There are someclassic rocktunes that are perfect for road trips. While artists likeMichael Jacksonhave made music fit for dancing, Survivor has produced tracks suitable for athletics, andNickelbackhas brought the party tunes, there are other musicians from decades past who created ones intended for a drive. They are the kind that makes a person want to start up their car, hit the gas, and get onto the open road for a getaway.
While a few of the well-known road songs overlap in their messages, many of them are unique in their own right. There are some that express rebellion and independence. Others serve as a means for one to clear their mind. Then there are those that make listeners feel likethere is nothing more they were meant to do than to simply drive in that moment. Whatever the reason is for the need to hit the open highway, there is a classic rock song made for it.
10The Who - Going Mobile
Album: Who’s Next (1971)
There were a lot of expectations fans had for The Who following their 1969 album,Tommy. This was more than just another record; it was a rock opera that told a true story. The band took on the challenge of following up with their 1971 release,Who’s Next. With legendary songs such as “Baba O’Riley” and “Behind Blue Eyes,” it was another success for them. Besides those classics,one song that stood out that had an interesting backstory was “Going Mobile.”
As he has become known,Pete Townshendis an iconic songwriter who managed to create some of The Who’s biggest hits. “Going Mobile” was his creation, originally intended for another one of his projects. Instead, the song all about being in a mobile home ended up on the band’s 1971 album. The idea of the song centers onthe freedom a mobile home can bring. You can drive it around and choose where you want to stay for the night. Perhaps it’s one of the freest feelings the open road can offer.
9Whitesnake - Here I Go Again
Album: Saints & Sinners (1982)
From 1973 to 1976, David Coverdale was the lead singer for the iconic Deep Purple. While this brought Coverdale notoriety, it wasn’t meant to last. Now on his own, Coverdale took what was supposed to be just a backing band, and turned it into Whitesnake. The band quickly got to work, releasing album after album.Things really paid off in 1982 with their recordSaints & Sinners,which featured one of their biggest hits.
Coverdale took what was supposed to be just a backing band, and turned it into Whitesnake.
As a song that boasts about believing in yourself, “Here I Go Again” became not just another tune, but an anthem.TheBillboardHot 100’s number one hit was perfect for many situations, including being on the road. The iconic lyrics have resonated with so many as they present listeners with the freedom of choice to take life into their own hands. Just know where you’ve been and it won’t matter where you’re going.
8Fleetwood Mac - Go Your Own Way
Album: Rumours (1977)
Once Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham joined Fleetwood Mac, they changed the group forever. Although they had found success before, the voices of Nicks, Buckingham, and Christine McVie elevated the group to legendary status. One of the biggest accomplishments they achieved as a band was creating the 1977 album,Rumours. With over 40 million records sold worldwide,it has become one of the best-selling albums of all time.
A crowning achievement from it was the track “Go Your Own Way.” This allowed Lindsey Buckingham to showcase his voice and express all the feelings he had inside. This song was all about independence and freedom.It embodied the belief that you will always find where you need to end up, even after enduring some of the darkest days. It fits perfectly for those on a long journey or even for a brief ride to clear their minds.
7Deep Purple - Highway Star
Although their first studio album was released in 1968, Deep Purple were already on their sixth record when their 1972 albumMachine Headarrived. As many musicians do, the band viewed the opening track as an important way to grab listeners' attention.“Highway Star” was one of the fastest songs on the albumand featured unforgettable instrumentals. Another key element was, of course, the lyrics.
As the song mentions multiple times, including in the opening, one of the central themes is having the fastest car that no one can beat. For some drivers, the primary purpose of a car is simply to get from one place to another. However, for others,a car is a speed machine that they take great pride in. “Highway Star” is the perfect tune for those who may own a classic ride, a show car, or just a vehicle they know is better than most.
6Creedence Clearwater Revival - Fortunate Son
Album: Willy And The Poor Boys (1969)
To become legendary in music,it doesn’t always take longevity, sometimes it’s just about the impact musicians make. Creedence Clearwater Revival (CCR) were only together for a few years, but they managed memorable performances at places such as Woodstock. Additionally, they produced seven studio albums, leaving behind a substantial body of work. One of those albums was the critically acclaimedWilly and the Poor Boys.
