Almost everyone can relate to the frustration of being stuck in traffic. However, have you ever considered how many songs are actually written about this mundane experience? It’s a topic that often goes unnoticed.
In this article, we will delve into some of the most popular songs about traffic and examine what they reveal about this common annoyance. From catchy tunes to thought-provoking lyrics, we’ve compiled a list of 20 must-hear songs about the dreaded traffic. So, buckle up and let’s dive into the world of traffic-themed music!
Contents
- 1. “Crosstown Traffic” by Jimi Hendrix
- 2. “Traffic Cops” by Calvin Harris
- 3. “Heavy Traffic” by Elton John
- 4. “Traffic in the Sky” by Jack Johnson
- 5. “One Way Traffic” by ABC
- 6. “You Are the Traffic” by COIN
- 7. “Traffic” by Stereophonics
- 8. “Traffic Safety Song” by Cocomelon
- 9. “Stop Traffic” by Pitbull, Trina
- 10. “Traffic in the Sky” by Mac Miller
- 11. “Despair And Traffic” by Slaves
- 12. “Traffic Lights” by Lena Meyer-Landrut
- 13. “Air Traffic” by Owl City
- 14. “City Traffic Puzzle” by The Hush Sound
- 15. “Gameboy in Traffic” by Jaeden Camstra
- 16. “Traffic” by Tiësto
- 17. “Watching Traffic” by Benn Jordan
- 18. “Traffic!” by Katy Kirby
- 19. “Traffic Boom” by Piero Piccioni
- 20. “Traffic Lights” by Monty Python
- Final Thoughts
1. “Crosstown Traffic” by Jimi Hendrix
Starting off the list is this classic tune by Jimi Hendrix. “Crosstown Traffic” is a song about a guy comparing the crosstown traffic to his busy love life.
Hendrix uses some great comparisons between traffic and the woman he loves, saying it’s difficult to reach her. You can find this on his Battle of Deep Purple & Jimi Hendrix album.
2. “Traffic Cops” by Calvin Harris
If you’re an instrumental/EDM junkie, here’s a song for you. Calvin Harris’ “Traffic Cops” is an electro-house tune that you can use to get pumped up for your commute. You can listen to it on all the music platforms out there.
3. “Heavy Traffic” by Elton John
What fun way to talk about traffic than by referencing one of the most classic songs out there? Elton John’s “Heavy Traffic” is a song off of his 1988 album, Reg Strikes Back. And it’s all about (you guessed it) being stuck in traffic with friends.
4. “Traffic in the Sky” by Jack Johnson
The title might sound weird, but this song is actually quite calming. Jack Johnson’s “Traffic in the Sky” is a mellow tune that’s perfect for when you’re stuck in a traffic jam and just want to relax.
It was released in 2003 as part of his On and On album which can be streamed on all music platforms out there.
5. “One Way Traffic” by ABC
ABC is a 1980s new wave band that was popular for their synth-pop tunes. “One Way Traffic” is a song off of their 2008 album, Traffic.
It’s a fun, upbeat tune that’ll make you want to dance in your seat (if you’re not driving, of course). This now has over 12k views on Youtube so go check it out.
6. “You Are the Traffic” by COIN
Another song that will make you want to dance in your seat (or dance in general), COIN’s “You Are the Traffic” is a feel-good tune that’ll put a smile on your face despite the stressful traffic.
It was released in 2021 as part of their album, Rainbow Mixtape. So if you like this song, make sure to check it out on any music platform out there.
7. “Traffic” by Stereophonics
Stereophonics’ “Traffic” is a song off of their 1997 album, Word Gets Around. It’s a pop-rock song that talks about the everyday hustle and bustle of life.
The lyrics are fairly simple, but they get the point across nonetheless. If you’re a fan of the band, then this is definitely a song that you’ll enjoy.
8. “Traffic Safety Song” by Cocomelon
This next song is a bit different than the others on this list. It’s actually a children’s song about traffic safety. Even though it’s meant for kids, it’s still a catchy tune that adults can enjoy as well.
The lyrics are simple and easy to understand, which is why it’s perfect for your little ones. You can stream it on all music platforms, even Netflix!
9. “Stop Traffic” by Pitbull, Trina
“Stop Traffic” is a song by Pitbull and Trina that was released in 2008. It’s a hip-hop song about how a man adores his woman so much that he wants her all to himself.
