After having taken a brief road trip this summer with my friend, I can confirm that making the perfect playlist is an absolute requirement for having the best time possible. After all, what is the point of a road trip if you don’t get to scream catchy lyrics while rolling down the interstate? Here are 15 of the best tried and tested road-tripping songs.
- “Karma Chameleon” – Culture Club
This song is mostly nonsense as well as an earworm, making it a perfect addition to any playlist. Even if you don’t know the lyrics, you will soon find yourself singing along!
- “American Pie” – Don McLean
This is a classic that everyone in the car can appreciate. I think it might be impossible to NOT sing along to good old “American Pie”.
- “Don’t Stop Me Now” – Queen
“Don’t Stop Me Now” is sure to get everyone in the car stoked for the trip and “having a good time, having a ball”.
- “Best Day of My Life” – American Authors
Such a happy song that is sure to put everyone in a good mood.
- “50 Ways to Say Goodbye” – Train
This song is an especially good choice if anyone has recently gone through a breakup. After all, who hasn’t wished that their ex would get “run over by a crappy scion”.
- “Human” – The Killers
This song has a great beat and is definitely catchy.
- “Sober Up” – AJR ft. Rivers Cuomo
Despite its rather sad name, this song is really cute and features a pretty awesome cello part.
- “Dog Days Are Over” – Florence and the Machine
A song to transport you back to your youth and keep the energy in the car high.
- “Somewhere Over The Rainbow/What a Wonderful World” – Israel Kamakawiwo’ole
Anyone who doesn’t like this song is a sad person who you should definitely not invite on your road trip. This is a song that should be added to every playlist on and off the road.
- “HandClap” – Fitz and The Tantrums
Another epic (and only slightly suggestive) throwback with a great beat.
- “Shut Up and Dance” – WALK THE MOON
A song that is sure to have everyone dancing in their seats and singing along.
- “The Great Escape” – Woodkid
An upbeat, happy, and positive song, great for getting through those never-ending parts of the drive.
- “Real Love Baby” – Father John Misty
A little calmer than most of the other songs on this list, but super catchy and sweet.
- “Carry On” – fun.
A good motivational song for when the drive starts to get to you.
- “Feel Again” – OneRepublic
Like all of OneRepublic’s work, this song is incredibly catchy and nearly impossible to not sing along to.
This is by no means a comprehensive list of all the great music and artists that need to be a part of your road trip. However, it is definitely a good starting point for creating the ultimate playlist that will serve to make your travels even more fun and memorable.
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