Top 10 Driving Songs: Part 2
We had such a resounding success with our previous 'Top 10 Driving Songs' that we thought we'd write up a part 2 for you guys. All of the best things in life have a second part, right? Or is that just a ploy by Hollywood, so that they can release twice as much rubbish each year?
Regardless, our part 2 will be a thing of beauty. We've conducted some very scientific tests, surveyed a large portion of the population, and finally, sat down and listened to some quality music. Our results isolate exactly which artists and tracks we missed in our first article, so we're ready to get cracking and right all of our wrongs!
Who knows, if this driving songs list is as successful as the last, then we may have to make it a regular feature. Just don't tell the boss that we have our headphones plugged in all day, constantly practising air-guitar and miming our favourite tunes. Ahem, onto the list;
Highway to Hell - AC/DC
AC/DC; seen here gloating about making our list
We had numerous interrogatory questions sent our way after the first list, exclaiming in sorrow how we had missed out one of the most quintessential road-trip songs ever to have graced any pair of ears. For this unjustifiable act, we truly apologise; from the bottom of our hearts.
We never meant to miss this out of our driving songs list, we had all the intention in the world to include it. It's one of our favourite songs, and near-enough all of us have it on CD at least twice. Office politics, however, well and truly got in the way.
We had to drag one staff member down from his table and disarm him of an industrial stapler - he was adamant that 'Road to Hell' by Chris Rea should replace this classic AC/DC driving song. Thankfully, now that we've reached part 2 of our list, we can include this rip-roaring track.
Blitzkrieg Bop - The Ramones
We can only assume this was how everybody dressed at the time
We had our fair share of classic rock in the last list, in fact, the majority of the list was all classic rock; however, we somehow neglected The Ramones and missed them out entirely. An unforgiveable sin, our deepest apologies.
We've stuck 'Blitzkrieg Bop' in the list, as it's probably one of The Ramones' most well-known tracks, and makes a great driving song! Just try not to all wear matching skinny jeans, mop-tops and studded-leather jackets, that look died out a few decades ago.
If you're looking for something a little more relaxing from their back catalogue, then you should definitely add 'My Brain Is Hanging Upside Down (Bonzo Goes To Bitburg)' to your driving songs playlist. The range that that band can produce with just their guitars is phenomenal, and this song is nothing short of orchestral.
Buck Rogers - Feeder
All of Feeder are looking rather confused here
British band Feeder had an undeniably catchy hit with the stomping romp that is 'Buck Rogers'. Released in 2001, 'Buck Rogers' still had a distinctive, late '90s, alt-rock sound. Fortunately for them it totally worked.
It's a song that sounds great blasting out the speakers as you head off out, somehow managing to brighten up any mundane car journey. We think that it may very well be illegal - not - to sing along whilst it's playing.
Little Red Corvette - Prince
We would say something funny about Prince, but we're scared he'll cut us with his razor-sharp facial hair
This is exactly the type of track that we missed out on our last driving songs list. Who can resist the potent, funky, flair and flamboyance fusion of the seldom-dressed Prince? 'Little Red Corvette' is a perfect example of a song that nobody should be afraid to glam up for and sing along to - not even you, fellas.
Our resident Prince expert at Oneswoop.com revealed his tribute tattoo whilst we were discussing whether or not he should be placed on the list. After a variety of threats and constant pointing at the little man's face permanently marked on his bicep, we relented.
We were going to include him on the driving songs list anyway, we just needed an excuse to energise the troops. They're showing a lack of passion at the moment, that's why we're playing the next entry on repeat, nine to five.
Stuck in the Middle with You - Stealers Wheel
Deep in thought
That's more like it, here's a song that you should all know their words too. There's one small catch though; if you want to listen to it in your car, it's pretty much obligatory to be wearing a suit and shades at the same time, sorry!
