Cougs! Spring break is almost upon us, and not a moment too soon. I hope everyone has a safe, relaxing, fun week off school. The drive out of Pullman is pretty beautiful, and what better way to celebrate spring break and a scenic view than by crafting the perfect spring break playlist? Look no further, I have you covered. 

10. “Life in the Fast Lane” by Eagles

The first (but definitely not last) Eagles song to make this list, this upbeat bluesy song just works for a road trip. While the title might be a little misleading, this song is not necessarily about driving super-fast, although it is fun to pretend like it is. 

9. “Life is a Highway” by Rascal Flatts

The main theme from the Disney-Pixar movie “Cars,” “Life is a Highway” is literally about driving, so it’s a perfect fit for a road trip playlist! This is a cover song, originally by Tom Cochrane, I think Rascal Flatts does an awesome rendition of the song. The song relates the ups, downs, twists and turns of life to a highway and it is a very well-written song.

8. “Night Moves” by Bob Seger

This is one of the slowest songs on this list, it tells the story of what I perceive to be a short-lived summer that the storyteller is reflecting on. I don’t think every road trip song has to necessarily be super upbeat and exciting, “Night Moves” works very well as a slow-paced thoughtful story to listen to on a long drive.

7. “All the Pretty Girls” by Kenny Chesney 

This is such a great song to play with the windows down and some sunglasses on. For some reason, whenever I hear Kenney Chesney songs, it always feels like summer. His voice and tone just bring that warm heat and summer sun to your heart.

6. “East Bound and Down” by Jerry Reed

Featured in the cult classic movie, “Smokey and the Bandit,” this song by Jerry Reed is a perfect song to play when you have to get somewhere fast. “East Bound and Down” features a fast banjo that creates a sense of high-speed urgency. Just don’t let the cops catch you while this song is playing in the car, that ticket would be astronomically high.

5. “Simple Man” by Lynyrd Skynyrd

This anthem is the slowest song on the list, but it doesn’t mean that it does not fit the road trip vibe. I actually think it increases it. “Simple Man” is an anthem and is best listened to while driving through the wheatfields of eastern Washington. 

4. “Heavy Metal” by Don Felder

If this song only contained the lyric “You can hedge your bet on a clean corvette” it would still make the list, that is such a cool line (and I’m a Chevy guy). However, “Heavy Metal” is much more than that lyric, it is a hard rock song by Eagles lead guitarist Don Felder. It is pretty cool to compare this work by Felder solo versus his work with Eagles. 

3. “Peaceful Easy Feeling” by Eagles

“Peaceful Easy Feeling” sets a perfect scene for the drive back from eastern Washington to the west side (or anywhere really). The singer tells the story of spending time outside with somebody you love. The acoustic guitar is soothing and Glenn Frey’s voice is perfect for telling this story.

2. “The Gambler” by Kenny Rogers

A classic country/southern rock song by Kenny Rogers, this song pretty much details the story of two men on a train ride playing poker. This is a really fun chorus to belt out with your friends in the car. 

1. “Everywhere Man” by Johnny Cash

The ultimate road trip song! Legendary country singer Johnny Cash recaps his story about traveling all across the country, he claims that he has “driven every road in this land.” That is quite the feat if true. This is the best road trip song, bar none, Cash lists quite a few places that he has been, and there is a chance if you take a road trip this spring break you will visit one of these places!