Classic Western songs you’ll want to listen to on a trip: Travel songs from around the world
Music is essential for long journeys.
Listening to nostalgic Japanese songs and soaking in memories is great, but every now and then, why not head toward your destination with a swelling sense of excitement for unknown places while listening to Western music?
For those of you who feel that way, we’ve selected classic Western tracks perfect for travel.
We’ve picked not only timeless staples but also the latest hits—and even songs themed around travel—curating numbers that fit your trip from a variety of angles.
Be sure to find the tracks that suit you!
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Classic Western songs to listen to while traveling: World travel songs (21–30)
Take Me HomePhil Collins
A track from the smash-hit album “Phil Collins III,” it also climbed the charts as a single.
The real highlight is the promotional video: when Phil traveled around the world for concerts, he filmed himself lip-syncing to the song at famous tourist spots and then edited all those clips together into a cleverly crafted piece.
The Ballad of John and YokoThe Beatles
A single released in 1969, when the Beatles were on the verge of breaking up.
It reached number one in the UK.
Although it was credited to the Beatles, only John and Paul actually took part in the recording.
Paul handled the drums and piano.
Perfect Strangers ft. JP CooperJonas Blue
This song, which portrays the special bond born from a chance encounter, is a heartwarming collaboration between UK producer Jonas Blue and JP Cooper.
Wrapped in the breezy rhythms of tropical house, it brilliantly captures the exhilaration of two strangers falling into a fateful romance.
Released in June 2016, it peaked at No.
2 in the UK and reached the top 10 in more than eight countries.
The music video, filmed in Cape Town, South Africa, depicts a man and woman who keep running into each other by chance, visually complementing the song’s theme.
It’s a perfect track for summer drives or moments by the sea.
Going Up the CountryCanned Heat
A single released by Canned Heat in 1968.
Although they are known as a blues band, this song shows little of that color and even sounds like a comic song.
It was also featured in the film Woodstock and is widely known.
Hit the Road JackRay Charles
In Japan, Ray Charles is often thought of as a jazz musician, largely due to the strong image of “I Can’t Stop Loving You.” Of course, his true forte is rhythm and blues, and this song—along with “What’d I Say”—is a prime example where his original qualities shine through.
It reached number one on the Billboard charts.
On the Road AgainWillie Nelson
Country singers from the United States are hardly popular in Japan, but among those who are still relatively well-known is Willie Nelson.
This is the theme song from the film “Honeysuckle Rose,” in which he starred.
It was also nominated for the Academy Award for Best Original Song.
Born To Be WildSteppenwolf
A classic track used in the opening of the film Easy Rider and, ever since, almost always played over motorcycle footage.
It’s often assumed to have been made for the movie, but that’s not the case—it had already been a hit before being reused in the film.
It’s also been called the first heavy metal song.