Recently updated on August 14th, 2023 at 01:24 pm
Vast scenic landscapes and long open roads: there’s nothing more exhilarating than motoring across the USA. Of course, no American road trip would be complete without some uplifting tunes to soundtrack your adventure. So, crank up the volume to this playlist of all-star tunes for the ultimate American road trip.
Roy Orbison – Oh, Pretty Woman
“Pretty woman, walkin’ down the street, Pretty woman the kind I like to meet…” it could only be Roy Orbison’s Oh, Pretty Woman. Inspired by his wife, Claudette, it’s an homage to a man in awe of a beauty that passes him by. The classic 60s track experienced a renaissance thanks to the iconic Julia Roberts film, and is indispensable listening material when heading out on the highway.
Sheryl Crow – Every Day is a Winding Road
A metaphor for life as much as a road trip, Sheryl Crow’s Everyday is a Winding Road is a country-tinged jam that surmises the ups and downs the world presents us with. All wrapped up with a carefree nonchalance as she hitches a ride with a vending machine repair man and sings “Jump in, let’s go, Lay back, enjoy the show, Everybody gets high, everybody gets low, These are the days when anything goes.”
Lynyrd Skynyrd – Sweet Home Alabama
No self-respecting road-tripper would leave Sweet Home Alabama off their playlist. Aside from officially being America’s favourite road trip anthem, it’s 100% pure 60s Americana and a sonic love-letter to the band’s Southern home state. It’s certainly one that requires a singalong as you roll across the open highway.
Johnny Cash – I’ve Been Everywhere
Johnny Cash is his name and travelling is his game. In this memory-testing track, the Man in Black rapid-fires 100 American cities and towns at breakneck speed. You’ll be lucky if you can match Cash’s quick-fire delivery. Fun fact: the track was originally written by Australian singer Geoff Mack listing towns Down Under.
B52s – Love Shack
“And we’re headin’ on down to the Love Shack, I got me a Chrysler, it seats about 20, So hurry up and bring your jukebox money.” This good-time 80s hit invites you to travel to the ultimate party destination – the Love Shack. Endlessly upbeat, you’ll be dancing as you rattle along the road.
Bruce Springsteen – Born in the U.S.A.
A power-anthem like no other, Born in the USA crams as much patriotism as you can muster into just under five minutes. Despite its fist-pumping, spirited nature, the track does have a serious undertone – its narrative follows a tribute to some of Springsteen’s friends who experienced the Vietnam War.
Steppenwolf – Born to be Wild
“Get your motor running, head out on the highway. Lookin’ for adventure, and whatever comes our way.” Steppenwolf’s iconic opening lines are right from the free-spirited, nomadic playbook. Immortalised in classic biker movie, Easy Rider, Born to be Wild conjures images of Stars ‘n’ Stripes and gleaming Chopper bikes ploughing through the Arizona dessert.
If you’d like to explore the wonder of America’s highways, click here to find your perfect Trafalgar tour.
Image Credits: Main image © iStock/MBPROJEKT_Maciej_Bledowski.