Well, last time around we put up a blog on the Top Ten ‘Bollywood’ Road Trip Songs. This time, we have compiled for you a list of best road trip songs (English). Of course, there will be many other songs that might compete for a position in the list, and you can add them in the comments section. Till then, memorize this list and add it to your “road trip collection” .
Enjoy!
1) Born to be Wild (Steppenwolf): Written by Mars Bornfire, the song was recorded in 1967 by Steppenwolf and became a raging hit in the West. Ironically though Bornfire intended it to be a slow ballad, it has popularly been recognized as the first heavy metal song, and is associated with a biker imagery and attitude. The first movie to use it was the hit “road trip” movie – Easy Rider, and the song is accompanied by the sound of motorcycles, in the introduction. In 2004, in the “Greatest 500 songs of All-Time” list prepared by Rolling Stones, the song was placed at Number 129.
2) Highway to Hell (AC/DC): AC/DC’s first million-selling album, it was supposedly made after a reporter asked band members if they could describe what life was like being constantly on tour. “A fucking highway to hell” was the reply. Angus Young, who wrote the song along with Bon Scott, stated in the magazine Guitar World that when you are out on the road on a bus sleeping with a guy’s smelly sock in your face, it’s as if you’re on the highway to hell. Bon Scott was found dead in the back of a friend’s car six months later.
The song was placed at Number 254 on Rolling Stone magazine’s Greatest 500 songs of All Time list, and is a must for your road trip collection!
3) Life in a Fast Lane (Eagles): Although “Take it easy” could have easily made the list too, it is one of those nice feel –good songs whereas “Life in a Fast Lane” is a peppy number that’ll make you nod your head at the song, at the road and at nobody in general. Glenn Frey, the writer revealed that the title came to him one day when he was riding on the highway with a drug dealer mysteriously known as “The Count”. When Frey asked The Count to slow down his response was, “What do you mean? It’s life in the fast lane!”
4) Running down a Dream (Tom Petty): One of the most popular road-trip songs ever, the song was the official theme song of the 2006 and 2008 NBA finals. As the lyrics go,
“It was a beautiful day, the sun beat down
I had the radio on, I was driving
Trees went by, me and Del were singing
Little runaway, I was flying … “
5) What is love (Haddaway): The song peaked in popularity from the Saturday Night Live ”Roxbury Guys“, where two brothers played by Chris Kattan and Will Ferrell are shown frequenting dance clubs with a third person (including Jim Carrey). Once you see the video, you can’t help but nod your head just as Carrey and Co did every time you hear it again.
6) Roadhouse Blues (The Doors): A song list, and no Jim Morrison in it? Not possible. Sit back in your seat, let the wind blow through your hair, and let the car .. roll, baby, roll. Let it roll, baby, roll.
7) Seven Nation Army (The White Stripes): Very popular in Europe’s football stadiums, this 2004 Grammy award winner became the anthem of Italy’s World Cup win in 2006 and also of the Euro 2008. We think if your car has a good set of speakers and bass system, it is a number that will set your adrenaline racing.
8. I get around (The Beach Boys): A classic song, by a classic band. Fun and happy, it goes with the entire ‘road trip mood’.
9) Tokyo Drift (Teriyaki Boyz): A hit number from the 2006 blockbuster, “The Fast and the Furious” , the song starts with a couple of cars screeching, sliding and drifting. You’ll keep dancing till the end though.
10) I have been everywhere (Johnny Cash)
“I’ve been everywhere, man.
Crossed the desert’s bare, man.
I’ve breathed the mountain air, man.
Of travel I’ve had my share, man.
I’ve been everywhere….”
And that’s why it’s in the list. Play the Song
Hope ye liked it!
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At WeAreHolidays, Neeraj Narayanan is Head of the Content and Digital Media Team. He has a Masters in Advertising & Media Communication, has had experience as a Communication Consultant to the Government of Gujarat, and as a Brand man in the IT giant firm - Cognizant.
On weekends, he conducts Heritage Walks in Delhi.
Neeraj Narayanan – who has written 59 posts on WAH Blog.
Superb!
Thanks Deepak!
wow ,Mind blowing
Glad you like it Surkhab!
Mindblasting!
That is a compilation loaded for a long haul. Perfect job for sure.
Running down a Dream strikes a chord here. Personally though, I am a sucker for jazz.
Aaah a jazz lover we have here! Not too many of those around. Miles Davis?
nice post..
http://www.fli-ghts.com/