Leaning into the wind, Shah Rukh Khan sings Yeh Dil Deewana, his voice full of freedom, longing, and youthful joy. In Pardes, the song mirrors the driver’s state of mind, amplifying romance and emotion. It raises a simple question: when we press play in our cars, aren’t we doing the same—letting our playlist speak for us?According to Dr Arti Shroff, clinical psychologist, what we listen to while driving often reflects who we are.
“Music choices can reveal whether someone is introverted or extroverted, thrill-seeking or calm-seeking. The need for excitement or peace we carry through the day often shows up in our driving playlist,” she says.But the mood matters. Dr Shroff cautions that aggressive or fast-paced tracks can affect behaviour on the road. “High-energy music increases adrenaline and can create a sense of overconfidence, leading to risk-taking. In some situations, it may even trigger road rage,” she explains.Music choices change with the journeyFor many drivers, music choices change with the nature of the journey. “Road trips usually begin with high-energy tracks and slowly shift to softer travel songs like Phir Se Ud Chala or Ilahi as the drive settles in,” says Chaitri Mehrotra, who gravitates towards music with strong, driving beats. She notes that short city commutes are far more flexible. “Some days it’s mellow indie or Coke Studio, other days it’s old Bollywood classics.
Certain songs can instantly lift your mood or calm you down, especially after a long or stressful day,” she says.For 24-year-old Rachita Kurmi, music directly shapes her driving mood. “Fast, high-adrenaline songs push me into a racing mindset, while softer tracks slow me down,” she says, adding that singing along to familiar favourites helps her stay calm in traffic—particularly on stressful routes like the Mumbai–Pune Expressway.
How music shapes mood behind the wheelA person’s go-to driving playlist can reveal more about their personality than their musical taste. “The music we choose while driving says less about what we like and more about how we manage stress,” says Namrata Joshi, mental health expert. She explains that drivers who lean towards calm, familiar sounds—such as soft Bollywood classics, ghazals, or instrumental tracks—are often seeking emotional balance while navigating noisy, unpredictable roads.Joshi points out that scientific research supports this link between music and temperament. “Studies show that tempo and volume influence stimulation levels and mental workload while driving. Different personalities respond differently to genres—rock music, for instance, raises stimulation and perceived workload more than lighter music. This doesn’t mean thrill seekers are reckless; it simply reflects a nervous system tuned to higher stimulation.
”Echoing this, Dr Arti Shroff, clinical psychologist, notes that drivers drawn to loud, fast, adrenaline-pumping music with bold lyrics often display extroverted traits. In contrast, those who prefer softer playlists usually have a lower tolerance for external stimulation and choose music that helps them feel calm and emotionally regulated.Why feel-good pop wins– The World’s Happiest Car Playlist leans on upbeat pop favourites—Taylor Swift, Dua Lipa, Katy Perry and Pink—suggesting drivers crave positivity and energy on the road– Songs like Shake It Off and Firework lift spirits with feel-good lyrics, while classics such as September add comfort through familiarity.
Created by Fiat with music psychologist Dr Claire Renfrew, the list identify songs scientifically linked to joy on road trips.Lyrics do play an important roleLyrics also play a role. Dr Shroff expresses, “Music is deeply connected to memory and emotion. Violent or aggressive lyrics can trigger similar emotional states, while romantic or soothing music can evoke calmer, more positive feelings.”Over time, a driving playlist rarely stays the same. Mumbai-based Rachita says, “It has definitely changed over the years.
While the core remains more or less the same, my playlists evolve as I’m exposed to new artists and cultures. With social media making everything so accessible, there’s now far more variety in what I listen to.”Music as a stress buffer in peak trafficMusic can reduce road rage and anxiety—if chosen mindfully, says mental health experts. “Indian roads are highly stressful, with honking and sensory overload triggering anger and frustration.
Aggressive music can worsen irritation, while gentle, familiar tracks help slow the nervous system, lower heart rate and steady breathing,” explains Joshi, adding, “In practice, many anxious drivers turn to devotional or acoustic playlists to regain emotional control.
Used well, music becomes emotional self-care—helping drivers stay calm, patient and present.”“For me, music mostly helps with focus. On longer drives, it keeps me alert and engaged, and singing along actually helps me stay present rather than drift into autopilot…
When I’m stuck in traffic, music keeps me calmer and more patient than silence ever could” — Delhi-based Chaitri Mehrotra.“Our playlists change with traffic, tiredness, and mood. Moving from loud songs to calmer music is normal and healthy. Psychologically, it helps us stay focused and balanced—we pick music not to show who we are, but to cope on the road” – Namrata Joshi, mental health expert.
