If romance (or lack thereof) is the most well-liked topic for a track, then vehicles are definitely a detailed second. Ever because the creation of those smooth and highly effective machines, musicians throughout all genres have been singing their praises. Listed here are 100 of the very best songs about vehicles and driving.
2Pac – Image Me Rollin’
Because the quintessential SoCal rapper, it’s just about compulsory for 2Pac to have a number of songs about driving. On this observe from 1996’s All Eyez on Me, 2Pac units the scene, as he cruises down the streets of LA in his tricked-out Mercedes Benz. Alongside the best way, he checks out a Lexus and a Chevy Massive Physique.
50 Cent – Get in My Automotive
50 Cent is understood for proudly owning a powerful assortment of vehicles, so it’s no shock that he touts his ardour on this 2005 track off The Bloodbath. Whereas the video options 50 in a yellow Ferrari convertible, he raps about his Mercedes Benz – calling out the tremendous shiny chrome end on his rims. He additionally offers a shout-out to Dayton spokes – a traditional, customized rim used on Lowriders.
AC/DC – Freeway to Hell
AC/DC are on a one-way highway journey to the underworld on this arduous rock traditional. The track, which turned the title observe to the Aussie band’s 1979 album, was impressed by the group’s arduous touring schedule, and their many journeys down Perth’s Canning Freeway.
Alan Jackson – Mercury Blues
In 1948, blues artist Ok.C. Douglas co-wrote and recorded this ode to the Mercury – a premium, but reasonably priced line of vehicles that Ford produced till 2010. Whereas numerous artists have since lined the tune (together with Meat Loaf, the Steve Miller Band, and Dwight Yoakam), Alan Jackson made it a Prime 5 nation track in 1993.
Ariana Grande – Honeymoon Avenue
On this wistful ballad off 2013’s Yours Actually, Ariana Grande skillfully compares her rocky relationship to a visit in a automobile – wanting again by way of a rearview mirror to the bumps and turns that she and her companion confronted. Caught in visitors and feeling the stress to decide, she needs that they might merely be again on the sleek roads of Honeymoon Avenue.
Bass Mekanik – Bass Mechanic
Bass music pioneers Bass Mechanic (aka Neil Case and DJ Billy E) started their collaborations in a Miami automobile store, creating take a look at tones for automobile subwoofers. It’s simple to think about this bass-heavy electro track (off 1999’s V 5.0) pumping on the stereo whereas driving down the palm-lined highways.
The Seaside Boys – Enjoyable, Enjoyable, Enjoyable
A teenage lady goes behind her father’s again to drive his Ford Thunderbird on this catchy 1966 quantity from The Seaside Boys. As any fan is aware of, the SoCal group cherished vehicles nearly as a lot as they cherished browsing, and so they paid tribute to a different Ford (the 1932 Mannequin 18) only a few years earlier in “Little Deuce Coupe.”
Beastie Boys – Excessive Plains Drifter
Beastie Boys tackle the function of a blue-collar felony on this gem from 1989’s Paul’s Boutique. As he drives throughout the nation, our anti-hero is hot-wiring vehicles, stealing from Kmart, and making an attempt to evade the police alongside the best way. He won’t at all times achieve success, however a minimum of he’s bought an 8-track participant and an early cellular phone to maintain him firm.
The Beatles – Drive My Automotive
On this upbeat tune off 1966’s Rubber Soul, The Beatles sing a couple of lady with massive desires, who flirtily asks a boy to be her chauffeur. Nevertheless, the track wasn’t fairly as harmless because it appears. Years later, guitarist George Harrison penned his personal ode to driving with “Faster” – however this time, it was really about vehicles, and impressed by his 1977 travels with the System 1 World Championship.
Beck – The Golden Age
2002’s Sea Change revolved round themes of loneliness, solitude, and heartbreak. Its stripped-down opening track, “The Golden Age,” units the scene for the album, as Beck sings concerning the peace that comes from getting in a automobile, rolling down the home windows, and letting the cool, night breeze take you away.
Massive Tymers – Get Your Roll On
New Orleans’ Massive Tymers rap about their costly rides on this hit track from 2000’s I Received That Work. From Benzes to Bentleys, Birdman and Mannie Contemporary like their vehicles with massive rims, loud pipes, and ideally with the value tag sticker prominently displayed.
