my parents used to play it quite a bit when I was growing up. I don’t even know if it’s a real memory, but I can picture myself at the back of the car and this song on cassette playing through the speakers. Good times.
7. The Gambler - Kenny Rogers
I just like this song. Any time of any day in any situation. It’s a song that I heard as a kid and I love it as an adult. It’s always on my road trip list.
8. Come a Little Bit Closer - Jay and the Americans
This song I’ve come to love because of Guardians of the Galaxy. There’s a scene in the second movie where Yondu escapes the captivity of his own crew and then proceeds to kill them all along to this song. It sounds crazy and a little gruesome, but it’s a pretty badass scene and this song makes it better. As a result, it’s now on my road trip playlist for when I want to feel like a badass (not BAD) driver.
9. I’m so Excited - The Pointer Sisters
I LOVE road tripping so naturally I’m already excited like a week before the trip begins. But if you need a little help in this department, then this is a great song to start a trip as it adds to the excitement of the drive and the adventure.
10. Walking on Sunshine - Katrina and the Waves
This is such a happy song and one that easily perks up any foul mood. Happy songs are always recommended for road trips! No one wants to listen to slow, heartbreak music while on a fun adventure, do they?
