It’s no exaggeration to say the trucking services industry keeps this country going. Because it’s such a crucial part of our everyday lives, and it employs so many people across the nation, it’s no wonder there are plenty of songs about truck driving out there, although it seems like most of them fall squarely into the genre of country music. Despite the fact that truck drivers themselves are a varied bunch, most of the music associated with the occupation sounds awfully similar. As such, we decided to highlight a few songs about truck driving that will keep you awake for the overnight shipping shift.
Big Black: The Power of Independent Trucking
On the opener of legendary punk/noise rock outfit Big Black’s final album from 1987, lead singer Steve Albini pontificates “the backbone of this country is the independent truck,” masking the vocals in an effect to suggest the crackle of a truck driver’s CB radio.
Modest Mouse: Trucker’s Atlas
This highlight from Washington-based Modest Mouse’s breakthrough 1997 album The Lonesome Crowded West sprawls for over 11 minutes, conveying the long, repetitious nature of driving across the country. Not that this track isn’t a thrill the whole way through, especially with the driving rhythm section of drummer Jeremiah Green and bassist Eric Judy.
Oxes: Top Trucker
Like all songs by the Baltimore math rock trio Oxes, this track from the band’s self-titled 2005 EP is instrumental, but the title may be a reference to the extra grimy Lynyrd Skynyrd-esque riff it prominently features.
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