My favorite season by far is summer. I love everything about it: the sunshine, the lake days, the tanning. Summer has that freeing feeling that can only truly be encapsulated through a good summer playlist. With that being said, here are 10 songs that help capture the essence of summer.
“Sun is Shining” by Bob Marley & The Wailers
As soon as this song comes on, the only place I want to be is at the beach, listening to Bob Marley and the waves crashing onto the shore. The simplistic percussion and guitar provide a groovy and calming feeling, while the upbeat lyrics serve as a reminder to be appreciative and grateful for each day.
The first verse opens with, “Sun is shining, the weather is sweet. Make you wanna move your dancing feet now.” The song concludes by saying “Awake from your sleep and slumber. Today could bring your lucky number,” which is a great mindset to have.
“Dani California” by Red Hot Chili Peppers
“Dani California” was one of the first songs that introduced me to the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and it has been on my summer playlist for as long as I can remember. A few years ago, I visited California over the summer, and this song was seemingly playing everywhere I went. Because of that, I will always have fond memories attached to it. I love everything about “Dani California,” from the lighthearted energy and lyrics to the stunning guitar solo at the end.
“Smaller Acts” by Zach Bryan
Every song off of Zach Bryan’s 2023 self-titled album should be listened to during the summertime. I’m highlighting “Smaller Acts” in particular because of my love for the lyrics that tell a story about a girl who appreciates the simpler things in life. I love each little detail in the verses, from how she likes honey in her coffee, songs by Prince and, of course, a “scorchin’ summer.”
“Alive” by Empire of the Sun
“Alive,” like many of Empire of the Sun’s songs, is unequivocally summer. The 2013 synth-pop song is perfect for late night drives with the windows rolled down after a long day at the pool or beach.
I love the simplistic and repetitive chorus, “Loving every minute ‘cause you make me feel so alive, alive,” because it feels so youthful and genuine.
“Rhiannon” by Fleetwood Mac
It’s impossible to be in a bad mood if Fleetwood Mac is playing, and “Rhiannon” feels like the perfect sunny summer day song. Every time I hear it, I am reminded of Misty Day from American Horror Story (if you know you know) and I want to get up and dance. With Stevie Nicks’ hypnotizing vocals and the band’s effortless guitar riffs, “Rhiannon” is a flawless track.
“Sold out of Love” by The Nude Party
This 2023 song exudes nostalgia and warm weather. When the guitar comes in at the start of the song, I can almost smell the salty ocean air and Sun Bum sunscreen. “Sold out of Love” is the ultimate tanning by the beach track.
“Knock Knock” by Mac Miller
I already featured a Mac Miller song in my spring playlist column, but “Knock Knock” off Mac Miller’s 2010 album “K.I.D.S” is too fitting to not be included. This song, and the entire album, is a celebration of youth and freedom; an upbeat, carefree anthem to blast as soon as the temperature gets above 70 degrees.
“West Coast” by Lana Del Rey
I’m not sure what Lana Del Rey put into this song, but I have probably listened to it a million times. The sultry vocals, melody and the addicting transition from the verse to the chorus are perfectly executed. To me, this is the perfect Lana track for either a late-night drive or a midday picnic.
“Smoke Two Joints” by Sublime
I couldn’t make a summer playlist without including Sublime. I have to give credit to much of my music taste to my dad, since I grew up listening to bands like Sublime and Cage The Elephant with him. The humorous lyrics and laidback beat of “Smoke Two Joints” make it an essential summer song to listen to while tanning at the pool or taking a walk outside.
IU’s Willkie South incorporated Charli XCX’s "Brat” theme for 2024-25.
“Summer’s Over” by Jordana and TV Girl
Unfortunately, summer is fleeting, and its ending is always bittersweet for me. “Summer’s Over” by Jordana and TV Girl captures the nostalgia of September when the nights start to get colder and the world begins to resume. This mellow, calm song provides the perfect bridge between your summer and fall playlist.
I can’t wait to grab a speaker and head to the lake to give these songs a listen. No matter how you’ll be spending these upcoming summer months, I hope that it will be with a great selection of music.
