As finals finally come to an end, the sun actually comes out to shine, and students begin to move every last thing they own out of the residence halls, it’s clear that summer has arrived at last. As we all put away our study playlists (and the instrumental music that helps us focus), it’s time to move on to music to sing along with in the car, put on full blast in the shower, and dance discretely to at any given job.
Though there’s sure to be a boatload of great new music coming out in the next few months, here’s a short starter playlist to get your summer going right.
1) “Bail Me Out” – All Time Low (feat. Joel Madden)
All Time Low’s new album is full of fast-paced, punk tracks that just make you want to get up and dance. This collaboration with Good Charlotte’s Joel Madden is one of the catchiest of the bunch.
2) “Trouble” – Halsey
This starts a little slow, but Halsey’s voice is beautifully haunting and she’s definitely fun to sing along with once the song gets going.
3) “Style” – Taylor Swift
Yes, this came out in the fall with the rest of 1989. But just like “Blank Space,” “Style” is worth multiple listens and is definitely a fun song to listen to while you drive. If you need more T-Swift, check out bonus track “New Romantics,” which definitely deserves a spot on any summer playlist.
4) “Drunk in Love” – Beyoncé (feat. Jay-Z)
So if the Taylor Swift track is old, this one is probably ancient. But just like most Beyoncé, it’s worth a repeat (plus it will help get you pumped for the Beyoncé/Jay-Z collaboration rumoured to be coming out later this year).
5) “Spend Your $$$” – Walk the Moon
By now, you’ve undoubtedly heard “Shut Up and Dance” and so you already know how catchy and fun Walk the Moon can be. “Spend Your $$$” is another great example of this off of their most recent album.
6) “Strange Girl” – The Zolas
With a solid guitar backing, and a kind of funky repetition of the title, “Strange Girl” is a realistic summer love story in a song. It may not be the happiest of lyrics, but between the chorus and the upbeat tempo, it’s still a rather fun listen.
7) “Stitches” – Shawn Mendes
Break up songs might seem like a strange way to start your summer, but Shawn Mendes’ version involves a backing rhythm that makes it perfect for a new start into a new season. The first verse starts a little slow, but by the time the first chorus hits, it’s already plenty of fun and will draw out your inner dancer.
8) “Better Than That” – Marina and the Diamonds
“Better Than That” hearkens back to earlier Marina and the Diamonds hits like “Oh No!” It’s not quite as fast, but with a more upbeat tempo than her single “Happy,” it’s a great addition to any summer playlist.
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