Best Spotify playlists for driving
We all know the best way to arrive somewhere
more quickly is to put ‘Bat Out of Hell’ by Meatloaf on the car stereo, right?
Okay, so this might not be your kind of music, but what we listen to does
affect how we feel and can make the difference between merely getting somewhere
and making the most of that drive.
Whether it’s a once-in-a-lifetime road trip or
just the daily commute, there’s always a place for great sounds. So we’ve
searched music streaming service Spotify to find some suggestions for when you
next slide in behind the wheel. And not only have we had enormous fun listening
to these, we’ve created our very own playlist too.
Remember data charges can apply if you go over
your download limit. Premium Spotify users can use wi-fi to download songs onto
a device for subsequent playing, to reduce mobile data use.
Invigorating - Old School Rock Workout
You have cleared the city limits and open roads beckon. Energised, invigorated and thoroughly enjoying the drive it’s time to go old school rock (with a few newer numbers thrown in for good measure). Franz Ferdinand, Pearl Jam and Metallica all contribute to this powerful mix.
For the long haul - ROADTRIPPING
Hundreds of miles to cover and needing to settle into the rhythm of the road? The ROADTRIPPING playlist is stacked with great tracks to let the miles slide by. And there’s a good chance you’ll have arrived before the 176 songs have all played out.
What about the kids? - This is Burl Ives
However much we might love our little cherubs,
we fully get that you might be inclined to gnaw your own arm off rather than
hear ‘The Wheels On The Bus’ one more time. So let’s go transatlantic to one of the most enchanting
folk voices with Burl Ives’ renditions of some all-time classic songs. Enjoy
the gentle cadences of Aunt Rhodie, the dark lyrics of ‘I Know and Old Lady Who
Swallowed a Fly’ (spoiler: she dies) to the more grown-up but beautiful
rendition of Ghost Riders in the Sky.
Romancing - Indie Love Songs
Whether in the car with a loved one or driving
back from a romantic restaurant meal with your hot date, it’s time to ease the
music along a peg. We’re not talking cheesy duets here, just atmospheric,
contemporary and slowing the pace. Right. Down.
The sophisticate - Best Opera Arias of Female Voices
There is nothing like an aria to demonstrate
what the human voice is capable of. The vocal ranges of these spine-tingling
operatic pieces sit at the pinnacle of the female voice’s ability. This playlist
has one of the widest ranges of composers too, from Rossini to the darker
Dvorák. And Pacini’s Stella di Napoli is sung by the astonishing Joyce
DiDonato.
Heading for a night on the town - Playlist Electrónica
Your favourite mates are in the car, you’re heading out for the night and the air’s alive with promise: it’s got to be upbeat electronica. It’s trance sounds from Jason van Wyk and distinctive vocals from Florence and the Machine. You’ll also find rhythmic Calvin Harris, atmospheric David Guetta and very accessible Daft Punk, all keeping the anticipation alive.
1970s cool - 70s FM Radio Rider
The sun’s out and you’re in a convertible
Mustang, Alfa Spider or MGB Roadster, right? Maybe not but wind down the window
anyway and embrace the era of Rostyle wheels and unreliable carburettors. Okay,
so the songs stretch a little either side of the ‘70s but the spirit is long
hair, big sideburns and the coolest mix of sounds. And don’t worry what a
‘hubcap diamond star halo’ is - T-Rex’s Marc Bolan probably wasn’t sure either.
Anytime / Car Leasing - Behind the Wheel
Yes, we’ve made our own playlist! They’re our
favourite up-beat tunes for any journey - even if it’s just the school run or
daily commute. It spans the decades and they’re either driving-themed or picked
simply because they’re just darned good.
About the Author
Andrew is a freelance motoring journalist with a background in IT and the vehicle leasing industry. With a lifetime’s passion for all things automotive, he can be found behind the wheel of everything from vans to supercars. In addition to reviewing the latest vehicles and technology, Andrew also runs a couple of classic British motors. He lives at the edge of the Peak District with his son and cat.
Andrew Wright @theMotorWriter
