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13 Feel-Good California Songs to Add to Your Playlist
Whether you’re cooking a meal or planning a road trip, these California songs have the vibes you need to get into a Golden State of mind.
1 min read
April 08, 2020
California is more than a beautiful place. It’s a distinct lifestyle, ethos, and energy. The state’s markedly laid-back atmosphere and unparalleled diversity are often reflected in popular culture, too, especially music. From rappers and R&B singers to pop stars and legendary rock bands, countless musicians have drawn inspiration from the Golden State’s iconic destinations and spectacular environs—and it’s easy to see why.
Between the sandy beaches of San Diego, the striking desertscape of Palm Springs, the rugged coastline of Big Sur, and the lush forests of the North Coast, the state’s beauty knows no bounds and ignites a creative spark in all who witness it. While hundreds of tunes have been written about the Golden State, the California playlist here highlights both lesser-known and famous songs to please various musical tastes.
Whether you’re cooking a meal, working from home, planning your next road trip, or simply seeking a mood boost, these multigenerational, multigenre California songs have all the vibes you need to get into a Golden State of mind.
1. “West Coast” by Lana del Rey
2. “Queen of California” by John Mayer
3. “Big Sur” by Jack Johnson
4. “Save Me, San Francisco” by Train
5. “Californication” by Red Hot Chili Peppers
6. “California” by Phantom Planet
7. “Beverly Hills” by Weezer
8. “Hotel California” by The Eagles
9. “Malibu” by Miley Cyrus
10. “(Sittin’ on) the Dock of the Bay” by Otis Redding
11. “California Soul” by Marlena Shaw
12. “I Left My Heart in San Francisco” by Tony Bennett
13. “California Girls” by The Beach Boys
What are some of your favorite California songs? Let us know which tunes you’re adding to your playlist.
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