17 Songs Like Going to California: Heartstrings Playlist

Today, I’m pumped to take you on a sonic journey through 17 melodies that mirror the ethereal beauty of Led Zeppelin’s “Going to California.”

We’ll uncover tracks that radiate the same acoustic splendor and wistful storytelling, making them perfect additions to your playlists or DJ sets.

Whether you’re a fan looking to unwind with a set of headphones or a DJ crafting an unforgettable mix, these songs will strum your heartstrings.

Let’s embark on this musical escapade together, folks!

Here are the songs like Going to California that you can check out:

List Of Songs Like Going to California

Songs like Going to California in a list format:

1. “The Wind” by Cat Stevens

Cat Stevens’ “The Wind” is a serene and heartfelt melody from his 1971 album “Teaser and the Firecat,” released under Island Records. This song’s gentle acoustic guitar, coupled with Stevens’ soothing voice, evokes a sense of nostalgia and peace similar to “Going to California.”

2. “Sugar Mountain” by Neil Young

Ah, “Sugar Mountain”! This classic by Neil Young from 1968 exudes warmth with its folksy sound. Originally released as a single, it was later featured on the compilation album “Decade” in 1977 under Reprise Records. Young’s reflective lyrics take listeners down memory lane.

3. “America” by Simon & Garfunkel

“America” by Simon & Garfunkel, from their 1968 album “Bookends” released by Columbia Records, tells a captivating story through poetic lyrics. The song’s acoustic charm and nostalgic narrative resonate with the sentiments of “Going to California.”

4. “Wild World” by Cat Stevens

Here’s another gem from Cat Stevens – “Wild World”. Hailing from his 1970 album “Tea for the Tillerman,” under Island Records, its catchy melody and heartfelt lyrics make it an acoustic treasure much like Led Zeppelin’s classic.

5. “Rocky Mountain High” by John Denver

“Rocky Mountain High” by John Denver, from his 1972 album of the same name under RCA Records, celebrates the beauty of nature. With its captivating lyrics and acoustic brilliance, it’s no wonder this song feels like a sibling to “Going to California.”

6. “Thick as a Brick” by Jethro Tull

Jethro Tull’s “Thick as a Brick” from 1972, released under Chrysalis Records, is a progressive rock epic with acoustic elements that will sweep you off your feet. It’s title track from the album “Thick as a Brick” and an adventurous ride for music lovers.

7. “Ventura Highway” by America

“Ventura Highway” by America is a breezy, feel-good song from their 1972 album “Homecoming,” released by Warner Bros. Records. The song’s laid-back vibe and catchy melody make it an excellent companion for a road trip or a relaxing evening.

8. “Take It Easy” by Eagles

The Eagles’ “Take It Easy” is an iconic country rock classic. Featured in their 1972 self-titled album released by Asylum Records, this track’s soaring harmonies and catchy guitar riff make it a must-have in your “Going to California”-like collection.

9. “Heart of Gold” by Neil Young

Another Neil Young classic, “Heart of Gold,” is from his 1972 album “Harvest” under Reprise Records. The song’s harmonica and acoustic guitar draw you in while Young’s voice tells a tale that’s heartwarming and timeless.

10. “Wish You Were Here” by Pink Floyd

“Wish You Were Here” is an emotional tribute by Pink Floyd. Featured in the 1975 album of the same name under Harvest and Columbia Records, its haunting guitar and heartfelt lyrics make it an immortal piece akin to “Going to California.”

11. “Fire and Rain” by James Taylor

James Taylor’s “Fire and Rain” from his 1970 album “Sweet Baby James,” released by Warner Bros. Records, is a poignant ballad with tender vocals and an acoustic resonance that echoes the sentiments of Zeppelin’s masterpiece.

12. “Box of Rain” by Grateful Dead

“Box of Rain” is a Grateful Dead classic from their 1970 album “American Beauty,” released under Warner Bros. Records. With its mellow tune and thoughtful lyrics, it’s a wonderful reflection on life’s ephemeral nature.

