Wave music: Songs to enhance your day at the beach

In California and Hawaii, surf culture has always been a way of life. It was also popular to sing about in the 1960s. Known for its famous line "two girls for every boy," "Surf City" is one of the most widely recognized summer beach songs of all time. Co-written by Beach Boy Brian Wilson, the tune has managed to span generations of surfers and casual beachgoers.

Any list of summer songs must include The Beach Boys. The first of two from the legendary group was actually a Brian Wilson rewrite of Chuck Berry's "Sweet Little Sixteen." "Surfin' U.S.A." has become a social anthem for the state of California's surf scene while also enjoying iconic status as one of the great pop-rock songs of all time.

One more for surf fans out there. Then again, one does not have to be into surfing to appreciate the greatness of "Wipe Out." Known for Ron Wilson's iconic drumming and memorable solo, this is up there with the most popular instrumental tracks in music history.

Songs combining romance and the beach or sea have gone hand-and-hand for decades, even those with more risque subject matter like this one. That said, a song like "Under the Boardwalk" has remained a timeless classic due to its relatability. 

While "Good Vibrations" is not a song about the beach, it's perfect for a day at the beach because of its rather calming, mellow intentions with an influential psychedelic feel. We just want a day of calm, and if we spend it with that special someone or meet somebody new and exciting, that only makes the day better. 

Redding began writing this classic while on a houseboat in Sausalito, Calif., in August 1967. He and legendary guitarist Steve Cropper eventually finished the track, which was released in early 1968, shortly after Redding's death in late 1967. Redding's detail in the lyrics, as he sat watching the water, listening to the waves and seagulls soaring above, is something special.  

Summer is about having fun. Carefree days and nights, maybe having a few drinks, going fishing, or taking a swim. That's pretty much the message Mungo Jerry sent with its only commercial hit. It's a song that seemed to get more popular over the years. For those who love the beach environment, this is your song.

Our second one-hit-wonder. Dobie Gray's cover of the Mentor Williams song from the early 1970s reached No. 5 on Billboard's Hot 100 Chart. The soul-crooning Gray, unknown in pop circles at the time, delivered a casual, breezy rendition of a song made to enjoy outside. 

If there happens to be a beach bar or oceanside pub involved in one's summer leisure plans, then "Margaritaville" will likely be on heavy rotation. It's the song that's come to define Jimmy Buffett's career and has even been transformed into real-life through those chain restaurants/bars by the same name. 

How many times has this Ramones favorite been played at the popular Queens beach and community over the years? Truth is, the song, which had the vibe of those surf-rock classics, is as iconic as the setting. Late Ramones' bassist Dee Dee Ramone spent plenty of time at Rockaway and wrote the song that was the band's highest-charting single on Billboard's Hot 100 (reaching No. 66).

The musical story of that summer fling between Danny (John Travolta) and Sandy (Olivia Newton-John) offers different versions, depending on whose side we believe. We know that the two spent a lot of time at the beach, "splashing around" or "down in the sand." We also know that "Summer Nights" is arguably the most popular song from the Grease film soundtrack and is probably still sung on beaches across America.

We showcased one song about margaritas, so why not a tune about another tasty tropical drink? Now, only the title offers any hint of the beach or ocean. The song is about a couple who ultimately patch up a rough relationship through personal ads. Still, any time somebody of a certain age sips one of these drinks, ideally at some Caribbean resort with the warm winds off the ocean blowing, this Rupert Holmes' one-hit-wonder will come to mind.  

Not the most pleasant of sunny-day songs, perhaps, but "Santa Monica" is about the good and bad of Everclear frontman Art Alexakis' upbringing in the famed Southern California seaside community. His honesty put to music was a big hit for Everclear in the 1990s. Some Gen Xers might still have this on their Spotify playlist to crank out for a day at the ocean or to cruise the Santa Monica Pier on a summer afternoon.

The music video has made this one of the more notable beach tunes to celebrate. Crow playing her guitar on the beach, surfers, diving into a waterfall pool, and a bonfire party scene in the sand make for a pretty good time.

The Avett Brothers have turned this quirky tune into a way of life. The band's "At the Beach" concert series, usually held at a top-notch ocean resort, continues to be wildly popular. And why not? The song is kind of what summer is meant to be — leaving any troubles behind and living for those carefree days when work, relationships, and life's troubles can be a temporary afterthought. 

The first of three beach celebrations from the world of country music. "Some Beach" was Shelton's third No. 1 hit on Billboard's Hot Country Songs Chart. It's the tale of a frustrated everyman wishing he was on a beach somewhere, sipping margaritas away from the hassle of the day-to-day grind. We've all had those same thoughts.

Partying at night and sleeping off a hangover in some oceanside hammock during the day. Then, repeat. That's the life Chesney and Uncle Kracker sang about in this popular hit from the early 2000s. Sounds pretty good, right? It was for Chesney and Kracker, as the track was a top-30 hit on the Hot 100 and topped Billboard's Hot Country Songs Chart.

"I got my toes in the water, ȧss in the sand. Not a worry in the world, a cold beer in my hand. Life is good today, life is good today." That sums up a good day at the beach. Brown and his band scored a No. 1 Billboard hit with this booze-friendly tune about an apparent trip to Mexico, where it's all about relaxing with plenty of drinks, sun, sand, and women. 

No beach party is complete without spinning this multi-platinum Nicki Minaj hit, which reached No. 5 on the Hot 100. One can probably go to any beach setting where people are gathered, and "Starships" is sure to be played from some device. The MTV Award-winning music video, shot in Hawaii, only reinforced the beach and ocean theme.

Sure, there are many who would be just fine if they never heard this pop hit from the last decade. That said, we know there are plenty of beachgoers who have this as part of a beach playlist. The Joe Jonas-penned lyrics really have nothing to do with a fun, innocent day at the beach — unless we're talking about having an intensely affectionate moment or sipping that certain cocktail with a passionate beach name.

This not your typical beach tune, but the K-poppers first English-only tune just seems to conjure up images of a good time, sunny days and carefree fun. There's the whole fireworks angle (as a tamer version of actual dynamite), which are traditionally associated with summer and the Fourth of July. And, that usually involves water and sand somewhere. There are also some palm trees and ice cream featured in the music video, so both invite warm weather. It's an up-beat, funk-laden pop song that topped the Billboard Hot 100 and is one of the most popular pop songs of the century. 

For those casual pop fans, Carly Rae Jepsen is more than "Call Me Maybe." And has been for quite some time. If you don't believe us, give a listen to "Beach House," from her sixth studio album The Loneliest Time. It's peppy and catchy, and just an overall good time. Even if the subject of the hardships of dating isn't a laughing matter to most single folks. The song is undeniably West Coast (that beach house is in Malibu, after all), and the ocean is a consistent presence in the campy and entertaining music video that was a big hit in Japan. 

Maybe Cabello and Sheeran should just make it official and form a pop duo. Any time they get together it's musical magic (don't forget "South of the Border" where they teamed with Cardi B). Case in point with this track. The Latin pop-fueled "Bam Bam" is a fun dance/party track that lends itself to those ocean days and summer nights. Find a cantina, or even a bonfire at the beach, and the memories essentially write themselves. A Top 40 hit in 2022, "Bam Bam" was also nominated for a Best Pop Duo/Group Performance Grammy Award.