Road Tripping Songs: The 1980s vs Today – Which Era Wins?

Picture this! You’re piling into a car with your friends, snacks in hand, ready for an epic road trip. The only question is…what’s blasting through the speakers? Back in the 80s, it was all about those catchy jams and big-hair anthems that made you feel like you were in a movie. Now, we’ve got Spotify playlists with everything from chill lo-fi to trap beats that keep the vibes high. So, which era’s music makes the better road trip soundtrack? Let’s crank up the volume and compare the 80s classics with today’s hits to see which one takes the crown for the ultimate drive.

1980s

Take on Me by a-ha

Nothing screams 80s like the synth-pop perfection of a-ha’s Take on Me. That iconic keyboard riff hits you right away, making you want to roll down the windows and sing at the top of your lungs. It’s got this dreamy, cinematic feel, like you’re driving through a music video with sketchbook animations. Perfect for those moments when the road stretches out and you’re feeling unstoppable.

Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go by Wham!

Wham!’s Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go is pure, unfiltered energy. It’s the song you blast when everyone in the car needs a jolt of fun to keep the vibe high. The upbeat tempo and George Michael’s infectious vocals make it impossible not to dance in your seat. This one’s for those early morning drives when you’re hyped for the adventure ahead.

Maniac by Michael Sembello

If you’ve ever seen Flashdance, you know Maniac by Michael Sembello is an instant mood-lifter. It’s driving beat and intense energy make it the go-to track for speeding down the highway (safely, of course). It’s got that gritty, motivational edge, like you’re chasing your dreams while the scenery flies by.

Africa by Toto

Toto’s Africa is the ultimate road trip anthem for those reflective moments. Its smooth melody and epic buildup make you feel like you’re driving toward something bigger. Like, bless the rains in the desert big. It’s the song you play when the sunset’s hitting just right, and you’re all singing along, lost in the moment.

Sunglasses at Night by Corey Hart

Corey Hart’s Sunglasses at Night brings the cool factor. It’s got that moody, synth-driven edge that makes you feel like the mysterious hero of your own road trip movie. Pop this on when you’re cruising through a city at night, neon lights flashing, and you’re rocking shades just because it feels right.

These tracks defined 80s road trips with their bold melodies and timeless energy. But as we roll into the 2020s, the road trip playlist has evolved with the times. Today’s music brings a diverse mix of genres, from mellow indie to electronic beats to high-energy pop. So, how do these modern sounds compare to the 80s classics? Let’s shift gears and explore the tunes fueling today’s journeys to see which era takes the wheel.

2020s

Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars – Die With A Smile

Die With a Smile by Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars is the kind of song that makes you feel like you’re driving into a sunset with your besties. It’s got this soulful, heartfelt vibe mixed with a modern pop polish that’s perfect for those moments when you’re just soaking in the journey and feeling all the feels.

Benson Boone – Mystical Magical

Mystical Magical by Benson Boone brings a dreamy vibe to the road trip. It’s smooth production and introspective lyrics make it perfect for those long, quiet stretches of highway where you’re lost in your thoughts, but the catchy beat keeps everyone in the car vibing along.

Chappell Roan – Good Luck, Babe!

Good Luck, Babe! by Chappell Roan is your go-to for a sing-along that gets everyone in the car hyped. It’s got that perfect mix of pop sass and emotional realness, making it ideal for cruising with your crew when you want the mood to stay fun but relatable.

Dua Lipa – Illusion

Illusion by Dua Lipa is straight up dance-pop fire, with a beat that turns the car into a mini dance floor. It’s slick production and infectious energy make it the perfect track to blast when you’re speeding toward your next stop and need a burst of hype.

David Guetta and OneRepublic – I Don’t Wanna Wait

I Don’t Wanna Wait by David Guetta and OneRepublic is the ultimate road trip banger for when you’re ready to let loose. It’s high-energy EDM vibe and uplifting lyrics make it the song to crank when you’re racing toward adventure and want the good times to keep rolling.

Choosing between the 80s and 2020s for the ultimate road trip playlist is like picking your favorite road trip snack. Both eras bring something special to the journey. The 80s hits like Take on Me and Africa deliver nostalgic, larger than life vibes that make every drive feel like a movie montage. While today’s tracks like Die With A Smile and Illusion offer a fresh, diverse sound that’s perfect for streaming on the go.

Whether you’re vibing to the synth-soaked energy of the 80s or the genre blending beats of the 2020s. The best soundtrack is the one that keeps your crew singing, laughing and making memories. So, load up your playlist, hit the road and let the music decide.

Header image via Joshua Woroniecki

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