Billy Ocean – Get Outta My Desires, Get Into My Automotive
Billy Ocean declares his love for a girl strolling down the road – and begs her to leap into his automobile in order that he can whisk her away for some romance. Whereas the lyrics is likely to be a bit creepy by in the present day’s requirements, this 1988 single was a large world hit, touchdown at No.1 within the US, South Africa, Australia, and past. This driving track was additionally featured within the soundtrack to the Corey Haim/Corey Feldman teen comedy, License to Drive.
Bob Seger – Makin’ Thunderbirds
On this rollicking track off 1982’s The Distance, Bob Seger pays tribute to the Nineteen Fifties Thunderbird – however with a twist. Somewhat than singing about driving the Ford traditional, the Detroit-born artist takes the attitude of the employee on the plant, who proudly remembers making the luxurious vehicles in his youth.
Bruce Springsteen – Born to Run
Teenage romance, desires of greatness, and a fervent need to flee one’s small city (particularly Freehold, NJ through Freeway 9) are all a part of this traditional 1975 Bruce Springsteen track.
Cake – The Distance
This deadpan, alt.rock hit from Cake (off 1996’s Trend Nugget) seemingly begins on a racetrack, as drivers rev up their vehicles and deftly maneuver turns. However then, we notice it’s way more than that. It’s a couple of man who retains on going, lengthy after the race (or his relationship) has ended. He’s haunted by remorse, but additionally by some innate motivation to maintain going and attempt for some unreachable aim.
Canned Warmth – On The Street Once more
Canned Warmth scored their first massive hit with an interpretation of this hypnotic, one-chord blues tune. The wistful track about driving, which seems on 1968’s Boogie with Canned Warmth showcases the distinctive, falsetto vocals of guitarist and harmonica participant Alan Wilson.
The Cardigans – Daddy’s Automotive
Swedish pop-rockers The Cardigans paint a dreamy image of childhood summer time highway journeys driving throughout Europe on this cheery track off 1995’s Life.
The Automobiles – Drive
This heartfelt, 1984 ballad from The Automobiles was one of many band’s largest world hits, hitting the Prime 5 within the US, UK, New Zealand, and West Germany, amongst many others. The track’s romantic theme carried over to the music video, the place frontman Ric Ocasek met and later married mannequin Paulina Porizkova.
Chamillionaire feat. Krayzie Bone – Ridin’
On this chart-topping 2005 hit (off Chamillionaire’s The Sound of Revenge), the rapper and Krayzie Bone (of Bone Thugs-n-Concord) dare the police to not catch them as they rise up to all types of actions of their automobile. The duo additionally strikes a critical observe, nevertheless, as they broach themes of police brutality and racial profiling – significantly within the track’s music video.
Charlie Ryan and the Livingston Bros. – Scorching Rod Lincoln
In 1950, Arkie Shibley launched a single a couple of sizzling rod race involving a Ford and a Mercury. Each drivers are taken abruptly when a younger man in a souped-up, Mannequin A Lincoln, swoops in and leaves them each within the wind. Charlie Ryan’s 1955 track, “Hot Rod Lincoln,” is written from the viewpoint of that mysterious, rogue driver.
Chet Baker – Spinning Wheel
Legendary jazz trumpeter Chet Baker affords a energetic, instrumental cowl of Blood, Sweat & Tears’ “Spinning Wheel” on this 1970 recording (off Blood, Chet and Tears). Whereas the wheel on this psychedelic tune is open to interpretation, the unique lyrics remind the listener to not dwell on the small stuff, as a result of every thing will work out in the long run.
Chuck Berry – No Specific Place to Go
Chuck Berry’s first massive single, 1955’s “Maybellene” spun a story about chasing after his untrue girlfriend (their vehicles within the track: she drove a Cadillac Coupe DeVille, he had a V8 Ford). Practically 10 years later, Berry scored one other car-related hit with “No Particular Place to Go.” The witty track finds the artist and his sweetheart driving round, listening to the radio, and sharing a number of kisses. However simply as issues are about to get steamy, he can’t get her seatbelt off.
