Nothing compares to that freedom and wholesome feeling of driving on a highway, enjoying your favorite music, it’s almost a type of meditation, at least that is what it has always been for me. Of course, your soundtrack on those moments usually depends on what you’re in the mood to listen to, but regardless of that, some songs are always present and belong to the road, they keep you company as you’re driving.
These songs are in no particular order.
The Songs
Deep Purple – Highway Star
The legendary English rock band, Deep Purple, created one of the perfect highway songs, fast, psychedelic, and full of virtuosic instrumentalization topped with Ian Gillan’s screams and vocals.
Ritchie Blackmore on guitar, Jon Lord on keys, what else do you need?
Ratones Paranoicos – Ruta 66
The Rolling Stones of Argentina, Ratones Paranoicos are full of blues and rock and roll. Original by another big Argentinian musician Pappo, it talks about the whole experience of driving along Route 66 in the USA, a route many rockers and especially blues musicians have sung about. This route of rock and roll is full of history not only about music but the American history. This trip is on my bucket list and this song will be on my playlist when I’m there.
Even though this is a cover, Ratones Paranoicos gave this song a more rock and roll vibe that I love and prefer over the original.
Led Zeppelin – Immigrant Song
A rock classic by Led Zeppelin. About Vikings and Nordic mythology with some crazy music led by these monsters of rock. Jimmy Page and his guitar riffs.
Another psychedelic track, just amazing.
Steppenwolf – Born To Wild
Any highway playlist cannot be complete without this anthem, which, although it has always been more associated with riding a motorcycle, could also be enjoyed on a car. Those metallic guitar riffs followed by John Kay’s raspy voice are perfect, and I bet that Lemmy from Motörhead took a lot of inspiration from this.
Metallica – Wherever I May Roam
Now, on the more metal side of things, here comes one of the Big Four of American thrash metal. Although I’ve never been a fan of these guys (I’m on team Megadeth), I cannot deny their influence on metal and music in general, and I love this song in particular. It describes life on the road, the life of a touring musician. It’s such a badass track.
Judas Priest – Freewheel Burning
The English heavy metal legends, the “Metal Gods”, Judas Priest, have many highway songs, but this is one of my favorites, superfast, screechy. Classic!
They are my second favorite band (after Iron Maiden, of course).
Accept – Fast As A Shark
Another classic heavy metal band, but from Germany, Accept, comes with this anthem.
Nothing can’t beat Udo’s scream at the beginning, it will accelerate your heart and your car.
Mötley Crüe – Kickstart My Heart
Being a glam 80s girl, this song and band are always present. Even though it’s about Nikki Sixx’s overdose, one cannot simply overlook the speed and energy this brings.
I love this and love to drive rocking to this.
Mick Mars’s guitar riff is insane, it just makes my heart jump off my chest whenever I hear this.
Cinderella – Last Mile
They were one of the best hair metal bands of the 80s (in my opinion). Tom Keifer possesses that blues raspy tone of voice, and as a guitarist he plays with a soulful tone. They were just marvelous.
This song is about coming home, the last mile of the road, to rest, to leave your worries behind.
White Lion – Radar Love
Original by Golden Earring. White Lion’s version is one of those rare occasions in which the cover is superior to the original, thanks to Vito Bratta’s killer guitar solo.
That was it, there’s a million other great highway songs, but these are my favorite ones. Enjoy the playlist, but drive carefully 🙂