Tropical Island Music Hits That Will Send You Dancing to the Beach
Thinking about your next cruise vacation? Use these top island music hits to get you in the mood to cruise the Caribbean.
1. "Could You Be Loved"- Bob Marley
"Could you be love, and be loved?"
Bob Marley, the genre-defining father of modern reggae, hauntingly asks us this question in his song that rings out across the Caribbean at every port. You can't go anywhere in the Caribbean without hearing and feeling the roots of this song.
2. "Feeling Hot Hot Hot"- The Merrymen
"Me mind on fire, me soul on fire, feeling hot hot hot. / Party people, all around me, feeling hot hot hot."
This catchy island music is well-suited to beach days and margarita nights. Set your mind and your soul on fire as you take in the beautiful seascapes and rejuvenate by the beaches of Grenada.
3. "Kingston Town"- UB40
"The night seems to fade / But the moonlight lingers on. / There are wonders for everyone. / The stars shine so bright / But they're fading after dawn / There is magic in Kingston Town."
One of the most recognizable reggae songs, "Kingstown Town" truly captures the beauty and love of a place that so many experience in the Caribbean. Feel your own magic on late-night walks on the beach where the moonlight lingers on.
4. "La Bamba"- Ritchie Valens
"Para bailar la Bamba, / se necesita una poca de gracia. / Una poca de gracia para para mí, para ti."
"To dance the Bamba / One needs a bit of grace. / A bit of grace for me, for you."
How many times have you heard this song and loved it for its liveliness — yet never could really make out what they were saying? It turns out that "La Bamba," originally a Mexican folk song, is about the love of the bamba, a famous dance that you can try out in Puerto Ricoon your next Caribbean cruise.
5. "Margaritaville"- Jimmy Buffet
"Wastin' away again in Margaritaville / Searchin' for my lost shaker of salt."
Life is pretty grand when your biggest concern is finding your lost shaker of salt. This beloved song about living it up in warm climates will be the cool drink your ears crave as you enjoy the pristine beaches of Aruba on your next cruise in the Caribbean.
6. "Kokomo"- Beach Boys
"Off the Florida Keys, there's a place called Kokomo / That's where you want to go to get away from it all. / Bodies in the sand, tropical drink melting in your hand. / We'll be falling in love to the rhythm of a steel drum band / Down in Kokomo."
The most iconic Caribbean vacation song, as sung by the truest fans of beach life.
If these songs inspire you to buy swimsuits and book your next Caribbean cruise, then you're ready to go "down to Kokomo."