Cybotron – Cosmic Automobiles
Detroit techno pioneers Cybotron dropped this futuristic, pulsating observe forward of their 1983 debut, Enter. The group’s modern digital music and lyrics typically mirrored their metropolis’s decline, and “Cosmic Cars,” with its message of escapism, isn’t any exception.
The Lifeless Milkmen – Bitchin’ Camaro
Certainly one of The Lifeless Milkmen’s signature songs, 1985’s “Bitchin’ Camero” (off Massive Lizard in My Yard) affords a wild, punk parody of popular culture. Speaking over a bluesy riff, the Philly group converses about driving all the way down to the Jersey Shore in a bitchin’ Chevy Camero (bought within the Bahamas) to purchase Def Leppard and Motley Crüe T-shirts.
Deep Purple – Freeway Star
Declaring himself a “Highway Star,” the topic of this 1972 track is obsessed with his automobile. Appropriately written on a tour bus, the tune opened Deep Purple’s Machine Head and options epic guitar and organ solos.
Dr. Dre feat. Snoop Dogg, Ruben & Jewell – Let Me Trip
Dr. Dre, joined by a younger Snoop Dogg, plus singers Ruben and Jewell, is all about his tricked-out lowrider on this 1993 hit (off his legendary 1992 LP, The Persistent). As he cruises down the streets of Compton, he references his 1964 Chevrolet Impala, his Dayton rims, and his spectacular 16 hydraulic switches.
The Dresden Dolls – The Jeep Tune
Punk cabaret duo the Dresden Dolls sing about being haunted by an ex and his 1996 Jeep Cherokee – a ubiquitous sight of their native Boston. Because the protagonist navigates her blue Volvo round city, she will’t assist however shudder each time she sees one other a kind of mid-priced but smart compact SUVs.
Eddie Cochran – Somethin’ Else
On this 1959 single from rockabilly artist Eddie Cochran, a younger man desires of affording a brand new convertible to impress the lady he likes. Ultimately, the track sees him purchase an older automobile: an older 1941 Ford – and ultimately mustering up the braveness to ask out his crush!
Elastica – Automotive Tune
Elastica sings about doing the deed in a Ford Fiesta (a Honda will do as nicely) on this cheeky Britpop tune, off their self-titled 1995 debut.
Foghat – Sluggish Trip
Whereas this track is likely to be a couple of totally different form of experience, readers of a sure age will eternally affiliate the track “Slow Ride” with 70s vehicles and billows of pot smoke, because of movies like Dazed and Confused. The enduring arduous rock observe marked the primary single off Foghat’s 1975 LP, Idiot for the Metropolis.
Frank Ocean – White Ferrari
Frank Ocean will get wistful a couple of previous, teenage romance in “White Ferrari.” The track, which seems on 2016’s Blond, additionally contains an interpolation of the Beatles’ “Here, There, and Everywhere.”
Gary Numan – Automobiles
British artist Gary Numan feels most secure in his automobile on this new wave traditional. Deceivingly easy but totally catchy, “Cars” (off The Pleasure Precept) hit No.1 within the UK and Canada and was a Prime Ten hit within the US.
The Go-Go’s – Skidmarks on My Coronary heart
This 1981 tune, off Magnificence and the Beat, finds the Go-Go’s getting jealous and pissed off at a boyfriend who pays an excessive amount of consideration to his automobile, a Pontiac GTO. Maybe the track is finest summed up within the lyrics: “I buy you cologne/You want axle grease/You say get a mechanic/I say get a shrink.”
Golden Earring – Radar Love
Dutch rockers Golden Earring scored a global hit with this 1973 cult favourite. The track, off their LP Moontan, tells the story of a long-haul driver who will get candy, telepathic messages from his girlfriend (aka “Radar Love”).
Grace Jones – Pull As much as the Bumper
On this funky, 1981 membership hit, Grace Jones delivers a deliciously naughty double entendre, as she sings, “Pull up to my bumper baby/In your long black limousine.” The enduring track, off Nightclubbing, has been included in quite a few Greatest Of lists, together with Pitchfork’s “50 Songs That Define the Last 50 Years of LGBTQ+ Pride” and Slant’s “100 Best Dance Songs of All Time.”
