Ultimate First Wave Moto Music Playlist.

Let Me Take You On A Trip, Around The World And Back.   

World In My Eyes -Depeche Mode

Depeche Mode - Violator Press Photo

©2014 Words by Jim Foreman

Several weeks ago, a trip to Joshua Tree National Park inspired a straight-through listening of U2's "The Joshua Tree."

Since writing that article, a constant question has been, "What do you listen to while riding?"

My tastes are quite eclectic, but instead of copying and pasting my playlist, it seemed only right to come up with an awesome and unique playlist, instead.

One of the most interesting decades of music is the 80's. Synthpop, punk and new wave ruled the day.

If you're looking for "Born to be Wild" by Steppenwolf, you won't find it here.

Here are some songs to consider adding to your music playlist.  They all involve traveling or an interesting destination.


Initially, a couple songs were omitted on the list because I couldn't stand them (Road to nowhere - Talking Heads) or they didn't seem to quite fit.  Now a bit wiser, I just threw them in the mix and let you decide what you like or don't like.

It's true... Some of the songs are cheats having been released in the late 70's (Jammin) or the early 90's.

If this isn't your type of music.  No worries.  Suggest a playlist to be assembled.

Either way, the goal is to put it out there and have you enjoy it.  If you feel strongly about a song selection or something missed, add it into the comments.  If you wish, a new list with great rock tracks about traveling can be put together.  Perhaps another decade or modern cuts.

All of that sounds fun!  Happy Listening....

These are presented in no particular order.  If you'd like to listen to these songs straight through, here is a YouTube Playlist.  You're house or bike will be perfectly clean at the end of this playlist.

Never Let Me Down -Depeche Mode
This stadium anthem starts with the line, "I'm taking a ride with my best friend."  A great start!  It's a great song for the open road and sure to get you in a great groove.  The video features a BMW Isetta, just to make you smile.

The Passenger -Siouxsie and the Banshees
Originally written and performed by Iggy Pop, this is a great version of the cult classic.  It's also been used in many movie trailers.  "We ride and we ride."

Destination Unknown -Missing Persons
The spectacular team of Terry and Dale Bozzio along with guitarist, Warren Cuccerelo.   Cited as Lady Gaga's key influence, Dale Bozzio lands this ageless song about wanderlust.

Lust For Life -Iggy Pop
 Iggy Pop is a punk rock founder.  When Punk was raw, Iggy led the charge with outrageous live antics.  Lust For Life sums up motorcycling quite well.

China -Red Rockers
This one-hit wonder from the US scored big with this brilliant track.  China is an exciting travel destination and one that offers a motorcyclist some spectacular roads and scenery.

Where the Streets Have No Name -U2

This timeless track still gets one singing full volume inside one's helmet.   Every song on this album is amazing and timeless.

Behind the Wheel/Route 66 -Depeche Mode
A rare remix that combines two huge songs.  The B-Side to "Behind the Wheel" included a great cover of "Route 66".  "Behind the Wheel" is a pulse thumping road trip anthem and the seamless blending with "Route 66" will have you singing and rocking on your bike.

My Own Way -Duran Duran
From their first album, this disco inspired track is fun and whimsical.  It's not one of their mega-hits, but it's worth a listen.

Down Under -Men at Work
"I met a strange lady, she made me nervous.  She took me in and gave me breakfast."  This top 10 cut from the 80's is the breakout hit from Men At Work.  Colin Hay delivers in this song that never gets old.

Nowhere Girl -B Movie
This lesser-known track is no less interesting.  The haunting vocals and chorus will leave you listening to this song over and over again.

Roam -B52's
The ultimate party band, this classic from the 'Cosmic Thing' album was the followup to the super-hit 'Love Shack'.

Hot in the City -Billy Idol
If you grew up in the 80's, you will recognize this song as the opening theme song to "21 Jump Street" starring a very young Johnny Depp.  Naturally, Billy Idol is on his motorcycle in this video.

