If you’re looking for some groovy songs to rock out to on your next roadtrip, then this is the playlist for you.
Starting this list is a more laid back song by Lou Reed. “Walk On the Wild Side” is a story of travel, transformation and adventure. Reed invites the listener to take a walk on the wild side and start a life all new. He describes men and women who go to new cities and start new lives as different people. The chorus is hauntingly beautiful with a resonating melody you can’t help but sing along to. You’ll be thinking about where you’ll be going next and what adventures lay in store for you. This calming song will get you from stressed to calm in four minutes and 14 seconds.
Next up is “Lost on You” by LP. This song has such a beautiful voice that it’s hard to understand how she isn’t number one on the charts. She originally was dropped by Warner Brothers due to her music not being good enough in their eyes. “Lost On You” is a song that makes you reflect on yourself. It leaves a listener thinking of where they’ve been and where they still have to go. The guitar and drum match perfectly to keep a steady beat, something you can tap a toe to. This song is easily one you can put on repeat and listen to for hours on end. You’ll hear this song if you go into Verizon, fun fact.
Glass Animals has a great selection of music to travel to. Each of the four members of Glass Animals have known each other since they were 14 years old. All of their songs are pretty groovy and have a hypnotic vibe. “Gooey” is great for just leaning back and letting the music take you. The song originally started out as a hip hop beat the lead singer Dave Bayley created. The song was featured on the reveal of the iPhone 6s in 2015. The Glass Animals are scheduled to perform at Bonnaroo later this year.
“Redbone” by Childish Gambino is essential in my travel playlist. The entire song has such a unique sound that you know it the moment it starts. Donald Glover exceeded perceived musical limits in this track. His voice was untouched in the song, something that caused a stir when the song was released. Glover said he was just singing differently. The track also was featured in the Jordan Peele movie Get Out during the opening credits. If you’ve never heard of Childish Gambino, you should definitely explore his other tracks if you’re in for a long trip.
“Sleepyhead” by Passion Pit is so melodic and has such a unique sound. Anytime I travel I find myself playing this multiple times within one trip. It was on their album Chunk of Change that debuted in 2008. The album was originally a Valentine’s Day present for the lead singer’s girlfriend. It was later featured on a cell phone commercial in 2009. If you like bands that go for a more electronic and experimental vibe, Passion Pit may be right up your alley.
Vallis Alps is a Australian synth duo comprised of Parissa Tosif and David Ansari. Their song “Oceans” is about the struggles of Iranian women. Tahiri was a 19th century woman who died for the emancipation of women in Iran, and she inspired the backstory for the song. While the song is centered around politics, you don’t have to be political to like it. The catchy beat and chorus will be stuck in your head all day.
311 made their debut in the nineties and have been making a recent comeback. “Amber” is such a groovy song by this group. The guitar and drums work together to create a laid back melody that carries you through the song. Listening to this song can really calm your nerves if you’re a skittish driver. They recently were announced to be performing alongside Incubus on their 30 year anniversary tour.
“Oh Lord” by Foxy Shazam takes me straight back to my teenage years, time spent cruising backroads with my best friends and blaring this artist at the top volume. This song specifically has such a positive energy. When I listen to it I’m immediately in a good mood, which helps when traveling. It’s easy to be overcome with road rage, jet lag, exhaustion or other setbacks while traveling. This song is sure to pull you into a better mood. The Cincinnati born band recently announced their first show in over eight years, which sold out the same day.
I don’t know how many times I’ve been spotted singing “Under Pressure” at the top of my lungs while on the highway. The high energy from Freddy Mercury and David Bowie is contagious and empowering. Singing along to this classic song is something a group can enjoy, so if you’re traveling in a group just turn this on.
From the moment “Mr. Brightside” starts, a performance can be expected from children of the emo era. The early 2000’s heralded this song as an anthem and since then it has been engraved in an entire generations’ mind. Because of this significance, you can be sure there will be lots of head banging, dancing and dramatic lip synching. Stuck in traffic, layovers, or trapped in the car with a boring family? Play this and the gods of emo will carry you through your traveling woe. The second music video also featured the movie Moulin Rouge, wherein the video was also shot at the real Moulin Rouge.