Iggy Pop – The Passenger
Iggy Pop celebrates the lifetime of the musical nomad on this traditional 1977 minimize off Lust for Life. In an interview with The Guardian, he shared that his inspiration for the track was “riding around North America and Europe in David [Bowie’s] car ad infinitum. I didn’t have a driver’s license or a vehicle.”
Jackie Brenston and his Delta Cats – Rocket 88
Thought-about by many to be the earliest rock‘n’roll track ever recorded, this jaunty, 1951 tune pays tribute to the tremendous sporty Oldsmobile Rocket 88. Whereas the one, which was based mostly on an earlier tune about one other automobile – Jimmy Liggins’ “Cadillac Boogie” (1947) – was written and recorded by Ike Turner, it was credited to his saxophone participant, Jackie Breston.
Jan & Dean – Lifeless Man’s Curve
This eerily prophetic 1964 hit particulars a tragic teen highway race between a Corvette Stingray and a Jaguar XKE in Los Angeles. Two years later, the duo’s Jan Berry was in a critical accident in his personal Stingray close to “Dead Man’s Curve” (a good flip on the nook of North Whittier Drive and Sundown Blvd in Beverly Hills).
Janis Joplin – Mercedes Benz
On this tongue-in-cheek commentary on consumerism, Janis Joplin asks God to show his love by sending her a colour TV, an evening in town, and a model new Mercedes Benz (as a result of all of her mates drive Porches). The a cappella track appeared on Joplin’s posthumous, sophomore album, Pearl (1971).
Jimmy Smith – King of the Street
Organist Jimmy Smith (who popularized the Hammond B-3) and jazz guitarist Wes Montgomery ship a bluesy instrumental interpretation of Roger Miller’s oft-covered nation track, “King of the Road.” The recording, which additionally options the abilities of percussionist and Latin bandleader Ray Barretto, seems on 1968’s Additional Adventures of Jimmy and Wes.
John Fogerty – Scorching Rod Coronary heart
Former Creedence Clearwater Revival frontman John Fogerty celebrates the easy joys of joy-riding within the nation (particularly in a Buick or a Harley). It’s all about cranking up the radio, having fun with the contemporary air, and getting away from all of it on this 1997 track off Fogerty’s Grammy-winning album, Blue Moon Swamp.
Kanye West feat. Paul Wall & GLC – Drive Sluggish
One of many nice hip-hop songs about vehicles, Kanye West, Paul Wall, and GLC use vehicles and automobile tradition as a metaphor for a fast-paced way of life on this 2005 cautionary story off West’s Late Registration. The trio calls out a large number of vehicles and equipment, together with the Chevy Caprice, Lincolns, the Oldsmobile Aurora, and the high-end Mercedes-Benz CL-Class, in addition to Vogue luxurious tires and fancy Brabus rims.
Johnny Money – One Piece at a Time
This 1976 novelty track – a No.1 nation hit for Johnny Money – tells the story of a person who builds Cadillacs in a GM plant and devises a plan to steal one half a day, to be able to construct his personal automobile. The one hitch? As soon as he lastly has his completed automobile, each half is from a unique 12 months, from 1949 – 1970.
Kendrick Lamar – Backseat Freestyle
Kendrick Lamar affords a little bit of tongue-in-cheek social commentary on this 2012 single, off Good Child, M.A.A.D Metropolis, during which an adolescent desires of proudly owning a Maserati and dwelling massive.
Kesha – Gold Trans Am
Kesha sings about doing the deed in a gold Trans Am on this 2012 tune (a bonus track off the deluxe version of Warrior). Enjoyable Truth: the pop star really owned a gold Trans Am on the time, whereas her mom (songwriter Pebe Sebert) has a co-writing credit score on the extremely suggestive track.
Kraftwerk – Autobahn
There are few extra iconic songs about driving ever penned. Named after the well-known German freeway, the 22-minute title observe off 1974’s Autobahn not solely marked Kraftwerk’s first track to characteristic lyrics carried out by the group however was additionally one in every of their largest worldwide hits (the one edit is available in at about three and a half minutes). Easy, but efficient, the German lyrics translate to: “We drive drive drive on the Autobahn.”
L’Trimm – Automobiles That Go Growth
Feminine hip-hop duo L’Trimm pay their respects to boys with subwoofers on this infectious, 1988 traditional. So long as the bass is pumping, Tigra and Bunny will pull over their Jaguar or Lamborghini to say howdy.
