Songs About California By Artists Who Aren't From There

Everyone seems to be inspired by California. Check out 10 of the best songs about California by artists who aren't from there.

There is currently, and always has been, a huge amount of great music that comes out of California, from the folk and psychedelic rock out of The Bay in the '60s and the birth of gangsta rap in L.A. in the late '80s all the way up to the current multitude of genres and styles that bubble up from the region today. The musical influence of the Golden State, however, reaches far beyond just the people who live there, and has provided inspiration for musicians from rainy Britain to chilly Canada to bustling New York.

All these songs attempt to capture something of the spirit of California, whether that's the warm weather, beautiful scenery, or great weed. So, if you're stuck in icy New York, or somewhere equally lacking in sun and good vibes, here are ten of the best songs about California by artists who aren't from there, along with GIFs of how they'll make you feel. Because really, who can express emotions without GIFs these days?

BANDS FROM THE BAY THAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

1.

2. Notorious B.I.G. - "Going Back To Cali"

How it makes you feel:

3.

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4. Vondelpark - "California Analog Dream"

How it makes you feel:

5.

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6. Led Zeppelin - "Going to California"

How it makes you feel:

7.

giff

8. Fryars - "Sequoia"

How it makes you feel:

9.

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10. Joanna Newsom - "In California"

How it makes you feel:

11.

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12. Joni Mitchell - "California"

How it makes you feel:

13.

mil

 

UPDATE: Commenter Kris Michael pointed out the following:

Joanna Newsom is from California. She grew up in Nevada City, about an hour outside of Sacramento. I know this because that's where I met her in high school.

And there I was thinking Nevada City was in Nevada! Damn.

14. Peace - "California Daze"

How it makes you feel:

15.

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16. The Beatles - "Get Back"

Jojo was a man who thought he was a loner / But he knew it couldn't last

Jojo left his home in Tucson, Arizona / For some California grass

How it makes you feel:

17.

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18. PJ Harvey & John Parish - "Leaving California"

How it makes you feel:

19.

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20. Kings of Leon - "California Waiting"

How it makes you feel:

21.

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