The best part of a road trip or motorhome holiday is the freedom. Freedom to go anywhere you want to, whenever you want to. Forget train schedules, hotel bookings and the other anchors of modern day travel! Hire a campervan, make a great playlist and let the adventure begin. So here are our 31 best road trip songs for your playlist, to achieve those good feelings and ultimate freedom.
1. Harry Nilsson - Talkin at me
This classic from the late 60’s just feels so right when listened to in a classic camper!
2. Red Hot Chili Peppers - Road Trippin
This song is great for those long stretches of road where you have time to think. Secondly - it reminds you to stop off for ‘snacks and supplies’ and therefore vital.
3. Stuck in the middle with you - Stealers Wheel
Shout out to whoever ended up in the middle seat!
4.Talking Heads - This must be the place
Sneak this on as you approach your destination after a long day on the road. It would essentially be the DJ version of a ‘dad joke’. The other occupants of the vehicle may groan but you will score points with us.
5.Bon Iver - Wash
Slow and mindful, any passengers half asleep will appreciate this one.
6.M83 - Outro
Listening to this whilst driving through a spectacular mountain range would be idyllic.
7.Led Zeppelin - Immigrant song
This song is awesome to drive to, just remember to keep an eye on the speedometer!
8.Iggy pop - The Passenger
A great song for late night drives, don’t let his nostalgic vibes send you to sleep.
9.Joni Mitchell - Parking Lot
Hippy songs for a hippy van, set your inner spirit free!
10.America - A Horse With No Name
Ideal for lone rangers on the dusty road
11.Kay Kyser - Jingle Jangle Jingle
A must have if you are road tripping state side and an all time classic
12.The Doors - Riders on the storm
This song should make you feel invincible. You’re not though.
13. Holy Roller Novacaine - Kings of Leon
With a very classically energetic feel to it, this is a great song to put on when you are leaving a campsite to get back on the road.
14.Eddie Rabbitt - I Love A Rainy Night
Hopefully you won’t have to do too much driving on a rainy night, keep this one in mind just in case!
15.Lovely Day - Bill Withers
Even if the day itself is not perfect driving with this playing will help you feel otherwise
16.Camaro - Kings of Leon
Even if you aren’t driving a Camaro it might be fun to pretend whilst jamming to this.
17.Magnet -Bombay Bicycle Club
This one will get you fully awake and ready for a day of adventure!
18.Kanye West - Good Morning
Another great one to wake up and get moving to
19. Route 66 - Nat King Cole
Great song, we’ll let you connect the dots on this one!
20.Under the Bridge - Red Hot Chili Peppers
This one might even make you feel nostalgic for the hustle bustle of the city you are away from. Great for perspective and appreciation.
21. Going up the Country - Canned Heat
You should still include this one even if you are driving ‘down’ the country.
22.The Specials - Ghost town
This song is great for cruising around at a slow speed. Roll down the windows if the weather permits.
23. Magic Carpet Ride - Steppenwolf
Another groovy jam for all you 60’s themed road trip fans out there!
24. Come and Get Your Love - Redbone
The whole van should start singing along when this comes on.
25. Kurt Vile - Wakin’ On A Pretty Day
A light summery jingle to lift your spirits and encourage you to look more closely at the beauty you are surrounded by.
26. Forests on the Way There - Tom Rosenthal
Short, sweet and seemingly written for a journey on the road.
27. Kavinsky - Nightcall
Where better to look for driving music than the soundtrack from the film ‘Drive’?
(Check out other songs from the film, they’re all great.)
28. On Raglan Road - The Dubliners
Yes it has road in the title, but it is also a great accompanying song to a journey.
29. Rocky Mountain Raga - Robbie Basho
One of the Grandfathers of acoustic guitar music can really compliment a road trip in style.
30. Peter Bjorn and John - Young Folks
Be prepared to hear some slightly out of tune whistling coming from the back seat.
31. Scar Tissue - Red Hot Chili Peppers
Fun sounding but also bittersweet, this one is likely to have everyone singing along to it.
Well, That concludes our list and should give you at least an hour and a half playing through on your travels. If you are trying to get inspiration for what songs to put in your own playlist we find two general rules to help. Firstly, the song is special to you, be it your current upbeat favourite jam or nostalgic etc. Secondly, that it gives you that feeling of excitement that works well with the sensation of being free and on the road!
#GoboonyJams
