Songs to Set the Mood and Create Happy Memories
Soothing Tunes for a Relaxing Day
When you’re lounging on the beach, you want music that will help you unwind and let your worries drift away. These soothing tunes are perfect for creating a sense of calm and tranquility:
“Better Together” by Jack Johnson from Oahu, Hawaii. He is island music. An uplifting timeless love song that’ll put a spring in your step and swing your hips. His mellow acoustics and soothing vocals enhance a perfect lazy beach day when you want to unwind as the waves wash over you.
Album on iTunes – In Between Dreams Bonus Track Version
“Three Little Birds” by Bob Marley – the Jamaican lives forever through his reggae songs. His restful vocals in this uplifting song will melt away any worries and fill you with positive vibes. A reminder to embrace life’s simple pleasures. A must-have on any beach playlist.
Album on iTunes – Legend The Best of Bob Marley & The Wailers
“Somewhere Over the Rainbow” by Israel Kamakawiwo’ole named “The Voice of Hawaii” by NPR. This song is uplifting no matter what version you listen to, however, to hear it played with a ukulele just sings peaceful beach.
Album on iTunes – Alone in IZ World
“Kokomo” by The Beach Boys Nothing says beach vibes like The Beach Boys. Although, some of the members have changed, their California Sound still brings smiles to hearts of all us fans. This is a great song to add to your relaxing Beach Playlist with it’s swaying sound to the ocean waves.
“Islands in the Stream” by Dolly Parton One of America’s most loved artists, Dolly has one of the most beautiful voices. The play on words makes this song worthy of the beach vibe list. From singing with a tin can as a child to microphones all over the world, she has made a mark for all ages and still drawing a crowd at 77 years old.
Album on iTunes – Ultimate Dolly Parton
Sittin’ on the Dock of the Bay by Otis Redding. I found this video with two of Redding’s children along with various artists around the world celebrating the song’s 50th anniversary… very cool. We couldn’t leave this one out of the soothing beach vibes section. If you’re not relaxed after hearing this one, hit repeat (while getting a massage)… ha…kidding…
Upbeat Tracks to Get the Party Started
Beach parties are all about good times and high energy. These upbeat tracks will get everyone on their feet, dancing and enjoying the beach vibes:
“Walking on Sunshine” by Katrina and The Waves is one that can’t be left out of your upbeat beach list. This song makes you just want to jump up out of your seat and dance. Evidently, we’re not the only ones who feel this way, as the song is featured in numerous commercial advertisements. It’s just simply a fun song.
Album on iTunes – Katrina and the Waves
“I Wanna Dance with Somebody” by Whitney Houston Anyone with an ear for music will agree she had a beautiful voice. She’s the only artist to chart seven consecutive #1 Billboard Hot 100 hits, the first female artist to enter the Billboard 200 album chart at #1, and one of a select number of solo artists with eight consecutive multi-platinum albums and her list of accomplishments goes on and on.
“Dancing in the Moonlight” by King Harvest or if you prefer a newer version by Toploader. This uplifting tune makes you want to sway to the beat and practice your best dance moves. Written while healing from a tragedy, it has done for countless others exactly what Sherman Kelly imagined for himself, “the dream of a peaceful and joyous celebration of life.”
Album on iTunes – King Harvest
Album on iTune – Toploader (Onka’s Big Moka)
It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere by Alan Jackson and Jimmy Buffet What’s beach music without Jimmy Buffet… and add Alan Jackson to the mix for a sing-along-song that hits all genre’s. This one is fun for any party theme.
Classic Hits for Nostalgic Vibes
If you’re a fan of classic hits, these timeless songs will transport you back in time and add a touch of nostalgia to your beach playlist:
“Surfin’ U.S.A.” by The Beach Boys What more can I say….
Album on iTunes – The Very Best of The Beach Boys: Sounds of Summer
“Under the Boardwalk” by The Drifters This 1950’s, 60’s and early 70’s doo-wap and R&B/soul vocal group has a very interesting history (one too long to write about here). This pleasurable tune has been covered by multiple other artists, just to name a few; Bette Midler, The Rolling Stones, The Beach Boys, and even Bruce Willis.