Living on the Ceiling -Blancmange
"You keep me running round and round, well that's alright with me." This is an infectious song with a great riff.

Song 2 -Blur
Wooo-Hoooo!  Play this loud when you're on the race track or are killing it in the canyons.

Jammin -Bob Marley and the Wailers
A bit of a cheat here as this is from the late '70s.  Nobody puts one in a great riding mood better than Bob Marley.  "I want to be jamming with you!"

Boy -Book of Love
Though written by a guy, Ted Ottovanio, this great track from the 80's was a symbol of Women's Empowerment.  It's got a great dance beat and will put pictures of lovely women riding motorcycles in your head.

The Chauffeur -Duran Duran
The Chauffeur is a hypnotic track from Duran Duran.  One of their early examples that set them above much of the other music coming out at the time.  The official video is age-restricted, but worth it.  Who hasn't felt like a chauffeur carrying a passenger?

There's No Other Way -Blur
Another great track from the Manchester band Blur.  It's certainly perfect for any kind of riding.

Avalon -Roxy Music
Alas, unless you're a resident of Catalina Island, you won't be doing any riding in Avalon.  Bryan Ferry belts out this great cue and is perfect for the trip home.

Rumble in Brighton -Stray Cats
If the Red Bull you just drank didn't get your energy level up, play this track, loud.  Brian Setzer and the Stray Cats scored a major hit with this upbeat song.

China Girl -David Bowie
Had to slip a song from the immortal David Bowie on this list.

Road to Nowhere - Talking Heads
Talking Heads is one of those groups that one either loves or doesn't.  Regardless of personal feelings, this song undeniably belongs on this list.

 

London Calling -The Clash
"You know what they say, some of it was true!"  The Clash combined punk, political angst and great guitar licks on this huge hit.

I Could Be Happy -Altered Images
Best known for 'Happy Birthday', Altered Images' Clare Grogan's whimsical vocals make for a happy tune.  It's best to play if you're thinking about riding while at work or considering buying another motorcycle.

Transmission - Joy Division
Joy Division is the band at the forefront of the transition from Punk to New Wave music.  The Manchester sound was gaining fans across the world.  Sadly, Singer Ian Curtis' suicide led to the reformation of the band into New Order which continued the drive of the second British Invasion.
Though this song is about a radio transmission, it's only a minor stretch to imagine the transmission on your bike.  It's also an amazing song.

Should I Stay or Should I Go? -The Clash
Arguably, The Clash's biggest hit.  The opening riff sets a rebellious tone that permeates throughout the entire song.  Again, play it loud!

Electric Avenue -Eddy Grant
"We're going to rock down to Electric Avenue.  And then we take it higher."  A great song about social justice that features Eddy on his motorcycle.

Big in Japan -Alphaville
Alphaville is one of the bands that define the New-Romantic movement during the mid-'80s.  This cut will leave you reminiscing about the great times of the '80s.

Pass the Dutchie -Music Youth
When riding in Britain, where Musical Youth is from, you'd always pass a Dutchie on the left-hand side.

Life In a Northern Town -Dream Academy
This dreamy song about life in London during the 60's will leave you deep in thought.  The haunting chorus will get you every time.

I Fought the Law -The Clash
Another rebellious angst song perfectly covered by The Clash.

Fascination Street -The Cure
"Disintegration" was one of the biggest albums of 1989.  This amazing release features, 'Lovesong', 'Lullabye', 'Pictures of You' and this amazing and deep hit.

Break My Stride -Matthew Wilder
"Ain't nothing gonna slow me down... Oh no.  I've got to keep on moving."  This is a great bouncy track that is fun and enjoyable.  Blue Lagoon actually did a much more interesting cover of this song, but here is the mustachioed original.

Stop -Jane's Addiction
This track crosses genres and really leads the tectonic shift that became Grunge Rock.  It's a brilliant track and one that deserves to be listened to again and again.

