Spring Break is almost here. That means two things: a much-needed break from the college workload and hopefully travel. If you’re the type of person that likes to road trip, a good playlist for the drive is an absolute must. I’ve decided to highlight ten songs that are absolutely essential to anyone’s road trip playlist.
“Take It Easy” - Eagles
Though many songs from the Eagles can be added to a road trip playlist, “Take It Easy” is the undisputed greatest road trip song of all time in my opinion. The iconic song from the legendary band includes everything you need from a song of this type. Incredible harmonies from the band, great electric guitar work throughout and the feeling of simply cruising down the road make this a classic rock staple. The track just makes you wanna sit back, relax and well, take it easy.
“Free Ride” - The Edgar Winter Group
The iconic guitar work in the intro makes “Free Ride” instantly recognizable. The guitar work is equally as good throughout the rest of the song, having an excellent solo in the back half as well. The vocals by the band are so smooth, urging you to sing along. The high energy and overall vibe of this song is unmatched.
“Wandering Spirit” - Mick Jagger
Whether you’re the type that likes a travel itinerary or would rather wander like Jagger, this track is another high-energy one that makes you want to fly down the highway. The gospel-esque vocals coupled with the rocking production blend incredibly well here. The expertly constructed build-up to the chorus feels extremely rewarding once it kicks in.
"Fast Car” - Tracy Chapman
This classic folk-rock track from Chapman is not only one of the best road trip songs but also one of the best narrative songs as well. Though not nearly as fast-paced as the rest of the songs on this list, “Fast Car” still has a specific charm that is great for travel. It gives you a bit of a break from the aforementioned fast-paced, high-energy songs. The song’s narrative is a bit somber, but the nostalgic scene Chapman paints is simply too good not to include.
“Staring at the Sun” (feat. SZA) - Post Malone
This might come as a surprise to some given that it doesn’t have the classic movement and traveling tropes as some other songs on this list. However, there’s something about the driving percussion and backbeat in the production that gives me a sense of motion while listening. SZA’s vocals on the feature complement Malone’s great on the track.
“Born to Run” - Bruce Springsteen
This classic Springsteen track is one of the most iconic in his deep discography. It’s hopeful, epic and feels cinematic. The track is quite literally split into three sections, mirroring a three-act film. Springsteen’s trademark stream-of-consciousness approach to songwriting makes this a sprawling triumph that simply puts you in a good mood. Also, who doesn’t love a good sax solo?
“Route 66” - John Mayer
My John Mayer bias might be showing here a little bit, but his cover of the 1946 Nat King Cole original is the definitive version of the song. The track has been covered numerous times with Chuck Berry’s 1961 version being arguably the most popular. However, Mayer’s cannot be beaten. His simply jaw-dropping guitar work on the over eight-minute extended version is perfection.
“Tourist” - Miranda Lambert
“Tourist” appears on Lambert’s Grammy-nominated album, “Palomino.” I highly recommend putting the entire album on a road trip playlist given that nearly every track on the record has themes of movement and travel. Much like Chapman’s “Fast Car”, “Tourist” is a very chill track. This gorgeously produced country song is chalked full of incredible instrumentation. Lambert’s wandering spirit is perfectly captured here.
“Free Bird” - Lynyrd Skynyrd
What else is there to say about “Free Bird?” It arguably has the most iconic guitar solo of all time. The sprawling, epic nature of the nine-minute song simply feels grand. “Free Bird” transitions from a slow ballad to one of the most instantly recognizable pieces of rock music in the final half of the song. The four-minute and twenty-second guitar solo that ends the track is simply perfection, one of the greatest rock compositions ever.
“Heads Carolina, Tails California” - Jo Dee Messina
This nineties country staple is an absolute blast to listen to. The rocking electric guitar, Dee Messina’s vocals and the theme of wanting to get away make this track a must-have. Though never reaching number one on the country charts, this track has seen a renaissance in the 2020s with Cole Swindell sampling the song on “She Had Me at Heads Carolina.” It’s easy to see how this song has influenced country fans throughout the decades, it’s simply a delight to listen to.
Honorable Mentions: “Dreams” - Fleetwood Mac, “I’ve Been Everywhere” - Johnny Cash, “Big Jet Plane” - Angus & Julia Stone, “Where I Wanna Be” - Eric Church, “On the Road Again” - Willie Nelson
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