Today, we are finishing our top ten countdown with the number two and number one song on our “best of” list. As a refresher, over the last five days, we compiled a list of the Top 10 songs that prevent you from downshifting. Don’t forget, these are the tunes that are most likely to get you in trouble with Barney Fife, and probably get you a very expensive ticket.
Number Two: Ace Of Spades by Motorhead
Any song that is cast on video games like Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3, DJ Hero, SingStar Amped, Rock Band 2, Rock Band Unplugged, and Guitar Hero: Metallica, better be one with guitars in overdrive. Motorhead’s Ace Of Spades brings that and more. So powerful are the guitar riffs, the song was used in Grosse Point Blank, a fast-paced movie about a professional killer that returns to his high school reunion.
The lyrics are mostly about gambling, playing cards, and dice, that sets the tone of a Vegas gambler. What could be more appropriate than gambling when it comes to avoiding the police on an open stretch of road? The only card you need is the ace of spades.
Number One: Up Around The Bend by Creedence Clearwater Revival
Creedence Clearwater Revival released their single “Run Through The Jungle” in April of 1970. The band was shocked when the B-side of the single took off and faired better than the feature side. “Up Around The Bend” has all the components of a great driving song: A catchy opening guitar riff, hard driving rhythm from beginning to end, and lyrics that talk about fast driving.
These components combine to make “Up Around The Bend” a classic, and one of the top three best driving songs on anyone’s lists. In addition, “Up Around the Bend” has appeared in the following films: Michael (1996), Remember the Titans (2000), Invincible (2006), The Hoax (2007), Red Dawn (2012), and Free Birds (2013). It was also used in the TV mini-series, From the Earth to the Moon (1998), and in an episode of My Name Is Earl (2008).
As the ultimate compliment, the song was also included in the video game, “Guitar Hero World Tour.”