11 Great Classic Rock Driving Songs (Part 3): Readers’ Favorites
by Shrinivas KodapeHow many times have you turned up the volume while driving and suddenly found yourself singing along? After two previous installments, readers continued to suggest songs they felt belonged on a great driving playlist, giving us plenty more choices for another trip down the highway.
This time, the selections range from Southern rock and hard rock to heavy metal, Americana and some longer-form road songs. Here are 11 more classic rock driving songs that readers thought deserved a place on the list.
Steppenwolf—“Born to Be Wild” (Steppenwolf, 1968)
What a way to start! Written by Mars Bonfire, the 1968 recording became forever associated with the open road after appearing in Easy Rider. John Kay’s gritty vocal and that roaring guitar-driven arrangement still make it nearly impossible to sit still.
Related: The story behind “Born to Be Wild” and Easy Rider
Allman Brothers Band—“Ramblin’ Man” (Brothers and Sisters, 1973)
Written and sung by Dickey Betts, this became one of the Allman Brothers Band’s biggest hits, reaching #2 on the Billboard Hot 100. Its catchy melody, country-rock flavor and memorable guitar harmonies make it a natural for anyone who’d rather be moving than sitting still.
Related: Our Album Rewind of Brothers and Sisters
Tom Petty—“Runnin’ Down a Dream” (Full Moon Fever, 1989)
One of the great road songs of its era, built around a relentless guitar riff and crisp production from Jeff Lynne. The idea is simple: keep moving and chase whatever is waiting around the next bend. Don’t worry about the destination.
Meat Loaf—“Paradise by the Dashboard Light” (Bat Out of Hell, 1977)
Oh, what a ride! Jim Steinman turns a teenage encounter into an eight-minute-plus rock drama, complete with Ellen Foley and Phil Rizzuto’s unforgettable baseball commentary. Excessive? Absolutely. But that’s part of the fun.
Related: Was “The Scooter” in on the joke?
Eagles—“Life in the Fast Lane” (Hotel California, 1976)
That guitar riff. Written by Glenn Frey, Don Henley and Joe Walsh, this rocker captures the exhilaration—and emptiness—of a life lived at full speed. It’s actually a cautionary tale, but try telling your right foot that when it comes on.
Sniff ’n’ the Tears—“Driver’s Seat” (Fickle Heart, 1979)
Yep, the title alone makes this one pretty hard to leave off. Released as a single in 1978 and included on the British band’s 1979 debut album, it became an international hit, with Paul Roberts’ cool vocal giving it a distinctly late-night atmosphere.
AC/DC—“It’s a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock ’n’ Roll)” (T.N.T., 1975)
Bon Scott, Angus Young, Malcolm Young—and bagpipes. What more do you need? The song captures the hard miles and hard work required to make it in rock ’n’ roll. Turn it up!
Judas Priest—“Heading Out to the Highway” (Point of Entry, 1981)
The title pretty much tells you where we’re going. The twin-guitar attack, pounding rhythm and Rob Halford’s unmistakable vocals provide all the horsepower required. If your idea of a relaxing drive involves heavy metal, this is your ticket.
The Outlaws—“Green Grass and High Tides” (The Outlaws, 1975)
Nearly 10 minutes of Southern-rock guitar heaven. Hughie Thomasson’s composition gives the band plenty of room to stretch out, particularly during its extended twin-guitar passages. A great choice when the trip is longer than the song.
Dire Straits—“Telegraph Road” (Love over Gold, 1982)
Mark Knopfler takes the long view, tracing the transformation of a wilderness trail into a modern highway and community. At more than 14 minutes, it’s hardly a quick trip around the block. Save this one for the long haul.
Johnny Cash—“I’ve Been Everywhere” (Unchained, 1996)
Oh, you’ll need to keep up with this one. Geoff Mack’s rapid-fire travelogue sends its narrator through a seemingly endless list of American towns, all delivered in that unmistakable baritone. Reno, Chicago, Fargo, Tulsa… how many can you name before he gets there?
Drive safely! Enjoy Part 1 (with tracks by ZZ Top and the Doors) and Part 2 (featuring songs by Bob Seger and BTO, among others).

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