Whether your car ride is 10 minutes or 10 hours, we all know you need plenty of good music to make the time pass. If you’re in the mood to sing along, read on for our staff’s favorite car jams. Click here to follow the playlist on Spotify.
The Kill – 30 Seconds To Mars
Addie Whelan – Editor In Chief
This is, in fact, the most dramatic song that has ever existed in your entire life. When I was younger, my parents definitely didn’t know that I was listening to anything this overdramatic, “emo” so to speak and well, different. I remember listening to this song on my iPod through Apple’s first set of headphones and now, every time it comes on I really can’t help but scream the words. One of my best friends and I always play this when we’re in a rental car, drinking milkshakes or just in need of a good scream.
Don’t Stop Believing – Journey
Alicia Rangel – Art Director
Let’s face it, when you’re on your way to your destination in the morning you want to listen to music that’s uplifting. My go to song to sing while stuck in traffic to and from work is Don’t Stop Believing by Journey. It challenges me to hit those high notes that require just a little more extra energy but are still attainable for my voice range. There’s something special about singing Don’t Stop Believing while on the road, it’s almost as if I’m encouraging myself I’m going to get through the chaos that is traffic.
ILYSB – LANY
Gina Scarpino – Photo Editor
LANY is known for their upbeat nostalgic songs that always take you back to specific point in time, and “ILYSB” is no exception. This song has such a feel good beat that makes me want to get in my car and drive forever. It reminds me of warm weather and driving with friends, screaming the words to the song at the top of our lungs. It’s just one of those songs that you can’t help but dance to (even in the car). Even on a rainy day, it’ll always put a smile on my face.
Bohemian Rhapsody – Queen
Delaney DeAngelis – Deputy Editor
Let’s be honest—this song has it all. This song sounds like it’s two or three different songs in one. You can start out singing all slow and dramatic, then go wild and theatrical. Whether I’m in the car with my mom or my best friends, it’s six minutes of fun, singing at the top of our lungs. It’s just one of those songs you can’t help but to sing along to. Queen has so many great songs to sing at the top of your lungs, but I think “Bohemian Rhapsody” is the best.
Another Night On Mars – The Maine
Kristen Humphries – Content Assistant
If you’ve heard this song, you know exactly why this is “singing at the top of your lungs” worthy. If you haven’t, I highly recommend grabbing your best friends and driving on the highway for a little while with this song blasting. “Another Night On Mars” is all about having that group of people who make you feel less alone and less “alien,” as John O’Callaghan sings. For me, this song creates a simultaneous feeling of nostalgia for past memories and infinity of what the future holds for you and those closest to you. It gives you a special appreciation for your friend group and that connection you have to one another—and screaming the lyrics is certainly worth losing your voice.
Rollercoaster – Bleachers
Alyssa Buzzello – Contributing Photographer
Since this song has come out it has felt perfect to play it loud driving fast with the windows down on a hot day. The song is everything you need in a car jam: the upbeat vocals, the fun theme, and the catchy chorus. Jack Antonoff gives the perfect balance of nostalgia and new age pop song for that summer day.
You Belong With Me – Taylor Swift
Lauren Klonowski – Contributing Writer
Every time I hear this song, I can’t help but sing along (and then play it on repeat for an hour). The perfect blend of country and pop makes it the perfect car jam! This is definitely one of my favorite Taylor tracks, complete with smart lyrics and infectious hooks. I vividly remember my best friends and I riding around our boring small town singing this as loud as we possibly could without a care in the world. This song really takes me back to that time and I honestly still love it just as much as I did then.
Ready To Go [Get Me Out Of My Mind] – Panic! At the Disco
Joe Hernandez – Contributing Phootographer
Vices & Virtues is the best Panic! album and no one could ever convince me otherwise. If I’m looking for an album to put on, drive to, and scream all the words to while driving – it’s always this one. It’s flawless from beginning to end, and there isn’t a single skippable song on it. “Trade Mistakes” might be my all time favorite song, but “Ready To Go” is one of those special songs that fits this subject perfectly. The soft vocals paired with the opening notes of the song, suddenly transitioning by means of a hard drum kick into Brendon Urie whooping as the upbeat song takes over, makes it the perfect anthem for your car speakers. The simple, repetitive, yet catchy lyrics in the bridge will have all of your passengers shouting along as you speed down the highway.
Mr. Brightside – The Killers
Abby Fox – Contributing Writer
Never in the history of music has there ever been a song I’d rather scream-sing the lyrics to than this one. Possibly the best way to experience this song is in the car with the windows down, wind blowing through your hair, and the volume turned way up. You can only imagine how exciting it is to sing along and headbang your heart out when you hear it performed live. It’s even more incredible to me that this was the debut single from The Killers – it’s as if an artist picked up a paintbrush on the first try and created a masterpiece. It might be 14 years old now, but the lyrics to “Mr. Brightside” are so infectious, you can’t help but sing along. For me, there is no better anthem than this one.
Burnin’ Up – Jonas Brothers
Nicolita Bradley – Contributing Photographer
Can we please give this song the credit it truly deserves? A classic bop. I remember watching the music video and gasping for air when Selena Gomez was Nick Jonas’ love interest. The best songs remind you of great times with even better people. This tune does just that and makes me giggle during every single listen.
Vanessa Carlton – A Thousand Miles
Bailey Flores – Contributing Photographer
This song that make you want to scream the lyrics at the top of your lungs with your best friend. This song such an iconic song. You can recreate the famous “ Hot Chick” scene with friends while driving around town the windows down.
Glamaroma- Bryce Vine
Sam Aneed- Contributing Writer
I absolutely love Bryce Vine and every song he has ever written if I am being completely honest. Something about this song in particular makes it a good song to sing in the car when I am driving. Maybe its the dynamic beat or the catchy lyrics that make it fun but it is my favorite song in general so that could be why too. There isn’t a car ride when this song isnt played at least twice and every time I go just as hard as I did the previous time. I have definitely gotten some weird looks because I am literally screaming the lyrics. I headband and shout, and often times I find myself going a little over the speed limit because of how involved I get into the song, but hey no tickets yet! This song is a perfect car ride song and always will be!
He Could Be The One – Hannah Montana
Chelsea Gresh – Contributing Photographer
It all started back in 2016, when my friends and I decided to travel the better half of the midwest multiple times. You go a little stir crazy after a while of just sitting stationary for more than 3 hours and see only fields and grey skies. I will always remember my friend putting this song on and all three of our faces just light up and start screaming. Since then, it basically is a staple to a road trip to play He Could Be The One at least 6 times, no matter where our trips take us. There’s just something about screaming about a guitar cute who is keepin’ it groovy. I just can’t explain it.
One Day More – Les Miserables Original Cast
Marissa Sandoval – Contributing Photographer
Okay, I know this is going to be a strange one on this list but if you’ve ever heard this song you know it’s impossible to not want to scream along. Or maybe that’s just me? There’re about 8 main characters singing different parts in this song all at once so I either try to sing them all myself or my friends and I decide who is going to sing what and we perform our own musical. John Mulaney loves Les Mis so I don’t feel bad saying this is my go to scream along in the car song at all.
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