On campus, the weather is getting warmer, and the leaves are growing back. It feels so nice to finally walk outside without wearing a jacket. That being said, I need to start curating my summer playlist that I can listen to while hanging out by the pool with my friends and family or driving through my hometown streets with the windows down.
Olivia Rodrigo
Olivia Rodrigo’s third album, you seem pretty sad for a girl so in love, is set to release on June 12, 2026, and that makes it the perfect album to add to any summer playlist. The album’s first single, “drop dead,” was released on April 17, 2026, and instead of heartbreak, it describes an infatuating crush set to the most fun, upbeat rhythm. Aside from this upcoming album, you will probably find me listening to these other songs by Rodrigo: “get him back!,” “girl i’ve always been,” or “so american.”
Lorde
I listen to Lorde all year round, but listening to her during the summer is always the best feeling. Lorde’s most recent album, Virgin, was released last summer, and I had it on repeat. Some of my favorite songs from Virgin are “Shapeshifter,” “Favorite Daughter,” and “David.” While I will be listening to these songs many times this summer, I feel like the Lorde songs everyone thinks of when it comes to summer are from her first two albums. “Supercut,” “Green Light,” “Ribs,” and “A World Alone” are among the many songs that make summer feel so energetic. Not to mention, Lorde is headlining the 2026 Lollapalooza Festival, and if you didn’t get tickets this year, you can stream her performance on Hulu.
Zach Bryan
On September 17, 2025, Zach Bryan sold out Michigan Stadium and put on an iconic concert for over 112,000 people. Listening to Bryan’s music with so many other people was such a memorable experience: everyone yelling the lyrics to every song or jumping and dancing in the stands. To be honest, I didn’t listen to Bryan very much before this concert, but now I love listening to his music whenever the weather gets a little bit warmer. Live music is always incredible, and my favorites were “East Side of Sorrow,” “Oklahoma Smokeshow,” “Dry Deserts,” “Burn, Burn, Burn,” and, of course, “Revival.”
The Lumineers
This past September, I was also able to see The Lumineers live at Comerica Park in Detroit. They put on such an unforgettable show, and I was so happy that I could finally see them in person after years of listening to their music. Similar to other artists, I listen to The Lumineers year-round, but it’s in the summer that I listen to their music all the time. Their music is the type that makes you want to jump around while listening because of all the life and energy it has. That being said, some songs I will be listening to this summer include “Flowers In Your Hair,” “Ho Hey,” “Stubborn Love,” and “Brightside.”
Other Perfect Songs for Summer
Aside from these artists, there are so many more songs that will be on repeat this summer. I’ve always loved listening to “Springsteen” by Eric Church. The first ten seconds of the song sound exactly like what it feels like for summer to finally start. I also love any song by Lana Del Rey or SZA for when I’m lying by the pool. There are so many more songs that will make up my playlist this summer, so these are just a few of my favorites.