At last summer’s close, a dear friend and I made the 2,718-mile drive from Los Angeles to Hamilton. On the first day, the route took us up the California coast and straight through the Southwest until we hit Nebraska. We should’ve been miserable trekking through the American West in the dead of summer, but the beauty outside the car window proved enchanting enough to distract us from the arid heat. I recall long silences as we sat entranced by the towering red rocks and interminable stretches of desert. With my Kerouac-ian adventure in mind, here are some songs that embody the vibrant, authentic spirit of the Far West. Living in an environment so inundated with New Englanders, we ought not to forget the immortal words of Tupac Shakur: “Let’s show these fools how we do it over on this Westside/’Cause you and I know it’s the best side.”
1. “Take It Easy” — Eagles (1972)
With its laid-back vibe and breezy guitar riffs, “Take It Easy” captures the relaxed, open-road spirit of California. The song’s harmonies and easygoing melody are a perfect soundtrack to cruising through the endless deserts and coastal highways.
2. “Heaven or Las Vegas” — Cocteau Twins (1990)
The dreamy, ethereal sound mirrors the surreal landscapes of the West Coast, where beauty and escapism collide. The shimmering textures and haunting vocals of the Cocteau Twins create a sensory experience that honors the mysticism of the desert and glamour of Sin City.
3. “Sometimes Dancin’” — Brownstone (1995)
With its soulful groove and carefree energy, this 90s hit captures the upbeat, sun-soaked essence of Western nightlife. The lively rhythm and soulful melody conjure images of Big Sur’s winding, tree-lined highways pushed up against the rolling waves of the Pacific.
4. “City Looks Pretty” — Courtney Barnett (2018)
Warning: abrupt vibe shift! The raw, indie-rock sound of “City Looks Pretty” channels the gritty, artistic energy of cities like Los Angeles, where urban landscapes are infused with creativity and vibrant energy. Its introspective lyrics reflect the West Coast’s mix of urban cool and natural beauty.
5. “Wildflower” — Beach House (2015)
This song is so dreamy! Listening to its lush instrumentation, I cannot help but picture central California’s rolling hills and flower fields. The track’s serene, hypnotic atmosphere will have you involuntarily swaying to the rhythm.
6. “Celebrate” — Anderson .Paak (2016)
This song captures the West Coast’s infectious energy with its vibrant funk and upbeat cadence. Anderson .Paak’s celebration of life and its rhythms echoes the resilience, ambition and innovation on which the West thrives. Listening to this track, I am instantly transported to the feeling of flying down Highway 63 into Bryce Canyon.
7. “Angeles” — Elliott Smith (1997)
Okay, this one may be a bit on the nose. But, if you know anything about Elliott Smith, you know LA is his greatest muse — I couldn’t not include at least one. Although Smith’s lyrics are a polemic on LA’s “hollow” music industry, the melancholic acoustics and haunting melody of “Angeles” perfectly capture the stillness of an early morning in the city.
8. “Cool Water” — Kurt Vile (2022)
A hit on Vile’s 2022 release, “Cool Water” has a laid-back, Americana vibe that evokes the expansive, arid landscapes of the West. The relaxed rhythm and wistful lyrics reflect the quiet beauty and solitude of the desert. I dub this track the anthem of Joshua Tree.
9. “Lucy” — Still Woozy (2018)
The smooth, genre-blending sound of “Lucy” brings a modern, indie vibe, merging funk, pop and R&B. Its breezy feel and chill beats remind me of driving deep into the Colorado mountains. Still Woozy captures the simultaneously laid-back and innovative spirit of the West Coast music scene. Not to mention, it is my eldest sister’s namesake.
10. “Stay Flo” — Solange (2019)
The next stop on the funk-pop-rhythm-blues train is this wanderlust, free-spirited anthem. Solange explores independence, resilience and moments of self-realization that you might find in the wide open spaces of Utah and Nevada. Its smooth, laid-back groove embodies the spirit of the American West.
11. “You Turn Me On, I’m A Radio” — Joni Mitchell (1972)
Don’t let the title scare you — this song is wonderful. I grew up on the West Coast; it’s where I fell in love for the first time. Naturally, I present some of Joni Mitchell’s work. Her playful, acoustic sound channels the intimate, storytelling nature of Western folk music, and her light, conversational tone is sure to have you recollecting the quiet intensity of young love on eternal summer afternoons.
12. “Wigwam” — Bob Dylan (1970)
“Wigwam” showcases Bob Dylan’s experimental side with its quirky, playful sound — perhaps a nod to the creative freedom found in California. The ending is unexpected (you’ll see), but then so is the start. Listen to it again, and hear the growling bass after the guitars. There is something odd lurking beneath the whimsical sound. This is not just a pretty tune but a portrait of a life drifting by. Its strange, eclectic mix of folk and pop suggests more complexity than first meets the eye — an important idea in a region so often accused of superficiality.
13. “Don’t Worry Baby” — The Beach Boys (1964)
Play this final song and imagine driving down Pacific Coast Highway on your way to the beach. It just oozes joy and sunshine. With its iconic harmonies and sunny, carefree vibe, “Don’t Worry Baby” is the epitome of West Coast surf culture. The uplifting sound and themes of youthful optimism perfectly capture the easygoing, sun-kissed vibe of California’s beaches and coastlines.
