For most people, spring break is an excuse to jump in the car and drive until you run out of land. If you really want to make the long haul fly, though, you’ve got to have the perfect soundtrack. Here are some indestructible road tunes to get you started. Leave your favorites in the comments section below.
Bruce Springsteen “Born to Run”
Actually, just about every song The Boss has ever written makes great driving music — this one just happens to be the most obvious.
Audioslave “I Am The Highway”
Nine out of 10 experts agree that Chris Cornell’s soothing voice on this dusty ballad can make you feel at one with the asphalt. Ommmmm …
U2 “In God’s Country”
Fact: The Joshua Tree is one of the best road albums ever. We think it probably has a lot to do with this song.
The Breeders “Drivin’ On 9”
A dreamy, string-laden tune that can take the edge off when the road rage begins to creep in. Breathe in, breathe out.
Jimi Hendrix “Crosstown Traffic”
This should be the theme song to every driving show ever. In fact, it might be.
Big Star “Back of A Car”
Classic ’70s power-pop that makes you feel like you’re moving at the speed of light (even if you’re stuck behind a slow-creeping 18-wheeler).
Iggy Pop “The Passenger”
Just when you thought shirtless punk rock icons couldn’t appreciate the great outdoors, the Igster comes out with this fantastic ode to hitting the gas pedal and not looking back.
Arcade Fire “No Cars Go”
OK, so the message is a little off base but the soaring rhythms and firecracker melody are bound to — well, to crib another song title by these Canadians — keep the car running.
The Clash “Brand New Cadillac”
That vintage riff just makes you want to drop whatever you’re doing and jump behind the wheel, even if it’s just to take the long way to the local 7-Eleven.
Lucinda Williams “Car Wheels on a Gravel Road”
“Come on now child, we’re gonna go for a ride,” Lucinda sings. It’s an offer you can’t refuse.
And on the B-side:
Prince “Little Red Corvette”
Bob Dylan “Highway 61 (Revisited)”
Adam and The Ants “Stand and Deliver”
Tracey Chapman “Fast Car”
Jonathan Richman & The Modern Lovers “Roadrunner”
Incubus “Drive”
Red Hot Chili Peppers “Road Trippin'”
Interpol “Next Exit”
The Replacements “Someone Take the Wheel”
Madness “Driving In My Car”
The Primitives “Crash”
Talking Heads “Road To Nowhere”
Steppenwolf "Born To Be Wild" (or "Magic Carpet Ride", take your pick)