In longstanding U.S. tradition, there has always been a need to go out west. Culturally, heading westward symbolizes freedom and opportunity for the individual and the collective. While true for many American migration movements, westward expansion itself was a deep process of displacement, carrying detrimental lasting effects on Indigenous American tribes and communities, which also relied on the labor exploitation of marginalized immigrants.
Now, I am admittedly not from the West Coast and have no familial connections there of any kind. None of these songs conjure images of home. Rather, to me, they symbolize the dream of running away from it all. Of choosing to forsake responsibilities and head west, looking for something greater than myself. Inner peace? Success? Maybe. Though maybe just an escape.
1. America: “A Horse With No Name”
Cliché? Definitely. And yet, no better song exemplifies the feeling of trekking through the desert in search of something you can’t even name. The guitar work is brilliant, the consistent strum pattern giving a serious outlaw vibe. Better yet, it’s even catchier with a chorus of “la la la” that you’ll find yourself humming along to.
2. Beck: “Loser”
Ah, West Coast living. Beck embodies a laid-back nature — almost admirable — rapping a jumble of loser attributes straight out of a ’90s comedy film. It isn’t until the chorus that he fully declares himself a loser in both Spanish and English, with a laissez-faire attitude you can’t help but love. The backing drums provide a fantastic beat, with the consistent guitar chords creating an iconic backing track.
3. Lana Del Rey: “Shades of Cool”
Lana Del Rey has always romanticized the West Coast in her music, and this song is no exception. The guitar solo mixed with Del Rey’s dreamy vocals builds an atmosphere of Western debauchery. Del Rey embodies the very essence of cool, perfectly shown in this song.
4. Eazy-E: “No More ?'s”
West Coast rap and hip-hop have a deep-rooted tradition, dominating the airwaves in the mid-90s and influencing American culture to this day. An icon of the scene, Eazy-E’s lyrics are clever, and the reliance on an interview format creates a unique listening experience. Regina King’s questions completely immerse the listener.
5. Jimi Hendrix: “Voodoo Child (Slight Return)”
One of (if not the) greatest guitarists to ever live, Hendrix introduces the song with a series of rocking guitar licks that bridge into the main backing. His lyrics are ad-libs or straight from his stream of consciousness, adding to the aura. Better yet, Hendrix is so immersed in the guitar and flow, he’s almost unaware of his own sage advice.
6. Led Zeppelin: “Going to California”
A song that encapsulates the journey. The beautiful acoustic guitar feels like a warm hug. Robert Plant’s singing is less squeaky than usual, adding to the song’s overall comfort. He sings of women with flowers in their hair, the perfect image of peace.
7. Missing Persons: “Walking In L.A.”
Did you know nobody walks in L.A.? While not entirely true, the new-wave song’s constant refrain has a lot of truth. For an East Coaster like me, the idea that it would take you a day of constant movement to walk across the city is insane (and that’s if you’re even comfortable walking on highways).
8. The Beach Boys: “I Get Around”
No West Coast playlist would be complete without The Beach Boys. The chorus becomes an earworm you’re grateful to have. As with all Beach Boys songs, the vocals are perfect, transporting you right back to the early ’60s. The added backing of a surf-style guitar and bass is perfect for the midday diner vibes the band used to craft.
9. Dengue Fever: “Sober Driver”
“Sober Driver” is almost a mix between jazz crooning and a psychedelic trip. The song frames a woman calling her friend (and presumed lover) to pick her up from a party in Echo Park. Adding to the jazzy vibe are singer Chhom Nimol’s vocals, which have a particularly dreamy quality. There’s also a horn solo in the middle of the song, which creates an immersive listening experience.
10. Dionne Warwick: “Do You Know the Way to San Jose”
An upbeat, easy listen that tells the story of a failed actress or musician deciding to leave L.A. and find peace of mind at home, in San Jose. Dionne Warwick’s vocals are smooth, perfectly matching the jazzy-pop beat. This song perfectly imagines the feeling of driving up Route 1, the sun sparkling over the deep sea off the coast. There’s a certain level of freedom in asking a stranger if they know the way.
You can find the playlist here.
‘Solar Flare’ is a weekly playlist column where Sun contributors spotlight a slice of musical taste with the campus community. It runs every Monday.
Kate LaGatta is a member of the Class of 2029 in the College of Arts and Sciences. She is a columnist for the Arts & Culture department and can be reached at klagatta@cornellsun.com.
