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[2026] A Compilation of Western Music Perfect for a Drive

music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and for over 18 years I’ve contributed to music magazines, disc guide books, mooks, and web media. As a writer my main field is Western music, but as a listener for over 35 years, I always try to keep my curiosity alive with the motto “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in bands, where I was a bassist who handled songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve played include bass, guitar, and piano. I began studying English in my mid-40s and continue to do so today.

Whether you’re alone or with friends or a partner, the in-car music you play on a drive is key to setting the mood.

If you’re a music-loving driver, you probably have lots of favorite playlists.

Still, some of you might find yourselves picking similar songs over and over and starting to get a little bored.

In this article, we’ve rounded up recommended Western music that will brighten up your driving life.

The first half features recent hits and popular tracks, while the latter half showcases timeless classics from any era—so enjoy!

[2026] A Collection of Perfect Western Songs for Driving (131–140)

AmericaSimon&Garfunkel

Simon & Garfunkel – America

AmericaSimon&Garfunkel

A track that sings about a young teenage couple heading to New York by bus.

Released by Simon & Garfunkel in 1968, it became a hit in the United States, the United Kingdom, and elsewhere.

It has been covered by artists such as David Bowie, Sting, and U2.

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LIVE at Tomorrowland Main Stage 2019Steve Aoki

Steve Aoki LIVE at Tomorrowland Main Stage 2019

LIVE at Tomorrowland Main Stage 2019Steve Aoki

Many people probably feel like listening to EDM while driving.

In those moments, I recommend playing live recordings from EDM artists—it really boosts the energy.

This is a video of Steve Aoki, a DJ popular in Japan, performing his live set at Tomorrowland in 2019.

Just listening to it will get you pumped up, making it perfect for a drive.

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Cute AishaStevie Wonder

Stevie Wonder-Isn’t She Lovely Lyrics

Cute AishaStevie Wonder

This is a hit song by Stevie Wonder, famous as a blind genius singer.

It features a refreshing harmonica and an approachable melody.

It is said that this song is about Stevie Wonder’s biological daughter.

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ChicagoSufjan Stevens

Sufjan Stevens – Chicago

ChicagoSufjan Stevens

A track released in 2005 by American singer-songwriter Sufjan Stevens.

It was used in the film Little Miss Sunshine and sampled in Chiddy Bang’s 2009 track All Things Go.

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Your captiveSylvie Vartan

Sylvie Vartan - I’m Addicted to You

Your captiveSylvie Vartan

This is the song that became instantly famous through the drama Water Boys.

Its original title is “Irrésistiblement” (perhaps pronounced something like ‘Irezistiblement’), which is a bit unfamiliar to Japanese speakers.

Sylvie Vartan is a singer who represents French pop of the 1970s.

She can speak five languages, and it’s said that she studied Japanese for a time as well.

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