In the words of Mariah Carey: “IT’S TIIIIIIIIIIIIMMMMEEEEEE”
As winter fades away and the sun begins to warm the earth, it can only mean one thing: spring break is on the horizon. For many, this time is synonymous with sandy shores, crashing waves, and endless fun under the sun. And if you’re a snow over sand type of person, I’m sorry but this And what better way to accompany these moments of bliss than with the perfect playlist?
Creating a spring break playlist tailored specifically for the beach is an art form in itself, one may say I am Picasso. It requires a careful selection of tunes that capture the essence of relaxation, excitement, and pure joy. In this blog post, I, Grace Murphy, will take you into the elements that make up the BEST beach playlist and curate a selection of tracks that will have you dancing in the sand all spring break long.
1. Setting the Mood:
Before we delve into specific songs, let’s discuss the overarching mood we want to achieve with our playlist. Spring break at the beach is all about carefree vibes, so our music should reflect that. Picture yourself lounging on a towel, feeling the warmth of the sun on your skin, with the sound of waves in the background. That’s the atmosphere we’re aiming to create.
2. Selecting the Right Genre Mix:
A diverse range of genres helps keep the playlist dynamic and interesting. While upbeat tracks are essential for those moments of energy and excitement, don’t forget to include some mellow tunes for when you want to unwind and soak in the serenity of the ocean. Here’s a breakdown of genres that I like to consider:
Reggae:
Reggae music originated in Jamaica in the late 1960s and is characterized by its laid-back rhythms, syncopated beats, and emphasis on off-beat accents. The genre often features prominent basslines, skanking guitar riffs, and relaxed vocal melodies. Reggae lyrics typically focus on themes of love, peace, unity, and social justice, making it both uplifting and thought-provoking. Artists like Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, and Jimmy Cliff are synonymous with reggae music, and their timeless songs continue to resonate with audiences around the world. Reggae’s infectious grooves and positive vibes make it the perfect soundtrack for lazy days on the beach, where worries fade away, and relaxation is the only priority.
Here’s some of my favorite recommendations to add the perfect dash of beachy to your playlist:
- – “Could You Be Loved” by Bob Marley & The Wailers
- – “The Harder They Come” by Jimmy Cliff
- “Praise Jah In the Moonlight” by YG Marley
Tropical House:
Tropical house is a subgenre of electronic dance music (EDM) that emerged in the early 2010s. It is characterized by its laid-back tempo, breezy melodies, and tropical-inspired instrumentation. Common elements of tropical house include steel drums, marimbas, and other exotic percussion instruments, as well as lush synthesizers and melodic hooks. The genre often evokes images of palm trees swaying in the breeze, crystal-clear waters, and sun-drenched beaches. Artists like Kygo, Thomas Jack, and Matoma are pioneers of the tropical house sound, blending EDM with elements of reggae, pop, and other genres to create a unique and instantly recognizable style. Tropical house music is the epitome of summertime vibes, making it a perfect addition to any beach playlist.
- “Relax My Eyes” by ANOTR & Abel Balder
- “This Girl” by Kungs & Cookin’ On 3 Burners
- “Sugar” by Robin Schulz feat. Francesco Yates
- “Food for the Soul” by it’s murph
- And side note: I promise this is not me, we just share an AWESOME nickname.
Indie Pop:
Indie pop is a genre of alternative rock music that emerged in the 1980s and gained popularity in the 2000s. It is characterized by its DIY ethos, catchy melodies, and often whimsical or introspective lyrics. Indie pop artists typically eschew the mainstream in favor of authenticity and creative freedom, resulting in a diverse range of sounds and styles. Common elements of indie pop include jangly guitars, shimmering synths, and infectious hooks, as well as heartfelt vocals and earnest songwriting. Artists like Vampire Weekend, Tame Impala, and Lorde are emblematic of the indie pop scene, crafting songs that are both catchy and contemplative. Indie pop music is the perfect accompaniment to a day at the beach, where the carefree spirit of the music mirrors the relaxed atmosphere of the seaside.
Personally, this may be one of my top genres of music. If you like the more techno-side of music then I highly recommend TV Girl. If you liked “Kilby Girl” by The Backseat Lovers when it had its fame on TikTok, then boy let me tell you- LISTEN TO THEIR OTHER SONGS! Declan McKenna is also on the come up, and has the perfect upbeat vibe. Check these out:
- “Brazil” by Declan McKenna
- “Birds Dont Sing” by TV Girl
- “Are You Bored Yet?” by The Wallows feat. Clairo
- “Stop Sign” by DICE
- “Sol Del Sur” by Sun Room
Classic Rock:
Classic rock is a genre of rock music that originated in the 1960s and 1970s and remains popular to this day. It is characterized by its blues-based sound, virtuosic instrumentation, and anthemic songwriting. Classic rock artists often incorporate elements of blues, folk, and psychedelia into their music, resulting in a rich and diverse sonic palette. Common instruments in classic rock include electric guitars, drums, bass, and keyboards, as well as occasional brass or string arrangements. Artists like The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and Led Zeppelin are icons of classic rock, with their timeless songs serving as the soundtrack to generations of music lovers. Classic rock music is the perfect complement to a day at the beach, where the timeless appeal of the music matches the enduring beauty of the natural surroundings.
My friends say I have the music taste of a divorced dad, which I guess means a good one? Classic rock is perfect for any occasion but something about sitting on the beach just makes the music hit differently.
- “Sweet Home Alabama” by Lynyrd Skynyrd (ROLL TIDE)
- “Dreams” by Fleetwood Mac
- “Sweet Emotion” by Aerosmith
- “Island in the Sun” by Weezer
Country
We are in the south, of course I’m going to recommend some bangers. Spring Break is nothing without singing some Jimmy Buffett or Zach Bryan with your friends. Adding country music to your beach playlist brings a touch of southern charm and a hint of nostalgia to your spring break adventures. Country songs often tell stories of simpler times, wide-open spaces, and the joys of life’s simple pleasures—perfect sentiments for a day at the beach. Here’s a selection of my top beach country tracks to add to the playlist:
- “Toes” by Zac Brown Band
- “Somewhere on a Beach” by Dierks Bentley
- “Beachin'” by Jake Owen
- “Pontoon” by Little Big Town
- “Barefoot Blue Jean Night” by Jake Owen
- “Margaritaville” by Jimmy Buffett
Country music brings a unique flavor to your playlist, adding depth and variety to the overall experience. Whether you’re a die-hard country fan or simply appreciate the genre’s down-to-earth charm, these tracks are sure to enhance your spring break beach adventures. So grab your cowboy hat and let the music take you on a journey to a simpler, sunnier place.
3. Time to Get Packing
With the right mix of genres, moods, and melodies, creating the perfect spring break playlist for the beach is easier than ever. Whether you’re soaking up the sun with friends, taking a romantic stroll along the shoreline, or simply enjoying some much-needed downtime by yourself, let the music be your constant companion. So grab your sunscreen, pack your beach towel, and get ready to make memories that will last a lifetime, all to the sound of your carefully curated playlist. And share your playlist with us, we’d love to see what you all have on them!
