Classic songs about roads. Recommended popular tracks.
This is a playlist of songs with roads as the theme.
It’s fascinating to compare how artists from different eras and genres portray the road—whether it’s the way there, the way back, an uncharted path, or a highway.
Even when it’s the same “road,” each artist expresses it differently.
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Classic songs about roads. Recommended popular tracks (11–20)
winding roadNovelbright
A song by Novelbright about the importance of facing forward as we walk the winding roads of life.
With its refreshing, grand sound, it gives listeners courage and hope.
Released digitally in January 2025, it was also chosen as the theme song for the TV Tokyo drama “Dragon of the Court.” The music video was directed by actor Hiroshi Tamaki, featuring striking scenes of the band performing amid lush natural scenery.
It’s the perfect track for times when you’re facing difficulties or need the courage to believe in yourself—sure to stay close to your heart and give you the strength to move forward.
mysteryHoshino Gen
From the very first moment of meeting, Gen Hoshino paints a wistful, enchanting love story with keen insight and gentle sensitivity.
He gracefully expresses encounters and pure, reasonless infatuation, blending a comfortable, 1980s pop-inspired sound with soulful vocals in perfect balance.
Released in April 2021, the song was written as the theme for the TBS drama “Kikazaru Koi ni wa Riyū ga Atte,” and since 2023 it has also been featured in Kirin Beer’s Tanrei Green Label commercials.
It’s a track that tenderly embraces mature feelings of love—ideal for a quiet night with someone special or as the perfect companion on a drive.
Easy★RiderOkuda Tamio
This is a signature work by Tamio Okuda, with a refreshing melody and liberating lyrics that color the important moments of life.
The image of an endless road you can freely keep driving down harmonizes beautifully with the music’s freeing feel.
Released in June 1996, it reached No.
4 on the Oricon Weekly Chart and stayed on the charts for 16 weeks.
It gained attention as the song for Nissan’s Wingroad commercial and was also used in a McDonald’s Japan commercial in 2021.
Its sound, which stirs a pure urge to hit the road without a set destination, is perfect when you want to step away from the everyday and see new scenery, or when you want to elevate the mood of a drive.
Life is wonderfulRickie-G
Set to a soothing reggae rhythm, this song celebrates the joys of everyday life and the wonder of living.
Rickie-G’s warm vocals gently embrace meetings and farewells along the journey, as well as the preciousness of days spent with a loved one.
Featured on the November 2006 album “Life is wonderful,” the track is also known for its tie-in with Fuji TV’s “Terrace House.” Its unique sound, blending acoustic elements with a soulful melody, is perfect for long trips or when you’re on your way to a new place.
It’s a song that gently gives you a push when you’re at a turning point in life or about to take a new step forward.
EurekaHoshino Gen
Gen Hoshino offers a heartwarming song about self-renewal and the courage to look forward.
While drawing on jazz and soul, it supports that first step into the unknown with his signature gentle melodies and deeply insightful lyrics.
Embracing the anxieties and doubts we all carry, its warm message resonates by staying close to the small joys and realizations of everyday life.
Released in January 2025, this powerful track was written as the theme song for the TBS Tuesday drama “Madoka, 26, I’m a Resident Doctor!” The music video, directed by photographer Kotori Kawashima, also highlights a relaxed, charming atmosphere with actor Taiga Nakano.
It’s an encouraging anthem that stands by anyone ready to take a new step or in need of courage to live.
WINDING ROADAyaka × Kobukuro
A song by Ayaka and Kobukuro that touched many hearts as the theme for the Nissan Cube commercial.
With the gentle harmonies of the three singers, it tenderly expresses the “hope for dreams” deep in our hearts and the “positive step toward tomorrow.” Life isn’t linear; it’s more like a journey that turns corners and faces unexpected walls.
But when you find light at the end of the road, this song gives you the courage to take that step without hesitation.
Since its release in February 2007, it has been included on the albums Sing to the Sky and ALL SINGLES BEST 2, and was also performed at the 58th NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
It’s a perfect track for long drives or moments when you’re about to take a new step forward.
Iconic songs about the road. Recommended popular tracks (21–30)
threadNakajima Miyuki
A beautiful ballad that likens human connections to warp and weft threads soaks into the heart through Miyuki Nakajima’s gentle yet powerful voice.
The lyrics, depicting fateful encounters and the warm fabric of life woven from them, evoke deep empathy—a true masterpiece.
Included on the album EAST ASIA, this song has continued to resonate with many people since its release in October 1992.
In 1998, it was chosen as the theme song for the TBS drama “Seija no Koshin” (March of the Saints), earning even broader acclaim.
It’s a track that soothes the heart at life’s turning points—meetings and farewells, fresh starts, and more.
Celebrated by many, it’s perfect for weddings, anniversaries, and any occasion that honors bonds with loved ones.