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20 Songs To Get You In The Summer Mood

Ava Niedermyer Student Contributor, Pennsylvania State University
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at PSU chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.

Music is a good way to escape some of our stress and let the good vibes take over. I compiled a list of 20 songs that will hopefully lift spirits and offer a diverse range, with something for everyone.

To keep your sanity, go for a walk, put on some headphones and blast this playlist or your own to remind you that summer is coming.

“Island In the Sun” – Weezer

Has a laid-back and timeless feel. It feels like a warm afternoon, and you’re feeling the sun on your face.

“Malibu” – THE DRIVER ERA

THE DRIVER ERA brings a fun vibe to their songs. Malibu is coastal and playful. It’s perfect for random drives and golden skies.

“Champagne Coast” – Blood Orange

Has a more laid-back vibe. Feels hazy, like you’re lying back and watching the sunset.

“This Charming Man” – The Smiths

This song can give you a pep in your step with its upbeat instrumentals. It has that 80s vibe that you can listen to with your mom.

“Açai Bowl” – Dominic Fike

I came across this song recently, and it gives a feeling of nostalgia. It paints a picture of an easygoing summer with its carefree tone.

“Dopamine” – BøRNS

This song builds up to a bright sound. It feels like a spontaneous night out, laughing with your friends while walking in the street.

“Summertime Sadness” – Lana Del Ray

Here’s one for my melancholy girls. I know not everyone loves an upbeat song. “Summertime Sadness” brings the vibes of summer while still letting you feel your feels.

“Spring Into Summer” – Lizzy McAlpine

Another sadder song, but the sad girls know bangers. This song is soft, but it tugs at your heartstrings. I always find myself turning it on as summer comes.

“Ribs” – Lorde

This song transports you right back to 2013; it’s purely nostalgic. It’ll make you want to stick your head out the car window and feel the wind in your hair.

“Midnight Sun” – Zara Larsson

This is the perfect song to get up and dance to. Zara Larsson’s new rebrand is the perfect summer scene.

“Left Hand Free” – alt-J

I think we all remember the summer of 2020, when “Outer Banks” came out, and everyone had this song on repeat. “Left Hand Free” is gritty, fun and chaotic in the best way.

“Summertime” – The Sundays

This song you can blast in your headphones while lying by the pool. It’s soft yet has exciting instrumentals.

“Life Is a Highway” – Rascal Flatts

This is a song for everyone; it’s the ultimate road trip anthem. It will bring you right back to your childhood.

“Dreams” – Fleetwood Mac

A timeless song where the guitar parts make the song. It’s effortlessly cool and a chill song.

“Last Friday Night” – Katy Perry

This song is for the perfect summer memory. It’s nostalgic, and you know the vibes are good when this song is playing.

“Deja Vu” – Olivia Rodrigo

This is a summer-coded heartbreak; it may be upbeat, but the lyrics reveal something deeper.

“Overtime” – Zach Bryan

For my country lovers, Zach Bryan’s songs are perfect for summer. This is perfect for listening to on the Fourth of July.

“American Teen” – Khalid

A youthful vibe is present in this song. It captures that in-between stage of life, which is how summer can feel, in between school.

“Hurricane” – Bridget Mendler

Bridget Mendler’s music is so underrated. She knows how to make a catchy song. It has that early 2010s energy.

“Can I Call You Tonight” – Dayglow

Indie vibes only in this song. It’s perfect to listen to in the summer while walking to get ice cream and feeling the heat on your skin.

Get your summer on with these songs. Hopefully, I was able to introduce you to new songs or remind you of some old ones. Either way, get started on your playlist that you can blast all summer long

My name is Ava Niedermyer, i’m a second year political science major minoring in economics and history at Penn State University. I’m from Long Island, NY.