Written by Mia Goulder. Header courtesy of Danielle Johnson (@dani_design04).
And just like that, it’s once again spring in Savannah where the sun is out, the humidity is dense, and my playlist is full of indie-rock, reggae, and psychedelic surf perfect for a beach day at Tybee. Looking to add some summertime nostalgia to your playlist that’ll cure your modern-day April-showers blues? Here are my top seven recommendations from the past seven decades:
1.“Surfing” – The Lagoons (2022)
First up is a fitting track from my favorite up-and-coming band The Lagoons, which is the musical project of Los Angeles-raised multi-instrumentalist brothers, Ryan Selan and Joey Selan. Together, they harnessed the classic Californian summer sound…but not without a fresh twist. In their debut EP Gems, released in 2017, The Lagoons struck the music industry with their unique blend of indie rock, jazz, and electronic tracks. Fast forward five years and their song, “Surfing,” hit Spotify — a song in which the Selan brothers beckon listeners to the Californian coastline in a ballad for surfers, mermaids, and thalassophiles alike. Watch out, Beach Boys. There’s a new band in town ready to take a permanent spot on everyone’s summer playlist.
2. “Left Hand Free” – alt-J (2014)
If you’ve seen the hit Netflix show Outer Banks, a show dripping with that unavoidable Southern humidity and sepia grain, you’ve likely heard of “Left Hand Free” by alt-J. The UK-based band from Leeds produced their hit song six years before the TV show’s use in 2020, but alt-J has been on the map since their first album’s release in 2012. Although they hold a high reputation for their indie-rock, accent-heavy sound, they’ve managed to emulate the summer sound quite well. So well, in fact, that “Left Hand Free” plays in the background of the first episode while title teenage characters John B, JJ, Pope, and Kiara, chill out on their boat with a few beers and good vibes. Add this song to your playlist if you want to add a laid-back energy to your next function.
3. “Island in the Sun” – Weezer (2001)
If you’re on a holiday or wish you were, hit play on “Island in the Sun” by none other than the infamous band, Weezer. This LA-based band was first formed nine years before this song’s release but became the “it” rock band in 1994 with the release of their first self-titled album, now dubbed the Blue Album. For the nineties, they were a smash hit, but they wanted to ensure their fame would last well into the 2000s…and all they needed was a tweak to their sound. Their Green Album introduced a sunnier sound to the Blue Album, including the sunshine rock-infused “Island in the Sun” — a song that has been featured on everyone’s summer soundtrack and has been featured in TV shows and films over ten times.
4. “Livin’ La Vida Loca” – Ricky Martin (1999)
There’s no other song that captures the pure essence of vacation bliss like “Livin’ La Vida Loca” by Puerto Rican-born singer Ricky Martin. The song, released just before the world was set to end in 2000, may have managed to save the world and cure the case of your Monday blues. The boy band vet released his debut English-Spanish album with the addition of “Livin’ La Vida Loca” in 1999 where it quickly climbed to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100. Martin, dubbed the “King of Latin Pop” went on to change the music dynamic in the US, paving the way for future English-Spanish artists like Shakira and J Balvin, adding a little Latin flare to every vacation playlist.
5. “Could You Be Loved” – Bob Marley & The Wailers (1980)
There’s nothing more summer than classic reggae music, and there’s nothing more classic than reggae kings, Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, and Bunny Wailer. The official band, Bob Marley & The Wailers, was formed in 1963 and brought a curated blend of reggae, Jamaican ska, and hip-hop, creating a new sound altogether. The group kicked off the ‘80s with a completely different sound than what is now pegged as “classic 80s” — no neon colors, no roller skates, no techno — just laid-back vibes and a hit single called “Could You Be Loved” that became an instantaneous classic along with their previous track record of lyrical gold. Add this song — or others from Bob Marley & The Wailers’ thirteen studio albums — for an instant smile and good vibes.
6. “Margaritaville” – Jimmy Buffett (1977)
Before the Jimmy Buffett empire, there was simply a man named Jimmy who made his music. Buffett became known for his tropical rock sound which is evident in his hit, “Margaritaville,” a now staple track for vacationers and island inhabitants alike. Although most joke about “getting away” and leaving their drab lives behind for a while, Buffett capitalized on this idea and turned it into a lifestyle with underlying themes of island escapism, following one’s passion, and the simplistic enjoyment of living. Before his passing in September of 2023, he had over 60 restaurants and lodging locations, 23 of which became the now-famous Margaritaville Bar and Grill, named after his hit song. Lucky for us, Jimmy Buffett lives on through his empire and his music, preserving the idea of an island escape that we so desperately crave.
7. “Good Vibrations” – The Beach Boys (1966)
And finally, allow me to take you back to California in the ’60s, where the spirits are high and so are the waves. Over in Hawthorne, California, a five-year-old band basks in the sun and the success of their first song “Surfin,” released in 1961, and their newest and most iconic song, “Good Vibrations”, released in 1966. The band was formed by brothers Brian, Dennis, and Carl Wilson, along with their cousin, Mike Love, and friend, Al Jardine and their sound was brand new, replacing the classic rock-and-roll with a blend of surf-rat psychedelia, pop, and rock. The boys became legendary in one summer which has now lasted over six decades. After creating some of the most memorable salt-infused tunes, The Beach Boys have claimed their permanent spot on the Californian coastline and their ranking as one of the most legendary bands of all time.
