Summer Playlist

For me, there are a handful of songs that make me think of summer. Whether it’s the literal lyrics or the fact that the song was played frequently during summers of the past, these songs always stick out to me when the weather starts to get warm (finally!) This is the playlist I’d listen to at the beach, on long drives with the windows down or even in spring when I’m too anxious for summer. What are some of your favorite songs that remind you of summer?

“Tune Out”- The Format- I’m convinced this is the perfect driving song, especially in the summer with your car windows rolled down. This is a must-have on any road trip playlist. “Ill tap the break while you crack the window / the smell of smoke is making my lungs explode / the 51 is backed up and too slow / Lets tune out by turning on the radio” 

“Summertime”- Kenny Chesney– Even if you don’t like country music, you can’t help but sing along to this quintessential summer song. “Perfect song on the radio / Sing along ’cause it’s one we know / It’s a smile, it’s a kiss / It’s a sip of wine, it’s summertime”

“Lay Me Down”- The Dirty Heads- This was on repeat during the summer/early fall of 2010 for me. I remember listening to it non-stop during a trip to the beach. The lyrics are perfect for summer.“Well you’re my green-eyed girl And I’ve been running around with you / It’s the afternoon and we got nothing left to do / So wipe the dirt off, or Take your shirt off, and we should go hit the cantina, we got work off. /I said it’s hot outside Let me go swimming in your eyes / We’ve been running for a while / Why don’t you lay down and make smile / I could never ask for nothing better than this /It’s just tequila and the beach, that’s why its salty when we kiss.”

“Could You Be Loved”- Bob Marley– This song is so free and happy, it’s perfect for lounging on the beach during the summer.

“Wagon Wheel”- Old Crow Medicine Show– Whether you prefer the original (this one) or the new Darius Rucker version, it’s hard to not love this song. The bluegrass beat and fun lyrics are perfect for a summer sing-along.

“Wild and Young”- American Bang– This song takes me back to college and the last few months of my junior and senior year when it was warm, I was tan and our weekends were filled with fun. I really miss being “wild and young”. Sigh. “Well, we should kick back and gotta have a little fun / Two kids getting high / Have a couple beers in the sun / While we are wild and young, yeah / Oh, we have just begun”

“The Beach”- All Time Low– Whether or not you like the whole pop-punk type of music, this song is fun and catchy. And the name couldn’t really be any better for a summer-themed playlist, am I right? “Well they can take, take, take the kids from the summer / But they’ll never, never, never take the summer from me / It was the very first time that I lost my mind for the week”

“When We Stand on Each Other, We Block Out the Sun”- Fireworks– Fireworks is a band that’s great to listen to year-round, but especially during the summer. I hope to see them live again, since it’s been a few years. This song always makes me think of my hometown on the friends I grew up with. “I still take bad advice from my best friends / Rather take bad advice from my best friends / And guide a sinking ship to the bottom with them / I’ll go to the bottom with you”

“Summer Girls”- LFO- You didn’t honestly think I would leave out this amazing jam, did you? Every single lyrics is so bad that it’s good, so it’s hard to even pick a few.”We’ll Be Alright”- Travie McCoy- This song reminds me of spring break my senior year of college. It’s just a fun song about having a good time with your friends, especially on a warm vacation. “We are young we run free / Stay up late, we don’t sleep/ Got our friends got the night / We’ll be alright”

“We’ll Be Alright”- Travie McCoy– With lyrics like this, it’s hard to not listen to this and be reminded of the care-free, late nights of summer. “We are young, we run free / Stay up late, we don’t sleep / Got our friends, got the night / We’ll be alright.”

“Summer, Man”- Taking Back Sunday- Although the song is pretty much about a summer breakup/reminiscing about a summer romance, it’s still relevant. “The summer is over and I doubt / I doubt I’ll be seeing you around”