Growing up, I loved road trips. I had so much time to listen to music, read or watch a movie. But the key to a good road trip is a good soundtrack. It has to have some songs that feel like they define the trip, enough to serve as a reminder of the trip and its memories.
“ballad of a homeschooled girl” by Olivia Rodrigo
This is one of my favorite songs, the perfect mix of heavy rock and roll as well as some quiet parts that compliment the song so well. It’s very catchy while also capturing much of what it feels like to grow up. This song always feels so perfect for just looking out the car window and feeling like you’re in a music video.
“Radio” by Lana Del Rey
This song really captured my beach trip. When I’m on vacation, life always feels so much lighter. All the stresses of schoolwork seem to just melt away. Lana Del Rey sings about how her life is “sweet like cinnamon,” and although she’s singing about love, I feel like the melody and the lyrics really capture the feelings of a heavy weight being lifted off my shoulders. The song always makes me take a deep breath, look up at the sky and smile.
“Style” by Taylor Swift.
Although Taylor Swift is a controversial music artist, I can’t help but love her music. Especially “Style” –– the beat is so catchy and feels like the epitome of pop music. I can’t help but sway and bounce to the beat. Especially since a lot of the chorus is set in a car, it feels like the perfect song for a road trip. Lip syncing the lyrics while dancing in the car always makes me happy — no matter how ridiculous I might look.
“You’re Losing Me (From The Vault)” by Taylor Swift
Amidst all the upbeat songs occupying my playlist, this song adds a nice break. It bridges the gap between exciting pop and sad pop, with a happy rhythm and sad lyrics, this song always hits differently. The heartbeat in the background especially adds to the uniqueness of this song and why it is one of my favorite songs. There are so many different melodies and parts of the song that I could repeat it for hours without getting bored.
“Forever & Always (Piano Version)” by Taylor Swift
Although the original of this song is catchy, I feel like the piano background fits the song so much better. The heartbreaking lyrics mixed with the exciting music never felt right to me. When I listen to the piano version it feels more raw and true. It captures the essence of her heartbreak and how it feels to have something that you thought would last forever end. I always wish I knew how to play the piano so I could play this song because it always sounds just right.
“Make Your Own Kind of Music” by Cass Elliot
This song is so catchy and always makes me feel so light inside. When she sings about making “your own kind of music” I want to start dancing, it reminds me of spring break every time I listen to it now and how free I felt. She sings about being your own person and that always makes me feel like I can do anything.
“Jump Then Fall” by Taylor Swift
This song is so bright, especially the lyric “Every time you smile, I smile, And every time you shine, I’ll shine for you.” The song feels like pure sunshine and really captures the feeling of being in love. It has a pop feel, but it’s very nostalgic because it has the same style as a lot of songs from the 2010s.
