California: nice weather, awesome beaches and of course, traffic. However, despite all the traffic problems, musical artists are often compelled to write about the Golden State. Below are just a few of the songs that have inspired musical artists to put California in their name:
California Gurls by Katy Perry feat. Snoop Dog
This song says it all by simply stating, “You could travel the world, but nothing comes close to the golden coast.” If you ever need some hype during a California summer, pull this baby up.
California Girls by The Beach Boys
Pull out your surfboards, swimsuits and get ready for the greatest beach day of your life. This iconic song has a fun, playful tone to it and the neverending wish: “I wish they all could be California girls.” This classic song is a must-have in your beach day playlist.
Californication by Red Hot Chili Peppers
You know that drive you take at 2 a.m. to go buy Taco Bell because you’re a college student on a budget? This is the song that’s playing in the background. A nice heavy bass line (thank goodness for Flea), a smooth guitar solo and lyrics that oust the stereotypes that make California what it is: beautiful.
California Soul by Marlena Shaw
Are you in the mood for something loud, brash and full of soul? Look no further. This song has a groove to it that not many songs have, even for its time. If the lyrics, “When you hear the beat you wanna pat your feet and you’ve gotta move” don’t excite you, then Marlena Shaw’s powerful voice will.
California Nights by Best Coast
This song had me at “California nights make me feel so happy, I could die.” A smooth mellow vibe mixes perfectly with Bethany Cosentino‘s loud, yet soothing voice and her ability to hold some long notes (seriously, how do you do that?). Best Coast has had much success and even headlined Cal Poly Pomona‘s Homecoming 2015!
Going to California by Led Zeppelin
If you ever find yourself driving back home to California from a long road trip, play this song. If it wasn’t for the intricate guitar rhythmics and Robert Plant‘s unique vocals, you could never tell this was a Led Zeppelin song—one that’s a soft, super mellow song perfect for road trips or getting over a break-up (I speak from experience).
California Love by Tupac, Roger, Dr. Dre
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5wBTdfAkqGU
California does know how to party. From the very first line sung by Dr. Dre, “Now let me welcome everybody to the wild, wild west,” you know it’s going to be the song to play while you sip down your soda, coasting down Pacific Coast Highway. When your relatives visit from out of town, play them this song so they know exactly where they are.
California Dreamin’ by The Mamas and The Papas
This is the song your mamas and papas listened to when they were your age! This classic song not only gives us goosebumps with its chillingly good harmonizations, but it also paints a picture of California—a picture that makes it seem as though all of this were a dream. Please don’t wake me up.
California by Phantom Planet
Did they just sing, “Driving down the 101”? Yes? OK, must be a song about California. A catchy piano fill that gets stuck in your head for the rest of the day is only one of the elements that make this song perfect for your morning cruise into work. Alex Greenwald‘s amazing vocals bring back a slight sense of nostalgia for those days you used to listen to My Chemical Romance and Panic! At The Disco. You know, those rebel days where all you wore was black… that wasn’t just me, right?
Hotel California by Eagles
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lrfhf1Gv4Tw
Throw on your shades and go for a drive down a freeway of your choosing. This classic song has been used in association with California since its inception. If you ever find yourself driving down “a dark desert highway”, you know what to listen to!
We really are spoiled to have such a beautiful and inspiring state to call home.
What songs do you know that have California in its name? Let us know using the hashtag, #CampusCropChat on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Don’t forget to follow us on Snapchat @asicpp!
