More than three-quarters of drivers (78%) love to belt out a song in the car – with Queen's “Don't Stop Me Now” topping the list of sing-along driving tunes, a study has found.
The 1979 top 10 hit was followed by the ABBA classic “Dancing Queen”, and “Livin' On A Prayer” by Bon Jovi.
Meanwhile Neil Diamond's “Sweet Caroline”, and Meatloaf's “Bat Out Of Hell” rounded out the top five car songs.
The survey of 2,000 motorists revealed that pop was the preferred music genre to croon along to in the car, for 34% – followed by rock (20%), and R&B (4%).
And 42% of those polled said a good sing-along is an “essential” part of their driving experience, with over half (51%) claiming it makes them happy.
However, only one in five (21%) believe they are any good – while 18% have considered taking singing lessons.
The research was commissioned by Fiat, and was inspired by its all-electric 500 La Prima, which features a JBL audio system.
Following the findings, the Italian car brand has partnered with The X Factor and Britain’s Got Talent vocal coach, Annabel Williams, to provide top tips to become pitch-perfect behind the wheel.
Annabel said: “In partnership with Fiat, we’ve revealed what Brits really get up to when it comes to singing in the car.
“There is just something about singing along in the car that brings people a lot of joy – perhaps because you can just go for it, and no-one can hear you.
“I love being able to sing in the car without judgement – unless you have passengers, of course!
“Ultimately, though, singing should be something enjoyed by everyone, no matter what their level. Singing is therapeutic, and always makes people feel better.
“Whatever your ability, I’ve put together five top tips to help you become pitch-perfect behind the wheel in the new all-electric Fiat 500.”
The study, carried out via OnePoll, also found 16% of motorists have been asked to stop singing in the car, while 11% have been left embarrassed after being caught crooning.
Nearly two-thirds (64%) believe music is essential for the optimum driving experience, with 62% claiming singing along makes long journeys go quicker.
But 54% find driving less enjoyable if they’re forced to listen to music they don’t like – while 65% have had arguments over the choice of tunes during a car journey.
And 37% have been forced to listen to tone-deaf passengers or drivers while on the road – likely making their journeys slightly less mood-boosting.
A spokesman for Fiat said: “Our research highlights the joy that singing in a car brings to drivers.
“Clearly, the private sanctuary of a car gives drivers the confidence to hit the high notes, even if people don’t think they can actually sing.
“That’s why we’ve teamed up with Annabel Williams to share her in-car singing tips – as it's near silent on the road, we think it’s a great environment to sing in.”
TOP 40 BEST SONGS TO SING ALONG TO IN THE CAR:
- Queen – Don't Stop Me Now
- ABBA – Dancing Queen
- Bon Jovi – Livin' On A Prayer
- Neil Diamond – Sweet Caroline
- Meatloaf – Bat Out Of Hell
- Fleetwood Mac – Go Your Own Way
- The Killers – Mr Brightside
- Kings of Leon – Sex On Fire
- Pharrell Williams – Happy
- Bruce Springsteen – Born To Run
- Spandau Ballet – Gold
- The Beatles – Hey Jude
- Fleetwood Mac – The Chain
- The Weather Girls – It's Raining Men
- Culture Club – Karma Chameleon
- Rod Stewart – Maggie May
- Dire Straits – Money For Nothing
- Taylor Swift – Shake It Off
- Steppenwolf – Born To Be Wild
- Cyndi Lauper – Girls Just Want To Have Fun
- Take That – Never Forget
- Bryan Adams – Run To You
- Petula Clark – Downtown
- Fleetwood Mac – Dreams
- David Bowie – Let's Dance
- David Bowie – Heroes
- Lady Gaga – Poker Face
- Rihanna – Umbrella
- Beyoncé – Single Ladies
- Duran Duran – Rio
- Frank Sinatra – Fly Me To The Moon
- Alanis Morrissette – Ironic
- Frank Sinatra – My Way
- Katy Perry – Roar
- Harry Styles – As It Was
- Madonna – Holiday
- Michael Jackson – Smooth Criminal
- Demi Lovato – Let It Go (from “Frozen”)
- Madonna – Like A Virgin
- Depeche Mode – Just Can't Get Enough
ANNABEL WILLIAMS' TOP FIVE IN-CAR SINGING TIPS:
- WARM UP – It’s important to warm up your voice so you can go for those big notes in the car safely and without straining.
- STAY HYDRATED – Your vocal cords love to be lubricated, and will work a lot better and for longer if you’ve watered them regularly. So, make sure to keep a bottle of water handy in your cup holder.
- BREATHE – Breathing is the first thing to learn when learning to sing. It makes everything easier, and helps you support big notes (even sitting down in the car). Winding down the window can help by letting some fresh air in.
- SONG CHOICE – Make sure you pick songs that suit you and are in your range. We want to show off what you CAN do, not what you CAN’T, at this stage.
- SINGING IN TUNE – Make sure you listen to the instruments in the backing track or song you’re singing along to, it can really help sort the good notes from the bad. Adjusting your car’s stereo for bass and treble can help you pick up on different instruments.
