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Classic Western songs you’ll want to listen to on a trip: Travel songs from around the world

Music is essential for long journeys.

Listening to nostalgic Japanese songs and soaking in memories is great, but every now and then, why not head toward your destination with a swelling sense of excitement for unknown places while listening to Western music?

For those of you who feel that way, we’ve selected classic Western tracks perfect for travel.

We’ve picked not only timeless staples but also the latest hits—and even songs themed around travel—curating numbers that fit your trip from a variety of angles.

Be sure to find the tracks that suit you!

Classic Western songs to listen to while traveling: World travel songs (21–30)

AmericaSimon&Garfunkel

It’s a song included on the 1968 album Bookends.

Although it was released as a single, it peaked at only No.

97 in the United States.

Despite its lack of chart success, it has many fans and is considered one of Simon & Garfunkel’s signature songs.

The PassengerIggy Pop

Iggy Pop – The Passenger (Official Video)
The PassengerIggy Pop

A track from the album Lust for Life, produced by David Bowie.

It wasn’t exactly a hit, but it’s a staple that always comes up when talking about travel songs.

It may be one of the most popular of Iggy Pop’s songs.

Classic Western songs to listen to while traveling: World travel songs (31–40)

The WeightThe Band

The Weight – The Band (lyrics)
The WeightThe Band

Like “Born To Be Wild,” this is one of The Band’s signature songs used in the film Easy Rider.

It originally appeared on their debut album, Music from Big Pink.

It also made a strong impression in The Last Waltz, the film about their final concert, which includes a studio performance.

Home at LastSteely Dan

Steely Dan – Home at Last (Aja, September, 23, 1977)
Home at LastSteely Dan

Steely Dan started out as a band with a gritty, earthy feel, but as the number of members dwindled they gradually toned down the rock elements, and by the album Aja they had transformed into a jazz-rock outfit with little trace of their debut-era sound.

This is a track from that album—one with a strong jazz flavor.

Leaving on a Jet PlanePeter, Paul & Mary

Peter, Paul and Mary also enjoyed high popularity in Japan during the folk boom, but ironically, this song—which reached No.

1 on the Billboard charts—is not very well known.

Written by John Denver, its title is ironically fitting when you consider that he later died in a plane crash.

Fast CarTracy Chapman

Tracy Chapman – Fast Car (Official Music Video)
Fast CarTracy Chapman

Tracy Chapman is a very rare presence as a Black female folk singer.

This is a single cut from her debut album, which reached No.

6 on the Billboard charts.

The album itself was a major hit.

It’s been covered more times than one can count.

Take Yours, I’ll Take MineMatthew Mole

Matthew Mole – Take Yours, I’ll Take Mine (Official Video)
Take Yours, I'll Take MineMatthew Mole

South African singer-songwriter Matthew Mole’s “Take Yours, I’ll Take Mine” is a great companion for a journey.

It’s a track from the album “The Home We Built,” with a vibe reminiscent of country music.

The lyrics convey a message of “rest well and return to your true self.” Why not give it a listen when you’re traveling but can’t quite get work or school off your mind?