The Top 10 Songs To Add To Your Road Trip Playlist (guaranteed To Make You Sing Loudly)

1. September by Earth, Wind & Fire

This song is just a classic. It captures the happiness that one feels when going on a long road trip, and no one can resist belting these lyrics out. It is a three-and-a-half-minute joyous song that will bring the party anywhere, even if that is a small metal box with wheels. It will make you feel as though you are on top of the world, and nothing can ruin what you are feeling in the moment. 

2. Golden by Harry Styles

Now I know what you might be thinking, "of course she is going to put Harry Styles on her playlist", but this song is just perfect. This is one of the songs that one feels the need to scream at the top of their lungs while speeding down the highway (lord knows how many times I have done it).

When I picture traveling, whether it be by myself or with friends, I always see this song playing in the background. It just fits as a song off the soundtrack of life. Styles even said that this is the perfect song to put on when driving down the coast or anywhere in general. It is an upbeat song that will make any road trip one to remember. 

3. When Am I Gonna Lose You by Local Natives

I found Local Natives in December of 2020 when my family and I went out for a drive around town. I never leave the house without bringing my headphones, and it was the case this time around too. When I first played this song, I felt that it fit perfectly with the scenery around us (lots and lots of trees), and it made the cloudy afternoon seem a thousand times brighter.

I know the lyrics might seem a little down for it to make the cloudy day seem brighter, but the beat and deliverance of the song can lift any mood. I advise any reader to check out the rest of Local Native’s discography, as they have other amazing songs that will be perfect for a road trip.

4. Stand Back by Stevie Nicks

Is a playlist even good if it does not have Queen Stevie Nicks on it at some point? This is another song that makes one feel as though they are on top of the world. There is a reason she ruled the music industry in the 70s and 80s. This song makes one feel free and as if they are untouchable. It is like Stevie Nicks' soul is present in the car and sharing all her energy with the people present. 

Any of her songs would be a great addition to road trip playlists, to be honest. The emotion she makes anyone feel during a short amount of time is insane and should be cherished. Her music can lift any spirits and start the party long after it has begun. 

5. Body Talks by The Struts

Now this song is a guaranteed mood booster. I mean, how can one not want to get up and dance to this song or sing along to it? The number of times I have listened to it at full volume while going to work is crazy. This song carries so much energy with it that even the first note helps to create a good environment. The version with Kesha is even better, as she adds her own spark and flair to the song that no one knew they needed.

6. Rapture by Blondie

When I was younger, I associated two songs with long road trips. This song was one of them, and the other was The Way You Move by Outkast (featured at number 8 on this list). This song has been in so many car commercials where the driver is depicted as going on road trips, and rightfully so. I have heard this song play so many times on different car trips I have been on (whether it is with friends, family, or by myself). 

7. The Page by Chromatics

This song can have everyone in the car engaged. There can be a lead singer, backups, and a person to keep the beat going. The person(s) in this car can act as though they are on their world tour performance opening with this song. With this song playing, the trip will seem to go by faster and one might find themselves getting fully immersed in this song without even realizing it.

8. The Way You Move by Outkast ft. Sleepy Brown

This song right here is the song that captures road trips. I imagine this song as if I were taking part in carpool karaoke with James Corden. The tempo and beat of this song along with the background instruments tie the whole song together. Plus, it is a really fun song to sing to pass the time. 

This track will leave anyone feeling accomplished if they can rap the whole song without messing up any lyrics or missing a part of the song.

9. Cupid's Chokehold / Breakfast In America by Gym Class Heroes

This is a classic early 2000s song that everyone should know. This song just gives off vibes of a laid-back setting. It would be the song to blast while going down a not so busy highway while the windows are down, and everyone's hair is blowing in the wind. The beat is catchy, and the lyrics can be relatable to anyone listening. I have had so much fun singing this song while driving anywhere just because of the deliverance of the song and how catchy it is.

10. Modern Love by Mother Mother

I had this song playing on repeat for a solid three weeks. This is another song that makes anyone stop what they are doing so they can put on a one-of-a-kind performance. With this song playing in the car, no one is guaranteed to be bored. The beat is too good to not move around, and if it's dark outside, the people in the car can imagine they are in the club while this song is playing (extra points if there is a full moon that night). To be completely honest, any of Mother Mother's songs would work just fine seeing as though they all hold good energy in them. 

With any of these songs on your playlist, you are sure to have a fun time driving, and the drive will seem to go by faster than it actually is (take it from me, I drive 2.5 hours from school to home during breaks). Music is something that always gets me in a good mood, and keeps things interesting, so I am happy to give you these songs in hopes that they also work for you.