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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I only wish you posted this sooner. Literally just came back from a week-long road trip!
I hope it was a good one. Now you will have it for next time.
Always looking for new songs to add to my Spotify playlists! Although I don’t take many road trips, I do listen to music while working from home, so thanks for the ideas.
No problem Karen, I am glad you liked them x
Anything by Fleetwood Mac is great for driving. Tusk is pretty great for road-tripping in the summer.
Fleetwood Mac do have a good selection to choose from x
I would add Slow Ride to this list. That is the ultimate cruising song. I’m not sure it could be classified as relaxing, but it’s dope.
Ha, thanks for the addition. Hope you liked listening to these x
Some great suggestions here! I love Dreams by Fleetwood Mac and Watermelon Sugar by Harry Styles!
Both are really great songs x
I know most of these songs, and they’re great ones. You’ve got a really good list here. I love them!
I’m so glad you liked them too Kathy x
My favorite type of traveling music is contemporary Christian. When I need to stay awake it is anything with a fast beat.
Fast beats can be good when you have long journeys although sometimes it’s a good idea to stop somewhere to have a rest.
Wow so funny to see this post because we just came back today from a mini vacation and a lot of these songs are on our playlist. Nothing like having a great playlist to enjoy while you’re driving
Ha, great minds. I hope you had an amazing time x
Oh wow, interseting that you included Fleetwood Mac I think Dreams is one of those songs that instantly chills me out on long drives. Nice sharing!
It is such a great song x
Summer Breeze is one of my all time favourites, it’s so relaxing. I am also a huge fan of anything by Fleetwood Mac. Loving this playlist.
Thanks so much. I am so glad to hear that x
When I am driving that is my time where I listen to music especially when on my own I crank up the volume. Depending on my mood I either skip through or I sing along. You have some great choices here some are on my playlist
I’m glad to hear that you are listening to some of these already. There are so many great songs to choose from.
To be honest, my type of music depends on my mood. Sometimes I like pop, but this playlist sounds great.
It is a good one. Why not have a listen x
Great playlist! We have one in our family called “Turn It Up” for the songs we just love to listen to out loud and jam to in the car. But I need to make a relaxing one, too, for the times we are driving and it’s early in the morning or we need to chill out like this.
This one will be a good one for that and you can always add more songs, switch songs etc
The playlist is amazing wow…I already saved it to spotify. This is perfect for our upcoming road trip…Perfect timing.
That’s great to hear. Enjoy x
So many great classics on this list, along with modern faves! Even my kids enjoy some of these, thanks to recent tv shows that brought them back, like Running Up That Hill in Stranger Things! thanks for sharing this playlist to use on summer road trips this year.
I hope you have some great road trips whilst listening to these x
This playlist sounds like the perfect way to add some calm and good vibes to any drive. Fleetwood Mac and Dido are such timeless choices.
They certainly are. I’m so glad you agree x
This playlist is the perfect soundtrack for any road trip. Thanks for sharing your favorites!
I’m glad you liked them x
These are great recommendations to enjoy the summer and all of the activities i have planned while having this.
I’m glad you liked the, Hope you have an awesome summer x
You had me at Fleetwood Mac! What a brilliant list, relaxing music for the days of soft adventure. Definitely bookmarking this for when I’m ready to hit the open road with my playlist and a flask of something comforting.
Well wherever you go, have an awesome time xxxx
A great compilation of drive time classic’s can really make a long road trip much enjoyable
They sure are x
Kate Bush is my favourite, Infact I love anything from the eighties. Thank You
They did have some great music