Although things are off to a pretty slow start this spring, the days are gradually getting warmer and the sun is starting to shine a little bit more. While April may still have its fair share of rainy, chilly days, I’ve gotten the taste of warmer weather I needed to make me start looking forward to summer. While I’m far from a fan of summer, there are a few things about the season that I enjoy. The best part? Warm night drives as the sun sets late in the evening, with the windows down and tunes blasting. Hailing from relatively rural southern New Hampshire, night drives are a popular activity at home as there isn’t a whole lot else to do when it gets late. Whether you’re cruising down backroads or headed to the beach, these albums are perfect for feeling the wind in your hair and the sun on your skin, so grab the aux and crank up the volume!
Everything In Transit, Jack’s Mannequin
I can be a pretty indecisive person, so you can imagine picking favorites is not my forte (think color, food, song, movie, etc.). However, I can say with complete and utter confidence that Everything In Transit is my absolute favorite album for summer drives. Maybe the beachy, palm tree-lined album art leads to a little bit of bias, but this song gives me definite warm weather vibes. The punky piano, slightly-whiny-in-the-best-way vocals, and emotional lyrics really pack a punch and deserve to be pumped through the car stereo at top volume. Even the sadder songs still pick up the pace, and every song is energetic while still maintaining a sense of cool composure. Everything In Transit embodies the carefree spirit of the season and makes for a fantastic road trip soundtrack. I’d highly recommend checking out “Dark Blue,” “The Mixed Tape,” and “La La Lie.”
Barbara, Trixie Mattel
This album, comprised of only 8 songs, is actually split up into two discs. The first disc is the real summertime experience, with peppy retro bops that emanate 70’s beach house vibes. Perfect for coasting along the beach and sunny days, throw on some shades, roll down those windows, and sing along with the catchy lyrics. The second disc is better for those night drives, when the sun is lowering into the trees and the sky is painted in pinks and purples. You don’t quite need the sunglasses anymore, and things are quieting down as it gets dark. These songs are more somber and perfect for settling into the night. They’re much lower energy than disc 1, and more folksy than pop-y. This album fits the bill if you start your drive after dinner and drive through the sunset into dusk. My personal favorites are “Girl Next Door” and “Gold.”
The Click, AJR
I’ve written about AJR many times at this point because their music is so incredible and so versatile. I’m a little personally biased with this selection, as my friend from high school and I used to hang out over the summer by driving through the night in my convertible VW Beetle, listening almost exclusively to this album. The Click is a feel-good album with a unique sound, combining orchestral elements, electronic beats, and dynamic, relatable lyrics. Reflect on the past, look to the future, laugh, and cry through this album as it accompanies your travels beneath the starry sky. Be sure not to skip “The Good Part,” “Three-Thirty,” and “Netflix Trip.”
saintmotelevision, Saint Motel
saintmotelevision has a very similar feel to Everything In Transit, sharing the same breezy, easygoing energy that works well with warm, lazy summer days and sunny, sweaty car rides with friends. The whole album exhibits a very cohesive vibe; there are no surprise tracks on this album which makes it the perfect soundtrack for destinationless cruising and casual conversations. I think this album easily works for day and night drives, so no matter which kind of summer road trip you’re feeling, saintmotelevision will be a perfect choice. Definitely give “Sweet Talk,” “For Elise,” and “Local Long Distance Relationship (LA2NY)” a listen!
Paramore, Paramore
I could write multiple full-length articles just about this album alone. I absolutely adore Paramore’s self-titled album, and if I didn’t own the physical CD, I’m certain it would have been my top album for 2021 on Spotify. I can’t count the number of times I’ve listened to this record while driving. From quirky, silly melodies to soft, emotional ballads and heavy-hitting punk-rock bangers, this album’s got it all. Great for singing (or screaming) along to with snappy, smart lyrics, these songs also keep you on your toes by switching up the energy levels from track to track. Make sure to really turn up the volume for Paramore and let it all fly out the windows on the wind. My top recommendations are “Fast in My Car,” “Still Into You,” “Proof,” and “(One of Those) Crazy Girls.”
I hope these albums help put you in the mood for longer, brighter, warmer days ahead, and make sure to keep this list in mind when it’s finally time to go for a long drive this summer!
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