School’s out, and freedom is in. Yeah it’s cliché, but that’s never stopped anyone from taking a summer road trip. For as long as college students have been packing it up and heading out, there’s been a soundtrack for their adventures. Here’s a quick playlist that highlights the best road trip tunes through the decades.
“Fun, fun, fun” by The Beach Boys
Rewind almost 50 years to 1964 and we have a hit single that no road trip is good without. Afterall, you can’t beat a song about a girl with a fast car.
“Take the Money and Run” by The Steve Miller Band
Released in 1976, this story about two young lovers pulling off a heist is great for hitting the open road. I don’t suggest actually running from the cops, but listening to a song about it never hurt anybody.
“Rebel Yell” by Billy Idol
This song from 1983 doesn’t have much to do with road tripping but with the line “come on baby I got a license for love” I think it comes close enough.
“Fly” by Sugar Ray
The ‘90s are my musical era so picking just one from that decade proved to be difficult. But I think this ‘97 hit takes the cake — it’s still on the radio over 15 years later. So, add it to your mix and fly to your destination. Just don’t fly faster than the speed limit.
“Life is a Highway” by Rascal Flatts
Nothing kicks off a road trip like this cover of a classic Tom Cochrane song, recorded in 2006 for the movie “Cars”. I’m not a country fan myself, but Rascal Flatts rendition of this song leaves me feeling ready to hit the road like no other.