What's on your playlist? Companions for the Drive

In the early days of our wandering we carried cassettes and later jeweled cases of CDs. Changing music selections required dexterity while traveling solo. Fortunately, Beth and I wandered together and so she managed the music as well as navigated our atlas while we drove.

We had recordings in several genres. I even created a cassette of favorite songs for Beth's 40th Birthday. In our country collection we had Toby Keith, Trace Adkins, Keith Urban, Garth Brooks, Vince Gill, Terri Clark, Sara Evans, Shania Twain, Alabama, and selected George Strait. In the '80s and '90s, there was Journey, Snow Patrol, Matchbox Twenty, Sarah MacLachlan, Janet Jackson, Eagles, Don Henley, Rod Stewart, and Earth Wind & Fire. We listened to special vocalists - Adele, Michael Bublé, and Tony Bennett. We even had a group of all-time favorites – Dan Fogelberg, Bruce Springsteen, Bon Jovi, Queen, and John Mellencamp.

Much later, we started listening to Spotify playlists that I curated myself. On one occasion, we drove to New York City and back and only listened to songs on our playlist the entire trip. We have several Classical selections especially Scheherazade by Rimsky-Korsakov and pieces by Aaron Copeland. There's an extensive playlist of country music. Having grown up with older siblings, we enjoyed artists from the '60s and '70s. Our 'sweet spot' included music from our high school years in the '70s and MTV era of the '80s.

Sometimes we road with the windows down, other times we'd sing loudly together. We were happy, excited, having fun, enjoying time together.

Today when I drive, I listen to streamed music and have added several podcasts to the mix. Now and again, I have moments when I become reflective, sad, melancholy, and lonely. When I want to go to that place, I know the music that will take me there. I don't stay in that place, but I find it cathartic to know that those feelings are deep inside of me and I don't fear them. In the last few years I came across three songs that are powerful in their music and meaning.

All I Need to See - Mitch Rossell

When We Fall Apart (featuring Vince Gill and Amy Grant) - Ryan Stevenson

For You to See the Stars - Radney Foster

I don't get too far out out of my driveway before I have chosen music or something else to listen to what I drive. For those who like music, some people focus on the beat or rhythm. Others hear the lyrics or are drawn to the melody with a hook. I am a singer and played an instrument so I am particular.

What about you? What's on your playlist when you're out driving?