Get into the mood
 Songs about travel
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| What is a travel song? |
As a travel destination, Africa is diverse and inspiring. Its music is intoxicating and has been influential on many Western styles. With such a rich background, it is surprising that African themes don't appear that much in mainstream music culture. While the beats and rythyms have made it through, we would have liked to see more travel songs make it into this category. We've also included a few songs about the Middle-east too.
Africa - Toto
To some, it's one of the cheesiest songs ever written, especially with its rather awkward lyric mentioning Mount Kilimanjaro. However, you can't go by this song without listening to the belting 80s synths at least once. What doesn't kill you. only makes you stronger.
Africa - Chemical Brothers
The fast-paced electronica track that makes you feel like you're captured under a spell.
The lion sleeps tonight - Various
A song from Southern Africa that has seen many versions by different artists. Try them all and find the one that suits you most.
Zanzibar - The Hoodoo Gurus
A wonderful song about bumping into someone who you've met in a foreign land: 'Did we ever meet in Zanzibar, Two Caucasians at the town bazaar?'
I like to move it - Reel to Reel
Not a song about travel at all, but for anyone who has seen the film Madagascar, there is no way you play this song and not think of the African island.
Free Nelson Mandela - Special AKA
From South Africa's darker days, a song about the then-imprisoned Nelson Mandela, featuring great African vocals.
Sun City - Artists United Against Apartheid
Another protest song fromSouth Africa's Apartheid days - it's a shame it hasn't aged too well.
Under African skies - Paul Simon
Nice imagery for anyone heading to southern African, particularly if you are camping under the stars.
African and White - China Crisis
A simple song with drifting sounds that asks for racial equality in Africa.
Walk like an Egyptian - The Bangles
No trip to Egypt would be the same without this song or striking The Pose in front an ancient monument.
Egypt - Mental as Anything
From the Australian 80s group comes a song dedicated to Egypt.
Madness - Nightboat to Cairo
This strange song about a dodgy boat ride on the Nile will strike a chord with anyone contemplating a felucca ride in Egypt.
Fire in Cairo - The Cure
A song is about passion rather than Egypt's capital, however it's raw sound and fast pace does seem fitting for the chaos of Cairo.
Israel - Siouxsie and the Banshees
It's hardly surprising that the pioneers of Goth and Punk have produce a fairly dark song about Israel.
Tel Aviv - Duran Duran
A lesser-known and moody instrumental track from the New Romantic kings.
Lebanon - The Human League
An odd choice of topic from this early 80s band with a chorus that sounds like 'put the lemon on'.
Rivers of Babylon - Boney M
Despite being an inherently religious song, it can seem appropriate on any river whether it be the Nile, Euphrates or the Tigris.
Fire on Babylon - Sinead O'Connor
A song that captures the feeling of destruction that is often experienced at ancient sites that were once great but now lie in ruins.
Arabian Knights - Siouxsie & the Banshees
Not the most flattering song about an interesting part of the world: 'Veiled behind screens. Kept as your baby machine. Whilst you conquer more orifices. Of boys, goats and things.'