We are halfway through the school holidays, and many of us are enjoying the freedom to travel and get out and about. There’s no better feeling than hitting the open road and cruising down the highway with your favourite tunes belting out over the radio. But when it comes to classic driving tunes there are so many to choose from. From classic chart toppers to modern day hits when it comes to music we all have our own choices. Here are ten of our favourites - let us know what makes your Top 10.
1. You’re the Voice - John Farnham
The unofficial anthem of Australia, this tune is just a belter. The song that relaunched John Farnham’s career, it is full of bagpipes and more woahs that you can poke a stick at! We dare anyone travelling in a car full of friends not to sing a long.
2. Love Shack - The B52s
If you’re lucky enough to own a Chrysler ‘as big as a whale’ there’s no doubt you’ve heard this classic track released by the B52s back in 1989. Incredibly catchy with a chorus that sticks in your brain, this is a great song for some car seat dancing. Ps: if you’re wondering what the girl yells after the guy asks “YOUR WHAT?!?!”, it’s “Tin Roof..................Rusted”.
3. Old Town Road - Lil Nas X
Before he was putting blood into Nikes and lap dancing with the devil, Lil Nas X teamed up with the original Achy Breaky one, Billy Ray Cyrus to produce a country/rap classic. The perfect song to slowly nod your head along to as you roll down the road.
4. The Living Years - Mike and the Mechanics
A great driving song doesn’t have to be a fun and upbeat track. This classic from Mike and the Mechanics is an uplifting and moving piece that really pulls at the heartstrings. Played with a full car load or on a solo drive, this is a song full of memories and one that reminds us how little time we have on this Earth.
5. Closer to the Edge - 30 Seconds to Mars
Full of big guitars and banging drums, Closer to the Edge is 30 Seconds to Mars’ stadium anthem, with a catchy and repetitive chorus, and multiple opportunities for the whole car to get chanting along. Led by Academy Award winning actor Jared Leto, this is a full on and high energy track that will get the whole car jumping.
6. Don’t Stop Believing - Journey
From the piano and bass opening right through to the very end, Don’t Stop Believing is a fun, bop a long song that will have everyone in the car singing along while playing air guitar to the sky. A hit when first released in 1981, the song has found it’s way in modern life through it’s use in many movies and TV series. From Glee and The Sopranos to Moneyball, The Comebacks and Rock of Ages in movies, this classic hit has received a well deserved second life.
7. Paradise by the Dashboard Light - Meat Loaf
Mention the name Meat Loaf to anyone under the age of thirty and no doubt you’ll hear about his awful performance at the AFL Grand Final a few years back. Many years before he struck out so badly at the MCG, Mr Loaf had some of the biggest and best rock and roll tracks around. Set the younger generation straight and pop this classic 8 minute anthem on during your next trip.
8. The Horses - Daryl Braithwaite
Another Aussie classic that has reached anthem status, The Horses is Daryl Brathwaite’s signature song. Just like the film clip with the horses running along the beach, this song evokes visions of a drive to the beach on a hot and sunny Summer day.
Fun fact: The lady singing the back up vocals in the film clip is not the real singer. It was the wonderful Margaret Urlich.
9. All My Life - Foo Fighters
There are so many Foo Fighters song that could go on this list, but for sheer power and drive, All My Life get the nod. A pure tour de force that gets the adrenaline flowing, from the repetitive bass chords to the breakout rush and tortured Dave Grohl vocals, best way to avoid a speeding fine would be to pop on the cruise control.
10. I’ve Been Everywhere - Lucky Starr
Not so much a song as a melodic geography lesson, this song is a heap of fun for everyone listening. While there are versions of this song from countries all across the globe., Lucky Starr nails the Australian version with a turbo tongue that goes a million miles a minute! Play it to the car and see a) how many names you can make out and b) how many you have been to.
What makes your Top 10 driving list? Head to our Facebook page and let us know.
