Pandemic restrictions are dwindling, and it's time to get on the road again! Many people agree that they cannot go anywhere without a proper road trip playlist. Road trip songs are important for a great trip and so your whole party can sing along while passing through the USA.
Do not head out on your road trip without the following list of best songs (in no particular order)!
20 Road Trip Songs Made for Long Drives & Better Memories
"Darlington County" by Bruce Springsteen
This is a great song off probably the most recognizable album that Springsteen has ever done called Born in the U.S.A.The self-titled track as well as "Born to Run" are often favorited. However, the whole album is pretty sweet, and this song is a testament to that.
"Georgia On My Mind" By Willie Nelson
Since you've probably already played "On the Road Again," this song will slow down the pace with some beautiful harmonica and piano.
"For Those About to Rock (We Salute You)" by AC/DC
The obvious choice for a road trip song would be "Highway to Hell." However, this song is way better... Enjoy!
"Life in the Fast Lane" by The Eagles
While the easy choice is "Take it Easy," our editorial team has already suggested this song on multiple occasions. The Eagles are an awesome band with so many great tunes—this one is off the 1976 album called Hotel California.
"Little Red Corvette" by Prince
Whether you listen on YouTube, Spotify, Apple, or Amazon—you better be driving a fast car when this Prince song comes on.
"California Girls" by The Beach Boys
Everyone has a different mission when they go on a road trip. The Beach Boys apparently got to meet every type of lady around the U.S. While not all of us can be that lucky, we can at least put this on in the car and daydream...
"Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" by The Beatles
Find the way of the road to the tune of The Beatles. This specific video combines "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" with another great song that blends oh-so-well called "With A Little Help from My Friends." This 1967 album is always great to go back and listen all the way through—especially on a long drive.
"Go Your Own Way" By Fleetwood Mac
The song "Go Your Own Way" is from the 1977 album called Rumours. The entire album is absolutely legendary and deserves its own special place along your next road trip.
"Candyman" by The Grateful Dead
The key to a great road trip is to keep "Truckin" along to the Dead. These guys are the definition of a trip—the cross-country journey you're planning is much different. Either way, this song comes from the 1970 album called American Beauty.
"Somebody's Baby" by Jackson Browne
This song fits right into a great road trip playlist. Jackson Browne recorded this song especially for the classic 1982 movie Fast Times at Ridgemont High. This song screams, "80s music!" Watch the movie, hear the song, and heed Spicolli's advice: "People on ludes should not drive."
"I Guess He'd Rather Be in Colorado" by John Denver
RELATED: Customize Your California Road Trip
John Denver is necessary for every road trip playlist. Everyone usually thinks of the classic, "Take Me Home, Country Roads." However, Denver has many, many hits—this particular song from the 1971 album called "Poems, Prayers, and Promises."
"Simple Man" by Lynyrd Skynyrd
Cruise the open road to this tune from the 1973 album titled Pronounced Leh-Nerd Skin-Nerd.
"Burning Down the House" by The Talking Heads
If you're running on empty this track will get you going. This song from the 1983 album Speaking in Tongues is nothing but good vibes.
"Beast of Burden" by The Rolling Stones
Take a deep breath and turn this one up! The Rolling Stones have too many great songs to mention—but this is a start. If you want more, run through this whole album from 1978 called Some Girls.
"I Am the Highway" by Audioslave
This jam appears on Audioslave's self-titled album which was released in 2002. This song in particular is quite fitting for your next road trip. The whole album deserves a spin if you're travel plans give you enough time to do so (RIP Chris Cornell).
"Fast Car" by Tracy Chapman
This is one of the most popular songs that your local band will cover at the pub down the street. And it will do just fine for your next road trip as well. The track can be found on Tracy Chapman's self-titled album released in 1988.
"Pegasus" by The Allman Brothers Band
The Allman Brothers Band is a renowned group with many great songs and albums. This one in particular is awesme for driving and featured on the 1979 record called Enlightened Rogues.
"Find Your Way Back Home" by Dishwalla
This song is from the American Pie soundtrack and quite fitting for a road trip playlist. Unless you're driving or watching the movie, you'll probably never hear it anywhere else—so, enjoy.
"Movin' Out" by Billy Joel
For some reason this song just feels good to drive along to—maybe it's the "Cadillac-ac-ac" reference? Anyway, the song is from the classic 1977 album titled The Stranger.
"Mississippi Queen" by Mountain
This song just goes when you're driving. "Do you know what I mean?" The song was released in 1970 on the album Climbing!
Tunes of Honorable Mention
https://youtu.be/GKY—qaHWSw
It's a long road and you might need more than 20 songs. So here you go...
Add songs from the following bands to your road trip playlist: The Who, Tame Impala, Johnny Cash, Ray Charles, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Sheryl Crow, Steppenwolf, Whitesnake, Gregory Isaacs, Black Sabbath, Metallica, and Tom Cochrane.
You now have a list of some of the best songs of all time. You're welcome
Are you planning a road trip around the USA? Share your adventure at our Wide Open Roads Facebook!
