A new poll has revealed the most popular albums to listen to while driving.
Fleetwood Mac’s iconic Rumours topped the bill after drivers were asked which album they would listen to while driving alone.
Coming in at second was Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band by The Beatles, followed by Ed Sheeran’s Divide.
Other notable albums which entered into the top ten came from artists such as Adele, David Bowie, The Beach Boys, Elton John and U2.
The top three choices varied between age groups, however. Ed Sheeran took the number one spot for 18-34 year olds, while Fleetwood Mac was tied with the soundtrack from the movie ‘The Greatest Showman’ for second. However, for the remaining age groups, Fleetwood Mac was the most popular.
Edmund King, AA president, said: “Playing an album can help reduce boredom on long journeys but is there an ideal type of music to drive to? Some academics warn that up-tempo loud music may not be as safe as slower, quieter tracks.
“We are told that if music is above 60 beats per minute, listeners experience a faster heart rate and increased blood pressure which could lead to them taking more risks. Classical music may not be as fast as dance music, but the number of notes, combined with the repetitive crescendo and diminuendo can have the same effect.”
The AA survey was undertaken to coincide with the first National Album Day on October 13 and questioned over 20,000 AA members.
Fleetwood Mac’s success in the poll could be because The Chain, from the Rumours album is synonymous with Formula 1. It’s been the sport’s soundtrack on and off since 1978, making it instantly recognisable for most motoring enthusiasts.
Despite over a fifth of all music listening taking place in a car, the poll also revealed that 29 per cent of 65 year olds and over don’t listen to an album while driving. On the opposite end, only 10 per cent of 18-24 years olds admitted to driving without music.