From that record, one of the most celebrated songs is “Fortunate Son.” The opening instrumental has become iconic, making this an unmistakable classic. The song was written during a period of war and served as a rebellious anthem against the way things were being handled. Although it may have lost this connotation over the years,it still remains a song that feels rebellious in nature.It has become the perfect tune for those hitting the road with a focus on their own destination.
5Eagles - Hotel California
Album: Hotel California (1976)
The Eagles were yet another classic rock band that wasted no time finding success. In a short period together,they were able to produce four albums with hits spectacular enough to warrant a greatest hits record only half a decade into their career.Following this, the band knew they needed something big, and once again they delivered.Hotel Californiaarrived in October 1976, becoming a sensation for them.
The title track from the 1976 record is one of the best classic rock songs. The idea of “Hotel California” is a bit dark, seeming to fall somewhere between a political statement and an examination on self-destruction. However, as just an overall radio hit,it’s an easy listen that revolves around finding a destination. The melody is a memorable one, and as it touches on reflection, that is something many travelers can relate to.
4Foghat - Slow Ride
Album: Fool For The City (1975)
Forming all the way back in 1971, Foghat certainly hasn’t received as much appreciation as some of their contemporaries in classic rock. However, there is a lot the band did that deserves to be praised. Through several lineup changes,they have still been able to produce 17 albums, which is a legendary accomplishment. Of those, multiple have become gold-certified, and one has achieved platinum certification. Additionally, they have perhaps one of the most well-known driving tunes ever.
The five words,“Slow ride, take it easy"have resonated with fans for generations.
Their massive hit song “Slow Ride” comes from their 1975 album,Fool for the City. The original track is impressively over eight minutes long. Over the years, the band has released another edition that cuts the track in half. Either way,it’s the lyrics that the listener truly needs. The five words,“Slow ride, take it easy"have resonated with fans for generations. It’s an easy tune to play and get lost while the engine roars on.
3Sammy Hagar - I Can’t Drive 55
Album: VOA (1984)
Throughout his career, Sammy Hagar has been in musical groups, including Chickenfoot and, most famously, Van Halen. Outside of bands like these, Hagar has had a successful solo career, making a name for himself as one of the most prominent voices in rock. Eight albums into his career, which started in the early ’70s,Hagar created one of his most well-known tracks, titled “I Can’t Drive 55,“which served as the lead single for his albumVOA.
The story of how Hagar came up with the track dates back to a time when he was in New York State. Unaware of the speed limit changing from 65 to 55, Hagar was pulled over going 63 mph. Frustrated by the change,Hagar ended up grabbing his guitar that night and writing this track to express his feelings. Since then, it has served as an anthem for those wanting to hit the highway and cruise.
2Bruce Springsteen - Born To Run
Album: Born To Run (1975)
In general, Bruce Springsteen is etched in Americana. There are many songs by “The Boss” perfect for a road trip, butone that has been played through speakers for a very long time is “Born to Run.“This hit song comes from Springsteen’s third studio album of the same name,Born to Run,in 1975. This was an important piece of Springsteen’s history, as his first couple of records did not perform the way he had hoped.
In an effort to break through into the mainstream, Springsteen found common ground with fans.“Born to Run” was an anthem for the everyday workerwho wanted to escape the pressures of life. This offered them some serenity each time they listened. It was a chance to dream, especially while in the car. Even if it is a trip to and from work, this tune provides a way to tap into a life beyond rigorous schedules.
1Steppenwolf - Born To Be Wild
Album: Steppenwolf (1968)
To start their career, Steppenwolf debuted with one of the biggest road anthems ever, “Born to Be Wild.” This hard rock song, which dipped into early elements of heavy metal, became so popular that it reached the number two spot on theBillboardHot 100. After over a year of success,the song gained even more notoriety when it was one of two tracks from the band included in the Dennis Hopper film,Easy Rider,in 1969.
Although some aspects of the movie are harsh, the main takeaway as it pertains to “Born to Be Wild” is that it is a perfect tune for people on the open road. Especially for motorcyclists, the song became a huge hit. The tune embraces freedom, adventure, and the spirit of escapism. No matter how many decades pass,it remains one of the most perfect tracks for traveling, as it embodies everything a road trip represents.
