By Staff
waterhead.com
October 13, 2011

For waterheads, having a good time at the beach or by the pool is greatly enhanced by awesome tunes. Although everybody has their own musical taste, there are some artists and songs that seem to be universally appreciated whenever good times are had in or around the water. These artists all exhibit a laid-back, breezy vibe, and their songs are great for singing along. Music for waterheads covers all genres and eras, and it can bring people together for a good time in the sun, sand, and surf. Following are some musical artists, both popular and obscure, that have produced some of the grooviest good-time music for waterheads. MP3 Downloads for waterheads!

The Classics

These artists set the standard by which all music for waterheads is judged. Everybody knows at least one of their songs, and like all great waterhead musicians, their songs transcend age, race, and cultural barriers. When it is time to get the pool or beach party going, you cannot go wrong with the music made by these artists.

Creedence Clearwater Revival

Chronicle, Vol. 1: The 20 Greatest Hits and Chronicle Vol. 2: Twenty Great CCR Classics

Although they are known as the kings of Swamp Rock, this group was actually formed in El Cerrito, California, hundreds of miles away from anything resembling a swamp, but close to the San Francisco bay. With songs like Born On The Bayou and Proud Mary, this four-piece group led by the Fogerty brothers definitely had the waterhead vibe down. Although they never had a number one hit, they hold the record for the most songs that reached number two on the American charts. Regardless, they are number one for a lot of waterheads.

The Beach Boys

Sounds of Summer: Very Best of The Beach Boys

Another classic California group led by brothers, the Wilsons in this case, The Beach Boys exemplified the California surfing sound. Interestingly, of the group's six original members, only Dennis Wilson was an avid surfer. That did not matter, however, since the combo eventually came to define an all new genre of music that was fun on the surface, but very deep underneath  much like the oceans which figure so prominently in their songs.

Jimmy Buffett

Songs You Know by Heart : Jimmy Buffett's Greatest Hit(s)

A list of artists known for making music for waterheads would not be complete without a mention of this Margaritaville man. Buffett is known for his easygoing style and so-called gulf and western musical vibe. Legions of fans known as parrotheads flock to his many concerts every year, and his schedule never seems to slow down, though he would be the first to admit his job is the furthest thing in the world from hard work. The title of his first greatest hits compilation, Songs You Know By Heart, says it all about his music.

Bob Marley

Legend: The Best Of Bob Marley And The Wailers (New Packaging)

For a truly distinctive island vibe, one need only slip Marley's best-of compilation, Legend into the CD player. It contains the hits I Shot The Sheriff and No Woman No Cry, and it is sure to get heads bobbing in rhythm within the first few bars of its opening track, Is This Love. Marley was a Jamaican who tragically died of a brain tumor in 1980, but his music lives on to this day. His work embodies the spiritual aspects of music for waterheads, and it is perfect for sitting around a nighttime fire on the beach.

Modern Music For Waterheads

Although the classic artists mentioned above could easily stay in heavy rotation at any beach bash, some newer music can sometimes inject a bit of youthful energy into the proceedings. For those looking for some new tunes to enhance their next waterhead shindig, these wet behind the ears artists can give a get-together a more modern atmosphere.

Vampire Weekend

Vampire Weekend

Breezy pop music infused with an African island vibe and charming lyrics is this foursome's specialty. Led by vocalist and guitarist Ezra Koenig, this group formed on the campus of New York's Columbia University in 2006, and quickly rode a wave of hype to the top twenty of the Billboard 200 with their self-titled debut album. The group's second effort, entitled Contra, proved that the band was no fluke, and it ended up debuting at number one on the charts. Songs like Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa and Holiday are typical of the modern waterhead sound exemplified by this fine quartet.

She & Him

Volume One

This delightful duo consists of singer, pianist, and ukulele player Zooey Deschanel and her partner M. Ward, who plays guitar and has produced the group's two excellent albums. Their first effort, Volume One, was named the top album of the year by Paste Magazine in 2008, and its follow up, Volume Two continues the trend established on She & Him's first release. Their sound is a lovely blend of classic Americana and sunny, Beach Boys inspired melodies. For those unfamiliar with the band, one listen will have them singing along and reaching for their flip-flops in no time.

Kenny Chesney

Hemingway's Whiskey, Greatest Hits II, Kenny Chesney - Greatest Hits or Just Who I Am: Poets & Pirates

Kenny Chesney: Summer in 3D [Blu-ray]

More than any other artist working today, Kenny Chesney has carried on the torch first lit by Jimmy Buffet. Though his music is generally considered to be of the country and western variety, Mr. Chesney appeals to anyone who loves music that celebrates the lifestyle of a waterhead. He has been named Entertainer Of The Year by the Country Music Association four times, and his Flip-Flop Summer Tour was the one of the largest grossing tours of 2007. He owns a home in the Virgin Islands and spends significant time on his boat and in the Caribbean, making him a true waterhead. Songs like Summertime and Beer In Mexico are perfect for any water-related gathering.

Best Coast

Crazy for You

This group is led by vocalist and guitarist Bethany Cosentino and their sound is accurately described as surf-pop. The songs from their debut album, Crazy For You, sometimes seem tossed-off, but they are simultaneously charming and lovely. The production techniques used to record the album feature generous amounts of reverb and lovely ooh and aah backing vocals  both lynchpins of the surf music style. Legend has it that Cosentino was inspired to write the band's songs by her longing for the California beaches while she was spending time in New York. Though the group's sound might not be for everyone, it may be the perfect antidote for a beach party lacking in youthful exuberance.

Mix It Up

Numerous artists have recorded songs that could be considered music for waterheads, but the vibe has not defined their careers. Many of these artists are simply one hit wonders who stopped by to splash around with us before they faded into obscurity. Others are artists who are known for different types of music, but have recorded one or two waterhead masterpieces. Following are some of the coolest tracks a person can put on a music for waterheads mix CD from artists not necessarily known for water loving fun.

Walking On Sunshine by Katrina And The Waves

Katrina & The Waves - Greatest Hits: Walking on Sunshine

Anyone who does not have a smile on his or her face after playing the first seconds of this track is probably a cyborg or a zombie. This song is made for summertime fun, and it will bring any waterhead gathering to life moments after the play button is pressed.

In The Summertime by Mungo Jerry

In the Summertime-Best of

If you have never heard of Mungo Jerry, you are not alone. Chances are, however, you have heard this tune countless times. It is a definite head-bobber, and it is one of those tracks that you just cannot stop singing along to long after the party is over.

Low Rider by War

Very Best of War

War was a Californian funk-rock group that recorded a number of  party classics. This song's catchy harmonica refrain and bouncy bass line can get any watery gathering started in a hurry, and it is also known to inspire some creative diving board acrobatics.

Vacation by The Go Go's

Vacation

The Go Go's are a band consisting of four female rockers, and they had their biggest hits as part of the early 1980s punk rock and new wave scenes. This particular track has a melody that just cannot be denied and it is sure to get toes tapping in the sand with its springy rhythms.

Steal My Sunshine by Len

Steal My Sunshine

The ultimate one hit wonder for waterheads, this song was virtually inescapable when it hit the airwaves in 1999. The Canadian group Len used some creative sounds.

If you think of something we should add to the list, please let us know!

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