I’m forever sneakily turning up the volume in our hideously old Ford Focus. I don’t drive myself so I always have my hands free to cause a nuisance. Craig is ancient (42 - so far too old to embrace his inner boy racer) and is always turning it back down again. I don’t think it’s because it distracts him, I’m pretty sure it’s because he hates my music. I can sort of appreciate where he’s coming from - it’s the very definition of demasculinisation to be sat at traffic lights with your windows down, and One Direction blaring from tin-like speakers.

Okay, okay - boy bands aside, music in the car is essential. It could even give your tot the opportunity to work to pick up new skills. Don’t believe me? Watch perhaps the coolest Youtube clip ever below to see this 3-year-old putting Justin Bieber to shame.

All joking aside, research by THINK! suggests that almost 20% of accidents on major roads are sleep or tiredness related. Long journeys on motorways can lead to a lack of concentration and, as well as other preventative measures, listening to songs you love can be a great way to stay alert and focused on the road.

So Money Supermarket have set us the challenge to come up with the ultimate summer driving playlist to keep daddy from nodding off at the wheel. Dexter and I were only too happy to take part. Dexter is a champion babbler and head-nodder already, and I have a singing voice that used to make my brother scream in protest when we were kids.

So without further ado - I give you my summer playlist!

On the way there… wherever there might be!

U2 - Beautiful Day

It’s just iconic right? Forget about the fact he’s a peace sign waving pompous arse. Forget about the fact he’s incapable of giving an interview without ramming the African plight down out throats then fails to pay his own taxes to Ireland. In the words of Charlie Brooker “I agree with what he’s saying - I just wish HE wasn’t saying it. How can I open my wallet while my fists are curled with rage?” - Despite all this, NOTHING gets you more in the mood to wind down those windows.

Robin Thicke - Blurred Lines ft. T.I., Pharrell

I’ll probably be bored with this in a few weeks, but right now, I love it. It amuses me even more that Thicke is actually an aging hair flicking Rick Astley-type.

DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince - Summertime

Will Smith will never get old in my book. I defy anyone to hate this song - it IS summer.

Rod Stewart - Maggie May

I ‘still would’ Rod. You might be 100 yrs older than my own dad, but I ‘still would’.

Roger Sanchez - If I Had Another Chance

This song reminds me of my school days. There’s a great bit mid-song that just dares you to thump the dashboard in appreciation.

The Smiths - This Charming Man

See! I can do ‘cool’. LOVE this song! It’s also very appropriate if you’ve had a fight with your other half about not having anything to wear. Songs sound even better when you’re screaming them at someone.

On the way home…

Regina Specktor - Us

Underrated. ‘Contagious’. Brilliant.

The Lumineers - Hey Ho

Dexter loves this. It’s a great clap-along song & brings people together. After a messy night out this is guaranteed to calm you down and get you squeezing your man’s thigh (that’ll definitely keep him awake!).

Radical Face - Welcome Home

Best known as the song from the Nikon advert, it’s actually a very mellow and anthemic song. It’s impossible not to sing it in an accent either - go on, try it.

The XX - Angels

I don’t know anyone who doesn’t love this song. It’s ghostly, atmospheric and beautiful.

 

So what’s on your summer driving playlist? Tell me here or join in for yourself!