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Mar 28, 2012 · Sweater Weather Lyrics: And all I am is a man / I want the world in my hands / I hate the beach, but I stand / In California with my toes in the sand / Use the sleeves of my sweater, let's have...
- How Many Songs About California Are there?
- What Song Best Represents California?
- Pop Songs About California
- R&B Songs About California
- Rap Songs About California
- Rock Songs About California
- Folk Songs About California
If you’ve ever been to California, you know that it’s a pretty inspiring place. Not only because of all the famous people that reside there but also because of the free-thinking nature of its inhabitants. So, what kind of music is California known for? You can bet it’s pretty much all your favorite songs of the last 50 years that didn’t come out of...
To kick off our rundown of favorite songs on California, we’ll get right to it with possibly the most iconic songs that best represent the state.
“California Girls” – The Beach Boys
One of the greatest hits by The Beach Boys, ‘California Girls’ embodies the energy of sun in the fun at the beach. And appropriately so, it comes from the band’s 1965 album, ‘Summer Days (And Summer Nights!!)’. The song celebrates the women of California and all over the rest of the world, making it the perfect summer anthem. The song is said to have been conceptualized by Beach Boy Brian Wilson during his first acid trip, prompting his meticulous production and distinguishable orchestral pre...
“California Dreamin’” – The Mamas & the Papas
‘California Dreamin” is one of those songs that just feel like warm summer nights right before sunset. Performed by the folk-rock group, The Mamas & the Papas in 1965, the song is a staple from the flower power era. If frolicking among the flowers had a soundtrack, ‘California Dreamin’’ would be it. The song tells the story of someone in a cold city longing to be back in the California sun. It was initially written and performed by a lesser-known artist named Barry McGuire, with The Mamas & t...
“California Gurls” – Katy Perry
From the 1960s to the late 2000s, California indeed continues to have its effect on people. And by the California girl herself, what else would you expect? Katy Perry’s ‘California Gurls’ was the debut single from her acclaimed sophomore album, Teenage Dream, back in 2009. The song features the California legend Snoop Dogg and is said to have been a West Coast response to the song, ‘Empire State of Mind,’ the then-popular New York anthem by Jay-Z and Alicia Keys. Featuring lyrics that portray...
“California Soul” – Marlena Shaw
The song that was once recorded by Marvin Gaye in the 1970s is also what put Marlene Shaw on everyone’s radar back in 1969. “California Soul” is that funky, soulful tune you listen to while the California sun hits your dark sunglasses as you drive through the L.A. cityscape. The song is not only iconic for its dreamy, California vibe but also because of how transferable the vibe is. The song has been sampled on a number of hip-hop and R&B songs showing just how timeless it is.
“(Sittin’ On) The Dock Of The Bay” – Otis Redding
For many, making the way out to California represents the freedom to do whatever it is you want to do. Few songs capture this sentiment better than Otis Redding’s immortal ‘(Sittin’ On) The Dock Of The Bay’. In the song, the narrator talks about leaving their less-than-ideal work-life in Georgia to head out to San Francisco, just to sit on the dock and watch the ships and the tide. The ultimate song for all of us who “can’t do what ten people tell me to do”.
“California” – Phantom Planet
Few remember now that famed actor Jason Schwartzman (of all those Wes Anderson films that you love) had a successful side career as a drummer for the indie-rock band Phantom Planet. Their biggest hit was this nod to California and was used as the theme song for the hit massively popular TV show ‘The O.C.’.
“California Love” – 2Pac
With what’s still his most successful single to date, Tupac Shakur’s “California Love” might be one of the greatest hip-hop love letters to any city. Not only is the song synonymous with summer on the West Coast, but it’s also one of the most classic rap songs of the 1990s, topping the Billboard Top 100 for two weeks. Simply put, the song is all about repping your west coast city and having a good time doing it. Tupac’s aim with this song is to make anyone not from California green with envy....
“Going Back To Cali” – The Notorious B.I.G.
If we are putting Dr. Dre and Tupac Shakur’s 90s hip-hop classic ‘California Love’ on this list, then we have to include the era’s best-known East Coaster and his ode to the Golden State. Written during the unfortunate and blown-out-of-proportion East Coast vs. West Coast rap fued, Biggie made a point of including lyrics (Thinkin’ I’m gon’ stop, givin’ L.A. props?/All I got is beef with those that violate me) that showed whatever issues he had had nothing to do with California, just a few ind...
