Top 5 MUST-HAVE songs for your playlist!
Based on the latest podcast episode from Hair & Comb’s Salon Chit Chat, the ultimate road trip playlist was constructed around nostalgic hits, funky grooves with some modern twists. We listed 30 songs but there are a solid 5 songs that we think you should definitely have in your loop.
Starting with the intro
1.Sip Into Something Soft - Hiatus Kaiyote
We felt as if this was a nice introduction to the playlist. Neo-Soul, the song starts off with keys that reminds us of flowers, accompanied with light sounds of nature behind - birds tweeting. The tempo picks up a little with some percussion with what sounds like wired drumsticks or a dampened drumming technique to keep an atmospheric sound and feel. Simple, soothing vocals and lyrics fade into the track with harmonies hugging the main melody. Toward the end of the song, a medley of vocals we heard separately were repeated, not clashing but in unison. Hinted throughout the song was semi-distorted notes which gradually revealed itself as we progressed to the end of the song, with the lead singer joining in with riffs and runs. The song came to end with vocalising, the vocals stayed in the forefront whilst the instrumental fades. This introduction was a perfect fit because it gave us room to venture down any genre from there onwards. Naturally, we drifted to Human Nature by Michael Jackson.
“On a roadtrip, you can’t play something too soothing because the drive will get tired and they’ll fall asleep and then crash” - Shaquilla
2. Get On The Floor - Michael Jackson
“Michael hits when he is followed up by himself”. A burst of joy when the first note strikes that leaves us no choice but to dance! The funk a touch of disco and Michael’s psychedelic vocals when singing the first melody of the song “ah on the floor and dance’. Then his recognisable voice pierces through the instrumental and takes us through the chorus and verses. A very noticeable feature in this song is the dynamic between his higher and lower register. The lyrics are super easy to follow along, it is perfect for people who are not familiar with this song to still groove to it and also for drivers who are concentrating on the road! What we love about Michael’s songs is that it never feels dragged on even though it is 4 minutes long. Choruses are repeated but with an added element each time and don’t get us started with the bridge….
3.Chicago - Michael Jackson
After going to the ‘90s then back to the 2000’s we had no choice but to go back to Michael AGAIN! Chicago is a gold song that we have performed before at karaoke and it just feels like one of those tunes that feels niche but everybody knows it…you know? We think that this song is specifically great for two people to sing along to. He divides his chorus into two parts which gives us joy to alternate between them and it creates great dynamics as one sub-melody is more calming and the other is hype. Our energy stays high throughout the whole song without fail and it feels just as good as a workout!
4.All Falls Down - Kanye West & Syleena Johnson
What more to say? An iconic song with the most impulse-inducing introductions- Syleena’s voice and catchy chorus “oh when it all, it all falls down” This song is an automatic head bop as Kanye smoothly raps in conversation with us about reality of life for POC Americans. For a dynamic shift, this song is one to listen & chill to, a break from singing, just cruising the roads.
5.Candy Rain - Soul For Real
A classic song to wrap up the road trip playlist. Candy Rain, 1994, a track that will never feel old.
Our words can’t do these songs justice, you have to experience them at your own pace. We all interpret and receive music differently, make your own experience with them for a closer meaning. This is our top 5 songs for a roadtrip, what’s yours?
