The Psychology Behind Your Driving Playlist
Picture this iconic scene: Shah Rukh Khan leaning into the wind, singing Yeh Dil Deewana with a voice brimming with freedom, longing, and youthful exuberance. In the film Pardes, this song perfectly mirrors the driver's emotional state, amplifying romance and raw feeling. It poses a simple yet profound question: when we press play in our own cars, aren't we engaging in the same act—allowing our curated playlists to articulate our unspoken emotions and inner world?
Your Playlist as a Personality Mirror
According to Dr. Arti Shroff, a clinical psychologist, the music we select while driving often serves as a direct reflection of our core identity. "Music choices can reveal whether someone is introverted or extroverted, thrill-seeking or calm-seeking," she states. "The inherent need for excitement or peace that we carry throughout our day frequently manifests in the soundtrack we choose for the road."
However, the emotional context is crucial. Dr. Shroff issues a caution regarding aggressive or fast-paced tracks, noting their potential impact on driving behavior. "High-energy music increases adrenaline production and can foster a dangerous sense of overconfidence, leading to heightened risk-taking," she explains. "In certain high-pressure situations, such auditory stimulation may even act as a trigger for road rage."
How Journeys Shape Musical Choices
For countless drivers, musical preferences are not static; they evolve with the nature of the journey itself. Chaitri Mehrotra, who gravitates towards music with strong, driving beats, observes this shift. "Road trips typically commence with high-energy anthems and gradually transition to softer travel melodies like Phir Se Ud Chala or Ilahi as the drive settles into a rhythm," she says.
She notes that short urban commutes offer far more flexibility. "Some days call for mellow indie or Coke Studio tracks, while other days demand the comfort of old Bollywood classics. Specific songs possess the power to instantly elevate your mood or induce calm, especially following a long or stressful day."
For 24-year-old Rachita Kurmi, music directly dictates her driving temperament. "Fast, high-adrenaline songs propel me into a racing mindset, whereas softer tracks encourage me to slow down," she shares, adding that singing along to familiar favorites helps her maintain composure in traffic—particularly on notoriously stressful routes like the Mumbai–Pune Expressway.
Beyond Taste: Music as a Stress Management Tool
A person's go-to driving playlist can reveal more about their psychological makeup than their mere musical taste. Namrata Joshi, a mental health expert, elaborates on this concept. "The music we choose while driving says less about our aesthetic preferences and more about our strategies for managing stress," she asserts.
She explains that drivers who lean towards calm, familiar sounds—such as soft Bollywood classics, ghazals, or instrumental tracks—are often consciously seeking emotional equilibrium while navigating noisy, unpredictable roads. Joshi points to scientific research that substantiates this connection between music and temperament. "Studies demonstrate that tempo and volume directly influence stimulation levels and mental workload during driving. Different personalities exhibit varied responses to genres—rock music, for instance, raises both stimulation and perceived workload more significantly than lighter music. This isn't an indictment of thrill-seekers as reckless; it simply reflects a nervous system calibrated for higher stimulation."
Echoing this perspective, Dr. Arti Shroff notes that drivers drawn to loud, fast, adrenaline-pumping music with bold lyrics often display extroverted personality traits. Conversely, those who prefer softer, gentler playlists typically possess a lower tolerance for external stimulation and consciously select music that fosters a sense of calm and emotional regulation.
The Universal Appeal of Feel-Good Pop
Why does upbeat pop consistently dominate road trip soundtracks? The evidence lies in initiatives like 'The World’s Happiest Car Playlist,' which heavily features optimistic pop favorites from artists like Taylor Swift, Dua Lipa, Katy Perry, and Pink. This suggests a widespread driver craving for positivity and energizing vibes on the road.
Songs such as Shake It Off and Firework are engineered to lift spirits with their feel-good lyrics, while timeless classics like September provide comfort through sheer familiarity. Created by Fiat in collaboration with music psychologist Dr. Claire Renfrew, this playlist identifies songs scientifically linked to eliciting joy during road trips.
Lyrics also play a pivotal role in shaping the driving experience. Dr. Shroff emphasizes, "Music is profoundly connected to memory and emotion. Violent or aggressive lyrics can trigger corresponding emotional states, while romantic or soothing music can evoke calmer, more positive feelings."
Over time, a driving playlist is rarely a permanent fixture. Mumbai-based Rachita Kurmi observes, "It has definitely evolved over the years. While the core essence remains somewhat consistent, my playlists transform as I'm exposed to new artists and cultural influences. With social media making global music incredibly accessible, there's now a far greater variety in my listening habits."
Music as a Strategic Buffer Against Traffic Stress
Music can be a powerful tool for reducing road rage and anxiety—if selected with mindfulness, according to mental health professionals. Namrata Joshi explains the context: "Indian roads present a highly stressful environment, where constant honking and sensory overload can readily trigger anger and frustration. Aggressive music can exacerbate this irritation, whereas gentle, familiar tracks help decelerate the nervous system, lower heart rate, and steady breathing."
She adds, "In practical terms, many anxious drivers instinctively turn to devotional or acoustic playlists to regain emotional control. When used intentionally, music transforms into a form of emotional self-care—assisting drivers in remaining calm, patient, and fully present in the moment."
Delhi-based Chaitri Mehrotra shares her personal experience: "For me, music primarily aids focus. On longer drives, it maintains my alertness and engagement, and singing along actually helps me stay present rather than slipping into autopilot mode... When I'm stuck in traffic, music keeps me calmer and more patient than silence ever could."
Namrata Joshi concludes with a key insight into the adaptive nature of our playlists: "Our musical selections naturally change in response to traffic conditions, fatigue levels, and shifting moods. Transitioning from loud, energetic songs to calmer music is a normal and psychologically healthy adjustment. Fundamentally, it helps us maintain focus and balance—we choose music not necessarily to project an identity, but to effectively cope with the demands of the road."
