“California Girls” is a fun and flamboyant cover of The Beach Boys’ 1965 classic, performed by David Lee Roth and released in December 1984. It was the lead single from his debut solo EP, Crazy from the Heat, marking his first major project outside of Van Halen. Roth’s version transforms the song into a high-energy glam rock and synth-driven pop anthem, infused with his signature over-the-top personality.
Lyrically, the song remains true to the original, celebrating the beauty and appeal of girls from different parts of the United States while ultimately declaring that California girls are the best. The playful and lighthearted lyrics fit perfectly with Roth’s charismatic and theatrical approach to music.
Musically, Roth’s version is slicker and more polished, featuring synthesized horns, a groovy bassline, and a bouncy, mid-tempo beat. The arrangement is more electronic and 80s-styled than The Beach Boys’ surf-rock original, with producer Ted Templeman helping to craft a radio-friendly, danceable version of the song. Roth’s vocal performance is both smooth and exaggerated, blending charm with his signature rock ‘n’ roll swagger.
“California Girls” was a commercial success, reaching No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 in early 1985. The song also topped the singles chart in South Africa, and peaked at No. 2 in Canada. It became one of Roth’s most recognizable solo hits and helped solidify his image as an entertainer who could thrive outside of Van Halen.
The music video, directed by Pete Angelus and Roth himself, is a campy, surreal journey through a California dream world, featuring exaggerated, cartoonish versions of different American stereotypes (like cowboys, Southern belles, and New York socialites). Roth plays an energetic “tour guide,” interacting with various women in playful and over-the-top fashion. The colorful and humorous video became an MTV favorite, further elevating Roth’s reputation as a larger-than-life performer.