Classic Tunes for Your Summertime Road Trips

 

 

ZZ Top Eliminator

 

 

If you're getting ready to head out on the highway for a summertime adventure, there's no better way to pass the miles than to plug into your favorite tunes. Not only will it make the time go by faster, but it will set the mood for the good times ahead. Remember when the drive was never too long, and the music was never too loud? You may prefer a little less bass these days, but you can make those long road trips a little shorter and a lot more enjoyable by traveling to the beats of your favorite songs. Here are some of the bands that keep me cruising on down the highway..

 

Doobie Brothers

The Doobie Brothers, who have been performing off and on since the '70s, have so many great songs that it is difficult to pick one that stands above the rest. Some of my favorites are: "Rockin' on Down the Highway," "Taking it to the Streets," and "Long Train Runnin'."

 

The Tractors

I wouldn't usually recommend a group like The Tractors, but their only top '40s hit, "Baby Likes to Rock It" is a lot of fun, and it always puts me in a good mood when I hear it. Released in the early '90s, their album, "The Tractors," set the record for the fastest selling country debut in history.

 

Eagles

With hits like "Witchy Woman," "Desperado," and "Lyin' Eyes," it isn't hard to understand why the Eagles is one of the best-selling bands of all time. Their album titled "Hotel California" had three Billboard Hot 100: "New Kid in Town" (number 1), "Hotel California" (number 1), and "Life in the Fast Lane" (number 11). The instrumentals toward the end of the song, "Hotel California," provides great listening for driving with the top down on cool summer evenings.

 

Santana

Santana's Latin-style rock will add some good contrast to your traveling tune collection. The rhythmic songs from the group's early years like "Black Magic Woman" will bring back memories of driving in your '70s muscle car. However, as much as I like Santana's older songs, "Smooth," from the 1999 album "Supernatural," is at the top of my list. It's hard to stay in my seat when listening to this song.

 

ZZ Top

The members of ZZ Top are known for their unusual looks and equally unusual style. Their long beards and '33 custom Ford hot rod, named Eliminator, were made famous in their early '80s videos. If there is one song ZZ Top is most recognized for, it would probably be "Legs," from their multi-platinum album, named for their red hot rod.

 

Bob Seger & the Silver Bullet Band

I don't think there's a Bob Seger song I don't like, but my favorite is "That Old Time Rock and Roll." Chances are you'll find yourself not only moving your hips to the beat of the music, but belting out the song right along with Seger and the Silver Bullets. I recommend their album, "Ultimate Hits: Roll and Roll Never Forgets," which includes other hits, such as "Night Moves," "Hollywood Nights," and "Still the Same."

 

Steppenwolf

Much of Steppenwolf's music is pretty edgy, so you may find a lot of his music doesn't fit into your collection of traveling tunes, but you should include "Born to be Wild." This signature song from the 1969 movie "Easy Rider" will provide an exciting and upbeat start to your road trip.