Best Road Trip Songs Of 2016

Hey guys! Planning a road trip and wondering what tunes to blast? You've come to the right place! 2016 was a killer year for music, and let me tell you, there were some absolute bangers perfect for cruising down the highway with the windows down. We're talking about those songs that just feel like freedom, the ones that make you sing along at the top of your lungs, even if you don't know all the words. If you're looking to curate the ultimate soundtrack for your next adventure, then buckle up, because we're diving deep into the best road trip songs of 2016 that will keep your energy high and your spirits soaring from start to finish. Get ready to rediscover some gems and maybe find a few new favorites to add to your playlist!

Chart-Topping Anthems for the Open Road

When we talk about 2016 road trip music, we absolutely have to give a shout-out to the songs that dominated the charts and became the undeniable soundtrack to everyone's lives that year. These aren't just catchy tunes; they're anthems that defined the vibe of 2016 and are still guaranteed to get you pumped up on a long drive. Think about it, guys, those moments when you hit that perfect stretch of highway, the sun is setting, and a track comes on that just clicks. That's the magic we're talking about! Tracks like Drake's "One Dance" with its infectious Afrobeat rhythm, or Rihanna's "Work" featuring Drake (yes, he was everywhere in 2016!), brought a global, danceable energy that was perfect for just letting loose. Even if you weren't dancing in your seat, the sheer groove of these songs made them impossible to ignore. Then there was Sia's "Cheap Thrills," an absolute earworm that radiated pure, unadulterated fun – definitely a top contender for any feel-good playlist. And who could forget Justin Timberlake's "Can't Stop the Feeling!"? This song was practically a national holiday anthem, oozing positivity and making everyone want to move. It's the kind of track that instantly lifts your mood and makes even the most mundane drive feel like a celebration. These chart-toppers weren't just popular; they were ubiquitous, meaning they were the perfect unifying force for a group of friends on a trip, ensuring everyone knew the words and could join in the singalong. The sheer variety among these hits, from dancehall influences to pure pop euphoria, means there's something for everyone, making them ideal road trip songs from 2016 that cater to a diverse range of tastes. So, when you're building that perfect road trip playlist, don't shy away from these big hits; they're popular for a reason, and they absolutely deserve a spot on your journey.

Indie Darlings and Alternative Vibes

Beyond the mainstream, 2016 was a goldmine for indie and alternative music that offered a more nuanced, perhaps cooler, vibe for your 2016 road trip music needs. These tracks often came with a bit more introspection, a bit more lyrical depth, or just a sound that felt a little more unique and off the beaten path – perfect for those moments when you want something a bit more chill but still engaging. Think about artists like The 1975, whose album "I Like It When You Sleep, for You Are So Beautiful Yet So Unaware of It" dropped in 2016 and gifted us with gems like "Somebody Else." This track, with its melancholic synth-pop sound and poignant lyrics about post-breakup feelings, might seem a bit downbeat, but for a late-night drive or a reflective moment watching the miles roll by, it’s perfect. It captures that bittersweet feeling of nostalgia and longing that often accompanies long journeys. Then there's Bon Iver's "22, A Million," an experimental masterpiece that, while perhaps not as immediately accessible as a chart-topper, offered a deeply immersive listening experience. Tracks like "33 "GOD"" or "715 - CR∑∑KS" showcased Justin Vernon's evolving sound, full of glitchy electronics and raw emotion. These songs are great for when you want to get lost in the music and the landscape simultaneously. For something a bit more upbeat but still with that indie edge, consider bands like CHVRCHES. Their 2016 album "Every Open Eye" delivered powerful synth-pop anthems that are both empowering and incredibly catchy. "Clearest Blue" is a prime example, building to an explosive chorus that’s ideal for a burst of energy. And let's not forget about artists like Mitski, whose raw, honest songwriting on albums like "Puberty 2" offered a powerful emotional outlet. "Your Best American Girl" is a standout track that blends indie rock with a unique sensibility, perfect for someone who appreciates lyrical honesty and a driving beat. These indie and alternative selections from 2016 provide a rich tapestry of sound that can elevate your road trip beyond just background noise. They invite you to listen, to feel, and to connect with the music and your surroundings in a deeper way. So, when you're curating your road trip playlist for 2016, make sure to sprinkle in some of these incredible indie and alternative tracks for a truly memorable sonic journey.

