Compilations and classic songs that put you in mind of the city, from Traveler’s city playlist.
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Compilations:
Reckless
Bryan Adams rocked the world with this album, which featured the rock anthem “Summer of ‘69” and other hits, including “One Night Love Affair.” His later single, “(Everything I Do) I Do It For You” made the Guinness Book of World Records for longest running number one single on British pop charts (16 weeks).
Loverboy
Known for producing radio-friendly pop music and wearing tight leather pants, Vancouver’s Loverboy set loose this 1980 self-titled album, which included hits “Kid is Hot Tonight” and “Turn Me Loose.”
The Green Album
With a loyal local following, the alternative-rock band 54•40 produced this 1986 album that included the songs “Baby Ran” and “I Go Blind”—the latter becoming a major hit in the U.S. for Hootie & the Blowfish. The band’s name derives from U.S. President James Polk’s 1844 expansionist slogan, “Fifty-four forty or fight!”
Thirsty Ears
A staple of Vancouver’s jazz and blues scene since the 1970s, the Powder Blues Band still rocks out at local clubs. This album features such gritty hits as “Thirsty Ears” (“Doin’ It Right” was on the album Uncut in 1979, before the Thirsty Ears album came out.)
Opus X
Chilliwack is one of Vancouver’s most successful pop-rock bands. It started rockin' the airwaves in the 1970s, but this 1982 album brought the world the catchy “Whatcha Gonna Do (When I'm Gone).”
Fumbling Toward Ecstasy
Although born in Nova Scotia, Sarah McLachlan moved to Vancouver in the ’80s when signed by Vancouver’s Nettwerk Productions. This album launched her sweet voice into homes all over the world, making her one of Canada’s most successful artists. McLachlan also launched the successful, all-woman summer festival Lilith Fair.
Save This House
Go to any party in Vancouver and eventually a song from this 1989 album by much loved Spirit of the West will get locals stomping and singing along to the Celtic-inspired songs about Vancouver, and its beauty, politics, beer, and surrounding islands.
Silver Side Up
Few Canadian bands managed to even appear on U.S. pop music charts, but the Alberta-born, Vancouver-based Nickelback is another matter. From this 2001 album, “How You Remind Me” solidified the band’s arrival and told the world Nickelback wasn’t just going to appear on the charts, it was going to top them, again and again.
Classic Songs:
Over the years, some obscure songs have captured the Vancouver essence—from the building of the Second Narrows Bridge to draft dodging to reminiscing over sunsets.
1. “Emily Carr” by The Wheat Pool
2. “Junkie Song” by The Be Good Tanyas
3. “My Uncle” by Flying Burrito Brothers
4. “The Bridge Came Tumbling Down” by Stompin’ Tom Connors
5. “Vancouver, BC” by The Smugglers
6. “English Bay” by Blue Rodeo
7. “Expo 86” by Death Cab for Cutie
8. “The Crawl” by Spirit of the West
9. “Vancouver Divorce” by Gordon Downie (of The Tragically Hip)
10. “Vancouver” by Jeff Buckley
