I've always thought of "Ventura Highway" as America's most pleasant hit. Its breezy guitar part and vocals make it fit for driving, making listeners accept the quirky lyrical phrasing,"alligator lizards in the air," without question. For decades, I didn't know that was a reference to cloud shapes. In or out of context, however, the laid-back vocal stylings make that unusual syntax sound pleasantly palatable.
If you haven't listened to WSIE or another jazz station or stream lately, you might not know that Dw3 featuring Peter White covers "Ventura Highway" compellingly. Vocally and instrumentally, the group nails the tune's essence. By slowing down the tempo just a tad, emphasizing White's guitar playing, and giving the tune some smooth jazz and R&B gloss, this ensemble puts its own spin on the song without compromising the original version's appeal.
I'll be surprised if this rendition doesn't make my Favorite music of 2025 countdown.
