The 10 best driving related songs of the Millennial era
When you think of the all time great songs about driving, its always songs from generations gone by and with more recent releases rarely coming to mind.As a Millennial, I thought I’d grab my iPhone, sense of self entitlement and avocados and go on a gap year to find the greatest driving related song of the Millennial era. Older generations, here’s looking at you Gen X and Baby Boomers, always say the best songs ever made were from their era, but there are so many bangers from the last 20ish years which will and have stood the test of time. Here are 10 of the best.
1. Drive – Shannon Noll
What Millennial can forget the heartbreaking moment when Nollsy was robbed of being our first Australian Idol? While Guy “The Fro” Sebastian may have brought out a steady stream of hits, Shannon Noll thought, what about me? And gave us the modern day classic of Drive. Our generation may tell you that they don’t even like this song, but play Drive and pump the speakers and you will hear them belting out this driving classic in no time.
2. A Thousand Miles – Vanessa Carlton
What true Millennial can honestly forget that hilarious scene from the 2004 hit ‘White Chicks’ where Terry Crews belts out Vanessa Carlton’s ‘A Thousand Miles’? I’ll level with you, this song may not be as driving related as some of the other hits on this list but do you think time would pass by this song? The video clip is also an icon in itself as Vanessa effortlessly plays the piano on a flat-bed truck as it drives through the city.
3. Red Light, Green Light – Duke Dumont
Although this is certainly the most recent song on our list, this tuna (tune) by Duke Dumont is as much a dance song as it is an educational song. The chorus literally says “Red light stop, green light go”. Now if more drivers on the road knew that, I think the streets would be a much safer place for all. But what would I know (Kermit sipping tea meme).
4. Shut Up and Drive - Rihanna
What words do you feel like telling your mate when they keep asking for directions as they drive you to brunch as you’re trying to post a bomb selfie? Yep, shut up and drive. Rihanna is without a doubt a huge artist for Millennials and with songs like Shut up and drive who could argue?
5. Life is a Highway – Rascal Flatts
Life is a highway may be a cover of an older song but this is an unbelievable track! Not just a great song to belt out but relatable lyrics to us millennials. Also featured in the classic millennial kids PIXAR film Cars.
6. We like to party (The Vengabus) – Vengaboys
The Vengabus bus is coming and what Millennial wouldn’t want to get on? I for one certainly would! This hit is arguably the perfect song to turn a dull road trip into well, the Vengaboys Party Bus! “Because we like to party!” Our tried and tested recommendation is to play this within the first 15 minutes of road trip driving to ensure the good vibes roll for the rest of your journey.
7. Chasing Cars – Snow Patrol
I’m sure everyone reading this will remember this song, how could you forget? It was only on the radio all of the time in 2006 and made uber famous by TV medical drama Greys Anatomy. The saddest song on the list but with an unforgettable chorus “If I lay here, if I just lay here, would you lie with me and just forget the world?”. (Tears streaming down my face).
8. Bugatti – Tiga
A memorable song in the way that you only remember a few lines and they get stuck in your head all day. Repetitive lyrics with a catchy electronic beat, I certainly know what I’ll say, the next time a girl comes up to me and asks what I’m driving. Yep “Bugatti”.
9. Fast car – Jonas Blue feat. Dakota
Another remix of an older song to add to this list but it’s not our fault that modern technology has allowed us to take an old song and transform it into something better. A great chill summer vibe song, I’ll definitely be adding this to my Spotify playlist on my next road trip.
10. Green light – Lorde
I had to add one of our own onto this list. Lorde barely scrapes into the millennial age bracket being born in 1996 but her song ‘Green Light’ was an absolute smash hit. Finishing 6th in Triple J’s Hottest 100 in 2018 how could we not give our Kiwi millennial a place on our list. And with lyrics like I'm waiting for it, that green light, I want it, this is literally the sentiment for every driver young and old on their commute.
We millennials may laughed at for a number of reasons but I’m sure through this list you can see we certainly hold our own in the music department. Music makes the people come together, yeah. So if anyone in an older generation wants to scoff at this list, you can Google how to fix your own computer the next time instead of asking us for help.
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