By the time this article publishes, I’ll be on the road somewhere in the south with my internet turned off. As I type this, I’m sitting here at work and “Dreams” by Fleetwood Mac is blaring on the adult contemporary radio station that plays from the speakers all day, and it’s got me thinking about all the music I’m going to want to listen to in the car - I mythologize the album listening experience, and I mythologize the American road trip experience. Naturally, the two go well together for me. Picking music for road trips requires selectivity; just as there are summer albums and winter albums (you’re likely not going to listen to Sigur Rós at the beach, you’re likely not going to listen to Wavves in a snowstorm), there are albums that are perfectly suited for outdoor exploration, and others that sound better indoors within the walls of one’s room. I listed five albums I always listen to on the road.

Fleetwood Mac - Rumours

Right off the bat, let me say this - if you’re looking for subtlety and nuance, and a list with hip, less than obvious answers, look elsewhere. All of these choices will all be painfully obvious, they will (mostly) be dadrock, they’ll all likely make you roll your eyes. I’m fine with this.

Rumours is one of those rare albums that has everything right; there’s no filler, it’s all top-notch. It has something for everyone - your parents most definitely, without a doubt, like it; it’s always referred to as both “dadrock” and “momrock.” Post Malone likes it. Even my fucking pet guinea pig likes it. If you’ve got two ears and a heart, you like it too.

If you really wanna be corny and meta, add on Lindsey Buckingham’s “Holiday Road” from National Lampoon’s Vacation and emulate the Griswold family’s trip.

The Rolling Stones - Exile on Main St.

It’s amazing that one of the most quintessentially American-sounding albums is the product of a British band literally emblematic of the British Invasion. It’s even more amazing that they recorded this in France.

With this double album, the Evil Beatles emulated a vast array of American music styles - delta blues, boogie-woogie, soul, country - to great effect. Its hour-plus length makes it perfect for long drives, and the Stones’ aversion to staying within the confines of one genre for too long keeps it from ever overstaying its welcome.

The Beach Boys - Beach Boys Party!

This entire album is like a significantly less annoying alternative to singing “99 bottles of pop on the wall” ad nauseam. It’s composed of covers - some Beatles, some soul, some Dylan, some doo-wop - all unplugged, and presented as being recorded at a party (really, they just did these takes in a studio and added in all the “party” noise afterwards - this is as gimmicky as 60’s LPs get). Great for singalongs and general mood-improvement.

Big Star - #1 Record

When this record released in 1972, it underperformed and became a semi-obscurity. Thankfully, it’s garnered recognition and reappraisal, and has rightfully been hailed as one of the great rock records of all times. It’s a wonderful fusion of power pop, earthy, folksy Heartland rock, and straight up rock and roll, and it’s great for car rides - not just because “In the Street” has become famous as the opening theme of That 70’s Show, but because these songs, especially that unforgettable opener “Feel” capture a certain spirit, one that’s adventurous and youthful.

The War on Drugs - Lost in the Dream

Listen to “Disappearing” while driving down a long, winding country road, then come back to me and tell me I’m wrong about this one. That’s all I have to say about it.