28 Best Songs to Blast While Driving Fast

Updated at: 17/01/2025

The open road calls for a soundtrack that matches its exhilarating energy, and this isn't just any playlist; it's a carefully curated selection designed to elevate your driving experience to the next level. While this list doesn't focus on a specific artist or band, it draws inspiration from the powerful legacy of rock and roll, encompassing the anthemic energy that defined generations. Think of the soaring vocals that perfectly complement the rush of speed, the driving guitar riffs that mirror the engine's roar, and the relentless rhythms that keep you moving. We're celebrating the timeless appeal of songs that have fueled countless road trips and adrenaline-pumping drives, tracks that remain as relevant and exciting today as they were when they first hit the airwaves.

From the iconic guitar work that echoes the freedom of the highway to the powerful vocals that resonate with the exhilaration of the journey, this compilation represents a diverse tapestry of rock and roll's most enduring anthems. Each song offers a unique yet undeniably powerful experience, a carefully chosen blend of classic rock anthems and electrifying power ballads, reflecting the range of emotions associated with the open road – excitement, freedom, and the thrill of the unknown. Whether you're a seasoned road warrior or simply craving that ultimate driving soundtrack, this list promises an unforgettable auditory adventure that will redefine your perception of the perfect driving companion. You'll rediscover why these songs have stood the test of time and cemented their place in music history.

28 Best Songs to Blast While Driving Fast
SongArtistAlbumListens
1. Africa TOTO Toto IV 1B+
2. Highway to Hell AC/DC Highway to Hell 359M+
3. Jump Van Halen 1984 (Remastered) 234M+
4. Here I Go Again Whitesnake 133M+
5. Young Turks Rod Stewart 128M+
6. Walk This Way Aerosmith
Run–D.M.C. 		Communards 128M+
7. Footloose Kenny Loggins 4 (Expanded) 113M+

1. Africa (Toto IV - 1982)

Does the open road call for a soundtrack that matches its exhilarating pace? Toto's "Africa" a timeless 1982 classic, delivers just that. With its energetic tempo—a driving rhythm perfect for highway cruising—and powerful instrumentation, this track is an 80s anthem reborn for modern speed enthusiasts. The soaring guitar riffs and punchy bassline create a feeling of boundless freedom, while the anthemic vocals add a layer of powerful exhilaration. While the lyrics speak of a love for the continent of Africa, the song's overall energy effortlessly translates into the rush of a fast-paced drive. Its enduring popularity, cemented by its chart-topping success and enduring appeal, confirms its place as a top choice for anyone looking to elevate their driving experience.

In fact, many pop hits from the 80s made great driving songs, especially when you're looking to open it up on the highway. If you're looking for more pop hits from that era perfect for a long drive, check out our list of List of 30 80's bar music playlist songs.
Africa - TOTO

2. Highway to Hell

A high-octane anthem often compared to classics like Led Zeppelin's "Stairway to Heaven" and Queen's "Made in Heaven," AC/DC's "Highway to Hell" is a perfect fit for any high-speed playlist. Its relentlessly fast tempo and driving rhythm, propelled by a powerful bassline and soaring guitar riffs, create an exhilarating experience that mirrors the thrill of driving fast. Bon Scott's powerful vocals add an anthemic quality, perfectly capturing the feeling of freedom and exhilaration. While the lyrics don't explicitly mention driving, the song's overall energy and relentless pace make it an ideal soundtrack for those seeking a sonic adrenaline rush behind the wheel.

AC/DC's iconic anthem "Highway to Hell" perfectly captures the adrenaline rush of driving fast, but for even more high-octane tunes to fuel your road trip, be sure to check out The 29 best sports bar music playlist songs for an electrifying playlist of party anthems that will keep your energy levels soaring.
Highway to Hell - AC/DC

3. Jump (1984)

Released in 1983 as the lead single from Van Halen's 1984 album, "Jump" defied expectations. A departure from the band's usual hard rock sound, its instantly recognizable synthesizer riff propelled it to the top of the Billboard charts. Its energetic, driving tempo—a surprisingly fast BPM for the era—makes it a perfect anthem for spirited driving. The powerful bassline and soaring guitar solo complement the exhilarating rhythm, creating a feeling of unstoppable momentum. David Lee Roth's anthemic vocals add to the song's powerful energy, making "Jump" an undeniably iconic and thrilling track—a true testament to Van Halen's innovative spirit and enduring legacy, later recognized as one of Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.

