20 Best Classic Rock Songs About Driving

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As a website that focuses mainly on rock music from the ’60s, ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s, we have dedicated many of our articles to the concept of the car. It’s quite simple—besides love, the road and all that goes with it is one of the most common topics that rock and roll songwriters have been driven to. Whether writing about highways or cars, we’ve published some great driving articles, but this one encompasses everything. It’s a combination of everything related to getting in a car and hitting the road. There aren’t a lot of metaphors here—although you may find a few—but this list mostly covers songs that, in some shape or form, are about driving. If there ever is a great escape in this world, it’s getting in your car, turning up the music, rolling down the windows, and just letting go.

# 20 – I Can’t Drive 55 – Sammy Hagar

“I Can’t Drive 55,” the lead single from Sammy Hagar’s 1984 album VOA, epitomizes the frustration of drivers constrained by the National Maximum Speed Law’s 55 mph limit. Inspired by Hagar’s own experience of receiving a speeding ticket for driving 62 mph on a deserted highway near Albany, New York, the song channels his exasperation into a hard-hitting anthem. Recorded in 1984 at Fantasy Studios in Berkeley, California, and Sunset Sound in Hollywood, with mixing at The Power Station in New York, the track features Hagar on lead vocals and guitar, Gary Pihl on rhythm guitar, Jesse Harms on keyboards, Bill Church on bass, and David Lauser on drums.

Produced by Ted Templeman, the song achieved significant commercial success, reaching number 26 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 9 on the Top Rock Tracks chart. Its accompanying music video, directed by Gil Bettman and filmed at Saugus Speedway in Santa Clarita, California, showcases Hagar’s rebellious spirit, depicting him outrunning the California Highway Patrol in his black Ferrari 512 BBi. The video’s popularity on MTV further cemented the song’s status as a rock staple, resonating with audiences who shared Hagar’s disdain for restrictive speed limits.

# 19 – Red Barchetta – Rush

“Red Barchetta,” featured on Rush’s 1981 album Moving Pictures, is a progressive rock composition that narrates a dystopian future where driving certain vehicles is outlawed. Inspired by Richard Foster’s 1973 short story “A Nice Morning Drive,” the song’s lyrics depict a protagonist who clandestinely drives his uncle’s preserved red Barchetta sports car, evading authorities in a high-speed chase. The track was recorded between October and November 1980 at Le Studio in Morin-Heights, Quebec, with production handled by Rush and Terry Brown. The lineup features Geddy Lee on vocals and bass, Alex Lifeson on guitars, and Neil Peart on drums. Critically acclaimed for its vivid storytelling and dynamic instrumentation, the song showcases the band’s ability to blend complex musical structures with engaging narratives. A live version recorded at the Montreal Forum on March 27, 1981, was later released as a B-side to the UK single “Subdivisions” on October 22, 1982.

# 18 – Road to Nowhere – Talking Heads

“Road to Nowhere,” written by David Byrne and released as a single on June 3, 1985, is a track from Talking Heads’ sixth studio album, Little Creatures. Recorded between October 1984 and March 1985 at Sigma Sound in New York City, the song features Byrne on lead vocals and guitar, Jerry Harrison on organ and backing vocals, Tina Weymouth on bass and backing vocals, and Chris Frantz on drums. Additional musicians include Lenny Pickett on saxophone, Steve Scales on percussion, Andrew Cader on washboard, Jimmy Macdonell on accordion, and backing vocals by Erin Dickens and Diva Gray.

Produced by Talking Heads, the track blends elements of pop rock with Americana influences, reflecting the album’s thematic exploration of American culture. “Road to Nowhere” achieved notable chart success, reaching number 25 on the US Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks chart and securing top ten positions in several countries, including number six in the UK Singles Chart. The accompanying music video, co-directed by Byrne and Stephen R. Johnson, is renowned for its innovative visual techniques and received nominations at the 1986 MTV Video Music Awards for Video of the Year, Best Group Video, and Best Concept Video.

# 17 – Slow Ride – Foghat

“Slow Ride,” Foghat’s signature track, emerged from a jam session with new bassist Nick Jameson, who temporarily replaced original bassist Tony Stevens during the recording of their fifth studio album, Fool for the City, released on September 15, 1975. Recorded at Suntreader Studios in Sharon, Vermont, the song features “Lonesome” Dave Peverett on guitar and vocals, Rod Price on lead guitar, Roger Earl on drums, and Jameson on bass and keyboards; Jameson also produced the album. The track showcases Price’s distinctive slide guitar work and Peverett’s compelling vocals, contributing to its enduring appeal. “Slow Ride” became the band’s highest-charting Billboard single, reaching number 20 on the Hot 100, and solidified Foghat’s presence in the mid-1970s rock scene. The song’s success propelled Fool for the City to become the band’s first platinum album, marking a significant milestone in their career.

# 16 – Drive My Car – The Beatles

“Drive My Car” serves as the opening track of The Beatles’ 1965 album Rubber Soul. Recorded on 13 October 1965 at EMI Studios in London, the session marked the band’s first to extend past midnight. The song showcases Paul McCartney on lead vocals, bass, and piano; John Lennon on harmony vocals and tambourine; George Harrison on lead guitar and harmony vocals; and Ringo Starr on drums and cowbell. Produced by George Martin, the track features a notable dual riff by McCartney and Harrison, inspired by Otis Redding’s “Respect.” Lyrically, the song presents a tongue-in-cheek narrative where a woman entices the male protagonist with promises of fame, offering him the role of her chauffeur, only to reveal she lacks a car—a storyline laden with playful innuendo. While “Drive My Car” was not released as a single, it received critical acclaim for its mature themes and innovative sound, reflecting The Beatles’ evolving artistry during this period.

# 15 – Route 66 – The Rolling Stones

“Route 66,” originally penned by Bobby Troup in 1946, was revitalized by The Rolling Stones on their self-titled debut album, recorded over five days in January and February 1964 at Regent Sound Studios in London. Produced by Andrew Loog Oldham and Eric Easton, the track features Mick Jagger on vocals, Keith Richards and Brian Jones on guitars, Bill Wyman on bass, and Charlie Watts on drums. The Stones’ rendition infuses the rhythm and blues standard with a raw, energetic edge, showcasing their early commitment to American blues influences. While the album itself did not spawn singles in the UK, “Route 66” became a staple in the band’s live performances, exemplifying their ability to reinterpret classic tracks with distinctive flair. The song’s inclusion on the album contributed to its commercial success, reaching number one on the UK Albums Chart

# 14 – Life Is A Highway – Tom Cochrane

In 1991, Canadian musician Tom Cochrane released “Life Is a Highway” as the lead single from his second studio album, Mad Mad World. The song was inspired by Cochrane’s transformative trip to Eastern Africa with the World Vision famine relief organization, which profoundly influenced his songwriting. “Life Is a Highway” achieved significant commercial success, reaching number one in Canada and peaking at number six on the US Billboard Hot 100 in August 1992.

The accompanying music video, directed by David Storey, was filmed in Alberta’s Badlands near Drumheller, featuring Cochrane performing amidst the region’s distinctive hoodoos and other local landmarks. The video also includes various characters, such as a gas station attendant and a couple, adding to its narrative depth. The car prominently featured is a 1965 Chevrolet Impala Super Sport, enhancing the song’s road-tripping theme. “Life Is a Highway” has since been covered by several artists, notably Rascal Flatts for the 2006 Disney/Pixar film Cars, further cementing its status as a timeless road anthem.

