Driving is a big deal in California. The automobile has played a major role in the development of the region. Now, before getting behind the wheel, you should consider taking traffic school online to get any tickets dismissed from your record. Then, you will be able to calm down and enjoy the drive, whether in Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego or any of the other cities in-between.
To really set the right vibe, make sure your music playlist includes some of the many tunes about the Golden State. To help you get started, following are the top ten songs to get yourself into the West Coast frame of mind.
“California Dreaming,” The Mamas and the Papas
This song is all about the dream of leaving home and heading west to make it big. The lyrics begin by comparing the drab, brown leaves and gray skies of some unnamed Eastern town with the ubiquitous sunshine in Los Angeles.
Let the Mamas and the Papas help you to escape mentally for a few minutes, especially if you live in a cold-weather area outside California.
“California Girls,” Beach Boys
Here we have a classic ballad about the abundance of beautiful women who walk the streets and hang on the beaches of California. The Beach Boys give due credit to the women in other areas, specifically mentioning the South, East Coast and Midwest. Nevertheless, in their opinion, the world would be a much better place if populated by more women from California.
“Sitting on the Dock of the Bay,” Otis Redding
This is a wistful tune about a man who leaves his home in Georgia for San Francisco after losing everything. With nothing seemingly going his way, he just sits and stares at the rolling tide.
Plenty of folks have moved out west to get a new start. Honor those intrepid souls by including Redding in your California playlist.
“California Love,” Tupac
Now, if this song does not make you want to party, nothing will.
Tupac and Dr. Dre rap over an upbeat version of a traditional cowboy movie tune. So popular is “California Love,” that the Lakers basketball team often plays it at the start of home games.
“I Love LA,” Randy Newman
You should enjoy driving along while listening to this pop song about the hedonistic lifestyle of Los Angeles. Newman, a native of the city, offers his view of the “good life” possible only in SOCAL (Southern California).
Seemingly, there is never a rainy day, no crime to speak of and enough money for all.
“California (Here We Come),” Phantom Planet
This theme song of the television series “The O. C.” will make you recall the palatial homes of the Orange County suburbs.
Jump in your car and forget about your own small apartment for a few minutes. Or, set your GPS navigation system to find the best routes to NY hotels, so you can rent a nice luxurious room, listen to Phantom Planet and wish you were in Newport Beach with the beautiful people.
“All I Wanna Do,” Sheryl Crow
Crow sings about living carefree, doing whatever she wants until the sun rises the next day on Santa Monica Boulevard.
This song is good to listen to on those tough days when you have lots of work on your agenda.
“Going Back to Cali,” LL Cool J
From the movie, “Less Than Zero,” this catchy hit by LL Cool J features a nice urban beat along with jazzy horns.
The only problem with “Going Back to Cali,” is nobody seems to know what the song is really about. After all, he claims over-and-over he is returning to Cali, then says, “I don’t think so.” Then again, you should not concern yourself with the meaning behind the tune, just let it play as you cruise down the street in style.
“Hotel California,” The Eagles
Such a beautiful song about the decaying American Dream. The Eagles mean the song as a criticism of the hardcore partying that can potentially destroy lives. However, most listeners interpret the song differently.
“Californication,” Red Hot Chili Peppers
Home of the movie industry, California exports its culture to the world. The Red Hot Chili Peppers explore this theme in “Californication.”
This song is especially fitting for those drivers outside the state. Like many, you probably have been influenced by the West Coast culture, so why not celebrate this fact by jamming to the Chili Peppers while on the road.
Download, Save and Enjoy These Top CA Tunes
Now all you have to do is download and save these CA songs to your auto listening device of choice. While enjoying the tunes be sure to pay attention to all rules of the road. If for some reason you do wind up receiving a traffic ticket, then register as soon as possible for traffic school online to get the infraction dismissed.