Lana Del Rey – White Mustang
Who hasn’t fallen for a Mustang-driving musician at one level or one other? Lana Del Rey definitely did, and he or she mourns the ill-fated summer time fling on this 2017 ballad.
Les McCann – Inexperienced, Inexperienced Rocky Street
Jazz pianist Les McCann affords a soulful, high-energy efficiency of “Green, Green Rocky Road” on this 1965 single. The people track, which is credited to Len Chandler and Robert Kaufman, was based mostly on a standard kids’s sport.
Lil Troy feat. Fats Pat, H.A.W.Ok., Lil Will & Yungstar – Wanna Be A Baller
This 1999 hit, off Lil Troy’s Sittin’ Fats Down South, options performances by Fats Pat, H.A.W.Ok., Lil Will, and Yungstar. Whereas the track samples Prince’s “Little Red Corvette,” the artists rap about driving a Chevy Impala, decked out with 20-inch rims, in addition to a high-end Mercedes Benz, full with Vogue tires and a customized “presidential package.”
LL Cool J – The Boomin System
LL Cool J wrote this anthemic track (off 1990’s Mama Stated Knock You Out) for all the blokes (and women) who prefer to pump up the bass on their EQ, roll down their home windows, and blast songs from their vehicles.
Misplaced Boyz – Jeeps, Lex Coups, Bimaz & Benz
The lead single off Misplaced Boyz’ 1996 debut, Authorized Drug Cash, “Jeeps, Lex Coups, Bimaz & Benz” finds the Queens, NY crew giving shout-outs to the East Coast, West Coast, Jeeps, luxurious Lexus Coupes, BMWs, and Mercedes Benzes.
Lucinda Williams – Automotive Wheels on a Gravel Street
The title observe to Lucinda Williams’ Grammy-winning fifth studio album, this nostalgic 1998 track finds the singer-songwriter recalling the sights and sounds of her southern childhood highway journeys.
Luke Bryan – My Ol’ Bronco
Nation star Luke Bryan pays tribute to the easy pleasures of his well-loved 70s Ford Bronco on this 2015 minimize, which opens the ultimate installment of his Spring Break EP sequence.
M.I.A – Dangerous Ladies
This anthemic 2012 track from M.I.A. celebrates feminine empowerment, as she sings about driving round in her Jeep Cherokee and “leavin’ the boys behind.” The music video, shot within the deserts of Morocco, promoted the Ladies to Drive motion, which campaigned for Saudi girls to have the suitable to drive (it could be one other 6 years earlier than it was enacted into regulation).
Large Assault – Be Grateful for What You Received
Journey-hop stars Large Assault reworked this 1974 soul tune (initially written and launched by William DeVaughn) on their landmark 1991 debut, Blue Traces. The track reminds listeners that even when they don’t personal a elaborate Cadillac, they’ll nonetheless be proud and grateful for the issues that they do have of their lives.
MC Nas-D & DJ Freaky Fred – It’s My Cadillac (Received That Bass)
Among the best Miami bass songs about vehicles ever recorded, MC Nas-D and DJ Freaky Fred have a good time the fun of a Cadillac (and a high-end sound system) within the title observe to their 1992 album.
Meridian Dan feat. Massive H & JME – German Whip
British MC Meridian Dan, plus rappers Massive H and JME, wax poetic about high-end German vehicles (Audis, BMWs, Mercedes-Benzes, and Porsches, amongst others) on this 2014 single. Peaking at No.12 within the UK, the fast-paced track helped reinvigorate the nation’s grime scene.
Metallica – Gasoline
Motor racing imagery runs all through this single, off Metallica‘s 1997 LP, Reload. While the Grammy-nominated song’s which means has been interpreted in a myriad of how, it’s typically stated that this fan favourite is about dwelling a quick way of life. Practically 20 years later, Dodge licensed the track for an advert that showcased their efficiency autos.
Mike Jones feat. Paul Wall & Slim Thug – Nonetheless Tippin’
Rapper Mike Jones (with assist from Paul Wall and Slim Thug) pays tribute to Vogue tires, flashy rims, Cadillac Escalades, and his hometown of Houston on this track off 2005’s Who Is Mike Jones?
