1. “September” — Earth, Wind & Fire
Although September was about a specific month, its funky, celebratory sound made it a favorite all autumn long. You couldn’t help but smile as Earth, Wind & Fire’s upbeat horns and rhythm blasted through the speakers. It was the perfect track to brighten up a cool, cloudy day or to soundtrack a crisp, sunny drive through the changing leaves.
2. “American Pie” — Don McLean
As soon as American Pie came on the radio, you knew it was going to be a long, winding ride through nostalgia. Don McLean’s poetic lyrics and folksy melody seemed to echo through the cool autumn air. It was the perfect singalong for family road trips, stretching those drives just a little longer to take in the fall scenery.
3. “Rhiannon” — Fleetwood Mac
Stevie Nicks’ mystical voice felt like it was made for fall. Rhiannon had an almost magical quality, with its ethereal rhythm and enchanting lyrics. This track was perfect for those drives when the sun was low in the sky, casting an orange glow over the landscape and making you feel like anything was possible.
4. “Take It Easy” — The Eagles
If there was ever a song to perfectly capture the relaxed vibe of a fall road trip, Take It Easy was it. The Eagles’ breezy guitars and easygoing lyrics made it feel like you could roll down the windows, take a deep breath of the crisp autumn air, and just let the miles roll by without a care in the world.
5. “Landslide” — Fleetwood Mac
A soft, introspective ballad that felt perfect for those more reflective autumn drives. Landslide made you think about life, love, and change—all things that seemed to come into focus as the leaves began to fall. Stevie Nicks’ gentle vocals, paired with the acoustic guitar, made it the ideal soundtrack for watching the world shift into a new season.
6. “More Than a Feeling” — Boston
This one had just the right energy to get you excited for a fall drive. Whether you were headed out to visit family or just taking a spin to enjoy the autumn colors, More Than a Feeling filled the car with a sense of adventure. Those soaring guitar riffs made it feel like the road ahead was full of possibility.
7. “Dream On” — Aerosmith
Dream On was a slow build to something epic, much like those long drives through changing landscapes in the fall. It was the kind of song that made you feel reflective, and by the time Steven Tyler hit those high notes, you felt like you were on top of the world. It was the perfect anthem for a quiet, scenic autumn afternoon.
8. “Sweet Home Alabama” — Lynyrd Skynyrd
No autumn road trip playlist was complete without Sweet Home Alabama. Its upbeat Southern rock vibes made even the shortest drive feel like an adventure. There was something about that unmistakable guitar intro that got everyone in the car tapping their feet, ready to roll down country roads lined with colorful trees.
9. “Listen to the Music” — The Doobie Brothers
This feel-good anthem was made for cranking up during an afternoon drive with the windows down, taking in the beauty of the season. Listen to the Music had a carefree energy that made you appreciate the simplicity of the moment—just the road, the crisp air, and the sound of The Doobie Brothers keeping you company.
10. “Wild World” — Cat Stevens
Cat Stevens’ gentle, folksy sound was perfect for autumn drives through winding roads and quiet towns. Wild World gave you something to think about as you watched the leaves fall and felt the changing of the season. It was reflective and soothing, ideal for that golden hour drive before the chill of the evening set in.
11. “Takin’ Care of Business” — Bachman-Turner Overdrive
If you were on a longer drive or heading somewhere fun for the weekend, Takin’ Care of Business was the perfect pump-up song to kick off the journey. The high-energy, no-nonsense beat made it feel like you were getting stuff done, even if you were just watching the autumn countryside roll by.
12. “Fire and Rain” — James Taylor
This song had the perfect mix of melancholy and warmth for a fall drive. Fire and Rain felt like it was written for those misty autumn mornings when you just needed something to get lost in. James Taylor’s heartfelt lyrics and soothing voice made it an unforgettable classic to accompany the changing colors of the season.
13. “Go Your Own Way” — Fleetwood Mac
Fleetwood Mac knew how to create songs that paired perfectly with the open road, and Go Your Own Way was a standout for fall drives. The upbeat tempo and fierce energy of the song made it a great soundtrack for carving your own path, both on the road and in life. It felt freeing, like the kind of anthem that made you feel unstoppable as the miles passed by.
14. “Hotel California” — The Eagles
There’s just something about Hotel California that feels like fall. The Eagles’ haunting, laid-back melody matched the golden hues of autumn trees passing by the car window. Whether it was a crisp morning drive or a late afternoon cruise, this song gave every drive that cool, reflective vibe that only the ’70s could deliver.
There was something about the music of the ’70s that made every drive in the fall feel a little more magical. The soundtracks of those road trips weren’t just about filling time—they made us feel like we were part of something special, whether it was reflecting on life or just enjoying the simple joy of the open road. These songs continue to echo through the decades, making us nostalgic for a time when a good tune and a scenic drive were all you needed for the perfect autumn day.
