Recommended surfer music: classic tracks you’ll want to listen to as your surfing companion.
Those who are well-versed in music will be familiar with the image of so-called “surf rock” as the Ventures’ guitar instrumentals or the Southern California sound led by the early Beach Boys.
In recent years, however, “surf music” tends to evoke songs by singer-songwriters deeply connected to ocean culture—like surfers—built around acoustic sounds, which makes the contrast pretty interesting, doesn’t it? In this article, we take a broad view of “surf music,” presenting a lineup focused on Western music that also looks at contemporary indie pop and surf punk influenced by surf rock.
We’ve compiled a collection of classic tracks that pair perfectly with dazzling sunshine and rolling waves!
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Recommended surfer music: Classic tracks you’ll want to listen to while surfing (71–80)
Surfin USAThe Beach Boys
It’s the Beach Boys’ Surfin’ U.S.A., a song almost everyone has probably heard at least once.
Unlike the recent trend of mellow, soothing surf music played on acoustic guitar, this track features a lively electric guitar vibe.
The fact that so many artists still cover this song today shows just how remarkable it is.
Liquor Store BluesBruno Mars
Songs by Bruno Mars, a Grammy-winning musician from Hawaii, are also highly regarded as surf music.
This track features Damian Marley, the son of Bob Marley, the so-called god of reggae, giving it a strong reggae vibe.
KOEHAKAIHAYABUSA
Songs by HAKAIHAYABUSA, hailing from Kansai, are appealing for their reggae-tinged sound that evokes the West Coast and suits the seaside.
This track, too, with its light rhythm and laid-back vibe, feels like a perfect match for the ocean, doesn’t it?
Recommended surfer music: classic tracks you’ll want to listen to as your surfing companions (81–90)
PushKeahiwai
Keahiwai is a female duo from Hawaii known as hitmakers in the island music scene.
With lyrics that give voice to the feelings of local girls and melody lines that carry a distinct healing power, their music has an addictive quality—authentic Hawaiian surf music at its finest.
VenusSHOCKING BLUE
They’re a famous rock band in the Netherlands.
There’s an air of decadence, as if Nico from The Velvet Underground were on vocals, packed with that quintessentially “bad” vibe that defines rock.
Musically, they’re a beat band with elements that connect to surf music.
KokomoThe Beach Boys
Surf music originally referred to surfing music, but in recent years it has become a more vague category meaning music that suits the summer beach.
Even so, when it comes to the classic standard from the old days, The Beach Boys are an absolute staple.
If this song isn’t surf music, nothing else fits the label.
The Endless SummerThe Sandals
One of the acts that can truly be called legends of surf music is The Sandals, a band from California, USA.
This track is among the origins of surf music, coloring the 1960s masterpiece film The Endless Summer, which became a bible for surfers around the world.