Top 10 tracks for a California state of mind

Planning a trip to the Golden State? Or just in the mood for some California love? I’ve got you covered with a top ten list of West Coast classics guaranteed to keep you California dreaming.

1. 2Pac “California Love”

“It’s all good from Diego to the Bay.”

Fact: This song is a celebration of the Californian Hip-Hop style and a true 90s anthem.

2. Soul Kid Number One, “Bounce in California”

“We got more bounce in California than all y’all combined.”

Fact: We don’t use “y’all” in California, but for this song, I’ll let it slide.

3. Guns N’ Roses “Paradise City”

“Take me down to the Paradise City, where the grass is green and the girls are pretty.”

Fact: This song is about Los Angeles and is the first song that the original Guns N’ Roses lineup of Slash, Steven Adler, Duff McKagan, Axl Rose and Izzy Stradlin wrote together. A true rock-n-roll classic.

4. Katy Perry “California Gurls”

“You can travel the world, but nothing comes close to the golden coast.”

Fact: Katy Perry wrote this as a response to Jay-Z’s New York tribute “Empire State of Mind” and as a homage to The Beach Boys. Even Snoop Dogg had to get in on this action.

5. The Beach Boys “California Girls”

“The West Coast has the sunshine.“

Fact: This came out in 1965, when living and loving in California was the dream of every American teenager.

6. Ramones “California Sun”

“We’re out there having fun, yeah, in the warm California sun.”

Fact: Theme song for the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.

7. The Notorious B.I.G. “Going Back to Cali”

“Cali, great place to visit.”

Fact: Although from New York, Notorious B.I.G really loved the West Coast and tried to lessen the West Coast and East Coast hip hop feud back in the 90s.

8. Phantom Planet “California”

“California! Here we come!“

Fact: Theme song for “The O.C.” TV show, created back in 2003.

9. The Mamas and Papas “California Dreaming”

“I’d be safe and warm if I was in L.A.; California dreamin’ on such a winter’s day.”

Fact: The Royal Gigolos made a great remix of this. Check it out. Right. Now.

10. The Runaways “California Paradise”

“California – you’re so nice. California – you’re paradise.”

Fact: An all-female rock band that included Joan Jett, one of the “100 greatest guitarists of all time” according to Rolling Stone magazine.