What makes a pleasurable driving experience? The vehicle is the biggest factor, and the route is almost as important. Having the right songs is third on the list.
Whether you are using a sports car to race up a mountain pass or going for a beachside cruise in a classic convertible, it’s important to have the right soundtrack. The best songs make for the best experiences.
Obviously, music tastes differ based on the respective driver, but these are four classics that we always have in the rotation.
No. 1 – “Cadillac Ranch”
From the moment the opening guitar line hits, “Cadillac Ranch” puts you in the mood to drive. This classic riff makes you reach for the dial to increase the volume, and that’s before the bass and drums kick in.
“Cadillac Ranch” is a song with multiple versions spanning different genres of music, but it remains a classic regardless of tastes.
Bruce Springsteen wrote the song and released it on his 1980 album, “The River.” Country music act Nitty Gritty Dirt Band then recorded their version of the song for the 1984 album “Plain Dirt Fashion.”
Rick Trevino and Brett Kissel both released their own versions of the song while adding to its lore. But the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band version is still our favorite.
The tempo may change based on the version of the song, but the theme remains — death is inevitable. Yet, Springsteen made the lyrics fun while talking about tearing down the highway like a big, old dinosaur.
“Cadillac Ranch” also included some references to prominent people associated with cars. Springsteen mentioned actors James Dean and Burt Reynolds, as well as NASCAR legend Junior Johnson.
No. 2 – “Hot Rod Heart”
A key part of the album “Blue Moon Swamp,” “Hot Rod Heart” had a simple message – hit the road. John Fogerty quickly made his intentions clear with the opening verse. He just wanted to go for a drive.
“Ooh, let’s go ridin’, Cruisin’ down the open road,” the former Creedence Clearwater Revival front man sang. “We can put the top down, Listen to the radio. Big ol’ Buick and a big ol’ sky, Wheels on fire, and I’ll tell you why. I got a hot rod heart.”
The Buick was not the only vehicle in this song from Fogerty’s 1997 album. He also crooned about a Harley, which he used to cut across cornfields under the moonlight.
Fogerty originally recorded “Hot Rod Heart” for “Blue Moon Swamp,” but he brought it back for other releases. It was part of his live “Premonition” album, and then he re-recorded it with his sons and daughter for the Fogerty’s Factory project.
It doesn’t matter if you are on a motorcycle or in a convertible — “Hot Rod Heart” still works as a road trip song.
No. 3 – “Slick Black Cadillac”
Originally a hit from the album “Quiet Riot II,” “Slick Black Cadillac” returned for the breakthrough album “Metal Health.” The song isn’t particularly deep, yet it is quite fun.
Vocalist Kevin DuBrow sings about driving without a license, running from the police, and hitting high speeds. He even works in the phase, “carburetor instigator,” while singing the opening verse.
The verse is extremely catchy as DuBrow sings about his slick, black Cadillac with its solid-gold hubcaps. Yet, this isn’t the only reason why this song works well for hitting the road.
The beat is quick, and it makes you want to rev the engine while singing along at the top of your voice. The late-song guitar solo makes you want to drum on the steering wheel while banging your head.
No. 4 – “Life is a Highway”
“Life is a Highway” is not truly a song about driving. In fact, Tom Cochrane wrote it after seeing “soul-sapping” poverty while on a relief trip to Mozambique.
Yet, the song has become a go-to on road trips for multiple reasons. One reason is that the song is inherently catchy. You just want to sing along, especially after realizing that the theme of the song is doing the best you can through the hardships of life.
Another reason is that a version of Cochrane’s song ended up on the soundtrack of the movie “Cars,” which is about racing.
Like other songs on this list, “Life is a Highway” has featured many performers over the years. Cochrane originally wrote the song for his 1991 album, “Mad Mad World,” and then Chris LeDoux covered it for 1998’s “One Road Man.”
However, it was Rascal Flatts who took this song to households around the world. The band covered the song for “Cars” and introduced it to a new generation.
The covers don’t end there, however. British punk band Punk Rock Factory created their own version of the song and performed it with guest singer Adrian Estrella. This version was much faster than all of the rest, but it kept the harmonies and catchy chorus.