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 as your surfing companions (91–100)
Let’s Go Trippin’Dick Dale
When it comes to songs that symbolize the dawn of surf rock, you can’t leave this one out.
Released in December 1961, it channels the dynamism and exhilaration of surfing through sharp guitar riffs.
Dick Dale’s heavy guitar sound and reverb-driven playing style arguably laid the very foundation of surf rock.
Used as the theme for BBC Radio 4’s program “Home Truths,” the track has also been widely featured in surfing films and TV shows.
It’s the perfect song for a seaside drive with the ocean breeze in your hair, or for getting pumped up before you hit the waves.
GlowDonavon Frankenreiter
Many musicians active in the surf music scene are surfers themselves, and Donovan Frankenreiter is one of them.
He released his debut album on Brushfire Records, run by Jack Johnson, who is regarded as a leading figure in the surf scene.
It don’t matterDonavon Frankenreiter
What I noticed while researching surf music is that there are overwhelmingly more male artists/bands.
I think there are few surf music acts with female vocalists or all-female bands.
I don’t know why that is based on my current knowledge.
Keep Drivin’Hayley Sales
Haliey Sales is a singer-songwriter based on Vancouver Island, Canada.
Perhaps influenced by the nature-filled environment where she lives on a blueberry farm and enjoys surfing, her songs are brimming with a fresh, gentle, organic vibe.
Surf CityJan & Dean
Known as a landmark of surf music, this song vividly portrays California beach life.
Its exhilarating melody and upbeat rhythm evoke sunshine and the sound of the waves.
Released in 1963, it became the first surf song to reach No.
1 in the United States, marking a turning point in Jan & Dean’s career.
Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys also contributed to the composition, making it a track that epitomizes the golden age of surf music.
It’s perfect for summer drives or relaxing by the seaside.
It’s a classic brimming with charm that is sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face.
In Too DeepSUM41
Surf music and the music favored by skaters share some similar elements.
I also feel that snowboarders’ music is similar.
What they have in common is upbeat, punk-style music, which means a sound like Sum 41—even if it’s from a little while back.
Pulling TeethNewton Faulkner
This artist is popular mainly in the UK and is highly regarded there as surf music.
The acoustic guitar tones and the sounds like handclaps have a pleasantly catchy feel that lingers in your ears.
The blend of sounds is stylish and creates a vibe that makes you want to go out.
In conclusion
As mentioned at the beginning, compared to the so-called surf rock of the 1960s, what people today call “surf music” tends to refer to artists with a deep connection to the ocean and an acoustic-forward sound—music you’d want to enjoy comfortably by the seaside.
Since we’re here, I hope this article serves as an opportunity for you to get to know both kinds of surf music!