The lyrics are steamy and sure to get you in the mood. It also mentions what the traffic lights mean so that you can get a little educational while you’re listening to it.
10. “Traffic in the Sky” by Mac Miller
Here’e another upbeat tune about traffic, this time by Mac Miller. The rapper talks about being out and about in Los Angeles and getting caught in the city’s notorious traffic.
But instead of bemoaning the situation, he turns it into a positive, using the time to reflect on his life and career. It’s a great example of making the best of a less than ideal situation.
11. “Despair And Traffic” by Slaves
This song by Slaves is a bit more of a downer, reflecting on the dark side of being caught in traffic. The lyrics talk about feeling trapped and helpless, as the world rushes by outside your car window.
It’s a relatable sentiment for anyone who’s ever been stuck in a jam, wondering if they’ll ever make it out. It was released in 2015 as part of their Are You Satisfied? album.
12. “Traffic Lights” by Lena Meyer-Landrut
This song by German singer Lena Meyer-Landrut is a bit more lighthearted, looking at the funny side of being caught in traffic.
The lyrics talk about how frustrating it can be to be stuck at a red light, especially when you’re in a hurry. You can find this track on her Crystal Sky album released in 2015.
13. “Air Traffic” by Owl City
From Owl City’s Maybe I’m Dreaming album, “Air Traffic” is a song that looks at the entire airport experience, from the perspective of someone who’s nervous about flying.
The lyrics talk about the crowded terminals and the never-ending stream of humanity that moves through them. It’s a great track that will resonate with anyone who’s ever been stuck in an airport (or on a plane) for a long period of time.
14. “City Traffic Puzzle” by The Hush Sound
The Hush Sound’s “City Traffic Puzzle” is another song that takes a more lighthearted approach to the topic of traffic. The lyrics talk about how the city can be a confusing place, with its endless streets and intersections. It was released in 2005 as part of their So Sudden album.
15. “Gameboy in Traffic” by Jaeden Camstra
If you’re a fan of lo-fi music, then you’ll love “Gameboy in Traffic” by Jaeden Camstra. The tune will calm you down as you’re stuck in a traffic jam, and it will make the time pass by a little bit faster. You can listen to it on all music platforms out there.
16. “Traffic” by Tiësto
“Traffic” by Tiësto is one of the most popular songs about traffic. It’s a high-energy track that will get you pumped up as you’re stuck in a traffic jam. The song is also great for working out, so if you need some motivation to hit the gym, this is the tune for you.
17. “Watching Traffic” by Benn Jordan
Next on the list is a song about traffic that is a bit more lighthearted. “Watching Traffic” by Benn Jordan is a playful track that is all about, you guessed it, watching traffic.
The song is set to a catchy beat and has a fun, carefree vibe. Despite the simple subject matter, the song is surprisingly enjoyable and will definitely get stuck in your head.
18. “Traffic!” by Katy Kirby
“Traffic!” by Katy Kirby is a song that is all about the frustration that comes with being stuck in traffic. The song is set to a slow, mellow beat and features Kirby’s calming vocals.
Despite the frustrations that are expressed in the lyrics, the song has a very relaxing feel to it. It was released in 2015 as part of the Compositions for Piano album.
19. “Traffic Boom” by Piero Piccioni
Up next is “Traffic Boom” by Piero Piccioni. This tune is a lot more upbeat than the previous one, and it really captures the feeling of being stuck in traffic and feeling like you’re going to go crazy.
The song features a catchy melody and some great saxophone playing. You can find it on his Mondo Italiano: At The Movies, Vol. 5 album.
20. “Traffic Lights” by Monty Python
Wrapping up the list is “Traffic Lights” by Monty Python. This song is a hilarious take on the frustrations of being stuck in traffic.
The song is set to a catchy tune and features some clever lyrics about how he loves traffic lights but only when it turns green. You can find it on the The Final Rip Off album released in 1987.
Final Thoughts
Being stuck in traffic can be frustrating, but it can also be a time to reflect on the many aspects of our lives that we often take for granted.
The next time you find yourself sitting in traffic, consider these songs and the different ways that it interprets the experience. You may just find a new perspective on the mundane task of commuting. Thanks for reading!