Jump's energetic riffs and pounding drums will elevate your driving experience, transporting you back to the golden era of 80s rock. If you're looking for more driving anthems from the decade, be sure to check out Top 30 Essential Tracks from The Jam: Their Best Hits, which features essential tracks from The Jam, another iconic band that defined the 80s music scene.
Jump - Van Halen

4. Here I Go Again (Whitesnake)

From the opening riff, Whitesnake's "Here I Go Again" immediately establishes itself as a high-octane anthem. Its driving tempo, likely exceeding 120 BPM, creates an exhilarating pace perfectly synchronized with the thrill of fast driving. The powerful bassline and soaring guitar riffs intertwine with David Coverdale's potent vocals, building an anthemic energy that matches the feeling of freedom and open road. While the lyrics themselves don't explicitly mention speed, the overall feeling of passion and intensity powerfully evokes a sense of unrestrained energy—a perfect soundtrack for a spirited drive. The song's enduring popularity underscores its timeless appeal and undeniable power.

Here I Go Again - Whitesnake

5. Young Turks - 1981

Rod Stewart's "Young Turks" is a high-octane anthem perfectly suited for a spirited drive. Its energetic tempo, likely exceeding 120 BPM, creates a powerful, driving rhythm that mirrors the thrill of the open road. The song's prominent bassline and driving drums propel the music forward, while Stewart's powerful vocals add a layer of anthemic excitement. This infectious energy evokes feelings of freedom and exhilaration, making it an ideal soundtrack for those seeking an adventurous journey. The track's timeless appeal is evident in its enduring popularity, resonating with listeners across generations, a testament to its ability to capture the energy and excitement of youth. Its inclusion in the Top 30 Essential Tracks from The Jam reflects its enduring place in musical history, alongside other iconic tracks that capture the spirit of a particular era.

Young Turks - Rod Stewart
  • Walk This Way
    6

    Walk This Way

    Aerosmith,Run–D.M.C.

    1986

    Communards

  • Footloose
    7

    Footloose

    Kenny Loggins

    1984

    4 (Expanded)

  • Run To You
    8

    Run To You

    Bryan Adams

    1984

    Reckless (30th Anniversary / Deluxe Edition)

  • Sweet Home Alabama
    9

    Sweet Home Alabama

    Lynyrd Skynyrd

    1974

    Second Helping (Expanded Edition)

  • Take It Easy
    10

    Take It Easy

    Eagles

    1972

    Eagles (2013 Remaster)

  • Ventura Highway
    11

    Ventura Highway

    America,George Martin

    1972

    Homecoming

  • Born to Run
    12

    Born to Run

    Bruce Springsteen

    1975

    Born To Run

  • Owner of a Lonely Heart
    13

    Owner of a Lonely Heart

    Yes

    1983

  • More Than a Feeling
    14

    More Than a Feeling

    Boston

    1976

    Boston

  • The Chain
    15

    The Chain

    Fleetwood Mac

    1977

    Rumours (Super Deluxe)

  • Boys of Summer
    16

    Boys of Summer

    Don Henley

    1984

  • One of These Nights
    17

    One of These Nights

    Eagles

    1975

  • Picture Me Rollin'
    18

    Picture Me Rollin'

    2Pac

    1996

  • I Drove All Night
    19

    I Drove All Night

    Roy Orbison

    2017

    In Dreams

  • 99 Problems
    20

    99 Problems

    JAY-Z

    2003

  • My Life
    21

    My Life

    Billy Joel

    1978

  • Long Train Runnin'
    22

    Long Train Runnin'

    The Doobie Brothers

    1973

    The Captain and Me

  • Honeymoon Avenue
    23

    Honeymoon Avenue

    Ariana Grande

    2013

  • Get in My Car
    24

    Get in My Car

    50 Cent

    2005

  • Mercury Blues
    25

    Mercury Blues

    Alan Jackson

    1993

  • Go Your Own Way
    26

    Go Your Own Way

    Fleetwood Mac

    1977

    Rumours

  • Fun, Fun, Fun
    27

    Fun, Fun, Fun

    The Beach Boys

    1964

  • Smoke Two Joints
    28

    Smoke Two Joints

    The Toyes

    1983