Epic Road Trip Soundtracks!: What Do You Play When You Hit the Highway?
(Title image by DALL-E 3)
Hi WA Friends!
A road trip without the right music just isn’t the same. But what makes the best road trip soundtrack?
The right music can turn a drive into a great memory, whether you’re cruising along the coast, winding through mountains, or speeding down highways.
Here are a few musical genres that can make any road trip unforgettable:
Rock Anthems
If you want music that makes you feel powerful on the road, rock anthems are the way to go. There’s something about loud guitar riffs, pounding drums, and epic vocals that turns a long drive into an exciting adventure.
Whether it’s Led Zeppelin’s “Immigrant Song” or AC/DC’s “Highway to Hell,” rock anthems keep you energized and make you feel unstoppable. It’s the perfect vibe when you want to feel like the king of the road.
And let's not forget the all-time driving classic: Sammy Hagar's "I Can't Drive 55!" You don't want to be pulled over for speeding while listening to that one! Lol 😆
Acoustic
Sometimes the open road calls for a more relaxed vibe. Acoustic songs are perfect for when you want to take it easy and enjoy the ride. Picture rolling down the windows and letting the breeze in while you listen to artists like Jack Johnson or Fleetwood Mac’s “Landslide.”
Acoustic music brings a sense of calm and helps you take in the scenery. It’s all about going at your own pace, with music that feels like a gentle friend along for the ride.
Upbeat Pop
If your idea of a road trip is a non-stop party, then upbeat pop is the way to go. These songs have catchy hooks and fun beats that keep everyone in the car singing.
Whether it’s Taylor Swift’s “Shake It Off” or Mark Ronson & Bruno Mars’ “Uptown Funk,” upbeat pop brings a light and happy energy to your trip. It’s perfect for when you want to drive down the highway with a smile on your face, dancing in your seat, and sharing laughs with your friends.
Retro Classics
There’s nothing like a playlist full of retro classics to bring some nostalgia to your road trip. These timeless hits can bring back great memories and make the drive feel like a trip to the past. Picture yourself cruising to the sounds of The Beach Boys or The Rolling Stones.
Retro classics have a special charm that gets everyone in the car nodding along, no matter their age. It’s the soundtrack that bridges generations and makes every mile feel like a step back into a golden era of music.
Symphonic/Opera
If you want a unique road trip experience, symphonic and opera music can add drama and grandeur to your journey. Imagine the sweeping sounds of Beethoven or the powerful vocals of Puccini’s arias as your car glides down winding roads.
There’s something cinematic about listening to orchestral music - it makes the scenery feel like part of an epic story. It might not be the usual choice, but if you enjoy the complexities of music, it’s a perfect match.
My Driving Playlist
When I'm driving alone, I love listening to symphonic or opera music, and sometimes jazz on Sirius XM. When I'm in the car with my wife, we usually prefer rock, blues, or country. And when I'm with my musician friends, it's all about metal, rock, or fusion.
Sometimes, we like to let someone else do the driving - especially when we plan a day out in Boston followed by an evening concert or Broadway-type show. One of my favorite memories was when I rented a limo to take us to dinner in Boston and then to the Orpheum Theatre to see Jeff Beck. We enjoyed champagne and listened to Jeff's music on CD for the entire ride!
What’s Your Road Trip Vibe?
Do you crank up the volume or keep it mellow?
How much does your mood factor into your driving music selection?
So, What’s The Best Setting For A Road Trip Playlist?
- Rock Anthems
- Acoustic
- Upbeat Pop
- Retro Classics
- Symphonic/Opera
- Other
Drop your pick in the comments, AND …
Keep On Rockin' It! 🤘
(Pin by DALL-E 3)
Frank 🎸
~ 80% Human-written content.
Recent Comments
23
It all depends on who is driving Frank! These days if I'm behind the wheel.... then pretty much the same indy/hard rock I always listen to at home!!
If someone else is driving then it's up to them!!
Back in the day though... when I went on serious road trips it was The Prodigy, Leftfield and certain others I can't even remember the names of now!!
Rock On!!
👍😎🍻🎸🤣
Hi Nick
Yup, my wife usually drives, so I can work on my phone, and she chooses a variety of tunes that she can sing along with.
She's making apple cider spritzers tonight: Homemade cider, Aperol, Prosecco, fresh cinnamon grated on top, and a cinnamon stirring stick. I'll definitely be falling asleep during the movie! Lol 😆 🍹
Rock On! 🤘🍻
Frank 🎸
Lucky you Frank... my wife doesn't have a license here so when we rent a vehicle... there's only one of us who drives!!
Sounds fantastic!! Just tell Stacy from me to take it easy on the Aperol (for your drink only of course), otherwise you might not wake up for days!!!
Take it easy Frank but always Rock On!!
🤣👍😎🍻🍾🥂🎉🍸
Haha, I love Aperol, Nick! I drank it frequently when I lived in Italy.
Stacy will probably end up finishing the other half of my drink tonight. lol 😆
Rock On! 🤘🍻🍹
Frank 🎸
Not my favourite drink I have to admit, but... they do love it in Italy!
I've no doubt that she did Frank!!
Rock On!!
🤣👍🎸😎🍸
Hi Nick
Yup, her apple cider spritzer tasted so good that I was drinking it too fast, but Stacy drank the other half. Lol 😆
Check it out.
This afternoon we ate lunch at one of our favorite Japanese restaurants and had Bangkok something or another drinks. She said it’s like a Mojito, but with basil instead of mint.🍹
Rock On 🤘🍻
Frank🎸
Hi Frank
When I'm by myself, it is mostly Hair Nation on Sirius/XM, but if the little woman is with me it is either 70's 0n 7, Classic Rewind or Yacht Rock radio, also all on Sirius/XM.
Motown is another favorite in our house or vehicle.
One of our fondest memories of driving, was when we went to see Bob Segar, we stayed at a nearby hotel and jumped on a bus to get to the venue. We new the line to get in would be long and thought it would be fun to take the old school bus. The guys running the bus service played nothing but Bob Segar songs and the entire bus was singing most of the trip in. When "Turn the Page" came on, it was awesome! Great memories!
Keep Rockin!! 🤘😎🎸
Tim 🎼
Hi Tim
Yeah, we both listen to Sirus XM in our cars.
My wife loves the Yacht Rock, Sinatra, and the Country music channels.
I'm usually listening to the Symphonic, Opera, or Real Jazz channels. I tend to drive too fast with the Rock & Metal channels! Lol 😆
GREAT Segar memory! 😃
Frank 🤘🎸
It's amazing how a song can bring back a memory of listening to it while on a road trip!
When driving the JC, my super C RV, I like to listen to something a little more mellow, maybe along the lines of symphonic, acapella, great voices: Josh Groban, Celtic Thunder, Canadian Tenors, etc. Apple Music does a great job of playing great music from whatever genre you choose.
Since most drivers these days p$ss me off, I need something more relaxing to keep my cool! 😂
Hi Howard
Yeah, music is the great memory creator! 👍😎
We like Sirius XM in the car and use Amazon Unlimited in the house and with mobile devices.
Yup, no courtesy on the road anymore.
Frank 🤘🎸
I listen alot to the 70's and 80's songs. I think that is the time when music was real music.
Thank you for sharing.
See more comments
I do like to listen to a little bit of Opera when on the road depending on the mood that I'm feeling in the moment.
Then I would tune into some rock music whether it be classic rock/metal/alternative and Pop.
Sometimes I would turn it up which again (depending on the mood). :)
Myra ♥️
Great musical mix, Myra! 👍👍😎
Frank 🤘🎸
Thx, Frank! :)
Myra ♥️