As the school year wraps up, many are preparing for long road trips. Whether your drive leads back to a childhood hometown or an exciting and new place (or somewhere in between), this final edition of Spotify Cue is here to fill your car with a playlist that will highlight the adventure that summer offers.
This road trip playlist is a by-product of one of my latest traveling adventures. During November 2021, I embarked on a 14-hour drive where I was exposed to new music and artists — some classics and some recent releases. For that drive, I had 14 different playlists from 14 different friends and family members with uniquely diverse music tastes. The mixture of different styles helped make the drive go quickly and keep it fun.
In light of the trip, my go-to road trip playlist has shifted drastically. Many classic pop songs mixed with a handful of new songs fill my new playlist. I want to share this playlist because it fits many different music tastes.
With that said, let me share my top songs on my new (and improved) road trip playlist.
“Don’t Stop Believin” by Journey
This song is one of my top songs for the memories alone. While many may remember the song from the opening episodes of the TV show “Glee,” this song brings me back to memories with my dad as we would travel to see my great-grandma. Once you’ve belted this song in the acoustics of a car going 80 mph down the highway, that memory is forever imprinted on your mind.
“Remember This” by the Jonas Brothers
After discovering this song on another playlist, I immediately loved the message about living in the moment. While it is a perfect song to blast with your significant other, I would argue it is still applicable for friends as you set off to explore somewhere new, making memories that are going to last forever. It is a call to live in the moment and take it all in as you are doing the things you have always dreamed of doing with the people you love.
As it mixes with the powerful instruments, you cannot listen to this song without having at least the slightest desire to finger drum along to it. The JoBros call you to just do the things you have been burning to do with your people, and I love that energy.
“Favorite T-Shirt” by Jake Scott
To say I am obsessed with Jake Scott would be an understatement, but when I found this song on one of the playlists, it instantly became a core part of mine. The rhythm of this song makes me want to get out of my seat and jump around to it. Scott utilizes catchy lyrics to create a song that manages to get stuck in your head. Plus seeing him in a concert at Taylor this year gives an extra reason to be on my playlist.
“Just Drive” by Erin Kinsey
This song took me by complete surprise. After scrolling through TikTok one night, this song landed on my For You Page. Since that night, I have declared it as my summer drive song. Similar to other songs that I have pointed out, the main theme of this song is just being present in the moment. Through long drives all night, the artist talks about many plans to just explore all new backroads. I love the calm mindset mixed with the idea of living in the now with your go-to adventure person.
“Mr. Brightside” by The Killers
This is a classic song that should have been on my playlist a long time ago. This song is the song to roll your windows down and rock out as you hit the road. It has a fast tempo to keep the song moving along as you jam out. While this song sits at almost four minutes, it feels much shorter than that. Additionally, the lyrics “But it's just the price I pay/ Destiny is calling me/ Open up my eager eyes” is the perfect call to summer.
The good musical aspects mixed with the memories of Bro-Sis Mitosis rocking out to the song during Nostalgia Night emphasize the reason why you need this on your road trip playlist.
While I could have picked a handful more songs, these picks summarized the playlist’s best.
As you travel to wherever summer may take you, I urge you to pick a rocking song, roll the windows down and take in this summer for whatever God has in store for you. May the road lead you to new adventures filled with friends and good music. For my full playlist, scan the Spotify code!
As this is my last Spotify Cue, I hope that I have helped broaden your music taste or challenged you to explore something or someone new.
With bopping playlists and lots of love, Hailey.
