Classic Western songs about the sea: recommended popular tracks
The sea, so beloved that it’s often called the “mother ocean,” can at times be terrifying as well—it’s a vast presence in our lives.
From the cheerful image of summer vacations to the fierce waves that evoke the harshness of winter, the sea has long been a source of inspiration and a theme for many artists.
In this article, we’ve picked out famous hits, popular tracks, and hidden gems in Western music that center on the theme of the sea!
You’ll find not only songs that sing directly about the ocean, but also tracks about passionate seaside romances and songs that use the sea as a metaphor—we’ve researched from a wide range of angles, so you just might discover an unexpected classic.
Enjoy!
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Classic Western songs about the sea: Recommended popular tracks (21–30)
The OceanLed Zeppelin
Led Zeppelin, a rock band that represents the UK.
They were a band that enjoyed immense support in the 1970s and have influenced many rock bands.
Their song “The Ocean” is famous as a piece themed around the sea, released in 1973 and achieving international success.
Though abstract, the lyrics are highly energetic, singing out to the ocean and reveling in its joy.
The melody is exhilarating as well, making it a must-listen for rock fans!
Running To The SeaRöyksopp
The track introduced here is an ambitious work released in 2013 by the electronica duo Röyksopp.
The Norwegian pair’s sound features a characteristically Nordic, slightly chilly electronica feel, infused with synth-pop elements.
Centered on the theme of fleeing to the sea, the piece portrays a longing for solace amid loneliness, fear, and confusion.
Said to have been inspired by the 2011 terror attacks in Norway, it features vocalist Susanne Sundfør, and its downtempo rhythm and striking synthesizer tones result in an exceptionally catchy production.
Only the OceanJack Johnson
Jack Johnson, known for his relaxed, laid-back style, is also popular in Japan.
In “Only the Ocean,” the vibe is chill yet tinged with a bit of blue.
The lyrics are beautifully crafted, as if personifying the ocean.
It’s seaside music overflowing with organic vibrations: soft guitar tones that melt into natural landscapes of sea, mountains, earth, and sky, and a gentle, natural melody like a hummed tune.
It’s a song you’ll want to escape the cluttered city for and listen to slowly in the relaxed countryside.
Blue Ocean FloorJustin Timberlake
Blue Ocean Floor features uniquely floating lyrics and sound that feel like drifting in the sea.
It’s included on American singer Justin Timberlake’s third album, The 20/20 Experience, released in 2013.
The album was a hit not only in the U.S.
and the U.K.
but also in Japan.
It’s the perfect track when you want to sink into a calm mood, as if you were in the dark ocean.
Orinoco FlowEnya
The 1988 smash hit that propelled Irish singer Enya to global fame was “Orinoco Flow.” The title means “the flow of the Orinoco,” and “Orinoco” is both the name of the studio where the track was recorded and a river in South America.
Just like the lyrics that venture out to sail the world’s oceans, her popularity also spread across the globe.