“Real Gone” by Sheryl Crow plays during the opening race montage in Pixar's Cars (2006).
The song accompanies the film’s energetic introduction, which presents Lightning McQueen as a confident rookie competing in the final race of the Piston Cup season. Its rock-and-country sound establishes the movie’s American road and racing atmosphere immediately.
“Life Is a Highway,” performed by Rascal Flatts, is another prominent Cars song, but it plays later during McQueen and Mater’s nighttime drive and montage. “Our Town” by James Taylor is used in a quieter sequence connected with Radiator Springs.
The Cars soundtrack combines original music by Randy Newman with songs by established artists. That mix helped the film appeal to both family audiences and listeners familiar with American road music.