A poll of 2,000 UK drivers has revealed the tunes we simply cannot start the engine without, with Queen, Oasis and ABBA included in the nation’s glovebox playlists.
And the nation has chosen the iconic Hotel California (27%) by the Eagles as the ultimate road trip anthem according to research commissioned by Isuzu UK pick-up trucks.
Originally released in 1977, Hotel California remains a classic and became one of the Eagles’ most popular songs. While it’s a catchy tune, it also has a darker meaning to it, with group member Don Felder confirming that the song is meant as a metaphor for the darker side of the American dream.
Following close behind was Bruce Springsteen’s Born in the USA (24%) which was released in 1984 and continues to be one of the most popular rock songs of all time.
And Miley Cyrus’s single Flowers (22%) was the third choice for Britons hitting the road, indicating a preference for a mix of both classic and contemporary music. Cyrus released the song in 2023 after her high profile divorce from actor Liam Hemsworth and it became the bestselling global single of that year, eventually earning her a coveted Grammy award.
Also making the list were Don Henley’s Boys of Summer (21%); Queen’s Don’t Stop Me Now (19%); Sweet Home Alabama (18%) by Lynyrd Skynyrd; and Livin’ on a Prayer (18%) by Bon Jovi.
Bryan Adamss’ popular road trip anthem Summer of ‘69 (18%) was next on the list, followed by Fleetwood Mac’s Go Your Own Way (18%); In The Air Tonight (17%) by Phil Collins; and classic rock song Highway to Hell (17%) by ACDC.
Brits also can’t resist Watermelon Sugar (16%) by Harry Styles and ABBA’s ever popular Dancing Queen (16%) for when they hit the open road.
Other songs chosen by the nation were Shut Up and Drive (16%) by Rihanna; Castle on the Hill (16%) by Ed Sheeran; and I Would Walk 500 Miles (16%) by the Proclaimers.
The research, also reveals that 48% of Brits believe music helps them stay alert during longer drives.
It’s clear that road-trip music taps into our sentimental side too, with three in ten (31%) enjoying that certain songs remind them of fond childhood memories like family holidays and day trips.
And on average, Brits will drive a staggering 5,440 miles a year.
George Wallis, Head of Marketing at Isuzu UK pick-up trucks, which commissioned the research said: “Music has always been part of the joy of the open road. Whether you’re off to work or heading out for a weekend away, the right song can lift the mood for both drivers and passengers.”
The research also found that four in ten (40%) Brits love nothing more than belting out their favourite songs at the top of their lungs when they’re in the car and, on average, they’ll sing seven times a week when they’re behind the wheel.
And a third (33%) admit that they’ve frightened or startled passengers with their “enthusiastic” vocals.
42% of Brits prefer to sing along with their partners, while 35% say their children make the most tuneful companions while travelling in the car.
Meanwhile over half (56%) of the British public agrees that nothing beats listening to music when you’re on the road. And one in two of the 2,000 Britons polled said they have at least one dedicated playlist for road trips.
And clearly, they’re set for a long journey, as the average road trip playlist has an impressive 44 songs.
THE BEST ROAD TRIP SONGS, ACCORDING TO THE NATION
| 27% 24% 22% 21% 19% 18% 18% 18% 18% 17% 17% 16% 16% 16% 16% 16% 15% 15% 15% 15% 14% 14% 14% 14% 13% 13% 13% 13% 12% 12% |