# 13 – 409 – The Beach Boys

“409,” a track by The Beach Boys, emerged as the B-side to their “Surfin’ Safari” single, released on June 4, 1962. Recorded on April 19, 1962, at Western Studios in Los Angeles, California, the song was produced by Murry Wilson. The lineup featured Mike Love on lead vocals, David Marks on rhythm guitar and backing vocals, Brian Wilson on bass guitar, backing vocals, and car sound effects tape, Carl Wilson on lead guitar and backing vocals, and Dennis Wilson on drums and backing vocals.

Co-written by Brian Wilson, Mike Love, and Gary Usher, “409” is often credited with initiating the hot rod music craze of the 1960s. The lyrics pay homage to Chevrolet’s 409-cubic-inch V8 engine, reflecting the burgeoning car culture of Southern California. Although “409” reached only number 76 on the Billboard Hot 100 in October 1962, its cultural impact was significant, encapsulating the youthful enthusiasm for automobiles that characterized the era. The song was later included on their debut album, Surfin’ Safari, and reappeared on the 1963 album Little Deuce Coupe, further cementing its place in the band’s early repertoire.

# 12 – Diamonds On My Windshield – Tom Waits

“Diamonds on My Windshield,” the fifth track on Tom Waits’ 1974 album The Heart of Saturday Night, showcases Waits’ distinctive blend of jazz and beat poetry. Recorded at Wally Heider’s Studio 3 in Hollywood and produced by Bones Howe, this piece features Waits delivering spoken-word lyrics over a jazz-infused instrumental backdrop. The song vividly portrays a nocturnal journey through urban landscapes, with references to locations such as San Clemente, encapsulating the transient experiences of the road.

# 11 – Driver’s Seat – Sniff N’ The Tears

“Driver’s Seat,” the standout single from Sniff ‘n’ the Tears’ 1979 debut album Fickle Heart, emerged from sessions recorded in 1978 with producer Luigi Salvoni. The track features Paul Roberts on vocals and guitar, Mick Dyche and Loz Netto on guitars, Chris Birkin on bass, Alan Fealdman on keyboards, and Salvoni on drums and percussion. Notably, Keith Miller contributed the distinctive Moog synthesizer solo that became a hallmark of the song. Upon its release, “Driver’s Seat” achieved considerable chart success, peaking at number 15 on the US Billboard Hot 100 in September 1979, and reaching the top 20 in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. The song experienced a resurgence in 1991, climbing to number one on both the Dutch Top 40 and Single Top 100 charts, following its prominent use in a European advertising campaign for Pioneer car stereos. This renewed popularity underscored the track’s enduring appeal and cemented its status as a classic in the new wave genre.

# 10 – Drive All Night – Bruce Springsteen

Few people ever seem to mention that this song by Bruce Springsteen released on his 1980 River album actually had come out of the additional closing segment of his live performances of “Backstreets” during the 1978 Darkness on the Edge of Town tour. Labeled quite often by fans as “Sad Eyes,” it was probably one of the highlights of the ’78 tour. Nonetheless, Springsteen took this very emotional coda to Backstreets and turned it into a full-fledged epic recording for the River album, making it one of his hardcore fans’ favorite songs. There were many songs that we could have chosen from Springsteen about driving, especially from his ’70s output, but this one just really hits the mark. I mean just from the River album alone, you had “Wreck On The Highway,” “Stolen Car,” and “Drive All Night.”

# 9 – Little Red Corvette – Prince

“Little Red Corvette,” released on February 9, 1983, as part of Prince’s 1999 album, marked a pivotal moment in his career, becoming his first top 10 hit on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number six. Recorded on May 20, 1982, at Prince’s Kiowa Trail Home Studio in Chanhassen, Minnesota, with mixing completed on August 11–12, 1982, at Sunset Sound in Los Angeles, the track showcases Prince’s multifaceted artistry as he performed lead vocals, electric guitar, bass guitar, and synthesizers. The song features backing vocals by Lisa Coleman and a notable guitar solo by Dez Dickerson. T

he lyrics employ automotive metaphors to narrate a fleeting romantic encounter, reflecting Prince’s signature blend of sensuality and storytelling. The accompanying music video, directed by Bryan Greenberg and released in February 1983, was among the first by a black artist to receive heavy rotation on MTV, breaking racial barriers in the music industry. Internationally, the song achieved significant success, reaching number two on the UK Singles Chart in January 1985 when re-released as a double A-side with “1999.” “Little Red Corvette” remains a seminal track in Prince’s discography, exemplifying his innovative fusion of rock, pop, and R&B elements.