Mannequin 500 – Evening Drive (Via-Babylon)
Detroit-based DJ and producer Juan Atkins (aka Mannequin 500) was impressed to write down this supremely funky, 1985 electro observe after his many late-night drives throughout Michigan’s I-96 interstate.
Natalie Cole – Pink Cadillac
Within the spring of 1988, Natalie Cole scored a Prime Ten single with a canopy of Bruce Springsteen’s “Pink Cadillac.” The track finds Cole declaring “My love is bigger than a Honda, it’s bigger than a Subaru/Hey man there’s only one thing and one car that will do.” The reply, after all, is an expensive, pink Cadillac.
Nelly – Trip Wit Me
On this Prime 5 hit off 2000’s Nation Grammar, Nelly offers a shout-out to quite a lot of luxurious autos, together with the Mercedes Benz E-Class and Vary Rovers. The music video, in the meantime, included a traditional Pontiac Firebird Trans Am in addition to an enormous Peterbilt 379 truck…crammed with girls.
Olivia Rodrigo – drivers license
Olivia Rodrigo’s record-breaking debut affords an epic (and relatable) story of teenage heartbreak. She’s lastly acquired her driver’s license – and all the liberty that it affords. However after a crushing breakup, all she will do is drive round her city and reminisce about her misplaced love.
Outkast – Two Dope Boyz (In a Cadillac)
The Cadillac, and its connection to Southern tradition, performed an enormous function In Outkast’s cosmic sophomore album, ATLiens. On this track off the 1996 LP, the duo rap about driving round in Atlanta within the luxurious model, giving a particular shout-out to fashions just like the Coupe DeVille and the Fleetwood.
PJ Harvey – Driving
This haunting, early demo of PJ Harvey’s tells a story of a lady in a white robe escaping in her automobile. Is she operating from a marriage? A relationship? Or one thing else extra summary?
The Playmates – Beep Beep
This 1958 novelty track from The Playmates tells the story of a man using proudly in his Cadillac when he’s approached by a less-than-sporty Nash Rambler. Whereas the 2 vehicles have interaction in an impromptu highway race, the tempo of the track picks up, and up, and up, till the punchline on the finish.
Primus – Jerry Was a Race Automotive Driver
This funky little quantity from Primus’ 1991 debut (Crusing the Seas of Cheese), tells the story of two males: Jerry, a Hank Williams Jr.-loving race automobile driver who meets a tragic finish in his Oldsmobile Cutlass 442 after an evening of consuming, and Captain Pearce, a retired firefighter.
Prince – Little Crimson Corvette
On this iconic Prime Ten hit (off 1982’s 1999), Prince makes use of the metaphor of a smooth, pink corvette to explain a one-night stand with a stunning (and wild) lady who likes to “Love ‘em and leave ‘em fast.”
Queen – I’m in Love with My Automotive
Written and sung by drummer Roger Taylor, this 1975 track (off Queen’s A Evening on the Opera) tells the story of a lad who’d a lot relatively spend time along with his automobile than his girlfriend. Along with that includes some unbelievable riffs by guitarist Brian Might, the track additionally features a cameo by Taylor’s Alfa Romeo.
Reba McEntire – I’d Somewhat Trip Round with You
Reba McEntire skips out on her cousin’s wedding ceremony to joyride together with her sweetheart on this jubilant nation hit off 1996’s What If It’s You.
Wealthy Boy feat. Polow Da Don – Throw Some D’s
The aptly-named Wealthy Boy (with assist from Polow Da Don) raps about his getting cash – and shopping for a Cadillac – on this Prime Ten single off his 2007 self-titled debut.
Rick Ross feat. Drake & Chrisette Michelle – Aston Martin Music
Rick Ross, Drake, and Chrisette Michelle pay tribute to the smooth (and costly) Aston Marton on this 2010 single off Teflon Don. Ross additionally offers a shout-out to the world’s most well-known Aston Martin driver, James Bond.
Rihanna – Shut Up and Drive
This new wave-influenced hit from Rihanna (off 2007’s Good Woman Gone Dangerous) is stuffed with sultry metaphors, during which she hopes to go “0 to 60” together with her new flame. The very best-selling artist sings about Maybachs and Ferraris, and declares that she’s “got class like a ‘57 Cadillac/And overdrive with a whole lot of boom in the back.” Shut up and drive, certainly.
