Ricky’s favourite road trip songs to play during the festive season

I was originally asked to give five songs which I absolutely can’t live without during a roadtrip, but I couldn’t. I can barely fit five songs in on the way to the gym, never mind on a road trip to a fancy holiday destination. So as always, I over deliver. 

Read - Road trip safety: The things to check before you hit the road

I’ve decided to list 10 of the greatest road trip songs of all time. Feel free to loop this playlist for as long as you need. These songs don’t get old. Some old, some new, loads of high notes, and all great to sing along to (hey, that rhymes!).

In no particular order, but Whitney is number one. She always is. 

Whitney Houston - I Wanna Dance with Somebody

Because neither a road trip nor life is complete without a bit of Whitney. Also, chances are you actually do want to ‘dance with somebody’. Works if you’re alone or with company in the car. Watch the road though - your joy may get out of hand. 80s dance moves for passengers only.

Justin Bieber - Baby 

Don’t lie to yourself, you love this song. Everybody does. Stop lying and enjoy it. You also know all the words. If your passengers look at you funny initially, then that’s fine. The first “Baby Baby Baby oh” will complete them and they will not be able to resist joining in. This song works well with the windows down in traffic or for inner-city driving.

Mariah Carey - Fantasy 

This one will make you have as much fun as Mariah did in the music video – living life like you’re on a rollercoaster. Be careful because it will make the driver drive like he or she is on one. You’re fine if you don’t know the words though. Lots of high notes for you to try and reach - don’t worry if you can’t because neither can Mariah anymore. A great song to irritate others with your performance. Shine bright!

Rihanna - Wild Thoughts 

One of the hottest songs of 2017. It’s mostly stolen from Santana, so old people should like this one too. I only put it here for the “know you wanna see me nakey, nakey, naked” part. Sing that part like everybody actually wants to see you nakey nakey naked. So empowering.

Adele - Hello 

Pump up the volume on this one and belt it out. All hail Adele, it was her comeback and I feel as though it pays her and Lionel Richie respect. Also a great song to sing while thinking of everybody who you’ve left behind while you travel to your holiday destination. Hello from the other side. Loser.

Katy Perry - Swish Swish 

Again, this song will make you feel better about yourself if you were wronged in 2017 - focus on the haters and direct towards them. Also it’s censored so you don’t have to worry about saying ‘bish’ in front of children. Works the best if you also know the Nicki rap which goes something like ‘Pink Ferragamo sliders on deck, silly rap beefs just get me more checks’. See what I mean? Learn the rap, don’t tell anybody and then unleash your inner Nicki. You will stun many and be loved by all.

Destiny's Child - Say My Name

Aaah, Destiny’s Child take me to the bridge, come on. No road trip is complete without these legends (Beyonce mostly) and this song. I mean, who doesn’t want others to say their name? Not me. A fun add on to this song is actually making others say your name. Extra points for that.

The Weeknd - I Feel It Coming 

Mostly made this list because I feel sorry for him after Selena said ‘see ya later.’ However, it’s a great sing along and he sounds a bit like Michael Jackson here too, which is a super win. Make sure you start the song off correctly, otherwise it won’t be that enjoyable. Slay the first line, and you slay the day. ‘Tell me what you really like, baby I can take my time’. Avoid eye contact with parents or grandparents while singing this song. That’s bound to be creepy.

Deborah Cox - Nobody's Supposed To Be Here (Hex Hector mix) 

This is a great song to sing in the car, especially if you were not meant to have passengers and you miraculously find people in the car with. Or if you are going to what’s meant to be a secluded destination and you come across people that you know there. Good beats and high notes from this Diva. Legend has that it you will see a unicorn while singing this song. I can’t vouch for this though.

TLC - Waterfalls

Another classic song which everybody knows. It’s also some great advice, like having three shrinks in your car. Take their guidance and enjoy this old school beat from the 90s. Do not play this song if you are driving to Victoria or Howick Falls. 

What tracks do you enjoy listening to on a roadtrip? Share with me in the comments below: