We have had periods of this trip where we’ve listened to a ton of music and periods when we’ve been fairly music free. But here are the songs that for better or worse have accompanied us on this trip.
Despacito – we don’t necessarily like this song, but it is probably the most consistently played song in random countries. We’ve heard this not only on every continent, but also in many different languages and quite a few versions/adaptations.
Come on to Me – Paul McCartney. There is an episode of carpool karaoke with James Corden and Paul McCartney. That’s where we heard this song for the first time. It’s a great song with a great beat. You should probably just watch the entire episode.
Fast Car – the Tracy Chapman classic. I know you probably didn’t expect to see this here. But we heard it on every continent. Seriously. We especially heard it a lot in Africa. In one restaurant in Zanzibar they played that entire album which I was jacked about.
Ben Folds – this is an artist, not a song. I get it. But we played a bunch of Ben Folds on the trip and also saw him live. Gracie is Michael’s new favorite from that concert. Landed is one of our go-tos and a bit appropriate as we’re coming home soon.
Sunshine – Matt Costa. Listen and tell me it doesn’t make you a bit happier. Plus Liam loved this song while we were driving around Norway in the fiesta bus.
Africa – by Toto by sung by Mike Masse and Jeff Hall. I like how they’re super into it at the end but then they finish and remember that they’re in a pizza shop and that there is not really any one to cheer for them.
Havana – Camila Cabello. This is another song that we heard everywhere and love.
Feel it Still – Portugal. The Man. I would say that there is a different Portugal. The Man song that is better – People Say – that Rolf played for us while driving through Tibet. But this is the one we’ve heard a lot more and that Michael prefers.
Shape of You – Ed Sheeran. Every once in a while you need to paint the town Ed.
Sprawl II (Mountains Beyond Mountains) – Arcade Fire. Great song for road trips through beautiful scenery.
Échame la Culpa – by Luis Fonsi & Demi Lovato. First heard in South America, especially Argentina and Chile, and then downloaded while in Asia.
Taylor Swift – again, not a song. I have a few of her albums on my phone that we listened to here and there. I also did most of my running to her Reputation album. Plus – concert in Sydney with Leigh!!! More on the concert later, but here’s a teaser:
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Southern Cross – the Crosby, Stills & Nash classic and one of my all time favorites. I downloaded this song before leaving so we’d have it available the first time we got to see some stars in South America. The first play was in Uruguay last November and I’ve put it on as often as it was appropriate. Fun fact – the Southern Cross is depicted on the Australian & New Zealand flags.
La Bicicleta – Carlos Vives & Shakira. We went to Carlos Vives’ restaurant/night club extravaganza with Juan and Yubeley when we were in Bogotá and loved this song.
Feels – by Calvin Harris but it turns out the song was written by a friend of Mike’s brother, Phil. When people played this song, then tended to play it a hundred times, often in a row. People who like it, really like it.
Maps for the Getaway – Andrew McMahon. This was a song I played a lot leading up to actually leaving for the trip. It felt relevant.
Mess is Mine – Vance Joy. Our favorite Aussie artist, I played this song as often as Michael would put up with it.
Honorable Mentions:
Bette Davis Eyes – We only heard this once, but it was just a few hours before we saw Rod Stewart in person, at which point Leigh quoted Bette Davis Eyes to him. You don’t get a video of this because I couldn’t find one on YouTube where Rod was singing. And that is because Rod Stewart did not perform or write Bette Davis Eyes. It is sung by Kim Carnes. Whoops.
Rod trying his best to avoid us:
U2 – not the best “Bond” out there, but a really good one. Plus remember that time we saw Bono in Capri?
Ray LaMontagne – the Trouble album. That entire album is really excellent and we listened to it a lot.
We also have it on vinyl and are pumped to get back to the US and play some of our records again!
Where can I subscribe to this music playlist?!?!
If I was more clever I’d know how to make a Spotify playlist out of these songs…