Roger Miller – King of the Street
Nation singer Roger Miller sings from the attitude of a vagabond on this chart-topping, crossover hit. Within the 1964 tune, the character (a “man of means by no means”) finds pleasure in his freedom, regardless of having little cash.
The Rolling Stones – Route 66
The Rolling Stones open their 1964 self-titled debut with a traditional ode to probably the most well-known freeway in America. Including a dose of swagger to this R&B normal (written by Bobby Troup in 1946), the British rockers may need been envisioning their first US tour as they sang about every cease throughout the nation.
Ronny & the Daytonas – GTO
Surf rockers Ronny & the Daytonas show their admiration for the sporty Pontiac GTO on this jaunty 1964 tune. As their very first single, “GTO” marked an auspicious starting for the short-lived group, incomes them a gold file and their solely Prime 5 hit.
Rose Royce – Automotive Wash
“You might not ever get rich/But let me tell you, it’s better than digging a ditch,” sing the boys of Rose Royce on this chart-topping 1976 disco hit. The funky track was additionally the theme to Automotive Wash – a blockbuster comedy starring Richard Pryor and George Carlin.
Roy Orbison – I Drove All Evening
Though this enduring energy ballad was initially written for crooner Roy Orbison in 1987, his recording wouldn’t be launched till 1992, a number of years after his loss of life. As a substitute, the track is popularly attributed to Cyndi Lauper, who made it a large, world hit in 1989. Youthful followers could acknowledge yet one more model of the track by Celine Dion, who reworked it right into a dance hit greater than a decade later.
Rush – Crimson Barchetta
Rush spin a vivid story a couple of younger man sneaking out to the nation to drive his uncle’s well-preserved, decades-old Ferrari Barchetta. The track, off 1981’s Shifting Photos, was impressed by Richard Foster’s A Good Morning Drive – a brief story set in a futuristic period, during which smaller, sporty autos have been changed by large, militaristic autos.
Sam Hunt – Physique Like a Again Street
Nation star Sam Hunt compares his relationship (and his girlfriend’s physique) to driving slowly down a again highway on this crossover hit off 2020’s Southside. Having been collectively a very long time (they go “way back like Cadillac seats”) these two lovers are on “a highway to heaven.”
Sammy Hagar – I Can’t Drive 55
After receiving a ticket for driving seven miles over the pace restrict, Sammy Hagar was impressed to write down the track “I Can’t Drive 55.” Referencing the 55 MPH pace restrict (the very best authorized pace on the time within the US), the 1984 fan favourite additionally spawned an iconic music video, during which Hagar makes an attempt to outrun the cops in a Ferrari BB512i.
Shania Twain – In My Automotive (I’ll Be The Driver)
This witty and empowering 2002 tune (off Shania Twain’s chart-topping crossover hit, Up!) finds the star warning her man to not be a backseat driver. When she’s behind the wheel, she’s in cost.
Shirley Horn – The Guidelines of the Street
Jazz singer Shirley Horn affords a supremely cool efficiency of this traditional tune on her 2001 album, You’re My Thrill. The track, which Tony Bennett first recorded in 1962, compares the principles of romance to “The Rules of the Road.”
Sir Combine-A-Lot – My Hooptie
Whereas “My Hooptie” sounds prefer it could possibly be the ego-boosting prequel to “Baby Got Back,” this 1989 single from Sir Combine-a-Lot is definitely nearly his dilapidated outdated automobile. The rapper paints a tragic image of his 1969 Buick, which is lacking a hubcap, has mismatched tires, and is sporting a free bumper. However on the brilliant aspect, he’s bought warmth and a pair of large fuzzy cube hanging from the rear-view mirror.
Slick Rick feat. Doug E. Contemporary – Sittin’ in My Automotive
On this 1995 single that includes Doug E. Contemporary, rapper Slick Rick sits in his Jeep, ready for his newest girlfriend to satisfy him. As he continues to attend, he bemoans all of the instances that he’s been scorned by girls.
Smokey Robinson – Cruisin’
Smokey Robinson’s smooth-as-silk “Cruisin’ was one in every of his largest hits outdoors of his work with The Miracles. The sultry, 1979 ballad (off When There’s Smoke…) can be an ideal soundtrack for a romantic Sunday drive.
