What makes a tropical track so perfect? Is it the way it makes you groove? The vocals that shoot straight to your heart? Or the introduction of jazz instruments ringing over island beats? Whatever it is, tropical house has nestled itself into a very special place in my listening library.
Last Tuesday, we highlighted tropical remixes that take our favorites to a whole new level. This week we’re focusing on the tropical originals that have made serious waves by bringing a new style and flavor to the music we love. These originals are consistently expanding the reach of tropical house and taking this genre to even greater heights. Is there a tropical house ceiling? Probably not, considering we’re on the beach.
#TropicalTuesdays
1) Goldroom – Til Sunrise
Newly released, this Nu-Disco / Tropical crossover is the perfect summertime getaway track. Goldroom, an artist who leans closer to the Nu-Disco genre has brought an experimental tropical feel to his signature sound and the result couldn’t be better. Tropical crossovers are the way of the future this summer, and we can’t wait to see how this style evolves.
2) Alex Schulz – A girl from Paris
Between the birds chirping in the beginning and the gorgeous simple melody, Alex Schulz’ “The girl from Paris” is THE feel good song of the summer. Taking it one deeper, this song includes elements from both deep and tropical house. An absolutely stunning musical masterpiece, this track will definitely leave you wanting to hit “repeat”.
3) Thomas Jack ft. Adrian Symes – The Final Speech
As one of the pioneers of tropical house, Thomas Jack is known for his remixes but if you take a closer look, you’ll notice he also has some extremely notable originals under his belt. In one of his first originals, he samples the speech from Charlie Chaplin’s “The Great Dictator” and lays it over some sassy saxophone for a combination that is unmatched. Truly showcasing his production talent, Thomas Jack reigns as the tropical house king.
4) Sam Feldt & De Hofnar – Bloesem
What makes this song so great is the instrumental showcase it provides. The basic melody is guided through first by flute, then violin, then tropical drums for a multi-layered musical experience.
5) naxxos – New Orleans
True to New Orleans style, this track is full of soul and jazz culture. The smooth percussion wrapped with the saxiest of saxophone melodies creates one of the most soulful tropical originals around.
6) Klingande – Jubel
If you could put all the magic of a tropical sunrise into a song, it would be Klingande’s “Jubel”. One of the most uplifting tracks on this list, “Jubel” is a staple for any tropical house lover’s playlist.
7) FAUL – Happy Endings
The message in this track is too powerful not to share. Take a listen to the lyrics, then let the sultry saxophone wrap you up in the most tropical of feels. This is one of those tracks you put on, close your eyes and let it remind you how fantastic life can be.
8) Rudimental – Free (Feat. Emeli Sande & Nas)
Sure this song might not be considered 100% tropical, but I believe it embodies all of the best aspects of tropical sounds and therefore, belongs on this list. One of those songs that will give you the chills, Rudimental’s “Free” is a must-need for any summery day.
9) FlicFlac – Hope
A track that truly highlights and showcases the beauty of percussion. FlicFlac’s “Hope” uses the same sample as Thomas Jack’s “The Final Speech” but in such a unique way, it’s worth including this track as well.
10) Wolf Tide – Spoke the Words
Although I’m not a huge fan of the vocals, there is an incredible feel to this track. It sounds like Tropical House and Cashmere Cat had a love child and produced this song. The acoustic guitar melody paired with hip-hop snares is too wonderful to pass up.
11) Planet Walkers – Just Be
There is a dark and mysterious vibe to Planet Walker’s “Just Be” and I’m loving it. It’s not everyday you hear break beats complimenting a tropical song so perfectly. Between the whispered vocals and simplified electric guitar chords, there’s something extra special about this track.
Happy #TropicalTuesday everyone!