the top 10 driving songs

Considering the first car radio was invented in 1930, most of us won't be able to remember a time when music wasn't a driving necessity.

Now it's something we can't live without. Pretty much every new car produced in the early 2000s has some form of music playing ability. Whether it’s an aux cable or full-on Bluetooth connectivity, we now have much more freedom as to what we listen to. Even when these aren’t an option, there’s hundreds of radio stations to choose from, all of which playing the most popular chart toppers across the globe.

While the radio is a good companion, sometimes, a song comes along that feels like it has been written just for driving. You know the feeling; a song so liberating that you can’t help but turn the volume up and belt it out down the motorway.

Are you looking to update your driving music playlist? Here are 10 of the best songs for driving, as chosen by us.

The best songs to drive to

Before we dive in to our top driving songs, it’s worth mentioning that this list isn’t based off any statistical information or formal public opinion; it’s purely generated from the die-hard motoring fans here at findandfundmycar.com.

If you’re looking for something with a little more research behind it, then we have looked into the best road trip songs in another article here on our blog.

For now, let’s look at our top 10 driving songs:

10. Nelly – Ride Wit Me

Ride Wit Me is arguably Nelly’s most popular song, and it’s easy to see why. This catchy R&B track was everywhere in the early 2000s, from MTV to radio broadcasts. Granted not many of us will be referring to the same ‘ride’ as Nelly, it doesn’t stop us from proudly bellowing the chorus from our car windows when the sun’s out.

It's hard to believe this song is seventeen years old. Bring back all the noughties nostalgia with this feel-good summer song. ‘Hey, must be the money!’

9. Starship - We Built This City

Starship’s We Built This City is a popular song in the media. It’s been in countless advertisements, marketing campaigns and of course, radio shows. Despite the song’s catchy melody and chorus, there’s a darker meaning behind this driving anthem. Co-writers Martin Page and Bernie Taupin have publicly claimed the song to be a direct response to the declining state of live music in Los Angeles during the 1980s, promising to re-build the industry on the aforementioned ‘rock and roll’.

A song we can all appreciate – over 30 years old, and still as incredible as ever.

8. Whitesnake - Here I Go Again

Although most people only remember this belter of a driving song for its chorus, we believe it’s worth giving it the attention it deserves. Here I Go Again screams freedom and independence, something that driving delivers in abundance. It almost makes you think that the song was written for the open road.

Crank up the volume, wind down those windows and get ready for this unforgettable track on your next journey.

7. Fleetwood Mac - Everywhere

From the twinkly introduction to the unforgettable bassline, this Fleetwood Mac song is one that’s sure to stay with you. Another track frequently found in advertisement campaigns, we love nothing more than cranking this up and singing along down a long country road.

A great track to start off a long car journey. Try not to sing along, we dare you.

6. Oasis - Wonderwall

Okay, hear us out. Guitarists of the world shudder at the sheer thought of this song, but surely that’s a testament to its reception among listeners? We think so.

Whether you're an Oasis fan or not, we're all guilty of being able to recognise Wonderwall from the first few notes. A perfect anthem for backseat passengers to stare out of the raindrop-smeared window, when all the roads that lead you there are winding.

5. Bon Jovi - Livin' On a Prayer

From the moment the bass-driven introduction starts, right through to the very end, Bon Jovi’s Livin’ On A Prayer is something to behold.

Featuring one of the greatest key changes in music history, this song is guaranteed to push you through on the last leg of your journey. Especially if you've got backseat passengers to nail those legendary backing vocals.

4. Steppenwolf - Born to be Wild

This next song comes with a bit of a caveat. Although bikers have claimed Born To Be Wild as a biking song, we beg to differ. Born to Be Wild has been an iconic driving song since its appearance on the soundtrack to the 1969 movie, Easy Rider.

Get your motor running, head out on the highway… need we say more?

3. Guns N Roses - Sweet Child O'Mine

Time and time again, Sweet Child O’ Mine has proven itself as one of the most recognisable rock songs ever.

Featuring what's possibly the greatest guitar riff of all-time, and a raspy lead vocal that we all try to nail on karaoke, this Guns N’ Roses classic had to make it to the list. Featuring endless possibilities for air guitar solos, it's a perfect driving anthem for any trip – just make sure you keep hold of the wheel.

2. Queen - Bohemian Rhapsody

No driving playlist would be complete without Bohemian Rhapsody. This rock opera classic is filled with all the makings of a true winner in the car: memorable lyrics, a killer backing track, and of course, acapella. Despite being the oldest song on this list, Queen’s most popular song earns itself a well deserved second place on our list.

Iconic since that scene in Wayne's World. Requirements: a car big enough to fit four enthusiastic passengers with solid backing vocals, impressive air guitar skills, and a whole lot of falsettos. It’s hard to not try to recreate the moment with your friends, so we won’t judge.

1. AC/DC - Highway to Hell

From the very beginning, AD/DC’s Highway to Hell is guaranteed to make your foot tap and your head nod, whoever and wherever you are. Gritty vocals, a distorted guitar and lyrics that fit perfectly with any long-distance drive, this rock song should have a reserved spot in any self-respecting driving playlist.

The story behind Highway to Hell couldn’t be more perfect. It’s all about their life touring around the world playing rock music to people far and wide; a great testament to any long-distance road trip.

Start your next journey, today

These are a few of our suggestions but you can find the full list on our special Spotify driving music playlist. Click here to listen - you can even add your own favourites for everyone to enjoy!

Do you need a faithful car for your next journey? If so, have a look through thousands of used cars today at findandfundmycar.com. We only partner with the most reliable dealers in the UK, so you can find a car to suit you!