Hip-Hop and R&B Grooves for Cruising

Yo, what's a road trip without some killer hip-hop and R&B to set the mood, right? 2016 was absolutely stacked with amazing tracks in these genres that are practically tailor-made for cruising. If you're rolling with your crew, you need those beats that make everyone nod their head and feel the good vibes. Let's start with Kanye West's magnum opus, "The Life of Pablo." This album was a cultural phenomenon, and tracks like "Ultralight Beam" featuring Chance the Rapper and Kirk Franklin offered a spiritual and uplifting experience that’s surprisingly perfect for a sunrise drive. The sheer ambition and sonic experimentation on this record, including tracks like "Famous" and "Father Stretch My Hands Pt. 1," provided endless talking points and diverse moods for a long drive. And speaking of Chance the Rapper, his mixtape "Coloring Book" was another huge release in 2016, filled with gospel influences and joyful energy. "No Problem" featuring Lil Wayne and 2 Chainz is pure, unadulterated fun and an absolute must-have for any 2016 road trip playlist. The positivity radiating from this track is infectious! Anderson .Paak also absolutely killed it in 2016 with his album "Malibu." Songs like "Come Down" and "Am I Wrong" featuring ScHoolboy Q are full of funk, soul, and undeniable swagger. .Paak's raspy vocals and incredible musicianship make his tracks perfect for just vibing out. You can practically feel the sunshine and good times with every beat. For the R&B heads, Solange's "A Seat at the Table" was a critically acclaimed masterpiece that delivered lush, soulful sounds and powerful messages. "Cranes in the Sky" is a beautifully haunting track that’s perfect for a more contemplative stretch of the drive, while "Don't Touch My Hair" is an empowering anthem that will have everyone feeling themselves. These hip-hop and R&B selections from 2016 offer a rich blend of energy, introspection, and pure groove. They're the kind of songs that fill the car with a palpable sense of cool and keep the momentum going, no matter how many miles you've got left. So, when you're assembling your ultimate road trip soundtrack for 2016, make sure these essential hip-hop and R&B jams are front and center to keep the party rolling!

Rock and Roll Energy for the Highway

Alright, road warriors, let's talk about the kind of 2016 road trip music that really makes you feel alive – the rock and roll anthems! When you need that extra burst of energy to power through a long stretch or just want to feel the raw power of music vibrating through the car, these are the tracks you need. 2016 might not have been the peak era for stadium rock bands churning out massive hits, but it was still a fantastic year for artists who kept the spirit of rock alive with incredible passion and power. Consider bands like Red Hot Chili Peppers, who released "The Getaway" in 2016. While it showcased a more mature sound, tracks like the title track "The Getaway" itself, or the driving rhythm of "Dark Necessities," still packed that signature RHCP energy that’s perfect for accelerating onto the freeway. These songs have a certain swagger and groove that’s just made for the open road. Then you have bands that continued to push the boundaries of alternative rock. Take The 1975, for instance, whom we mentioned earlier, but their rock-infused tracks like "The Sound" from the same 2016 album offered a more pop-rock sensibility that was incredibly infectious and singalong-friendly. It’s that perfect blend of catchy melody and driving guitar riffs that gets heads banging. For those who appreciate a heavier, more guitar-driven sound, bands like Highly Suspect were making serious waves. Their album "Mister Asylum" continued to gain traction in 2016, with songs like "Lydia" and "Little Demons" offering a gritty, blues-infused rock sound that’s both intense and incredibly compelling. These tracks have a raw energy that can electrify any road trip. Even artists leaning more towards pop were incorporating rock elements. P!nk’s "Just Like Fire" from the "Alice Through the Looking Glass" soundtrack, released in 2016, had a powerful, anthemic rock feel that made it a massive hit and a great choice for belting out loud. The driving drums and soaring chorus are pure road trip gold. These rock and roll selections from 2016 provide the perfect sonic fuel for adventure. They’re about freedom, energy, and that feeling of invincibility that only a great song and an open road can provide. So, make sure your 2016 road trip playlist has plenty of these rock-infused tracks to keep the adrenaline pumping and the good times rolling!

Crafting Your Perfect 2016 Road Trip Mix

Alright guys, we've covered a lot of ground, exploring the chart-toppers, the indie gems, the hip-hop grooves, and the rock anthems that made 2016 such a fantastic year for music. Now, it's all about putting it together into your ultimate 2016 road trip playlist. Remember, the best road trip playlists are diverse, keeping everyone in the car happy and the energy levels just right. Start with those high-energy anthems we talked about – the chart-toppers that everyone knows and can sing along to. These are your confidence boosters, the songs that make you feel like you can drive forever. Then, sprinkle in those indie and alternative tracks for when you want to chill out a bit, get lost in the lyrics, or just appreciate a unique sound. They add depth and character to your mix. Don't forget the hip-hop and R&B! These tracks are essential for keeping the vibe smooth and the heads nodding, especially during those cruising moments. And of course, you need those rock anthems to inject some serious energy when the miles start to feel long or you just need a pick-me-up. Think about the flow, too. You don't want a jarring transition from a mellow indie ballad straight into a heavy rock track (unless that's your jam, of course!). Try to group songs with similar tempos or moods together, or create deliberate shifts that match the changing scenery or time of day. A great road trip playlist tells a story, evolving with your journey. Consider the length of your trip – you'll want enough music to last without too much repetition, but not so much that you can't find your favorites easily. Most importantly, make it personal! Add those songs that have special meaning to you and your travel companions. Those are the tracks that will truly make your 2016 road trip unforgettable. So, get creative, have fun with it, and get ready to hit the road with the best soundtrack ever!