“The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air Theme Song” – DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince
If you are of a certain age, you are likely able to recite the lyrics to this one word-for-word. As the ridiculously catchy theme song for the TV sitcom that took Will Smith from rapper to the living rooms of families all over the world, there are few California songs that bring a smile to everyone’s face like this one does.
“Californication” – Red Hot Chili Peppers
When it comes to rock songs about California, this Red Hot Chili Peppers classic is the first that comes to mind. While it came from the band’s seventh studio album of the same name, “Californication” remains one of their most popular songs to date. Covering the less glamorous and flowery aspects of the Sunshine State, “Californication” talks about the dark side of Hollywood culture and its negative impact on society at the time, and arguably still today. Still, its iconic mellow guitar and b...
“Good Vibrations” – The Beach Boys
As one of the most famous Beach Boys songs about California imagery, this masterpiece was considered the first multi-track recording of its time compared to most hits, which were usually live performances mixed with a few other tracks. Due to the amount of time spent in the studio on the track, it was the most expensive recording in history when it was released in 1966, which was between $25,000 and $50,000.
“Surf City” – Jan & Dean
“Surf City” was a number one hit in 1963 and was one of the most popular songs of the “surf craze” era. The song is so monumental in Southern California music history, it became the official nickname of Huntington Beach, California in 1991. Jan & Dean were noted for songs specifically about Southern California, such as “Deadman’s Curve” and “Little Old Lady From Pasadena.”
“California Stars” – Billy Bragg & Wilco
While this song is credited to Billy Bragg & Wilco due to it being part of their collaborative album ‘Mermaid Avenue’, it is Wilco’s Jeff Tweedy that is doing the bulk of the heavy lifting on this particular track. The lyrics date back to at least the 1930s and were penned by Woody Guthrie but never put to music in his lifetime. With the blessing of his estate, this piece and others were turned into full-fledged songs. Thank goodness because we now have a beautiful song about California and t...
“California” – Joni Mitchell
This song was the first song on Side 2 of Joni Mitchell’s most beloved album ‘Blue’ ‘Blue’ is considered to be one of the greatest albums of all time and this song is one of the most well-regarded from it. Written while Joni was living in Paris, the song is all about her inevitable return to the state and country that she loved.
- The Mamas & The Papas – “California Dreamin'” We want to start with one of the most iconic California songs of all time. “California Dreamin'” is familiar, dreamy, nostalgic.
- Miley Cyrus – “Malibu” “Malibu” by Miley Cyrus also feels a bit nostalgic. But it’s also one of those Malibu songs that will make you go to the beach right away.
- Wilco – “California Stars” And when it comes to songs with California in the title, we can’t skip “California Stars” by Wilco. It’s also one of Wilco’s best songs, in our opinion.
- 2PAC – “California Love” Without a doubt, “California Love” is one of the most popular songs about California. The song became one of the iconic Cali songs that celebrate hip-hop lifestyle.
Feb 1, 2022 · With its dreamy landscapes and near year-round sunshine, California is the kind of place you could write songs about — and so many people have. Today we’re unveiling our (highly unscientific)...
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- Californication – Red Hot Chili Peppers. Red Hot Chili Peppers - Californication (Official Music Video) [HD UPGRADE] One of the most popular bands from California, RHCP, have released an iconic song about their home state.
- California Gurls -Katy Perry. Katy Perry - California Gurls (Official Music Video) ft. Snoop Dogg. According to Perry, this song was an answer to Empire State of Mind, one of the best songs about NYC.
- Dani California – Red Hot Chili Peppers. Red Hot Chili Peppers - Dani California [Official Music Video] In this song, the Chili Peppers barely mention California and states that Dani represents any girl that lead singer Anthony has ever met.
- California – Phantom Planet. Phantom Planet - California. This is another song about California, this time from the band Phantom Planet. In the song, Phantom Planet talks about how they always write songs about California, and they can’t help it.
May 23, 2023 · Whether it's a tribute to the sun-soaked beaches, the bustling city life, or the darker side of the glamorous facade, these songs remind us why California remains a perpetual muse in the world of music.
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Jan 10, 2023 · From pump-up songs to relaxing sunset nights, there’s a beach song for just about every occasion. So, without further ado, here is my list of the best songs about the beach. 1. “Walking on Sunshine” by Katrina and the Waves
