5 Albums Perfect for Cruising in the Car

We consider driving to be an act of self-care—car therapy, if you will.

There's nothing more freeing than selecting the right soundtrack for your mood, rolling the windows down, and feeling like the effortlessly cool lead of a movie while you clear your head.

Need some musical inspo? Here are five albums perfect for pressing play when you're in the mood to cruise.

1. Sob Rock – John Mayer

If you grew up with your parents playing 80's anthems from musicians like Steve Winwood and Eric Clapton, you'll love this. John Mayer's newest album is a melancholy but wildly catchy homage to '80s lite rock. Not only is the album cover amusingly kitschy (check the price sticker!), you can't help but feel feelings with John's soft crooning and moody lyrics. It's ideal for a sulky (but in a fun way) cruise in the car.

John Mayer Sob Rock Album Cover

(Sob Rock via Columbia Records)

 

2. Emotion – Carly Rae Jepsen

While Emotion may already be six years old, we can't help but celebrate it for the utterly flawless pop album it is. With its upbeat tempos and deep lyrics about falling in love and being let down, driving to Emotion makes you feel like Carly Rae Jepsen is the Thelma to your Louise. You may be in your feels, but you can't help but seat-dance to these bops at the same time.

Carly Rae Jepsen Emotion Album Art

(Emotion via Interscope Records)

 

3. Pink Friday – Nicki Minaj

An oldie but a goodie, Nicki Minaj's Pink Friday will make you want to get together with your gal pals and party. This album is full of empowering songs, each jam-packed with Nicki's superb skills and lyrics. If you're feeling insecure and need to be reminded of your power, or just want to get hyped up, Pink Friday will always do the trick. Trust us.

Nicki Minaj Pink Friday Album Art

(Pink Friday via Young Money Entertainment)

4. Women in Music Pt. III – Haim

If you want to feel like a '70s Hollywood starlet, this album is for you. You don't have to wear a vibey hat and huge sunnies while listening in your car, but it's strongly encouraged. With its dreamy melodies and honest, thought-provoking lyrics, this heart-filled album is the ultimate underscore for a good vibes-only kind of drive.

Haim Women In Music Part III Album Art

(Women in Music Pt. III via Columbia Records)

 

5. Aretha Now – Aretha Franklin

Finally, for all the best vintage vibes, Aretha Franklin's 1968 record Aretha Now is the only option. For those of you who like to sing along in the car, this album features fan favorites like "Say a Little Prayer" and "Think." You also can't help but smile sailing down the road with the windows down, guided by Aretha's heartfelt, soulful, voice and this album's uptempo, doo-wop style.

Aretha Now Album Art

(Aretha Now via Atlantic Records)

 

Love discovering hot new tracks? Click HERE to read all about the meaning behind Jasmine Thompson's emotional new track "Happy For You."

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