I love using music to express love and share a piece of myself with others. Further, music as a medium is alternatively great for sorting out more complex emotions.
With that being said, one of my favorite ways to use music is as a soundtrack for my happier memories!
Since it is getting warmer out, I thought I’d share a few songs that are best played poolside or with the windows down as you jam out with the people you love. If you’re looking for some music to blast when the sun’s out, this is for you.
- Bad Habits by FIDLAR
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I can’t say how many times my friends, sister, and boyfriend have screamed the lyrics to this song with me. Whether you’re in the car with your S/O, partying with friends, dancing drunk on a rooftop balcony with a bunch of people you just met, or alone singing into your hairbrush, this is the perfect summer jam. I’ve told strangers about this song and had them request it at our party weeks later. It’s dynamic, loud, sarcastic, and has that angsty, rebellious flavor we’re all in need of.
- Cigarette Daydreams by Cage the Elephant
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You probably know this one, but I can’t omit it. I’ve loved Cage for a while, and if this list was only for me, nearly every one of their songs would make the cut. Cigarette Daydreams is a classic, and will have everyone singing along.
- Jenny by Nothing More
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Jenny will always remind me of summertime. My boyfriend showed me this song on our first date last July; he took the panels off the top of his truck and we drove down the street after dinner, wind blowing through our hair, him singing every word in a successful effort to serenade me.
- Cigarettes on Patios by BabyJake
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Once upon a time, my friend begged me to play this song at every party and gathering. Needless to say, it grew on me. It’s now one of my most listened-to summer songs.
- Kickback by Myles Parrish
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Picture this: it’s 80 degrees, and you’re in the pool with your friends or your S/O playing pool pong with a beer in hand. This song is playing. Most of last summer was spent like this for me, and I definitely can’t complain.
- Fvck Somebody by The Wrecks
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While the message of this song is questionable, the lyrics and the crescendo of the melody make it impossible not to scream along.
- Running Miles by Hippie Sabotage
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Or anything by Hippie Sabotage, for that matter. The thumping bass and the deep timbre of his voice make the perfect soundtrack to summertime shenanigans.
- The Spins by Mac Miller
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Or anything by Mac Miller, for that matter.
- San Francisco by the Mowglis
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My sister showed me this song a few years ago, and it’s been one of my go-tos ever since.
- Miley by SWMRS
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While I found this song at the end of last summer, I fell in love with it immediately. It’s dynamic, like Bad Habits, and has that similar twinge of angst.
- Heat Waves by Glass Animals
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This song was just released last year, but it’s definitely going on my summer playlist this year.
- Move by Saint Motel
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Will literally make you want to get up and move.
- Magic in the Hamptons by Social House
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Super catchy and feel-good.
- Saturday Sun by Vance Joy
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This song is a little less upbeat and great to have on your list for a day of relaxation or a long car ride.
- Heavy by The Glorious Sons
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My boyfriend just recently showed me this song, but I have a feeling I’ll be listening to it a lot this summer!
There’s much more where that came from; these are just a couple of my go-to summer jams. But while you may be familiar with many of these, hopefully there’s at least one that’s new to you!