Drive Song Rankings by Western Female Singers [2025]

99 Red BalloonsNena29rank/position

NENA | 99 Luftballons [1983] [Offizielles HD Musikvideo]

It’s a hit song by the German singer Nena.

It was a hit in the 80s and, unusually for German pop, it became a worldwide success.

Incidentally, the original title of the song is “99 Luftballons,” which means “99 balloons.” It was an era when Japanese titles were sometimes given based on misheard lyrics.

Arctic TundraNicki Minaj30rank/position

Nicki Minaj – Arctic Tundra (Visualizer) ft. Juice WRLD

It’s a captivating track made possible through a posthumous collaboration with Juice WRLD.

Released in November 2024, this single is included on the 10th-anniversary edition of Nicki Minaj’s album The Pinkprint.

It blends Nicki, born in Trinidad and Tobago, delivering powerful rap with Juice WRLD’s distinctive melodies, centering on themes of self-affirmation, success, and a compelling vision of womanhood.

It’s a special song not only for hip-hop fans, but also for fans of both artists—be sure to give it a listen.

Your LoveNicki Minaj31rank/position

Nicki Minaj – Your Love (Official Video)

For Nicki Minaj, this is a relatively calm song.

It’s perfect for creating a mellow winter atmosphere.

The rap parts are delivered slowly, making them easy to listen to.

However, the lyrics are characteristically hers—confident and single-minded—which is intriguing.

Don’t Know WhyNorah Jones32rank/position

Norah Jones – Don’t Know Why

I’ve written elsewhere that winter and the sound of piano go well together, and jazz piano is a genre I’d especially like you to consider as a BGM option for winter drives, as it has a way of warming the heart in the cold season.

The music of Norah Jones, a jazz pianist and singer, is a treasure trove of wonderful melodies and beautiful piano that can be enjoyed even by those who aren’t hardcore jazz fans.

Her debut album, “Come Away with Me,” released in 2002, is a masterpiece that became a historic hit in jazz, selling over 27 million copies worldwide.

The featured classic “Don’t Know Why” is the album’s opening track and one of her signature songs, winning three Grammy Awards.

Precisely because it’s a cold winter, you might like to enjoy a peaceful drive wrapped in the sound of jazz piano and her rich, deep vocals.

DiamondsRihanna33rank/position

Rihanna – Diamonds

It’s a song I want to listen to with my partner on a cold night.

It’s also wonderful to play while driving or sitting in the car looking at the night view.

I think it’s Rihanna’s powerful vocals that keep the silence from feeling awkward.

It’s an entrancing track that’s so very her—truly the queen of love songs.

S&MRihanna34rank/position

Rihanna – S&M

Included on her fifth studio album, Loud, this song topped the U.

S.

charts; however, due to the music video’s overly provocative content, it was banned from broadcast in several countries and age-restricted on YouTube.

Shut Up And DriveRihanna35rank/position

Rihanna – Shut Up And Drive

A track released by Rihanna in 2007.

It features elements of new wave and is inspired by New Order’s 1983 track “Blue Monday.” It reached the Top 10 on charts around the world and hit No.

1 on the U.

S.

chart.