# 8 – Drive – The Cars

“Drive,” a poignant ballad by The Cars, stands out as a departure from the band’s earlier, more upbeat tracks. Featured on their fifth studio album, Heartbeat City, released on March 13, 1984, the song showcases the band’s versatility and depth. Recorded in 1983 at Battery Studios in London, the track was produced by Robert John “Mutt” Lange in collaboration with the band. Notably, “Drive” features bassist Benjamin Orr on lead vocals, delivering a haunting performance that adds to the song’s emotive resonance. Upon its release as a single on July 23, 1984, “Drive” achieved significant commercial success, peaking at number three on the Billboard Hot 100 and securing the top spot on the Adult Contemporary chart. Internationally, it reached number five on the UK Singles Chart and number six in Canada. The accompanying music video, directed by actor Timothy Hutton, further amplified the song’s impact, featuring model Paulina Porizkova, who later married lead vocalist Ric Ocasek.

# 7 – Low Rider – War

“Low Rider,” featured on War’s 1975 album Why Can’t We Be Friends?, epitomizes the band’s fusion of funk, Latin rock, and mariachi influences. Recorded in 1974 at Crystal Studios in Los Angeles, California, the track was produced by Jerry Goldstein, Lonnie Jordan, and Howard E. Scott. The lineup included Lonnie Jordan on piano, timbales, vibraphone, and vocals; Howard E. Scott on guitar; B.B. Dickerson on bass; Harold Brown on drums; Papa Dee Allen on percussion; Lee Oskar on harmonica; and Charles Miller on saxophone and lead vocals. Miller’s distinctive saxophone riff and vocals, combined with Oskar’s harmonica, create the song’s signature sound. The lyrics celebrate the lowrider car culture of Los Angeles, with lines like “The low rider drives a little slower” referencing the practice of cruising to conserve fuel during the 1970s oil crisis. Upon its release, “Low Rider” topped the Billboard R&B singles chart and reached number seven on the Billboard Hot 100, reflecting its widespread appeal. Critically acclaimed for its infectious groove and cultural resonance, the song has been extensively covered and sampled, notably by the Beastie Boys in “Slow Ride” and featured in films like Up in Smoke. Its enduring legacy was cemented with its induction into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2014.

# 6 – Faster – Samantha Fish

If you don’t know Samantha Fish and I highly recommend you take a listen to her guitar playing, her singing and her fabulous songs. She is a pure gem. This video will knock your socks off and maybe a few other items of clothing along the way……“Faster,” the title track of Samantha Fish’s seventh studio album, showcases her dynamic blend of hard rock, blues rock, and country rock influences. Released on September 10, 2021, under Rounder Records, the album was produced by Martin Kierszenbaum at The Village Studios in West Los Angeles. Fish’s versatile musicianship is evident as she handles vocals and guitar, supported by Hannah Brier on vocals, Diego Navaira on bass, and renowned session drummer Josh Freese. Kierszenbaum contributes with electric piano, organ, synthesizer, guitar, and percussion

# 5 – Radar Love – Golden Earring

Golden Earring’s “Radar Love” captures the essence of restless energy on the open road, blending rock intensity with a sense of motion that feels unstoppable. Recorded in 1973 at Trident Studios in London, the track emerged as a defining moment for the Dutch band, produced by the group themselves. Frontman Barry Hay delivers the lyrics with an urgent passion, supported by George Kooymans’ gritty guitar work, Rinus Gerritsen’s pulsating bass and keyboards, and Cesar Zuiderwijk’s propulsive drumming. The song’s vivid narrative, portraying a driver’s telepathic connection with his lover, strikes a chord with its rhythmic build-up and compelling storytelling. Released as a single in August 1973, “Radar Love” achieved substantial international success, topping the charts in the Netherlands and Spain, reaching number seven in the UK, and peaking at number thirteen on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100.