60 Miles an Hour -New Order
Another cheat here.   This time borrowing from the 90's.  Some New Order fans, like seemingly all major group fans, expressed disappointment with the later releases from New Order.  Those fans should listen to this exceptional track.

I Ran -Flock of Seagulls
Flock of Seagulls biggest hit, though not their only hit.  You know the song.  Sing it.

World In My Eyes -Depeche Mode
The opening track to Depeche Mode's amazing Violator album.  There is not a bad track on this album.  This song is about using travel as a means of seduction.

Vacation -Go Go's
Despite their punk origins, this purely pop track is fun and memorable.  If played in a bar, the entire crowd will be singing the chorus.

New Sensation -INXS
"Live, baby, live!" INXS recorded dozens of amazing songs and this one is among them.  Think of what it felt like to be riding your bike when you first got it.

Autobahn -Kraftwerk
Kraftwerk was cool before it was cool to be cool before it was cool.  Kraftwerk is the originator of Electronic Dance Music.  This song deserves to be on your playlist.

Night Boat - Duran Duran
This song is one of those amazing gems that was always out there but nobody paid any mind to.  Dwarfed by other massive hits from this album, this song is certainly the most interesting.

Overkill -Men at Work
Another great track from the boys down under.  Often considered a 'thinking man's Men At Work' track, this song can be about everything compared to riding a motorbike.

Forever Young -Alphaville
Alphaville's second song on this list and certainly it's biggest.  While it will conjure up images of "Napoleon Dynamite" and Jay-Z, this is the original and exactly the way riding a motorcycle makes one feel. For fun, here is a live version from 2013.

Blue Monday - New Order
It's no secret, New Order is one of my favorite groups ever.  After a glorious weekend riding, it's difficult not to have a 'Blue Monday.'  "Tell Me Now How Do I Feel"

A Certain Jeis Ne Se Quoi -Pet Shop Boys
Ok, this one isn't even close to the '80s.  It was released in 2014.  This B-Side to 'Winner' will have you dancing and enjoying your riding wherever in the world you happen to be.

Reap the Wild Wind -Ultravox
Though huge in the UK, Ultravox didn't get as much traction in the US.  Led by Midge Ure, "Reap the Wild Wind" will certainly draw you in with its deep lyrics and haunting melody.

Home -Depeche Mode
"Home", sung by Martin Gore is a great wind-down song after a great day of riding.  The Chorus, "And I thank you.  For bringing me here.  For showing me home. For singing these tears.  Finally, I found that I belong here." will leave you feeling pretty content after a great ride.  Live, "Home" is amazing.

No One Lives Forever -Oingo Boingo
Oingo Boingo has recorded so many great songs, one could just make a great playlist with only Oingo Boingo tracks.  This one is no exception.  Live it's even better. "No One Lives Forever" from their Farewell Concert.

I Wanted to Tell Her -Ministry
Have you ever made a big purchase without telling your partner?  Maybe a motorcycle? If so, then this is your song.  Ministry would all but disown "With Sympathy", which this song appears.  For many, this is an amazing and diverse album and deserves acclaim.

There Is a Light -The Smiths
While a little morbid in its nature, this is often cited as one of the best songs ever recorded by The Smiths.  Most are familiar with the breakup of The Smiths with guitarist and co-writer Johnny Marr going one way and Morrissey going his own.  Recently, both Marr and Morrissey have been performing Smiths' songs.  Take a view of the surprisingly good performance of Johnny Marr at Glastonbury and a recent performance from Morrissey at the Hollywood Bowl.

Round & Round -New Order
From New Order's Technique album, this musically perfect track is a must on any riding playlist.

Russian Radio -Red Flag
Considered a Depeche Mode sound-alike band, Red Flag scored a huge hit with Russian Radio.  Fun and dancey, this is going to leave you grinning big in your helmet.

She Sells Sanctuary - The Cult
One of my favorite songs ever!  Certainly, a motorcycle sells sanctuary, just like this song.   Put it up against any current song and it holds up just fine.

