Nothing quite captures the feeling of peace and tranquility like the image of relaxing on a tropical island: warm sand, crystal clear water, and shady palm trees to relax under. But islands can also be isolating and scary, like being stuck on one alone with no one to save you.
This duality has made islands a popular theme to represent different emotions across various musical genres. In this list, we explore some of the best songs that feature islands as a lyrical theme. So let’s set sail and get lost together on a musical journey!
“Islands in the Stream” by Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers
Album: Eyes That See in the Dark
Genre: Soft Rock
Released: 1983
Let’s kick off this list of island-themed songs with this mega-hit from country music superstars Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton. Initially written by the Bee Gees, it ended up as the leading single from Kenny Roger’s Eyes That See In The Dark album.
It was a huge success and hit the number 1 position in Australia, Canada, and the US Billboard Hot 100 charts. It was also a top 10 hit in Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, Norway, and the UK. An excellent love song from two of the greatest country music stars of all time.
Similar Playlist: Songs With Ocean In The Lyrics
“My Island Home” by Christina Anu
Album: Stylin’ Up
Genre: World
Released: 1995
The origins of this song date back to the mid-80s as a rock song by the Warumpi Band, but the version that most people will recognize is this cover by Australian singer/songwriter and actress Christine Anu.
It’s a fantastic song that perfectly encapsulates feeling homesick. Some people might also remember the stunning performance of this song at the closing ceremony of the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney.
Similar Playlist: Rock Songs About Water
“Island King” by Tenelle
Album: This Is X
Genre: R&B / Soul
Released: 2020
Tenelle is an American Samoan singer/songwriter with a fantastic voice and a unique blend of Reggae, R&B, and Pop influences throughout her songs. She has collaborated with a wide array of artists but has always stayed true to her roots.
This song comes from her 2020 album This is X and tells the tale of love with a strong emphasis on empowerment. It offers a fantastic groovy beat with tropical vibes that ooze smoothly throughout the entire song.
Similar Playlist: Good River Songs
“Island in the Sun” by Weezer
Album: Weezer (Green Album)
Genre: Alternative Rock
Released: 2001
Next on our list of songs with island in the lyrics and title is this hit single from the American rock band Weezer. It comes from their second album and has become one of their most well-known songs.
It climbed into the top 40 on the UK and Scotland charts and reached number 11 on the US Alternative Airplay charts. A power-packed song that wonderfully shifts from a smooth, laidback vibe to aggressive guitar with sublime elegance.
Similar Playlist: Songs About Climbing Mountains
“Island Song” by Zac Brown Band
Album: Uncaged
Genre: Country
Released: 2012
The Zac Brown Band have an epic catalog of fantastic music under their belts, with their debut album cementing their status as one of the best new country bands to emerge from the early 2000s.
This song comes from their third studio album but was never released as a single. The album itself was immensely popular and sold 1.2 million copies. It topped the US Billboard Album charts and sold well in Canada, Australia, and the UK.
Similar Playlist: Forest Songs
“Island” by Miley Cyrus
Album: Endless Summer Vacation
Genre: Pop
Released: 2023
Let’s jump forward 20 years with this song from Miley Cyrus. It’s a part of her eighth studio album, which proved popular with critics and fans and blasted into the US, UK, and Australian Album charts.
It proves that so many years on, she still has what it takes to take the world by storm with her music. This song, in particular, features a wonderful ambiance and insightful lyrics with an island as a central theme.
Similar Playlist: Desert Trip Song List
“Island Song” by Adventure Time
Album: Adventure Time: Come Along with Me (Original Soundtrack)
Genre: Children’s Music
Released: 2018
Now it’s time for something a little different. This song is from the hit cartoon show Adventure Time which has taken the world by storm and spawned an endless stream of merchandise and an ultra-dedicated fanbase that stretches beyond children.
While it might not be a “traditional” hit, there is no denying the appeal of this song, with over 4.6 million views on YouTube. With a playful and catchy tune and lyrics, it’s no surprise it has become popular in its own right.
“Island Girl” by DJ Noiz Ft. Jahboy
Album: Single Release Only
Genre: Reggae
Released: 2020
Next up on this list of island songs is this song from Australian DJ Noiz, along with JahBoy. With a Samoan/Tongan heritage, you can certainly feel the islander vibes in this Reggae infused song.
A bouncy beat supported by a smooth lyrical execution from JaBoy cements this as one of the top songs that blend Reggae influences with modern dance music vibes. A perfect song to listen to when chilling out on a tropical island or, in my case dreaming of chilling out on a tropical island!
“23 Island” by JayDaYoungan
Album: Misunderstood
Genre: Hip-Hop / Rap
Released: 2019
This song by the late JayDaYoungan highlights his talent with a unique and infectious rapping style that earned him millions of views. While he may have had multiple legal issues, his creativity, and rapping prowess are undeniable.
Unfortunately, we will never get to see where his career could have gone since his life was cut short when he was gunned down while sitting on the front lawn of his house. It’s another sad tale from a side of the music industry that has seen far too many premature deaths.
“Coney Island” by Taylor Swift Ft. The National
Album: Evermore
Genre: Alternative Rock
Released: 2021
Taylor Swift needs no introduction. You would have to have lived on a deserted island for the last twenty years not to have heard of her! Super talented and possessing a loyal and passionate fanbase, she is undoubtedly one of the world’s biggest music stars.
Coney Island is from her eighth studio album and showcases her ability to team up with artists from different genres to create engaging and fresh music. It departs from her usual pop style but offers a beautifully lyrical story about love and loss.
“Thunder Island” by Jay Ferguson
Album: Thunder Island
Genre: Soft Rock
Released: 1977
While Taylor Swift is a household name, many would not have heard of Jay Ferguson. In the 70s, he experienced some solo success with this single from his Thunder Island album.
It reached number 9 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and as high as number 8 on the Canadian Top Singles chart. But after many albums, he could not achieve further success and switched careers and became a successful soundtrack composer for movies and TV shows.
“On The Island” by Brian Wilson
Album: No Pier Pressure
Genre: Soft Rock
Released: 2015
This charming song from American musician, songwriter, singer, and producer Brian Wilson closes out this list of songs about islands. It features a smooth vocal performance by the talented duo She & Him.
If you watch the music video, you’ll likely recognize Zooey Deschanel from New Girl fame, who is one half of the duo along with M.Ward. This song is ideal if you need an easy-listening track to set a relaxing tone.
11 Bonus Songs About Islands
“Cracker Island by Gorillaz
“Island Lover” by Shaggy
“Island of Lost Souls” by Blondie
“Island of Love” by Elvis Presley
“Islands” by John Denver
“No Man is an Island” by NOËP
“Island in the Sun” by Harry Belafonte
“Islands” by Young The Giant
“To the Island” by Crowded House
“Island Girl” by Elton John
“Island In The Sun” by Ringo Starr
Watch The Full Playlist
The full playlist with every song in this post can be watched via the video below or directly on our YouTube channel.
