PLAY: Hodgepodge of Songs for the Road- Early 2020s (multiple genres)
Playlist with commentary
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Dedicate time to hear any of these songs that tell a
story about being on the road, take you on a metaphorical
journey or simply play well, especially while traveling.
Downtown Vibes- Shin-Ski. Contemporary funk/dance
A vibin’ instrumental to crank as you head onto bustling downtown streets.
Piano chords in this track are reminiscient of the sung hook in ”Dilemma” by the rapper, Nelly, with Kelly Rowland featured on vocals.
Road to Joy - Peter Gabriel. Experimental/Art rock
This is the path to travel and love! Here is a late ‘23 song entry that will get you into 80s feels. Remember Peter Gabriel? Yeah, he’s still alive and kickin! Reminders of his mid-80s hits like Sledgehammer and Big Time are heard in this 21st century track that feels like you’re riding through a jungle while blasting.
Standout lyrics: Young and old, girl and boy/Dance along the road to joy
Picture sharpens in your head/Opens up when it's been read all the things you strain to see/Can move on in and come to be
Alone a Lot- Louis York featuring Anthony Hamilton. Contemporary R &B
Lyrics grab you right off the bat.
“I’ve been traveling so long. I’m just searching for a heart to call home”
This is a song that especially resonates with a musician who is constantly on tour, a truck driver always driving long distance away from home, a pilot or travel salesman.
Sleepless in Seattle- Noah Gundersen. Indie folk/ pop
Intriguing contrast here: In the video, Gundersen fondly revisits parts of Seattle the city where he is from — but says that he doesn’t want “to go home”. Strong singer-songwriter selection. Song leave you wanting him to tell more of his Seattle story.
Standout Lyric: “This city was built on the back of a spirit that I can’t feel anymore”
Mother Road- Grace Potter. Rock
Bizarre video but Grace is having creative fun! Blast this soulful country-tinged rock song out on the open road and find where you need to need to be.
Standout Lyrics: (Bridge) And I don't really know if the day will ever come
When I'll find that peace within/ But as I roll down this rugged highway
Texas Sun- Khruangbin with Leon Bridges. Dance/Pop
Cinematography captures ordinary-extraordinary Texas landscape. Nice touch with the love story portrayed in the video. Note: I caught the “22” hotel at 1:14. (I always see the number 22, while traveling or at home watching TV. It’s a thing for me, has “haunted” me throughout the years. I think in a good way)
Standout lyric: You say you like the wind blowing through your hair
Well, come on, roll with me 'til the sun goes down
Waking Up- Django Django with Charlotte Gainsbourg. Fusion R & B/pop
Hit Songs:
Fast Car - Luke Combs. Country
See live version by Luke
Hear original Chapman version
Compare to the original classic penned and performed by Tracy Chapman. Remake does justice, keeps authentic feel from Chapman. This is top 100 song of all time for me, hands down.
Standout Lyric: “ Just 'cross the border and into the city, You and I can both get jobs, and finally see what it means to be livin'. “
Love’s Train- Silksonic. R&B
For me, the most popular song played in the car, from live local radio this year…BY FAR. Would crank on this on Amtrak too. Others could easily get sick of this song. I haven’t yet. Throwback soul tune!
Standout Lyrics: Sometimes, heartstrings can be broken/But you just have to keep on goin'/That's the way it goes on love's train
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