13. “Going to My Hometown” by Rory Gallagher

Rory Gallagher’s bluesy “Going to My Hometown” is featured on the 1972 live album “Live in Europe,” released by Polydor Records. With its slide guitar and stomping rhythm, it evokes an irresistible urge to hit the open road.

14. “From the Morning” by Nick Drake

Nick Drake’s “From the Morning” from his 1972 album “Pink Moon,” released by Island Records, is a soothing and introspective track. Its delicate guitar picking and Drake’s whispery vocals are reminiscent of a peaceful dawn.

15. “Suite: Judy Blue Eyes” by Crosby, Stills & Nash

This incredible track from Crosby, Stills & Nash’s 1969 self-titled album, released by Atlantic Records, is a multipart suite that showcases beautiful harmonies. “Suite: Judy Blue Eyes” is a vivid tapestry of sound and emotion.

16. “A Horse with No Name” by America

“A Horse with No Name” by America, from their 1971 self-titled album released by Warner Bros. Records, is a classic with a hypnotic melody. Its mysterious lyrics and evocative soundscape make it a compelling listen.

17. “Anji” by Simon & Garfunkel

Rounding off our list is “Anji” by Simon & Garfunkel, an instrumental from their 1966 album “Sounds of Silence,” released by Columbia Records. Its intricate guitar work and soothing atmosphere make it a perfect closer to our acoustic odyssey.

Fun Facts: Tracks Similar to Going to California

“The Wind” by Cat Stevens

• Nickname Connection: Cat Stevens, whose real name is Yusuf Islam, was initially named Steven Demetre Georgiou. He adopted the name Cat Stevens because a girlfriend told him he had eyes like a cat.
• Album Art: The album Teaser and the Firecat, which includes “The Wind”, features illustrations by Cat Stevens himself. He’s a multi-talented artist!

“Sugar Mountain” by Neil Young

• Birthday Inspiration: Neil Young wrote “Sugar Mountain” on his 19th birthday. The song reflects on the loss of youth, which might have been triggered by his own coming of age.

“America” by Simon & Garfunkel

• Road Trip Genesis: Paul Simon, one half of Simon & Garfunkel, got the inspiration for “America” after a road trip he took in 1964. The song reflects the journey and captures the vastness of America.

“Rocky Mountain High” by John Denver

• State Song: In 2007, “Rocky Mountain High” was declared one of Colorado’s official state songs. John Denver’s love for the Colorado Rockies is evident in the lyrics.

“Thick as a Brick” by Jethro Tull

• Newspaper Concept: The album “Thick as a Brick” was originally designed to look like a small-town British newspaper called “The St. Cleve Chronicle.” The lyrics of the title track were made to look like a poem written by a fictional child prodigy.

“Ventura Highway” by America

• Childhood Memory: The song’s writer, Dewey Bunnell, was inspired by a childhood memory of a drive with his family through Ventura County in California. The term “Ventura Highway” doesn’t refer to a specific road but is symbolic of the freedom of the open road.

“Wish You Were Here” by Pink Floyd

• Guitar Effect: The intro of “Wish You Were Here” features an effect that makes the guitar sound like it’s being played through an old radio. This was achieved by recording the guitar through a car stereo speaker.

“Fire and Rain” by James Taylor

• Multiple Meanings: “Fire and Rain” deals with several themes, including James Taylor’s reaction to the death of a friend, his personal experiences with drug addiction and depression, and the struggles of making it in the music industry.

“A Horse with No Name” by America

• Misattribution: Many people thought “A Horse with No Name” was a song by Neil Young when it was first released. The band America was often compared to Neil Young, and this song, in particular, had a similar sound to his work.
• Banned!: The song was briefly banned by a radio station in Kansas City, as they felt the lyrics were allegedly about drug use. The band has clarified that it’s simply about the beauty of the desert.

We’ve traveled through the rich tapestries of songs akin to “Going to California,” and delved into the intriguing fun facts behind them.

These sonic gems have painted landscapes, stirred emotions, and shaped countless memories. So keep your speakers ready and let the music carry you away.

Until next time, keep grooving!

Thanks for reading.

TBone