Snow Patrol – Chasing Automobiles
Snow Patrol’s 2006 love track (off Eyes Open) reminds us how little we actually want, and the way easy pleasures – like strolling by way of blooming gardens, taking a pause, and watching the vehicles driving by – may be simply as impactful as life’s massive moments.
Steppenwolf – Born to be Wild
Because of its inclusion in Straightforward Rider, Steppenwolf’s “Born to be Wild” is probably probably the most well-known track about driving a motorbike. The hard-rocking, 1968 hit is all concerning the freedom that comes from revving up your bike, driving out into nature, and in search of journey.
Taylor Swift – Getaway Automotive
On this dramatic single off 2018’s Popularity, Taylor Swift realizes that escaping one relationship by leaping into one other (aka a “Getaway Car”) isn’t going to finish nicely for anybody.
Tom Cochrane – Life Is A Freeway
Tom Cochrane compares life’s twists and turns to driving down a freeway on this track – and vows to take advantage of it (particularly if his love is by his aspect). The rollicking, 1991 single, off Mad Mad World, was a No.1 hit in Cochran’s native Canada and a Prime Ten hit within the US.
Tom Petty – Operating Down a Dream
The late, nice Tom Petty revels within the joys of driving a automobile on a sunny day on this track as he displays on his desires of changing into a musician. The artist additionally offers a shout-out to one in every of his musical heroes, Del Shannon, with a reference to his 1961 single, “Runaway.”
Tracy Chapman – Quick Automotive
Tracy Chapman desires of a greater life on this bluesy, Prime Ten hit off her 1988 self-titled debut. Working as a check-out lady, Chapman wonders, “You got a fast car/Is it fast enough so we can fly away?/We gotta make a decision/Leave tonight or live and die this way.”
Touring Wilburys – Finish of the Line
The Touring Wilburys (George Harrison, Tom Petty, Jeff Lynne, Bob Dylan, and Roy Orbison) supply a wistful, but joyful, message about being at peace with one’s self. The 1989 single, which seems on the supergroup’s debut (The Touring Wilburys, Vol. 1) proclaims, “Don’t have to be ashamed of the car I drive/I’m just glad to be here, happy to be alive.”
Vince Taylor & His Playboys – Model New Cadillac
English rock’n’curler Vince Taylor wrote this 1959 single a couple of lady who leaves her boyfriend within the mud (actually and figuratively) in a shiny new Cadillac. The protagonist chases her in his Ford, as he pleads together with her to return to him. Whereas Taylor didn’t have a lot success on the UK charts, a swath of different artists have had higher luck protecting the rockabilly favourite, together with The Conflict, who recorded it for 1979’s London Calling.
Conflict – Low Rider
Whereas the lyrics to “Low Rider” are deceptively easy, this 1975 traditional driving track (off Conflict’s Why Can’t We Be Buddies?) paints a vivid image. Listening to it, one can simply think about a mixture of reefer and exhaust as a slow-moving customized low-rider comes into view. The solar is out, the toke is powerful, and life is sweet.
White Zombie – Black Sunshine
White Zombie sings a couple of fast-racing Ford Mustang named “Black Sunshine” on this 1992 steel traditional. The track, which seems on La Sexorcisto: Satan Music Quantity One, includes a spoken-word intro by Iggy Pop (who additionally makes an look within the music video).
Wilco – Passenger Aspect
On this track off Wilco’s 1995 debut, A.M., a man laments his demons – and his suspended license – as he depends on his sober buddy to get round city.
Willie Nelson – On the Street Once more
Willie Nelson celebrates life as a touring musician on this Grammy-winning 1980 hit. The driving track, which shortly turned one in every of his signature hits, was written for the movie Honeysuckle Rose, during which Nelson starred as a struggling nation artist.
Wilson Pickett – Mustang Sally
Wilson Pickett laments shopping for his girlfriend, Sally, a 1965 Ford Mustang, as a result of now all she ever desires to do is drive round in it. Initially written and recorded by Mack Rice in 1965, Pickett made the R&B track a worldwide hit one 12 months later, touchdown on the charts within the US, UK, and Canada.
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