As the semester comes to an end, it’s time to shed the stress and remember what it feels like to stay up late and not have to worry about projects, papers and exams. The days are getting longer and hotter and it’s about time our playlists do the same. Yes, the time has come once again to listen to songs that make you revel in anticipation for fluorescent sunsets, seeing children selling lemonade on curbsides and wearing shorts and sandals. This playlist will help you to kick off your summer in the right way.
“Listen to the Music”
The Doobie Brothers
“Listen to the Music” is one of The Doobie Brothers’ greatest hits. Pair this song with a pitcher of lemonade and some backyard dancing and you’ve got the ideal summer in a nutshell.
“Someday”
The Strokes
An energetic, air-drum-inspiring jam. You can never go wrong with a Strokes song.
“The Next Time Around”
Little Joy
Little Joy is a Brazilian-American rock group, with members including Rodrigo Amarante (known for the Narcos theme song “Tuyo”) and The Strokes drummer Fabrizio Moretti. The music video of this song shows clips of the band living the dream in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
“Dancing in the Moonlight”
King Harvest
The French-American band’s hit single will make you want to get up and dance in the moonlight — or sunlight. Whatever you prefer.
“New Soul”
Yael Naim
In 2008, Apple used “New Soul” in its first MacBook Air advertisement. Now, 11 years later, the song still sounds fresh.
“Daylight”
Matt and Kim
A pumped-up, windows-down type of song that’s perfect for summer.
“5 Years Time”
Noah and the Whale
Nothing spells summer like whistles and a ukulele. Noah and the Whale is a folk-rock band with a few delightful gems, such as “5 Years Time.”
“Way It Goes”
Hippo Campus
Hippo Campus is an indie rock band originally from St. Paul, Minnesota. The band’s gentle melodies and Jake Luppen’s soothing voice make many of the songs from their album “Landmark” compatible with the rest on this list.
“Honeybody”
Kishi Bashi
Kishi Bashi is a singer and multi-instrumentalist who split from the band of Montreal in 2011 to embark on his career as a solo artist. “Honeybody” is a feel-good song with a beautiful multilayered violin intro and outro.
“Bruises”
Chairlift
“Bruises” fully embraces the spirit of summer flings and mishaps.
“Under the Pines”
Twin Peaks
“Under the Pines” is an upbeat song with a traditional rock band feel.
“Put Your Records On”
Corinne Bailey Rae
“Put Your Records On” was a 2007 Grammy Awards nominee for Record of the Year and Song of the Year. Bailey Rae’s sugary voice and her uplifting lyrics make this one a classic sing-along.
“Saltwater”
Geowulf
Geowulf is an indie band which features singer Star Kendrick and guitarist Toma Banjanin. The Australian duo started out as friends before becoming musical partners. Kendrick’s tender voice and the eccentric instrumental blends will lure you into a dreamlike trance.
“Upside Down”
Jack Johnson
This Jack Johnson throwback will bring out your inner cartwheeling child.
“Road to Nowhere”
Talking Heads
Talking Heads created cheerful songs which forced fans to confront painful truths about human nature. Summer is about kicking back and laughing until your stomach hurts, but let us not forget about the world outside our individual bubbles.
Let us know if we missed any summer songs for this playlist in the comments below. Make sure to follow The Daily Utah Chronicle on Spotify for more music recommendations.
