An Awesome History Of Songs About Malibu
When you’ve finished listening to your Wayfarer tour and want to continue exploring Malibu during the hot summer months, you’ll need a rocking playlist to keep you company on your journeys! Check out these fantastic songs written about Malibu by some of the world’s best artists.
Malibu Playlist
Without further ado, let’s jump into our Malibu playlist for this summer!
Boys Of Summer (Don Henley)
One of the most iconic summer jams, Boys of Summer perfectly encapsulates the feeling of driving around with the top down with your Wayfarer on, baby. While the song notes that summer is over, that love he felt during the sweltering months will never fade. Boys of Summer is a tune full of longing for innocent days of appreciating the sand beneath your feet and a nostalgic song to enjoy.
California, There Is No End of Love (U2)
U2’s album “Songs of Innocence” specifically mentions Zuma Beach in this song about the complicated relationship between love and grief. While the song may seem like a bit of a downer from the lyrics, U2 never fails to hit with their rhythms and tunes.
Surfin’ USA (Beach Boys)
Ranked the number 1 song of 1963 by Billboard, nearly every American has heard this song at least once. The lyrics mention a host of ideal surfing spots, including Ventura County Line (or County Line Beach) in Malibu.
Malibu ‘79 Long (Cayucas)
The Cayucas may not be as famous as the other bands on this playlist, but they were born and raised by the ocean and have a profound sense of what it means to enjoy the sand and salt. Inspired by the Beach Boys, these twins created a new song to evoke the summer vibes of freedom.
Everybody Knows (Leonard Cohen)
This classic 1988 song touches on the central issues people were facing at the time, like the AIDS crisis, rampant racism, drug addiction, and other similar problems. Considering how relevant the song remains, it is appropriate and a little scary. However, Cohen mitigates some disturbing elements by adding a dash of humor and references to Malibu’s beautiful beaches.
Banzai Washout (Dick Dale)
This 1964 tune may not have any words, but as soon as you hear the intro riff, you’ll know exactly what song we’re talking about as soon as you hear the intro riff. This iconic song has become synonymous with sand, surf, and running headfirst into the ocean.
Malibu (Miley Cyrus)
Of course, no Malibu playlist is complete without Miley Cyrus’ take. She sings about enjoying a place’s memories and how different somewhere can feel when you’re with the person you love the most. As she puts it: “The sky is more blue/In Malibu/Next to you.”
Shangri La
If you’re enjoying the music of Malibu, why not cruise by its most famous recording studio? Shangri La, currently owned by Rick Rubin, was initially built to Bob Dylan and The Band’s plans in the 1970s and has been a functioning recording studio ever since. Besides Dylan, artists like Eric Clapton, Ringo Starr, Pete Townshend, Weezer, and Metallica have all been recorded there.
The Malibu Tour is a journey along one of the most beautiful stretches of road in the world. Our tour begins briefly in Santa Monica, then winds its way up the iconic Pacific Coast Highway through Malibu (with a couple of hidden gem
- 2 hours
- 25 miles
- Driving Tour
Richard Manuel of The Band (Courtesy of Heinrich Klaffs – originally posted to Flickr)
Planning to visit Malibu? Tag @wayfarer_journey or #knowtheworld — I’d love to see it!