Contributed by Robert P. Simon, Catalogs.com Top 10 Guru

Get in the car, roll down the windows and hit the road. These are the songs that are the soundtrack to a perfect road trip, the songs that make you want to turn the volume way up.

You can buy a pre-mixed CD of driving songs, but why do that when you make your custom mix? Here is my list of the top ten CRANK-IT-UP driving songs.

10. Spirit in the Sky – Norman Greenbaum

This straight forward classic rock song provides an upbeat, lighthearted soundtrack for driving, keeping traffic-snarled motorists in a lighter state of mind.

9. Chicago – Sufjan Stevens

The perfect song about a road trip, for a road trip, this indie rock opus is the centerpiece of Sufjan Steven’s sprawling Illinois album, dedicated to the various cities and stories of the state. Melodic and upbeat, the tune tends to remind drivers of their own Midwestern road trips.

8. Ramblin’ Man – The Allman Brothers Band

Every road bound man has at some point caught themselves nodding sympathetically while listening to this country-rock yarn. Perfect for road ramblin’, the tune is straightforward and easy to hum along with.

7. Slow Ride – Foghat

Hard rock, but not too heavy for driving, Slow Ride is easily to sing along with and has a special knack for calming down potential road rangers.

6. Tiny Dancer – Elton John

This song is easy to sing along to, and would easily make this list even without the famous sing-along scene from Almost Famous.

5. California Love – 2 Pac & Dr. Dre

The only rap song to make this list, and ideal for west coast trips.

4. One More Time – Daft Punk

Catchy and upbeat, this Euro-dance track is great for pushing through on grueling road trips, and sure to keep heads nodding along to the steady drumbeat.

3. Give Up the Funk – Parliament

A Parliament classic, this song is heavy on the bass and funk, perfect for smooth riding through the city or on the highway.

2. Layla – Eric Clapton

From the catchy hook to the wailing guitar solo to the piano outro, Layla is easy to get into and easily entertains otherwise bored drivers.

1. Start Me Up – The Rolling Stones

No road trip is complete without the Stones, and this riff is one of their signature hits. Upbeat and catchy, Start Me Up is a quick shot of energy on any monotonous stretch of highway.