The most important part of any road trip is the soundtrack, and this year has no shortage of sunny songs that will have you wishing the drive would never end. Add some of our favorites to your Spotify queue before you embark on your next journey, or click here to open up complete the Spotify playlist.
1. “Can’t Stop the Feeling!” – Justin Timberlake
You can’t go anywhere without hearing this upbeat jam — arguably the song of the season — by the one and only JT.
2. “Wild Things” – Alessia Cara
The soulful Miss Cara’s follow-up to 2015’s smash “Here,” she kicks it up a notch with a dance-able ditty that’s especially ideal for girls getaways.
3. “Spirits” – The Strumbellas
The Strumbellas take a page from folk-inspired groups like The Lumineers and Mumford & Sons, focusing on big singalong choruses.
4. “Cake By the Ocean” – DNCE
We dare you not to, um, DNCE when this track — by Jonas Brother Joe’s new pop outfit — starts playing.
5. “Jackie and Wilson” – Hozier
Irish singer-songwriter Hozier crafts catchy rock ‘n roll tunes (just like this one) that everyone — your best friend, your boyfriend, and even your mom — will love.
6. “Cheap Thrills” – Sia
“I don’t need no money, as long as I can feel the beat,” sings Sia in this hooky pop number that might just be stuck in your head the whole trip. Sorry!
7. “Coming Home” – Leon Bridges
Slow it down with the soothing voice of Leon Bridges. While he’s a fairly new artist, his sound is rich, classic R&B at its finest.
8. “Stuck” – The Aces
A fresh-faced girl group out of Utah, The Aces released a light, bright pop tune that’s the perfect track for driving with the top down.
9. “Walk to the One You Love” – Twin Peaks
Chicago garage-rockers Twin Peaks evoke the spirit of classic acts like the Velvet Underground and The Zombies in this groovy number.
10. “HandClap” – Fitz and the Tantrums
The soulful outfit known for their smash hits “Out of My League” and “The Walker,” Fitz and co. are back at it with a toe-tapper that will definitely have you clapping your hands as well.
11. “Fill in the Blank” – Car Seat Headrest
Hipsters are all abuzz over this one-man band, who emerged last year with his unique brand of lo-fi rock from Virginia.
12. “Soundcheck” – Catfish & the Bottlemen
Silly name aside, the U.K.’s Catfish and the Bottlemen craft arena-worthy anthems that still sound just as great in the car.
What’s on your summer playlist?