Album on iTunes – Under the Boardwalk
“La Bamba” by Ritchie Valens is not only a good song to perfect your Salsa Dance, it’ll liven up any dance party, especially at the beach. The song was Valens first recording, a year before his untimely death, and immediately hit the top 40. It is now in the Rolling Stone’s Magazine’s list of 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.
Album on iTunes – The Best of Ritchie Valens
“Summer of ’69” by Bryan Adams “We thought it would last forever. Those were the best days of my life.” How nostalgic are those Bryan Adams songs that we know all the words to? This is a must-add on the beach vibes list.
Album on iTunes – Reckless (30th Anniversary) [Deluxe Edition]
“Brown Eyed Girl” by Van Morrison With his unique voice, Morrison started touring at the age of 13 and still going strong today. Brown Eyed Girl hit Top 40 on the pop charts. Even though many know this tune well today, not many people know what a transistor radio or a rainbow wall is unless you grew up in the 60s and 70s.
Album on iTunes – The Essential Van Morrison
Blue Hawaii by Elvis Presley. This song will put anyone in their emotional island setting. If you can’t get to the “paradise” itself, sit back, close your eyes, and imagine yourself there. Well… it was worth a try. Celebrating ‘Aloha From Hawaii’ 50th anniversary (and Elvis being one of my favorite artists), I had to add this one to the nostalgic section. I can’t say enough about the King of Rock and Roll.
Tropical Beats for an Island Getaway
To truly embrace the beach atmosphere, incorporate some tropical beats that will make you feel like you’re on an exotic island getaway. These songs will transport you to paradise:
“Is This Love” by Bob Marley At the top of the island getaway list, of course, is the reggae sound of world renown Jamaican. His hard life and love of people gave him the ambition to bring peace to others. His story coming soon to theatres 2024. Can’t wait to see it.
Album on iTunes – Legend – The Best of Bob Marley & The Wailers
“Havana” by Camila Cabello ft. Young Thug. This tune will make you feel like you’re in the Cayman. Just go with it and enjoy this romantic summer love song.
“Conga” by Gloria Estefan and Miami Sound Machine. Estefan can dance, sing, act and write. The multi-award-winning international celebrity definitely has the “it factor” going on. If you can’t dance well, dance anyway. This song will, hopefully, get your shoulders shimmying.
Album on iTunes – Greatest Hits
“Rhythm Is Gonna Get You” by Gloria Estefan and Miami Sound Machine. Estefan is the first Latina to be inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2023 (long overdue). I couldn’t decide between this one and the one above, so I added both. Put your choice in the comments below.
Feel-Good Anthems to Keep the Spirits High
Lastly, no beach playlist is complete without feel-good anthems that will keep the spirits high and the positive energy flowing. These songs will uplift your mood and make you appreciate the beauty of the beach:
“Happy” by Pharrell Williams Well, if this tune don’t put a smile in your heart, we need to talk. This song makes you want to move your feet and snap your fingers. BTW – How many times is the word “happy” sung? Put your answer in the comments below.
“Don’t Stop Believin'” by Journey This one is dear to my heart and brings back a ton of memories from my youth. Our high school class song that we play (and dance to) at every reunion. No matter where you’re at in life are what road you’re heading down, don’t stop believing there’s always hope for a better tomorrow.
Album on iTunes – Escape (Bonus Track Version)
“Good Vibrations” by The Beach Boys Can we play too many Beach Boy songs while listening to our beach tunes? Probably not…
Album on iTunes – The Very Best of The Beach Boys: Sounds of Summer
“Lovely Day” by Bill Withers Whether you know the name or not, I know you’ve heard some of his songs. His lifetime achievements earned him induction into the Songwriter Hall of Fame, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and two songs in the Grammy Hall of Fame.
Conclusion
There you have it—the ultimate beach playlist to set the mood for a fantastic day by the ocean. There’s so many more I could’ve added by so many great artists. Maybe I’ll do a Part 2 someday… and part 3, 4, 5, etc. Who knows? Whether you’re looking to relax, party, or reminisce, these songs will create the perfect backdrop for your beach adventures. So, grab your speakers or headphones, and let the music transport you to beach paradise!