This is simply a superb track to have hidden away in your driving songs collection. Whip it out when your friends or family are looking a bit down and gloomy, and watch their face light up. They'll more than likely know it (and love it), whilst they may not know every single word in the lyrics, they definitely won't let that stop them trying to sing along!
Is This Love - Whitesnake
Whitesnake, all looking considerably like that one aunt of yours
Before you start moaning about wanting to rock all the way through the article, just be aware, we know what we're doing. 'Is This Love' is an essential entry in this list, as not every day can be sunny and filled with joy. Sometimes you just got to let loose, drive, cry, and sing your little heart out.
Preferably you'll be doing this in the rain, driving a cheesy car from the mid-'80s; either dressed like Crockett, Tubbs, or Whitesnake themselves. Here are a few other recommendations for songs you can do this to; 'Hold the Line' by Toto, 'Broken Wings' by Mr. Mister, and the vast majority of Foreigner's back-catalogue.
Wish You Were Here - Pink Floyd
We wish we knew what they were all looking at
This was probably one of the toughest decisions to make on our driving songs list. With such a rich back-catalogue of quality music, which Pink Floyd song do you choose for your road-trip or journey? Which song has that sheer rawness that you most definitely need on the open road?
We couldn't pull the same old trick we did in the last article, and vote for the entire discography, oh no. We had to pick a track, so we went with 'Wish You Were Here'; a song which will resonate with all of the lone wanderers out there.
There's no point trying to fathom what the lyrics mean exactly, they very well could be a reflection on the music industry and its ruthlessness, or it could be about a prisoner of war and his wife, or maybe just two fish? What really matters is that it's a great song, on so many levels.
Bat out of Hell - Meatloaf
Belting out another classic?
It was an absolute shame that we didn't include Meatloaf in our last driving songs list. To make up for it; we gave him a nice, cosy little spot right here. We've chosen 'Bat out of Hell' as it's simply a masterpiece.
Vocals and instruments are all perfect on this legendary track. It's a good idea to turn it up loud, open your windows and scare everyone around you with your atrocious Meatloaf impression. Be advised, probably not a good idea to try this on the motorway, try and concentrate on actually driving then.
Love is a Battlefield - Pat Benatar
Pat and her husband
We seem to be positively swimming in the cheesy hits today, don't we? Nevertheless, 'Love is a Battlefield' is an excellent driving song. Pat Benatar really flexes those vocal chords in this track, so try not to imitate her too much, we don't want you harming yourself.
And so, we approach the last entry in our second top 10; we hope that you've enjoyed reading it as much as we've enjoyed writing it.
Born to be Wild - Steppenwolf
What a sharp-looking bunch of fine young men
It was an absolute crime that we didn't include this in our last list, we wholeheartedly accept our fate. Oh, you don't mind? Because you knew that we were going to include it in this one? Oh, well that's fine then! Why didn't you say so? We've been worried sick!
Until we find a way to manufacture our very own Kitt from 'Knight Rider', there is no single better way to feel cooler whilst driving, than playing this. Steppenwolf's 'Born to be Wild' embodies the spirit and passion of the open road completely.
There is no way to listen to this driving song and - not - sing along, or at the very least bop your head. You'll most definitely crack a smile, and you'll most definitely feel like a total dude, if you slam this bad boy into your CD player (or plug your iPod into your car, whatever you kids are doing nowadays)
Get in touch with us and let us know if you liked our second top 10 list, we'd love to hear some feedback and read about your thoughts. We can be contacted through our @Oneswoop Twitter account, or via our Facebook page; just search for us.
We're massive fans of anything to do with cars at all, so even if you don't want to talk about this particular article, we'll still have a natter. You can chat to us about everything, from the latest PCP deals, or even the very best new cars for sale!
Feel free to Tweet or comment us with your absolute favourite driving song. We'll feature them below, and if you're lucky; we may even make another top 10 list, and include your choice! Just let us know if you think it'd be a good idea.
Written by Jake Higginson.