For truck drivers, long hours on the road demand the perfect soundtrack. We asked our community of drivers, “If you could only listen to one song on your next haul, what would you pick?” The responses were as unique as each driver’s journey, from rock anthems to country ballads and everything in between. Here’s a list of their top picks—songs that fuel the drive, inspire the ride, and make the miles feel a little shorter.
Rocking the Highway: Songs to Amp Up the Energy
- Thunderstruck – AC/DC
- David M. Bender kicks off our playlist with “Thunderstruck.” This AC/DC classic has proven road-boosting power, especially for those not bound by a speed governor.
- Master of Puppets – Metallica
- For those needing a heavier beat to power through long miles, Tatyana Zueva-Vatev recommends Metallica’s “Master of Puppets.” A rock anthem that’s intense and energizing!
- Highway Star – Deep Purple
- Willy William Brown’s choice for “when I’m in a hot rod car,” Deep Purple’s “Highway Star” is the ultimate song for open-road acceleration.
- Born to Be Wild – Steppenwolf
- Mark Strain channels classic road freedom with “Born to Be Wild,” the anthem that inspired generations of road warriors.
- Highway to Hell – AC/DC
- Kim Heisey Ackerman’s pick, another AC/DC hit, adds a rebellious energy to the road. “Highway to Hell” is perfect for those rugged, challenging hauls.
- I Can’t Drive 55 – Sammy Hagar
- Tim Tforc and Jeff Kaplan both selected this fast-paced anthem, fitting for anyone feeling constrained by speed limits.
- Wherever I May Roam – Metallica
- David Vos chose this Metallica classic—a song about endless journeys and freedom, resonating with every long-haul driver.
Country Roads and Rhythms: Classic Country Hits for the Road
- Amarillo by Morning – George Strait
- David Smith and Gloria Perry Eminhizer keep it smooth and soulful with “Amarillo by Morning,” a country classic that reflects the highs and lows of the road.
- 18 Gears to Life – Tony Justice
- Brandon Chastain’s pick celebrates the trucker lifestyle. With lyrics that resonate with every driver, this song tells a story as real as the road itself.
- East Bound and Down – Jerry Reed
- David Orto and Eddie Brickles share this pick, a quintessential road tune that encapsulates the thrill of “making it there on time” with a playful country beat.
- Six Days on the Road – Dave Dudley
- Brookelene Bicksler and Brian Jones selected this classic, capturing the grind and grit of truck driving. It’s a tribute to every long-haul warrior.
- Life is a Highway – Tom Cochrane
- Steve Prior’s choice is upbeat and lively, inspiring drivers to embrace every curve of the road. It’s a true anthem for anyone with a heart on the highway.
Bluesy and Soulful Selections
- Call Me the Breeze – Lynyrd Skynyrd
- Frank Perrote’s pick, “Call Me the Breeze,” brings Southern rock and blues to the open road, adding a laid-back vibe to long drives.
- Ain’t My Fault – Brothers Osborne
- Vermelle Hansen adds a country-rock twist with “Ain’t My Fault,” a song that lets drivers groove and unwind on the road.
- Ghost Love Score – Nightwish
- Ian Watson went with this haunting and powerful track by Nightwish. For those who prefer a cinematic feel to their drives, this is the ultimate pick.
- Amazing Grace
- Gene Conn offers a spiritual tune with “Amazing Grace,” creating a moment of peace and reflection, even amid the hustle of the road.
Lyrical Stories and Ballads
- Am I the Only One – Aaron Lewis
- Charles Thomas’s pick speaks to anyone who’s ever felt like the only one out there on a long stretch of highway, making this song deeply relatable.
- On the Road Again – Willie Nelson
- Brenda Day chose this classic by Willie Nelson, a favorite for its straightforward, optimistic embrace of the traveling lifestyle.
- I’m a Thousand Miles from Nowhere – Dwight Yoakam
- Jack Arons shares a tune that captures the solitary beauty of the open road, perfect for those endless stretches where it’s just you and the horizon.
- In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida – Iron Butterfly
- Benji Wayne Walton suggests this epic, 17-minute track, ideal for long hauls when you’re settled into a rhythm on the open road.
The Road Never Ends: Honorable Mentions
- Take This Job and Shove It – Johnny Paycheck
- Randy Potts’ choice is a humorous anthem that every trucker can relate to after a hard day’s work. It’s a no-nonsense, light-hearted take on the road life.
- Choctaw Bingo – James McMurtry
- Alex Martinez selected this storytelling masterpiece, known for its unique lyrics and rhythm that keeps drivers hooked.
- Radar Love – Golden Earring
- Lori Sheridan and Jean Paul Dutch Man agreed that “Radar Love” is a must-play on any haul. It’s a high-energy track that’s all about staying connected.
- Too Sexy for My Shirt – Right Said Fred
- Raymond Desilets keeps it fun with this humorous classic, a light-hearted addition to any playlist.
Our driver community’s picks reveal that, whether it’s country, rock, or blues, every song tells part of a larger journey. These songs aren’t just music—they’re the fuel that keeps them going. Next time you hit the road, consider adding a few of these picks to your playlist. After all, sometimes the right song can make all the difference between just another trip and an unforgettable journey.