Blitzkrieg Bop -The Ramones
"Hey Ho.  Let's Go!"  The immortal Ramones.  Also a special live version.

Elevation -U2
In-studio, this isn't U2's strongest track, but live it's absolutely amazing.  It's a great song to get one's blood pumping at the start of a great ride.

Suddenly, Last Summer -The Motels
A haunting cut by Martha Davis and The Motels.  It's a great way to reminisce on a great riding season, for those who are limited by riding seasons.

Crash -The Primitives
"You go way to fast..."  The primitives scored their one big hit with 'Crash.'  Used in many movies including "Dumb and Dumber."

Just Another Day -Oingo Boingo
Oingo Boingo is best known in Los Angeles with frontman Danny Elfman.  Yes, that Danny Elfman!  This is a killer song that will amp you up and is perfect for the track or canyons. Oingo Boingo was always known for its amazing live shows.

See the Lights -Simple Minds
"See the lights" is another great wind-down song after a great day of riding.

It's My Life -Talk Talk
Later covered amazingly by No Doubt, this song is a perfect explanation for why we ride. Unbelievably, this song sounds great live, too!

West End Girls -Pet Shop Boys
Pet Shop Boys broke out huge with this song and never really looked back.  Bet you can recite the rap perfectly.

California Sun -Ramones 
Oh yes, The Ramones.  No list of songs of the 80's list would be complete without the Ramones.

Heaven -Psychedelic Furs
Richard Butler croons a perfect song about what it feels like to be riding on your motorcycle.

Fantastic Day -Haircut 100
How can riding a motorcycle be anything but a fantastic day?

Life's What You Make It -Talk Talk
It's as if Talk Talk was inspired by motorcycling with these two amazing tracks.  Again, the live version is also fantastic!

Mad World -Tears For Fears
From their debut album, The Hurting, Tears for Fears scored a major hit with this oft covered song.
"All around me are familiar faces, worn out places, worn out faces..."

You Make Me Feel So Good -Book of Love
Book of love's second song on this list.  Not as big of a hit as 'Boy' and 'Pretty Boys and Pretty Girls' but a great song, nonetheless. Perfect for riding...

Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For -U2
From the amazing 'Joshua Tree' album.  This anthem is going to take you far.
If you aren't left tingling after this perfect song, it may be time to check your pulse.

Never Stop -Front 242
Front 242 was at the forefront of the Industrial sound.  This surprising dance track will have you bobbing your head in a driving motion.

Kids in America -Kim Wilde
"New York to East California, there's a new sound coming, I warn you."  That song is quintessentially 80's yet timeless.   It's surprisingly deep lyrics will play with your emotions.  No auto-tune here.

Anarchy in the UK -Sex Pistols
"Don't know what I want but I know how to get it!"  A great track actually from the late 70's but whatever.  The cheating has already been acknowledged.

Walking in L.A. -Missing Persons
Another triumph from Missing Persons.  This song still sound new and fresh today.  Play it for a teenager and say it's a new track.

Los Angeles -X
LA's own punk band, X delivers with 'Los Angeles'.  A great commentary on the times.

In a Big Country -Big Country
Big Country's biggest hit.  It's a perfect song for a cross-country run.

Into the Gap -Thompson Twins
"East is east, west is west.  Two different colors on the map."

Enjoy the Silence -Depeche Mode
"All I ever wanted, all I ever needed, is here in my arms.  Words are very unnecessary.  They can only do harm."  An amazing song that can really be interpreted into motorcycling.  Amazing live, too.

Again, If you'd like to listen to these tracks Start to Finish, click here for a YouTube Playlist.

Thanks to Irv Seaver BMW of Orange County, CA for sponsoring this blog.  When in Orange County, do stop in to say, “Hi!” and enjoy one of the best and largest selections of new and pre-owned BMW Motorcycles in the country.  Please mention that you like these stories.