So, you’ve got the car packed up and your destination plugged into the GPS. The only thing missing is the soundtrack! Fortunately, these days, there are just about as many digital options for tunes as there are FM stations on the old-fashioned radio dial. Here are just a handful of the ways you can rock out while on your next adventure.
1. Spotify
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, streaming service Spotify is probably a big part of your workday. But even when you’re away from your office PC, don’t forget that you can also download the handy-dandy app to enjoy your own custom-made playlists or themed ones from Spotify. The service’s “Browse” feature also allows you to explore top tracks from around your neighborhood and the world.
2. Sirius XM
Ah, the wonders of modern technology. Remember the days when you used to moan and groan when you lost a good radio station during your travels? Thanks to satellite radio services like Sirius XM, you can groove the whole way to your destination without interruptions. There’s something for everyone, with family-friendly stations, garage rock, and even heavy metal all coexisting peacefully.
3. Shazam
You’ll never be left trying to identify that great tune you heard in a coffee shop or on the car radio again. Just activate this incredible name-that-tune app, which works in seconds to provide you with the title of the song, the artist, and even options to buy it. Talk about musical magic!
4. iHeartRadio
Don’t want to miss out on your favorite morning show or the nightly hits countdown on a local station while you’re on the road? The iHeart app makes it easy to tune into stations across the country that span all genres, from country to classic rock and everything in between. There are also exclusive streaming stations that correspond with different activities and moods, like “working out” and “having a laugh.”
5. Pandora
If you’re pressed for time and/or not in the mood to craft your own playlist, fire up the Pandora app to embark on a musical journey during your actual one. Discover new artists and songs that are in the same vein as your favorites, while upvoting or downvoting tracks in order to give the service a better idea of what gets you groovin’.