With temperatures finally warming up but not being able to enjoy them as much as we’d like to, a great alternative to try to still get some semblance of upcoming summer feelings is music. Whether it’s listening to it with people or just your own private party with just you, music can help relieve stress, and lighten your heart a bit. With that being said, these are the songs that come to mind when I think of the days the summer brings.
1) Santeria by Sublime
This song will forever remind me of Riff Raff’s vine where he’s driving with the windows down and he screams “SUMMER TIME!!” This song has a relaxed, laid-back tempo that blends well with the tropical guitar picking style that makes you feel like you’re driving on a convertible with your friends shouting lyrics, like that scene in White Chicks when they were singing Vanessa Carlton’s ‘A Thousand Miles.’
https://youtu.be/BchXkabxn4A?list=TLPQMDUwNTIwMjCvGx_sFfSaYQ
2) Good Girls by LANY
Good Girls is a perfect hot summer night drive song with its heavy synth-driven dance melody paired with an 80’s style drum machine beat. With lyrics like “dancing in the light of the canyon sun, racing every wave, going north on the 1,” Paul, the lead singer, paints a California picture of what summers can feel like.
3) Golden by Harry Styles
With its shimmering piano melody in the beginning that crashes into an angel choir of harmonies that feel like you’re floating, Golden’s melody is a musical mirage that hides the painful, longing lyrics of loving someone who isn’t ready. This song is melodic sunsets and sunrises, the glittery effects from the sun hitting the waves, laughing with your friends while you swim, a melodic summer in 3 minutes and 30 seconds.
4) The Weeknd (Funk Wav Remix) by SZA & Calvin Harris
There’s a reason why this song gained popularity through the video app Tik Tok. Calvin Harris’ remix adds rythmic oomph by adding a stronger funk approach reminiscent to Bruno Mars’ 24k magic to an already iconic song, and changes the energy into a kickback song you can sing and dance along to with your friends.
5) Summer Breeze by Seals & Crofts
This song is one of my favorite songs that instantly remind me of summer. With lyrics like “sweet days of summer, the jasmines in bloom, July is dressed up, and waiting for June,” not only is it obvious about the season, but the melody is serene and unhurried–as if it’s making you savor your tangibility of the season with the sun beating down on you, the flowers blowing to the motions of the wind, and the slow drags of summer days.
6) Outta My Head by Khalid (with John Mayer)
Not only does the melody remind me of a song I would play with the windows down in my car on a hot day, but the lyrics feed into the visionary of sneaking out with your friends on a joyride with the first lines being “I’m here outside when you’re ready, bring out the shots and confetti.” The rolling beat and Khalid’s addicting vocals mixed with John Mayer’s Midas touch of guitar skills enhancing the song, making it an addicting song you can create vivid memories with.
7) Our Summer by TXT
This is one of the songs that at first listen I could visualize all my favorite memories that happened in the summer. With its light repetitive electro beat and lyrics about how no matter where you are with that person every day feels like summer, this song is an endearing happy tune you can play as you go about your day in the hot weather. I could see this song in a video montage of all the fun you’ve had during the months to commemorate the season.
https://youtu.be/tWjGb0uy71E?list=TLPQMDUwNTIwMjCvGx_sFfSaYQ
8) I Get Around by Beach Boys
A summer playlist is nothing without the surf rock kings The Beach Boys. With their infectious harmonies and upbeat fuzzy saturated harmonies, it’s hard to feel down with this song filling your ears. This is a toe tapping, loud singing song that you can play in almost every summer activity.
https://youtu.be/BchXkabxn4A?list=TLPQMDUwNTIwMjCvGx_sFfSaYQ