Playlist: Beach Music, February Edition

My musical tastes are pretty eclectic and diverse.  I run from classical to heavy metal, with long stops in alternative and classic rock.  But beach music is what I come back to time and again.  It’s a year-long soundtrack, whether I’m on a beach or thawing out inside after shoveling the driveway.  Beach music isn’t meant to challenge you or pump you up.  It’s not getting critical acclaim.  Beach music enhances your good mood or helps get you there.  Beach music is about celebrating life, or reflecting on it with a cocktail and a setting sun.

Reggae, Calypso and Latin music are all great, and I play a fair amount of each.  But to me beach music means the blend of 70’s singer/songwriter with a dash of pop and country crooner.  Jimmy Buffett, Kenny Chesney, Jason Mraz, Zac Brown, Jack Johnson, and The Eagles are the most common contributors.  Sprinkle in a few other gems and you’ve got a 40 song playlist that pairs well with rum.  As with any playlist you could go on forever adding songs.  This is a good starter kit.

A Pirate Looks at 40 – Jimmy Buffett
Nautical Wheelers – Jimmy Buffett
Havana Daydreamin’ – Jimmy Buffett
Blue Island Rendezvous – Jimmy Buffett
Barometer Soup – Jimmy Buffett
That Luck Old Sun (Just Rolls Around Heaven All Day) – Kenny Chesney & Willie Nelson
Soul of a Sailor – Kenny Chesney
Somewhere in the Sun – Kenny Chesney
Boston – Kenny Chesney
The Life – Kenny Chesney
Three Little Birds – Bob Marley
One Love – Bob Marley
Slip Away – John Frinzi
Do You Remember – Jack Johnson
Better Together – Jack Johnson
Constellations – Jack Johnson
Island Song – Zac Brown Band
Loving You Easy – Zac Brown Band
Tequila Sunrise – Eagles
Peaceful Easy Feeling – Eagles
Best of My Love – Eagles
Ol’ 55 – Eagles
I’m Yours – Jason Mraz
Live High (From an Avacado Salad Session) – Jason Mraz
Come Away With Me – Norah Jones
Find It – Bankie Banx
Sitting Here in Limbo – Jimmy Cliff
Secret O’ Life – James Taylor
Sweet Baby James – James Taylor
Don’t Worry Baby – Beach Boys
Good to be Alive – Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
Just Another Sundown – Toby Keith
At Last – Etta James
The Summer Wind – Frank Sinatra
Carey – Joni Mitchell
Lovely Day – Bill Withers
The Rainbow Connection – Willie Nelson
Smile – Uncle Cracker
Summer Side of Life – Gordon Lightfoot
Vienna – Billy Joel