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 companion (31–40)
Dreamin’G. Love & Special Sauce
G.
Love & Special Sauce may well be considered one of the leading figures of surf music, alongside their old friend Jack Johnson.
While grounded in roots music such as jazz and soul and incorporating elements like hip-hop into a hybrid sound, their songs are characterized by a cheerful, organic vibe.
RumbleLink Wray
Here is a work that could be called a revolution in guitar sound.
Characterized by raw, aggressive guitar riffs, this track had a major impact on the history of rock ’n’ roll.
Released in 1958, its groundbreaking sound was so shocking that some radio stations banned it from the airwaves.
Link Wray’s guitar playing greatly influenced the sounds of later rock, punk, and metal, and he is also known as the inventor of the power chord.
This piece has been used in films like Pulp Fiction and TV shows like Supernatural, and its influence transcends time.
I also recommend this powerful track to anyone enjoying surfing on the summer shore.
Stay (I Missed You)Lisa Loeb
With its gentle melody line and soothing acoustic guitar, this song has an organic vibe that’s perfect for listening by the seaside.
It also seems like something that would warm your heart during relaxation time.
Recommended for when you want to take it easy.
azucarTommy Guerrero
For those who want to listen to instrumental surf music, I recommend Tommy Guerrero.
He has many laid-back instrumental tracks at low to mid tempos that pair well with the ocean.
This song, too, has a comfortable tempo that would suit the hot summer beach.
Blue Roses FallingJeiku Shimabukuro
This is a beautiful piece by Jake Shimabukuro, whose delicate ukulele tones resonate deep in the heart.
Its fresh sound, as if played by the water’s edge, seems to reflect a seaside scene.
Listen quietly and you’ll be wrapped in a warm melody that evokes a gentle sense of nostalgia.
Released in February 2016, this track is included on the album “Walking Down Rainhill.” Its distinctive sound—blending Hawaiian elements with jazz and rock—is perfect for a leisurely day by the beach.
It’s a recommended song for those who want to spend a quiet moment with someone special while gazing out at the ocean.
Recommended surfer music: classic tracks you’ll want to listen to while surfing (41–50)
Diamond HeadThe Ventures
The Ventures’ “Diamond Head,” which has influenced many modern artists, refers to the Diamond Head volcano in Hawaii.
This spot is known as a popular landmark, and listening to the song evokes images of Hawaii’s beautiful ocean and the majestic Diamond Head.
Sea of LoveCat Power
It’s really hard to define what counts as surf music, but if the artists themselves acknowledge it, then I suppose this song qualifies.
The melody has a gentle feel, and even women can enjoy listening to it.
They give off a very stylish vibe, but even so, there’s no way we can leave out Cat Power.