The Ultimate Guide to Road Trip Music: Creating Unforgettable Journeys

There’s nothing quite like hitting the open road with great tunes blasting through the speakers. The right music can turn a simple drive into a memorable road trip adventure, setting the perfect tone for every twist and turn of your journey.

Whether you’re cruising down the Western Cape coast or navigating through the mountain passes of the Drakensberg, here’s how to craft the ultimate road trip playlist, decide who controls the music, and pick the perfect song for every moment.

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Crafting the Ultimate Road Trip Playlist

Creating the perfect road trip playlist takes the right blend of genres, moods, and eras. You want a mix that keeps everyone entertained, energised, and in sync with the journey’s vibe.

For those moments when you need an extra boost of energy, upbeat pop hits are your best bet. Songs like “Uptown Funk” by Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars and “Shake It Off” by Taylor Swift are guaranteed to get everyone in the car singing along and tapping their feet. On the other hand, country road tunes such as “Take Me Home, Country Roads” by John Denver and “On the Road Again” by Willie Nelson can evoke a sense of nostalgia and adventure, perfect for those long stretches of highway.

If you’re into a more eclectic mix, consider adding some indie and alternative gems to your playlist. Tracks like “Dog Days Are Over” by Florence + The Machine and “Home” by Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros bring a unique and refreshing sound to your journey. For a bit of groove, hip-hop and R&B grooves like “Old Town Road” by Lil Nas X and “Empire State of Mind” by Jay-Z ft. Alicia Keys can add a cool, rhythmic backdrop to your drive.

Don’t forget to include some timeless oldies for a classic road trip feel. Songs like “Surfin’ USA” by The Beach Boys and “California Dreamin’” by The Mamas & The Papas never fail to set a carefree, sun-soaked mood. And, for a touch of modern flair, modern hits such as “Blinding Lights” by The Weeknd and “Levitating” by Dua Lipa keep things current and exciting.

To balance things out, make sure to add a few chill and relaxing tracks like “Banana Pancakes” by Jack Johnson and “Island in the Sun” by Weezer. These tunes are perfect for those moments when you need to unwind and take in the scenery.

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Who Controls the Music?

Deciding who gets to control the music can get ugly, but there are a few strategies to keep everyone happy. Driver’s privilege is a common rule, giving the driver first dibs on music selection – since they need to stay alert and entertained. After all, a happy driver makes for a safe and smooth journey.

Another popular method is the passenger DJ approach, where the front-seat passenger takes on the role of managing the playlist, taking requests, and skipping unwanted songs. This way, the driver can focus on the road while still enjoying a good mix of tunes.

For a more democratic approach, consider rotating music control among passengers every hour or so. This ensures that everyone gets a chance to share their favourite tracks and keeps the music fresh and diverse. Alternatively, you can create a shared playlist before the trip where everyone adds their own songs to the list. This collaborative effort guarantees a mix of genres and keeps everyone engaged.

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Picking the Right Song: South African Style

Choosing the right song for the right moment can elevate the mood and create unforgettable memories. Here’s how to pick the perfect track for various moments during your trip, with a South African twist:

• Morning Start: Kickstart the day with upbeat and energetic songs. South African pop hits like “African Queen” by 2Baba or “Destiny” by Malaika can set a positive tone for the day ahead. For a fun and lively start, try “Special Star” by Mango Groove or “Spirit” by Kwesta ft. Wale for some local flavour.
• Scenic Drives: Opt for chill and relaxing tracks that complement the beauty of the South African landscape. “Nomvula” by Freshlyground is perfect for those moments when you want to soak in the surroundings. Add “Pata Pata” by Miriam Makeba or “Feel Good” by Lira to enhance that laid-back vibe.
• Long Stretches: Keep the energy up with a mix of genres and throw in some sing-alongs to keep everyone engaged. “Jabulani” by PJ Powers is a classic choice to uplift spirits, and “Weekend Special” by Brenda Fassie will get everyone singing along. Other great options include “Impilo” by Ladysmith Black Mambazo and “Koze Kuse” by DJ Maphorisa ft. Kwesta, for a mix of traditional and modern beats.
• Entering a New City: Play iconic South African city-related songs to set the mood as you approach your destination. If you’re heading into Johannesburg, “Jezebel” by Sipho Hotstix Mabuse or “Asimbonanga” by Johnny Clegg can capture that urban excitement. For coastal towns, “Bawo” by Soweto Gospel Choir or “Umqombothi” by Yvonne Chaka Chaka will set the right tone.
• Night Drives: Choose mellow and atmospheric tunes for a relaxed vibe. “Ndiredi” by Simphiwe Dana can make the drive feel serene and introspective. Consider adding “Thandiswa Mazwai’s Nizalwa Ngobani” or “Midnight Starring” by DJ Maphorisa for a cool, smooth vibe that fits the night.
• Pit Stops: Use these breaks to play light, fun songs that lift the mood and energise everyone. “Shosholoza” by Ladysmith Black Mambazo is an iconic track to get everyone singing. Other fun options include “Jerusalema” by Master KG or “Homeless” by Ladysmith Black Mambazo for a feel-good break.
• Party Time: If the mood is right and everyone is feeling lively, crank up the party anthems. “Vul’indlela” by Brenda Fassie is sure to get the fun started. Other party favourites include “Wololo” by Babes Wodumo or “Iparty Yam” by DJ Tira for a proper South African celebration.

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Music Apps for Road Trips

Using music apps on road trips has transformed the way we experience long drives. With a variety of apps like Spotify, Apple Music, and Deezer, road trippers can access vast libraries of songs, playlists, and podcasts tailored to every occasion. And, if your rental vehicle has Apple CarPlay or Android Auto equipped, you can control the playlist with your voice!

Another major advantage of music apps is their ability to download songs for offline listening. On a road trip, especially when driving through remote areas with patchy cell service, having access to your favourite tunes without needing an internet connection is essential. Apps like Spotify allow you to save playlists, albums, and even podcasts offline, ensuring you won’t be left without music during long stretches of your journey. This feature also helps to conserve mobile data, especially if you’re travelling internationally.

Additionally, music apps often come with features that enhance the communal experience of road trips. Collaborative playlists allow everyone in the car to contribute their favourite tracks, so no one’s musical tastes are left out. Many apps also provide real-time suggestions or generate playlists based on your listening habits, so if you’re feeling spontaneous, you can discover new tunes on the fly. Whether you’re singing along to old favourites or uncovering hidden gems, these music apps make road trip soundtracks more personal and dynamic than ever.

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Crafting the ideal road trip playlist makes the journey more interesting, keeps things fun, and, most importantly, keeps everyone awake. Just remember, don’t do something silly like playing “Baby Shark” on repeat for two hours straight – unless you want to risk being left on the side of the road. Safe travels and happy listening!