Whether you’re cycling for pleasure or for transportation, there are some amazing songs about bicycles to make your ride a little more fun. These songs can be a great way to get into the spirit of biking or they can even serve as a motivator to keep you going on those long bike rides.
Queen – Bicycle Race
Freddie Mercury’s “Bicycle Race” is not the only notable song of Queen’s career. “Bicycle Race” was actually a double A-side single released in October of 1978. The track peaked at number 24 on the Billboard Hot 100. It also charted in seven other European countries.
The band rented 65 bikes for the occasion, a feat in itself. They filmed the video at Wimbledon Stadium in south London. The video was helmed by the estimable Denis de Vallance and featured a few other bigwigs. The video was a hit with the fans and even won an award for best music video at the BRITs. In fact, the video was so good that the company requesting them to pay for the use of the stadium demanded that they buy all of the seats. They did not, however, return the bikes with the saddles attached.
The video was also accompanied by an album containing a fold-out poster of the cyclists. This was not only the cheapest album Queen has ever recorded, but the first to be produced by Roy Thomas Baker.
Tomorrow – My White Bicycle
Psychedelic rock has tried to make its point through symbols, and one of the most notable is the bicycle. The emblem of the bike has become a familiar and enticing trope for psychedelic rock, and has obscured the origins of the subculture.
The white bicycle of Amsterdam has appeared on the streets for decades. It is not owned by anyone, and has been stolen from time to time. In fact, most were chucked in the canals during the first week of their presence on the streets. Despite this, the symbolism has proven enticing for artists, and is used often in rock songs to describe LSD trips. The symbolism has even been used in folk rock, with Donovan leaving a legacy.
Tomorrow’s ‘My White Bicycle’ became an underground hit, and is a classic of British psychedelic underground. Featuring backward guitar work, the song is an example of the musical style that would later become known as ‘psychedelia’. It is a testament to the ace musicianship of the band’s members, and had a unique hook.
Carlos Vives & Shakira – La Bicicleta
‘La Bicicleta’ is a hit song by Columbian singer Carlos Vives and Spanish singer Shakira. The song is a mashup of several musical elements, such as salsa, salsa vallenato, and Colombian traditional instruments. “La Bicicleta” became instant hits when it was released two years ago. Its music video, directed by Jaume de Laiguana, features Shakira and Vives in dance battles, visiting their hometowns, and traveling along the Caribbean coast of Colombia. The song won two of the three biggest Grammy Latino awards of the year.
The lyrics of the song include references to the Caribbean, Colombian culture, and the joys of being a child. The song also talks about how money isn’t necessary for happiness. The song takes the listener on a journey through the lives of two lovers.
The song is produced by Andres Castro, a Colombian music producer. The lyrics of the song are mostly written by Carlos Vives. However, Shakira helped to write the chorus.
The song has become one of the best selling singles in Spain. It has reached the top ten on the Billboard Latin charts.
Nat King Cole – Bicycle Built for Two
Whether or not your ride to work was a sultry affair or a sweltering heatwave, there’s no question that the Nat King Cole ain’t a ninja. Luckily, there are plenty of cool things to do in Central Florida. You could take a sleazy walk along the Miami River or a nice bike ride to the glitzy hotspots of South Beach. No matter what your fancy, the best time to make the most of your time is now. The aforementioned trifecta has you covered from A to Z. You’ll be the envy of all your mates. Not to mention, you’ll get to eat a fine meal on your way to and from the airport. You can even take the escorts of your spouse and your kids in tow. Unlike the rest of the kin, you won’t have to worry about dingy dining rooms. Probably the easiest way to do it is to call in or email your host, as long as you’re willing to listen.
Hawkwind – Silver Machine
Throughout the 1970s and into the ’80s, Hawkwind was one of the most reliable practitioners of SFF (Science Fiction Fantasy) music. They were also one of the first rock bands to use a VSC3 synthesiser. This instrument was used by Brian Eno, Jean Michel Jarre, and The Who.
“Silver Machine” is a song that was recorded live at the Roundhouse in London on February 13, 1972. The song was released as a single in 1972 and charted at number three in the UK. It was re-released in 1978 and reached number 34. It then charted again in 1976 and again in 1983.
Although the original release of “Silver Machine” did not appear on the band’s first studio album, it did appear on two other albums. The “Glastonbury Fayre” and “Non Stop Dancing” albums both contained the track. The song has since been re-released four times. It has been covered by a variety of artists, including The Sex Pistols, Jarvis Cocker, and Wayne Kramer. It has been featured in many television advertisements and has appeared on several television series.
Katie Melua – Nine Million Bicycles
During a career in which she threw her name in with the stars Katie Melua has had an illustrious career. She began singing professionally at the age of five and was dubbed the queen of the nightclubs in her native Scotland. She later moved to Northern Ireland where she attended BRIT school with the likes of Amy Winehouse and Adele. In 2005 she released her first major album, Piece by Piece. She also toured Europe, the US and Australia. She was nominated for the BBC Sound of Music Awards in 2006 and 2006. She has had her fair share of chart topping hits. She is currently working on her next album, but has recently stepped down from her role as queen of the nightclubs. She has not ruled out touring again, but is more likely to stay put in the UK. In addition to her musical endeavors, she is a qualified health coach.
Red Hot Chili Peppers – Bicycle Song
Whether you’re a fan of the Chili Peppers or not, there’s no denying that “Suck My Kiss” is one of their best-loved songs. It’s a blistering track that features rap verses from Anthony Kiedis. It’s also one of the most aggressive hits in the band’s catalog.
It’s no surprise that the Red Hot Chili Peppers have a huge catalog of rock radio staples. Their “Scar Tissue” and “Blood Sugar Sex Magik” tracks were both excellent ways to introduce the band to the rock world. Their cover of Stevie Wonder’s “Higher Ground” is definitive. The group’s cover of Nirvana’s “Tearjerker” is an appropriate tribute to Kurt Cobain. And their version of “Transcending” is filled with distorted screams.
The Red Hot Chili Peppers have been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, but that doesn’t mean they’ve given up on their roots. The band’s comeback album, Californication, reestablished them as superstars and put them back on the map. They’re currently on a global stadium tour. This song has been played on every show.
