Spring is upon us. Despite Mother Nature only giving New England a taste of warm weather over spring break, the spring season means we will soon get that subtle transition from in-car heating to rolling the windows down. In preparation for that, I have taken it upon myself to provide the University of Rhode Island with a list of songs that will create an immaculate vibe whether you are making a lonesome road trip, or having a late-night drive with your friends.
10. Rascal Flatts – “Life is a Highway”
Some credit is due to Pixar for using this in the 2006 classic, “Cars.” Country may be one of my least listened to genres, but I think even non-country fans can get behind this pick. Bonus points if you are actually on a highway, double bonus points if you’re the only person to be seen for miles.
9. Avenged Sevenfold – “Bat Country”
This pick is a bit more personal. Avenged Sevenfold is notorious for creating music that cuts your commute down a few minutes. This one is best played as soon as you get on an entrance ramp, and the clean bridge section provides for complete self-reflection, before immediately snapping back to a million miles an hour (figuratively, of course).
8. Neon Trees – “Everybody Talks”
“Everybody Talks” is one of the songs that inspired me to make the list. It works best when screamed with friends. In an attempt to keep a wide range of music on this list, Neon Trees was limited to one song. Honorable mention goes to their other car ride hit, “Animal.”
7. The Killers – “Mr. Brightside”
It is safe to call “Mr. Brightside” a cultural phenomenon, as one may have a harder time finding someone who cannot recite the first verse into the chorus. It is always interesting to see that some of the catchiest and most upbeat songs have some of the more depressing themes in the lyrics – still a certified banger.
6. Modjo – “Lady (Hear Me Tonight)”
Modjo were a French music duo that only lasted between 1999 and 2003. “Lady (Hear Me Tonight)” hit number one on the charts in the United Kingdom, and peaked at number 81 in the United States. This song may be most effective while played in a convertible, though sadly I have yet to experience that.
5. CeeLo Green – “Forget You”
This pick is interchangeable with its explicit version, which will not be named in an article for The Good Five Cent Cigar. The iconic piano intro is enough to immediately get everyone on the same brain wavelength, and Green’s iconic voice is the cherry on top to the song’s high-end production.
4. Khalid – “Young Dumb & Broke”
Khalid’s album “American Teen” is loaded with songs made to be played in the car. For the best experience, it is recommended that this song is played at night. You’re only young once, and although most students reading this are no longer “high school kids,” we are still likely “young,” potentially a little “dumb” and almost certainly “broke.”
3. M.I.A. – “Paper Planes”
M.I.A.’s breakout hit is another generational piece of music that can instantly connect people to a feeling of freedom and youthful ignorance. The song is commonly used in media depicting people living in the moment, which is hard not to do when “Paper Planes” comes on.
2. Grouplove – “Tongue Tied”
“Tongue Tied” is another song that is synonymous with packing your friends in the car during the summertime. Grouplove does a very good job of encapsulating the euphoric feeling of letting all of your responsibilities go away for a period of time and living in the moment. Shouting is encouraged with this song playing.
1. Lynyrd Skynyrd – “Free Bird”
At first glance, one might think that the first four minutes of this song being a ballad would make this song difficult to listen to on the road. However, the contrast between each verse during the build up to the eventual five minute long guitar solo allows for a total feeling of freedom and glory, as you “fly high, free bird.” Please, be mindful of the speed limit while “Free Bird” plays.
I hope this list can be used as a precursor to finding which type of music matches the vibe you’re looking for in a warm weather, windows-down car ride. It is important to note, these songs all also work very well at social gatherings, or in any circumstance. Who am I to tell you where and when to listen to music, anyway?