Given America’s fascination with automobiles, it’s hardly surprising that cars and rock and roll have often come together in a perfect marriage. From Chuck Berry to the Beach Boys to Bruce Springsteen, rock and rollers have extolled the pleasures of open roads, joy rides and hot rods. The British have occasionally hopped on board as well, although their take on four-wheel thrills has tended to be more idiosyncratic. Below are 10 great songs that attest to the automobile’s power to inspire.
If you want to see how cars have inspired the production of guitars, check out the new HOT ROD '58 Les Paul from Gibson Custom, or the "Hot Rod" ES-335 that was customized by none other than Stacey David, host and producer of the popular SpeedTV show Gearz.
“Little Red Corvette” (1982) ― Prince
The lyric idea for this smash hit came to Prince while he was napping inside a pink Edsel owned by backup singer Lisa Coleman. Sporting a pop sheen that tempered Prince's funk-centric sound, the song became one of the first videos by an African-American artist to air regularly on MTV. Guitar World ranked the guitar solo ― played by Dez Dickerson ― as one of the hundred best of all-time.
“Rocket 88” (1951) ― Ike Turner
After much debate, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame proclaimed this 1951 hit ― written by Ike Turner ― to be the first “rock and roll” song ever recorded. At the time of its release, the Oldsmobile “Rocket 88” was the fastest road car being manufactured. The song features one of the earliest recorded instances of guitar distortion. Turner’s piano intro was later appropriated by Little Richard when he recorded “Good Golly Miss Molly.”
“Drive My Car” (1965) ― The Beatles
Paul McCartney wrote the bulk of this 1965 song, but it was John Lennon who came up with the “car” theme. McCartney played the lead guitar solo, while George Harrison played the riff that underscored the verses. The song’s bass-heavy vibe was the idea of Harrison, who at the time was fascinated by the sound of Otis Redding’s “Respect.”
“Cars” (1979) ― Gary Numan
This sole U.S. hit by British popster Gary Numan was inspired by an episode of road rage, wherein Numan successfully evaded some potential thugs. A staple of early MTV, the New Wave smash was later used by both Nissan and Oldsmobile in memorable TV ads. Both Marilyn Manson and Trent Reznor have cited Numan as an influence.
“Mustang Sally” (1966) ― Wilson Pickett
Some have said this R&B standard ― a staple for aspiring blues bands ― has become to the blues what “Stairway to Heaven” is to rock. Written and first recorded in 1965 by Sir Mack Rice, the song soared up the pop charts when Wilson Pickett recorded it a year and a half later. The lyric is a simple tale about a man who buys his girlfriend a ’65 Mustang, and is subsequently jilted. In 2004, Rolling Stone included the song on its list of "500 Greatest Songs of All-Time."
“Little Deuce Coupe” (1963) ― Beach Boys
In the summer of 1963, Capitol Records released a "hot rod" compilation album that included two Beach Boys songs ― without the band's approval or involvement. Indignant, Brian Wilson quickly put together a car-themed Beach Boys album, effectively creating one of pop music’s first “concept” albums. This title track ― a tribute to the1932 Ford Coupe ― was co-written with Wilson's DJ pal Roger Christian, who was a car obsessive.
"Black Limousine" (1981) ― Rolling Stones
This hard blues effort ― credited to Jagger, Richards, and Ron Wood ― was in many ways a throwback to the Stones’ mid ’60s salad days. Centered on a riff inspired by '60s slide guitarist Hop Wilson, the track features one of Jagger's best harmonica performances. The song was first recorded in 1978 during the Some Girls sessions, but didn't surface until 1981, on Tattoo You.
“Hot Rod Lincoln” (1972) ― Commander Cody and His Lost Planet Airmen
First recorded in 1955, this classic “story-song” is best known for the version recorded by Commander Cody in 1972. The song has since become a signature track for the Texas-based swing band Asleep at the Wheel. In the band’s live show, guitarist Bill Kirchen (who played on the Commander Cody hit) performs an extended version, soloing in a range of styles that include rock, blues, punk and country.
“Cadillac Ranch” (1980) ― Bruce Springsteen
This anthemic rocker ― one of Bruce Springsteen’s many “road” songs ― was written in part to balance the preponderance of ballads on his 1980 album, The River. The song references the famous Texas roadside attraction where ten Cadillacs are buried nose-first in a wheat field. Springsteen’s first car, incidentally, was a ’57 Chevy with orange flames printed on the hood.
“Vehicle” (1970) ― Ides of March
This 1970 smash hit was once described by its writer, Jim Peterik, as an ode to “all the guys who don’t mind being taken for a ride by a beautiful girl.” At the time of its release, the song became the fastest-selling single in Warner Brothers Records’ history. The sensational guitar solo ― played by Peterik ― was improvised in the studio, on the spot. During their brief reign, Ides of March shared the stage with Led Zeppelin, Janis Joplin and the Grateful Dead.
What songs did we leave out? Let us know below!