Summer is almost here, and that means more freedom for most of us. Though some might be taking summer classes, some might be working and some might be doing both, the summer weather is closing in. This means random trips around the hometown, windows rolled down, and hair blowing in the wind. The only thing that is needed is a good driving mix. Whether patrolling the Wal-Mart parking lots or driving cross-country, here are some good tunes to drive to.
#1 "Save Tonight" – Eagle Eyed Cherry
This song is a great song to blast while you're driving around. The beat gets everyone moving, and it barely lets up. Not to mention, its lyrics have deep meaning if you're heading to visit a special someone. But hey, going to the grocery store can be just as fun with this song playing.
#2 "Falling for the First Time" – Barenaked Ladies
The Canadian alternative rock group hit the world with this song in 2000. Yes, a decade has passed, but the song is still making people move. This song is one of my personal favorites to drive to, keeping me awake and alert, as well as excited to keep driving. A definite win for people who are making long trips, but just as exciting if you're heading to the mailbox.
#3 "Breath" – Breaking Benjamin
The well-known hit from the local band, "Breath" is a great song to be blasting from your speakers. While it is a little more dark and less upbeat, the bass and the rhythm keep you moving. Not to mention, who doesn't love blasting loud rock music?
#4 "Drunken Lullabies" – Flogging Molly
Why is this song a good driving song? Listen to it, and you'll understand. To the Molly fans out there, cheers!
#5 "Memory" –Sugarcult
The hit single off of the album "Palm Trees and Power Lines," this song starts off strong and never lets go. It's a great song to keep you going, and to keep you excited. The song is even better with friends in the car. It makes the energy palpable.
#6 "Closing Time" – Semisonic
Another one hit wonder of the 90s, this song has a good line of guitar music, with an awesome piano piece. The beat keeps you moving, and keeps you awake. Also this is a good song if you're the DD after a night of drinking.
#7 "Say Hey" – Michael Franti and Spearhead
This song is just plain fun with a good beat and good sounds. The rhythm keeps you moving. The different instruments mixed with hand beats and Franti's voice makes this one great song to drive to. Not to mention, it makes you feel like you're in the Caribbean for just under 4 minutes.
#8 "Free Falling" – Tom Petty (Optional cover: John Mayer)
This song is just absolutely amazing. Whenever I hear this song, I imagine people driving on country roads, with fields of green passing them by and their hair fluttering in the breeze. (I recently heard John Mayer's cover of this song, and it is not as terrible as most of his music. Either version will work, but I am partial to Petty.)
#9 "Hate My Life" – Theory of a Deadman
I always laugh when I hear this song, so I've added it to the list. I would probably put this at the beginning of the playlist, as it starts off kind of slow. When it gets going, it makes you want to sing along. And since it will be a regular on your summer drives, you'll be able to.
#10 "One Headlight" – The Wallflowers
Not only is the beat of this song conducive to good driving, its title is referencing cars! This song is a classic, and will continue to be one for years. Just be sure that your own car isn't a Padiddle before the summer, or else you could face a fine. Though the irony for being pulled over for having one working headlight while this song is on has not escaped me.
#11 "Hey Soul Sister" – Train
Relatively new, this new song by Train is very upbeat and really catchy. The beat is good, and I am a big fan of the ukulele used throughout. This is a perfect song for sunny days on the road.
#12 "You're A God" – Vertical Horizon
This is probably one of my favorite songs of all time. I can't really explain why, but it just makes you feel. And speaking of making you feel, this song has a great beat and a catchy chorus, making this a fantastic choice to add to a driving playlist.
#13-14 "Jumper"/"Semi-Charmed Life" – Third Eye Blind
I lumped these two classic tunes from the 90s into one mega song choice. Both of these songs have good beats to them, and both allow for lots of head banging. While this is not to be tried while in motion, red lights and stop signs are a great place to get a little crazy with the head banging. "Jumper" is a slightly more mellow song, while "Semi-Charmed Life" is a bit more powerful, forcing energy into your system.
#15 "Only Wanna Be With You" – Hootie and the Blowfish
This classic 90s song is great for road trips, or even just parking your car in a field and sitting with friends. The beat and the lyrics make you feel happy to be alive, and couple that with warm sunshine and you will be having one great road trip. If you could imagine anything better, bring some friends with you.
These songs are some of the best songs to road trip to. Due to space constraints, I haven't hit some of the many songs that would make it even better, but think about what you would put on there. Use your own taste, find out what music revs your engine, and sync up a playlist, or burn a CD for those summer days and nights with your friends. Be safe this summer, and crank up the music when the days are nice.
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