Life is a Highway
We’ve got existential crises, we’ve got toe-tapping country tunes—we’ve got a handful of songs every driver needs for their next journey. From Johnny Cash’s tribute to General Lee to early-2000s rap hits, don’t leave any of these off your playlist.
Photo by averie woodard on Unsplash
1. “One Piece at a Time” By Johnny Cash
Just about any occasion calls for Cash, but “One Piece at a Time” is a must-have for driving playlists. In this chart-topper, our poor protagonist hatches a plan to steal car parts from work and build his own vehicle—only to nab parts from multiple years. It does leave us with a hilarious answer to the question, “What model is it”?
2. “Keep the Car Running” by Arcade Fire
This Canadian band’s been on the scene for over 20 years, and we all knew they were something special from the jump. However, if you’re going to whittle it down to one song, you have to include one of their best from ‘07, even if it inspires your own existential crisis.
Samuele Errico Piccarini on Unsplash
3. “Fast Car” By Tracy Chapman
Who doesn’t love a good cry session in the car? Heaven knows you’ll get it with “Fast Car,” but it’s still a classic for your playlist. Join Chapman through a rather depressing journey of big dreams and crushed hopes, all to a tune you’ll sing along with.
Hyundai Motor Group on Unsplash
4. “Ride Wit Me” by Nelly
Okay, maybe existential crises aren’t your thing—enter Nelly’s famous 2001 bop. His song not only withstood the test of time but all those radio-friendly versions, too. Whether you’re pretending to smoke or singing the actual lyrics, Nelly’s the fastest route to nostalgia.
5. “Born to be Wild” by Steppenwolf
Why, yes, we will race the wind and explode into space. You should, too! This classic rock song may be from the ‘60s but it topped charts and crept into pop culture pretty quickly. Today, it still invokes images of bikers and Huggies diapers alike.
6. “Shut Up and Drive” by Rihanna
We’ll say this for Rihanna—she’s right to the point. If you don’t sift through the metaphors and double entendres, this song is…certainly about driving. Dig a little deeper and it’s not exactly subtle, but it’s still a catchy 2000s tune.
7. “General Lee” by Johnny Cash
There’s no denying the energy in The Dukes of Hazzard or Cash’s famous song about General Lee. Though first popular enough in the ‘80s, the tune picked up steam again in GTA V, where we all tried to evade four-star heat in stolen vehicles. It’s a must-have for any playlist—buckle up and we’ll show you what we mean.
8. “Bad Girls” by M.I.A.
M.I.A. seemingly came and went with the wind, but she thankfully left chart-toppers like “Bad Girls” behind. Sure, it was a little repetitive but it was also a popular 2010s anthem. Best of all, the song and its video also reflected M.I.A’.s solidarity with the Women to Drive Movement.
9. “Slow Ride” by Foghat
At this point, who hasn’t heard “Slow Ride”? The song’s appeared in movies, TV shows, and even video games like Guitar Hero. It’s a classic rock song that deserves its fame—and a spot on your playlist.
10. “Shotgun” by George Ezra
George Ezra’s well known for his folk-pop tunes and landing cameos like Sir Ian McKellen in his music videos. Though you can’t watch any adorable videos on the road, you can still pop on tracks like “Shotgun” and go all the places Ezra takes you.
11. “On the Road Again” by Willie Nelson
A simple tune all about making music with his friends, we can’t help but feel like passengers in Nelson’s tour bus. Whether “On the Road Again” makes you think of the legendary musician or Eddie Murphy’s Donkey, it’s a great track for driving playlists.
12. “In My Car (I’ll Be The Driver)” by Shania Twain
Back in the day, Shania dominated charts and the driver’s seat—and there was no way she’d let a man take over. It’s a cute song from one of her later albums, and we immediately envision our hair dancing wildly with the top town.
13. “Ridin’” by Chamillionaire ft. Krayzie Bone
It’s unfair to call Chamillionaire a one-hit wonder but you have to admit that “Ridin’” is probably his most recognizable song. It was an inescapable 2005 banger that soon made its way back into Mario Kart memes. While we don’t advocate driving like Luigi, we do recommend sticking it on your playlist.
14. “Life is a Highway” by Tom Cochrane
Maybe you first heard the Rascal Flatts version. Maybe you only remember Michael Scott struggling to pin down the lyrics. Either way, you know this feel-good song! It’s worth popping on your playlist because nothing else captures the freedom of the open road.
15. “Gold Trans Am” by Kesha
Kesha didn’t beat around the bush and we can’t help but stomp our feet to her catchy pop-country tune. On the surface, it’s a song about her actual car, which was, in fact, a gold Trans Am…let’s not dig any deeper.
16. “I’d Rather Ride With You” by Reba McEntire
Reba’s cousin’s getting married—we know it, she knows it, and yet here we all are behind the wheel anyway. None of us care where the road goes either. Just don’t even think about turning around or leaving this tune off your playlist.
17. “Drive My Car” by The Beatles
You wouldn’t think that Paul McCartney and John Lennon butted heads over such a catchy little track, but they did. Whatever they went through was worth it though since they made a song worthy of any trip.
18. “Runnin’ Down a Dream” by Tom Petty
Practically any Tom Petty song is enough to get our attention, but “Runnin’ Down a Dream” is particularly great on the road. If Petty wants to chase his dreams while the sun beats down, who are we to stand in his way?
19. “Highway to Hell” by AC/DC
It only takes a few seconds before we drum our steering wheels and crank the dial. This classic rock song has been featured in movies and TV alike, and there’s no reason to keep it off your playlist!
20. “Little Red Corvette” by Prince
It’s no less subtle than Rihanna or Kesha, and it’s no less worthy of a spot on your driving playlist. Prince threw in a few raunchy lines but let’s just pretend those were about a car and definitely not a one-night-stand.