Read More: Top 10 Golden Earring Songs

# 4 – Holiday Road – Lindsey Buckingham

Lindsey Buckingham’s “Holiday Road,” crafted for the 1983 film National Lampoon’s Vacation, encapsulates his adeptness at blending catchy melodies with intricate guitar work. Recorded in 1982 and produced by Buckingham alongside Richard Dashut, the track features Buckingham performing all instruments and vocals, showcasing his multi-instrumental prowess. Despite peaking at a modest number 82 on the Billboard Hot 100, the song has endured as a cult favorite, largely due to its association with the film’s opening credits and its inclusion in subsequent sequels. The upbeat tempo and infectious chorus have contributed to its lasting appeal, leading to its feature on Buckingham’s 2018 compilation Solo Anthology: The Best of Lindsey Buckingham. A live rendition also appears on his 2008 album Live at the Bass Performance Hall, further testament to its significance in his solo repertoire.

# 3 – Rocking Down The Highway – The Doobie Brothers

There’s no mistaking the infectious energy that bursts from “Rockin’ Down the Highway” by The Doobie Brothers—a track that practically demands the windows down and the volume up. Released on their 1972 album Toulouse Street, the song captures the raw spirit of the open road with its driving rhythm and powerful vocal delivery. Recorded at Warner Bros. Studios in North Hollywood, California, and produced by Ted Templeman, it features Tom Johnston on lead vocals and guitar, Patrick Simmons on guitar and backing vocals, Tiran Porter on bass and backing vocals, and the dual drumming power of John Hartman and Michael Hossack.

# 2 – Roll On Down The Highway – Bachman Turner Overdrive

“Roll On Down the Highway,” a high-octane track by Canadian rockers Bachman–Turner Overdrive (BTO), was recorded in 1974 for their third studio album, Not Fragile. The song was penned by bassist and vocalist Fred Turner and drummer Robbie Bachman, originally intended for a Ford Motor Company commercial, though the deal didn’t materialize. Produced by Randy Bachman, the recording sessions took place at Kaye-Smith Studios in Seattle, Washington. The lineup featured Randy Bachman on lead guitar and backing vocals, Fred Turner delivering his signature gruff lead vocals and bass lines, Blair Thornton on second lead guitar, and Robbie Bachman on drums.

Upon its release as a single in January 1975, “Roll On Down the Highway” showcased BTO’s trademark blend of hard rock and blues, propelling it to number 14 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and number four on the Canadian RPM chart. The track’s driving rhythm and infectious chorus encapsulate the band’s energetic style, making it a staple in their live performances and a highlight of the Not Fragile album, which itself reached number one on the U.S. Billboard 200.

# 1 – Highway Star – Deep Purple

“Highway Star,” the opening track of Deep Purple’s 1972 album Machine Head, epitomizes the band’s fusion of hard rock and classical influences. Recorded between December 6 and 21, 1971, in Montreux, Switzerland, the song was produced by the band members themselves: Ritchie Blackmore (guitar), Ian Gillan (vocals), Roger Glover (bass), Jon Lord (Hammond organ), and Ian Paice (drums). The composition features intricate solos, notably Blackmore’s guitar work, which was ranked 15th in Guitar World’s “100 Greatest Guitar Solos.” “Highway Star” has been a staple in Deep Purple’s live performances, with a notable rendition on their acclaimed live album Made in Japan (1972). The song’s enduring appeal is reflected in its influence on the hard rock and heavy metal genres, with its blend of driving rhythms and virtuosic solos setting a benchmark for subsequent artists