Summer is officially here, which means many of us college students will endure the agony of driving home. For me, home is Tampa, which is about a four-hour drive. What makes the drive a little less of a hassle is when I can sit back and listen to some really great albums. Here is a brief list of some of my favorite albums to drive home to that make the time go by significantly faster.
1. Alabama Shakes – "Sound & Color" (2015)
This 2015 masterpiece is the perfect combination of clever, witty lyrics mixed with infectious alternative rock influences. From start to finish, you will find yourself getting lost in lead singer Brittany Howard’s smooth vocals as she hits the highest of notes and crushes her lower register. You’ll find yourself on a musical journey that takes you up in the clouds and sends you right back down on the road.
Turn up the volume on:
Track 2: “Don’t Wanna Fight”
Track 4: “Future People”
Track 5: “Gimme All Your Love"
2. Twenty One Pilots – "Blurryface" (2015)
"Blurryface" is another alternative rock masterpiece by the duo, which marks their second major-label debut. The album debuted at #1 and spawned the triple platinum single “Stressed Out” as well as “Ride,” which is climbing the charts. The album makes the drive so much better because it provides strong rhythmic beats mixed with lyrics that any college student can relate to.
Turn up the volume on:
Track 3: “Ride”
Track 7: “The Judge”
Track 11: “Message Man”
3. Beyoncé – "Lemonade" (2016)
I couldn’t leave this album out of the list for obvious reasons. Beyoncé released one of the most intense albums of this year – providing an in-depth look into the struggles of finding out her husband has cheated on her. Throughout the entire album, you’ll experience exactly what she went through in this 12-track album that was mastered perfectly.
Turn up the volume on:
Track 4: “Sorry”
Track 7: “Love Drought”
Track 11: “All Night”
4. Fleetwood Mac – "Tango in the Night" (1987)
This album is a solid '80s throwback to break up the newer mainstream music choices. "Tango in the Night" was released during a time when Fleetwood Mac were still riding the success of their album "Rumours." What makes this album so unique and perfect for a car ride are the changes in tempos in each track. You’ll find yourself cruising to some really mellow songs and then turn right back around and jam to some up-tempo melodies. Also, Stevie Nicks’ voice is stellar than ever.
Turn up the volume on:
Track 2: “Seven Wonders”
Track 3: “Everywhere”
Track 7: “Little Lies”
5. Rihanna – "ANTI" (Deluxe) [2016]
Rihanna killed it with this album. After taking nearly four years off from music, she came back with an entirely new vibe that is perfect for a long drive. Since this album is a departure from her previous dance-pop material, she slows it way down by infusing R&B and sensual lyrics that make for the perfect driving album. Listen with an opened mind – this is Rihanna at her finest.
Turn up the volume on:
Track 7: “Needed Me”
Track 8: “Yeah, I Said It”
Track 11: “Love on the Brain”
6. Paramore – "Paramore" (2013)
"Paramore" is the group’s 4th studio album, which is their latest release. Aside from Paramore’s notorious rock sound, this album takes a depature by infusing more of a laid-back tone – making it a great album to listen to in the car. The album starts off strong and ends on a melancholy note by letting fans know their future as a band is unknown. This album is a 17-track masterpiece that showcases lead singer Hayley Williams at her prime. The lyrics on every track prove the musicians are much more than just another rock band.
Turn up the volume on:
Track 4: “Daydreaming”
Track 12: “Proof”
Track 13: “Hate To See Your Heart Break”
