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

On the Road AgainWillie Nelson

Willie Nelson – On the Road Again

Country singers from the United States are hardly popular in Japan, but among those who are still relatively well-known is Willie Nelson.

This is the theme song from the film “Honeysuckle Rose,” in which he starred.

It was also nominated for the Academy Award for Best Original Song.

Born To Be WildSteppenwolf

Steppenwolf – Born To Be Wild

A classic track used in the opening of the film Easy Rider and, ever since, almost always played over motorcycle footage.

It’s often assumed to have been made for the movie, but that’s not the case—it had already been a hit before being reused in the film.

It’s also been called the first heavy metal song.

AmericaSimon&Garfunkel

Simon & Garfunkel – America

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.

Take Me Home, Country RoadsJohn Denver

John Denver – Take Me Home, Country Roads (Official Audio)

A huge hit in Japan as well, this is the signature song that comes to mind when you think of John Denver.

Olivia Newton-John’s cover was also a hit.

In Studio Ghibli’s anime “Whisper of the Heart,” it’s used as the song the heroine translates within the story, which helped it become known to an even wider audience.

Smoke on the WaterDeep Purple

Deep Purple – Smoke On the Water (Official Music Video)

A signature work by Deep Purple, whose riff is incredibly famous.

It’s a track from the album Machine Head, released as a single in 1973 and a huge hit.

The song recounts their trip to Montreux for recording, and the lyrics read almost like a documentary of the events.