"West Coast" | ||||
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Single by OneRepublic | ||||
from the album Artificial Paradise | ||||
Written | 2015 | |||
Released | February 25, 2022 | |||
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Length | 3:12 | |||
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Producer(s) |
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OneRepublic singles chronology | ||||
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Music video | ||||
"West Coast" on YouTube |
"West Coast" is a song by American pop rock band OneRepublic, released as a single on February 25, 2022, through Mosley Music Group and Interscope Records. The song was written by band's lead singer Ryan Tedder, who composed and produced it with bandmate Brent Kutzle, Noel Zancanella, Justin Tranter, and producing duo Mattman & Robin. A fan favorite since a demo snippet was shared publicly, "West Coast" was originally intended for the band's fourth and later fifth studio albums, Oh My My (2016) and Human (2021), but it was postponed due to the band's ambitions to meet expectations. It was later included as the main inspiration and second single from the band's sixth studio album Artificial Paradise (2024).
Inspired by the sunshine pop aesthetic of the Beach Boys and the Mamas & the Papas, "West Coast" is an alternative pop and electropop tribute to 1960s California, with lyrics about embracing a newfound sense of freedom and seeking "the Californian dream". The song received critical acclaim from music critics, who praised Tedder's vocals, production values, lyrics, and deemed it a perfect addition to the summer season.
An accompanying music video for the song, directed by Thomas Whitmore, premiered on February 25 as well. It features Tedder cruising up the coast in a Cadillac convertible as he plans a space-themed dance party. The video was also used to promote tourism in collaboration with Visit California, as well as the new generation of Microsoft Surface devices. OneRepublic performed the song on television shows, and it was part of the setlist for the band's Never Ending Summer Tour (2022).