Top 10 Songs for Your Family Road Trip

Summer arrives and the next thing you know you're ready to plan the all-important summer roadtrip. You know, the roadtrip that has your whole family squeezed into your family vehicle touring the country. Nothing is better than a family road trip, especially a family road trip with great music.

Memories are made based on music, and just in time for your summer road trip, I've developed a list of the top 10 'must have' songs for your next road trip. Although I'm thinking of summer, these songs are not limited to summer, they are songs that can work for anytime of the year and appeal to all ages.

1. Born in the U.S.A - Bruce Springsteen
This is a no-brainer. What is a summer road trip around the United States, without "the boss" himself, Bruce Springsteen. We all know the song, and we all know the lyrics. This is the perfect song to get in the mood for your road trip, and appreciate the beautiful scenery along the way.

2. Sweet Home Alabama - Lynyrd Skynyrd
What's better than an oldie, but goodie. This song has been remade time and time again, but the original is still as popular as the day it was introduced. As the song says, "turn it up" and rock to the sounds of Skynard.

3. We Didn't Start the Fire - Billy Joel
Is anything more fun than trying to get the words of this song down? We all have tried and we all have failed. Printout the lyrics to this song in advance and hold a contest in your own car to see which of you can get as many lyrics correct. This song is sure to keep you entertained and guessing.

4. Ice, Ice Baby - Vanilla Ice
This song may give away my 80's roots, but who doesn't like a good dance beat with a white guy that can't dance? So Vanilla Ice never really became a musical icon, but he did record one catchy song. Who can deny the jam factor on this song.

5. Yellow Submarine - The Beatles
What would a road trip top 10 be without a song from the Beatles? This group is definitely a group that changed the face of music history. I chose Yellow Submarine because it's easily one of the most well-known songs, and can easily be sung to by small children with a catchy chorus. The kids can dream about the yellow submarine and could even draw pictures of what they think it looks like. What a great art project for your trip.

6. Livin' on a Prayer - Bon Jovi
You knew it was coming. I couldn't pass up a good Bon Jovi song. I'm a huge fan of Bon Jovi and find that no matter what age, his lyrics and guitar strumming defininely keeps everyone jamming. This is the perfect song for the head-bangers in your group. Rock on!

7. Close to You - The Carpenters
Time to slow down the fun. The sound of the cool Carpenters is perfect for the older crowd. Close to You has a great, soothing melody and interesting intrumentals. Chill out and snuggle with your nearest guy or gal as you listen to this song.

8. Y.M.C.A - The Village People
Have you ever had the urge to be a construction worker, a fireman, a native american, or a policeman? If so, this song is the song for you. Get the car rockin' with Y.M.C.A. Those famous arm and hand movements still work in the car, but may have to be done to a lower scale so you don't hurt the person next to you.

9. Respect - Aretha Franklin
Time for a little soul. What is a road trip without some Aretha Franklin attitude? Respect is the classic song to bring out the sounds of Motown.

10. Hound Dog - Elvis
Elvis has come to the car, and so have his famous moves. What would your road trip be without the sounds from the king himself. If your kids haven't heard of Elvis, this may be the perfect opportunity to tell them all about Elvis and how music changed.

I guarantee with these songs in your stereo, your guaranteed to have a great time! With some creativity, and a lot of good tunes your road trip is set to be one of memories that will last a lifetime. Happy trails!