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)
Mambo TaxiSly & Robbie
A vibrant track by Jamaican music heavyweights Sly & Robbie that weaves elements of Latin jazz and film music.
By layering their distinctive reggae sound over a passionate mambo rhythm, it brilliantly captures both the sunny cheer of the tropics and a sophisticated sensuality.
Featured on their 1997 album “Mambo Taxi,” the track includes top-tier musicians such as saxophonist Dean Fraser and trombonist Nambo Robinson.
It’s perfect for anyone looking to rediscover the allure of Latin music or interested in the fusion of reggae and jazz.
The WeightThe Band
Like “Born To Be Wild,” this is one of The Band’s signature songs used in the film Easy Rider.
It originally appeared on their debut album, Music from Big Pink.
It also made a strong impression in The Last Waltz, the film about their final concert, which includes a studio performance.
Classic Western songs to listen to while traveling: World travel songs (31–40)
AmericaSimon&Garfunkel
It’s a song included on the 1968 album Bookends.
Although it was released as a single, it peaked at only No.
97 in the United States.
Despite its lack of chart success, it has many fans and is considered one of Simon & Garfunkel’s signature songs.
Home at LastSteely Dan
Steely Dan started out as a band with a gritty, earthy feel, but as the number of members dwindled they gradually toned down the rock elements, and by the album Aja they had transformed into a jazz-rock outfit with little trace of their debut-era sound.
This is a track from that album—one with a strong jazz flavor.
Smoke on the WaterDeep Purple
A signature work by Deep Purple, whose riff is incredibly famous.
It’s a track from the album Machine Head, released as a single in 1973 and a huge hit.
The song recounts their trip to Montreux for recording, and the lyrics read almost like a documentary of the events.
Come Fly With MeFrank Sinatra
The title track from an album Sinatra released in 1958.
The album itself is a concept record themed around traveling to countries around the world, and it features an unusual cover design with an illustration of Sinatra set against an airport backdrop.
The arrangements were done by Billy May.
I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)The Proclaimers
The Proclaimers are what you’d call a one-hit wonder band, and this song alone became a worldwide smash.
In Japan, many people know it because it was used in the Johnny Depp film “Benny & Joon.” The promotional video also features scenes from this movie.