It is officially summer and playing music in the car is one of my main highlights during the season! I live in Arizona where it is sunny all day, every day. This means I prioritize having THE perfect songs to play in the car while driving with the windows down. Even though the temperature gets to be 100 degrees here, there is always time for good music that sets the vibe for the whole day. These songs can be from any year, any genre, and any artist. The following are my favorite windows down, cruising in the car songs!
“100 Bad Days” by AJR
Released in 2019 as a part of AJR’s Neotheater album, “100 Bad Days” is about looking to the future. This song is perfect for a drive with the windows down because it captures the essence of being young.
We all have our bad days, but those moments allow us to share new, interesting stories with our friends. A day out driving with your windows down and music blasting is a good day. So, listening to a song about how your unfortunate times can be looked back on during an enjoyable moment makes it that much sweeter.
“Candyman” by Zedd and Aloe Blacc
Zedd and Aloe Blacc reimagined “The Candy Man” from Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory and revamped it into a lively, upbeat, electronic hit song. The two artists came out with “Candyman” in 2016, which is when my friends and I listened to it for the first time.
This is a song that can be belted at the top of your lungs no matter the time of day. I remember whenever we listened to this song in high school. My friends and I would be laughing, singing, and smiling the entire time. This is, by far, my favorite song to listen to with my windows down!
“Meet Virginia” by Train
Let’s throw it back to 1999 for this summer classic! “Meet Virginia” hit the top 20 charts in 2000 and was one of Train’s most popular songs at the time. This song describes the looks, passions, and background of a special woman. I included this song in this playlist because it is a perfect blend of the pop and indie genres. Once you learn the lyrics, it is indeed one of the best songs to sing while in the car.
“Rescue Me” by Thirty Seconds to Mars
We are switching up the vibes with this hit track by Thirty Seconds to Mars. “Rescue Me” is a rock song that released in 2018 as a part of the AMERICA album. It may surprise most that the band features vocalist Jared Leto, famously known as Joker in Suicide Squad. Although the lyrics to this song are not the most upbeat and positive, you begin to realize that this is a song about freedom the more you listen. Releasing the negative aspects of life and just enjoying the ride.
“Funeral Grey” by Waterparks
Waterparks creates a modern spin on their 2022 alternative rock single “Funeral Gray.” What I love most about this song is the familiarity of the beat that takes me back to the early 2000s alternative rock scene. Their lyrics are powerful and uplifting, creating an upbeat atmosphere that is perfect for a drive with the windows down. Fans of Waterparks have been in love with this single since its release, and I completely understand why! Waterparks are heading out on a UK tour this summer! Check out their tour dates to see if they are coming to your area!
“On Top of the World” by Imagine Dragons
Imagine Dragons have created countless hits, one of them being their 2012 single “On Top Of The World.” Despite being different from the others tracks I had listed in this playlist; this song has a playful and catchy beat that anyone could enjoy. Everyone has felt like they have hit rock bottom at one point. However, this song can remind listeners that they got through the tough times. Instead of dreading what has happened in the past, it is better to look ahead with your head held high! This song may have multiple interpretations, but the constant theme is joy and optimism. A perfect summer song to enjoy on a long car ride with the people you love most!
There Is Always Room For More!
This list of songs are my favorite to blare while driving with the windows down. If you enjoyed these tracks then definitely check out each artist’s discography. Who knows, maybe you’ll find your new favorite artist for the summer! For a different kind of vibe, be sure to take a look at our article for some recommendations of songs that you can simply ‘lose your mind to.’
