5 songs that will get you a speeding ticket

1974 saw an action of significant inconvenience enacted across the U.S., a nation we call home. This wasn’t about Richard Nixon or any political scandal, but rather the federal government imposing a speed limit – the National Maximum Speed Limit – through legislation. The intention was to tackle the energy crisis by saving fuel, and thus, it became unlawful for us to drive faster than 55 miles per hour on our roads.

This, as those of you not alive back then might have already guessed, sucked. A lot.

Ten years later, the country was prepared for it when Sammy Hagar, known as the Red Rocker, released his eighth studio album titled VOA and debuted the first single, “I Can’t Drive 55.” This rock anthem swept both MTV and radio stations, becoming a massive hit while also embodying the spirit of the era through its ode to speed.

5 songs that will get you a speeding ticket while driving and listening

In simpler terms, Hagar’s actions marked the beginning of significant change in the ongoing cultural conflict regarding that federal limit, as it wasn’t until 1995 that Congress finally repealed it.

Speaking of “I Can’t Drive 55,” this classic tune was far from the first one to blast through our speakers, making us feel like we needed to floor it so hard that the police would have to work overtime to catch us. Here are five more tunes that seem tailor-made for getting a speeding ticket:

1. “Highway to Hell” by AC/DC
2. “Footloose” by Kenny Loggins
3. “Born to Run” by Bruce Springsteen
4. “Fast Car” by Tracy Chapman
5. “Roadhouse Blues” by The Doors

“Spoonman” by Soundgarden

Soundgarden, renowned from Seattle, delivered an electrifying single as part of their fourth album titled “Superunknown“. This song was inspired by a well-known street performer and later, its electric rendition scaled great heights on numerous music charts.

By blending Chris Cornell’s rough, throaty singing style with Matt Cameron’s unique drumming technique in a way that was fresh for the band, they produced an immediate masterpiece… one that encourages you to speed up while cruising along the highway.

“Radar Love” by Golden Earring

Looking back to 1973, these Dutch musicians inadvertently created one of the iconic driving songs. Though the song’s lyrics depict a character driving all night with a damp hand on the wheel, there is a more profound narrative hidden beneath it. The driver’s radar love symbolizes an emotional bond with his lover that transcends physical barriers; nothing can separate them. Simply put, it’s beautiful.

This high-energy track, often hailed by rock scholars as a genuine masterpiece and frequently crowned the best driving song by various music publications, hasn’t quite lived up to its true speed-limit-defying potential, has it? Let’s change that perception, don’t you think?

“Touch and Go” by Emerson, Lake, & Powell

As a dedicated fan, let me share my take: Following the departure of Palmer and the arrival of Powell, neither Keith Emerson nor Greg Lake skipped a rhythmic beat when it came to producing outstanding, synthesizer-driven music. This was due to the fact that no one, and I mean no one, could master the synthesizer (particularly the Moog) quite like Keith Emerson. To me, he was an alumnus of Hogwarts with a magical musical degree.

This specific melody, with its bold jabs at the flamboyant 80s era akin to the series “Dynasty,” carries a loose, carefree vibe that effortlessly encourages your foot to press the pedal and accelerate without conscious thought.

“Nowhere Fast” by Fire, Inc.

To this very moment, I harbor a fondness for Walter Hill’s stylish and overlooked film masterpiece, “Streets on Fire.” It may lack in depth, acting, and coherence, but boy, is it entertaining! And the music is simply extraordinary, led by Dan Hartman’s “I Can Dream About You,” which has become a timeless anthem.

Ignore the initial part for now, and you’ll discover this catchy tune – a rhythmic melody that encourages dancing, lyrics skillfully placed yet captivating, and an essence of happiness strong enough to be termed as a musical elixir. However, be cautious if you listen to it while driving, as the beat could potentially lead to a speeding ticket.

“Knights of Cydonia” by Muse

Regardless of contemporary bands’ abilities to produce timeless music, this Muse composition appears designed expressly to stimulate your thoughts and liberate them to explore the cosmos… all while you speedily navigate the road.

Powerful and vast, Matt Bellamy’s bold cries of “I won’t be taken alive!” echo a timeless spirit, showcasing how contemporary bands can tap into their musical roots and create an extraordinary rock masterpiece that will make you feel like you’re racing at breakneck speed. It’s magnificent.

2025-03-21 13:00