These 2000s pop-rock hits tap into millennial mom nostalgia, while the big, catchy choruses keep kids engaged and happy. Each song has that windows-down, volume-up energy that makes long stretches of winding Black Hills highways feel epic.
“Accidentally in Love” – Counting Crows (2004)
Bouncy, joyful, and movie-soundtrack nostalgic. Easy for kids, nostalgic for moms.
“A Thousand Miles” – Vanessa Carlton (2002)
Piano intro = immediate recognition. Everyone in the car sings “MAKING MY WAY DOWNTOWN” whether they planned to or not.
“The Middle” – Jimmy Eat World (2001)
Optimism in song form. Perfect for boosting morale when traffic hits.
“This Love” – Maroon 5 (2002)
Catchy and rhythmic — built for long stretches of open road and steering-wheel drumming.
“Everywhere” – Michelle Branch (2001)
Feels like your first solo drive with the radio blasting. Bright and impossible not to sing.
“Sk8er Boi” – Avril Lavigne (2002)
Fast lane energy. If you’re not shouting the chorus, are you even on a road trip?
“Since U Been Gone” – Kelly Clarkson (2004)
Peak scream-sing moment. Roll the windows down and let it out.
“Party in the U.S.A.” – Miley Cyrus (2009)
Universally known. Universally loud. Mandatory “hands up” chorus.
“Shut Up and Dance” – Walk the Moon (2014)
Pure joy. The “okay, this trip is actually fun” anthem.
“Pocketful of Sunshine” – Natasha Bedingfield (2008)
Sunshine in audio form. Ideal for that final hour stretch.
Get this playlist on Spotify HERE!