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)
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?
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.
Slow FlowCaravan
It’s a classic by Caravan that makes you feel as if you can hear the soothing, gentle sound of waves.
It’s included on the album “RAW LIFE MUSIC,” released in April 2004.
With its relaxed rhythm and poetic lyrics, listening to it feels like being on the beach at sunset.
Caravan’s worldview—cherishing harmony with nature and a simple way of life—is expressed to the fullest.
It’s perfect for spending a slow moment on a late-summer beach or for taking a break from everyday life to relax.
An ideal track to cool down after enjoying some surfing.
What I GotSublime
Sublime is a mixture band formed in Long Beach, California, that blends various genres such as reggae, hip-hop, rock, punk, ska, and dub.
The vibe of this song is perfect for spending time by the seaside.
They were supported in the United States during the 1990s, but were forced to disband after vocalist Bradley died of an overdose.
SomedaySugar Ray
Sugar Ray is a rock band from Orange County, United States.
At the time of their debut, they had a crossover sound that captured the spirit of Orange County, but they gradually shifted toward a looser style.
Today, their sound could be described as leaning toward surf rock, based on mid-tempo rhythms.
Follow The SunXavier Rudd
Xavier Rudd, who hails from Australia, is both a surfer and a musician.
In addition to guitar, he plays a variety of instruments including percussion, drums, and the didgeridoo, an Aboriginal instrument.
His music is characterized by a depth of knowledge and appreciation for Aboriginal and roots music.
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!