Summer has definitely arrived in Arizona so it’s time to make a new playlist to listen to as you hang out by the pool, at the lake, or next to your favorite splashpad.
Why not create an Arizona themed list this year and embrace some tunes that are about our beloved “But it’s a dry heat” state 48? You may or may not be surprised to learn that there are over fifty songs of various genres that are about (or that mention) Arizona places.
Here are ten of my top picks (with some snippets of lyrics) for you to consider. Grab your cold drinks, sunscreen, and portable speaker!
1 “Phoenix” by Cady Groves
A fun and catchy little country tune.
“This heart just wants to go back
To you, to me
To us, before we went to AZ”
2 “Arizona” by Kings of Leon
A bit of a melancholy love song that will stick in your head for a while.
“The lamp
Flickers in the bedroom
She must feel it’s awkward
Or it’s Arizona”
3 “The Painted Desert” by 10,000 Maniacs
A wonderful tune by a classic 80’s indie band.
“I haven’t read a word from you since Phoenix or Tucson.
April is over will you tell me how long before I can be there?”
4 “Closer” by The Chainsmokers ft. Halsey
This one is sure to get you up and dancing!
“I forget just why I left you, I was insane
Stay and play that Blink-182 song
That we beat to death in Tucson, okay”
5 “Take It Easy” by The Eagles
A true 70’s classic that put Winslow on the map.
“Well, I’m a standing on a corner in Winslow, Arizona
And such a fine sight to see
It’s a girl, my Lord, in a flatbed Ford
Slowin’ down to take a look at me”
6 “Arizona” by Josh Kerr
The perfect song for a mellow sunset.
“Do you remember Arizona?
I wonder if I ever cross your mind
‘Cause every time I feel the summer heat
Thinking you and me”
7 “Route 66” by John Mayer
A fun version of the classic by OG Chuck Berry.
“You’ll see Amarillo
Gallup, New Mexico
Flagstaff, Arizona
Don’t forget Wynonna”
8 “Tune Out” by The Format
A catchy tune for anyone who’s ever been stuck in traffic on the 51!
“The 51 is backed up and too slow
Let’s tune out by turning on the radio”
9 “Little Fluffy Clouds” by The Orb
A quintessential 90’s track by the British ambient house group.
“The most beautiful skies as a matter of fact
The sunsets were purple and red and yellow and on fire
And the clouds would catch the colors everywhere”
10 “Sissyneck” by Beck
A fun combination of funk and country.
“Now let me tell you about my baby
She was born in Arizona
Sitting in the jail house
Trying to learn some good manners”
What would you like to add to an Arizona playlist? Share your favorites with us in the comments.
