Whether you’re driving down country roads, heading to the beach, or simply just wanting a little pause for calm on your daily commute, music has a powerful way of relaxing our minds.
Private plates supplier Regtransfers has put together their “Ultimate Relaxing Driving” playlist on Spotify. This selection of classics is comprised of a collection of chilled classics selected to bring a little peace to your journey. Each track is a gentle reminder to us all to slow down, breathe deep, and to enjoy the ride.
The full playlist of Relaxing Classics to drive To features 20 tracks. This allows for approximately an hour and a half of great music. In this post we look at just a few highlights, a little trivia and reflection as to why each is perfect to listen to whilst driving.

Relaxing Classics to Drive To

Collaborative Post

Nostalgic Vibes

Fleetwood Mac – “Dreams”

The opening melody of this classic song paired with the soft, breezy vocal presence of Stevie Nicks make this ooze with calm.
All five members of Fleetwood Mac experienced emotional troubles during the recording of Rumours. As the track fast approach’s 50 years of appearing in many record and CD  alongside Spotify playlists, it’s since become an instant mood-buster.

Although the lyrics “thunder only happens when it’s raining” are literally correct, there lies a deeper meaning. This is a more emotional insight that conflict (thunder) will only arises when there’s already trouble (rain) present. It reflects that emotional storms do not simply appear out of the blue. They’re born of existing tension.

Nicks’ perfectly captures the song’s bittersweet calm. On a stressful day, a moment with Fleetwood Mac’s “Dreams” can be just what we need. A chance to pause, reflect, and reset.
Come rain or shine, Fleetwood Mac’s “Dreams” makes the perfect addition to any chilled playlist and ideal for long drives. You will find that the Check out the version by The Corrs is just as enjoyable to listen to.

The Isley Brothers – Summer Breeze, Pts. 1 & 2

This song had to be included. There are very few songs that will capture the hazy warmth of summer quite in a way that this song does. This was originally written by Seals & Crofts, but the Isley Brothers transformed “Summer Breeze” making it much smoother, deeper, and more immersive.

Their version stretches out into a two-part journey. It begins with silky harmonies and is followed by gentle strum of the guitar before gradually layering in Marvin Isley’s rolling bass and Ernie Isley’s jaw dropping guitar solo.
This is just what you want to listen to when  strolling along a coastline or driving through quiet roads at dusk. “Summer Breeze” offers the perfect background music for enjoying the moment.

Melancholy but Uplifting

Kate Bush – “Running Up That Hill”

This song is the ideal accompaniment for enjoying hilltop views. Released in 1985 and immortalised anew in the awesome Netflix’ hit series Stranger Things, Kate Bush’s haunting track explores the longing to swap places with a partner in order to truly understand their perspectives. The lyrics may be a touch on the heavy side, but the composition of the music, rhythm, and Bush’s vocals make the whole feel strangely serene.
The song is emotional, yet not overwhelming. Want something a little moodier? The cover version by Placebo in 2003 takes the song down to its raw emotional bones. If you’re after something fresh then Meg Myers’ 2019 version gives a more modern take whilst still preserving the original’s aching heart.

Dido – “White Flag”

Many of us only know about Dido because we have heard of Eminem and/or aliens.
In 2000, the American rapper introduced the world to the British singer-songwriter after sampling the a verse of Dido’s “Thank You” in his hit single “Stan”. The soft, soothing tone of Dido singing about cold tea contrasts greatly yet in a complimentary manner with the dark themes that are explored in the song. It details the increasingly desperate attempts of an Eminem fan who is trying to get his idols attention, resulting in fatal consequences.

“White Flag” is a chilled classic. The words focus on refusing to give up on love. The emotion Dido sings about in “the song is pure and innocent, complete contrast to those of “Stan”.

Roswell fans may be familiar with Dido. This popular American sci-fi TV show aired between 1999 and 2001, used Dido’s “Here With Me” in the title credits. The plot made the bold assumption that aliens, having crash-landed on our planet, would choose to assume the forms and identities of teenagers. Seriously, they haven’t met mine or they’d think again!

Feel-Good Energy

U2 – “Beautiful Day”

After releasing their album “Songs of Innocence” in 2014 onto the music accounts of 500 million iTunes users without their permission Bono and U2 were met with a significant amount of backlash.

But, 14 years prior, this Irish rock band released their tenth studio album, All That You Can’t Leave Behind, starting the proceedings with the fabulous audio adventure, “Beautiful Day”. This one’s just the ticket should you wish to ramp things up just a touch without losing the chilled undertone. It’s a rock song, sure, but but also has U2’s unmistakable “arena rock” sound which fits perfectly even amongst more subdued tracks. It’s got to be a must have when driving along wide clear roads.

Harry Styles – “Watermelon Sugar”

Although Watermelon Sugar is not quite a “classic” like the other songs it is still a classic.

Styles has been compared by critics to the likes of David Bowie, Mick Jagger and even Prince. But, everyone knows that Watermelon Sugar” sounds best when listened to with the wind in our hair and hopefully no farm smells. This song is great at lifting the mood and to help any driver chill making it a playlist essential.

Gorillaz – “Feel Good Inc.”

This 20 year old classic combines a “hilly” bass line with an expansive chorus. The majority of the music video for this chart-topping, award-winning track is set in a sky bound setting. The song is a great choice for any relaxing playlist that you might be preparing for your travels.

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Late-Night Chill

Bill Withers and Grover Washington, Jr. – “Just The Two Of Us”

This song makes the perfect accompaniment to either a late-night, “date night” or drive in the city. It is smooth, has groove, and it is one of the songs you can’t resist singing along to. The song also trended on Tiktok in 2020. 
The movie buffs among you will also be aware that the song was used in the 1999 Austin Powers movie but with slightly different lyrics.

Add Flair and Personality

The right soundtrack can greatly transform the most boring journey into something far more pleasurable. I hope that this selection will provide some inspiration when you create or add to your relaxed playlists.

I hope you enjoyed reading my post relaxing classics to drive to.

Do you have any particular type of music you enjoy most when driving, commuting etc?

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