Songs with The Best Summer Vibes

I am a firm believer in the power of a great playlist, and one thing that every summer needs is the perfect playlist. I have selected seven of my all-time favorites off of my “summaaaa” Spotify playlist. These songs all generate an upbeat feeling with beats that carry you right to the dancefloor or the beach.

“Bukowski” by 1990nowhere

1990nowhere is the collaboration of Olivver the Kid (Bryan Sammis), Lostboycrow (Chris Blair), and Armors (Olen Kittelson) started in the summer of 2018. Together, they created Bukowksi for their upcoming EP, A Fever Called Living. “Bukowksi” is an energetic song with great vocals and indie pop vibes, making this the perfect song to play on your drive to the beach.

“Saturdays” by Twin Shadow featuring HAIM

This 80s-inspired song is a beautiful reminiscence of loving someone and makes me remember all of the good times I’ve spent with my loved ones. Ashamed to admit this, but it was never on my radar (I had heard it a few times before, but never put effort into listening to it) until I watched the movie Someone Great, where the song is played in the background of a beautiful and happy memory of two people at the start of their romantic relationship. And HAIM’s contributions? Immaculate. This song has such amazing nostalgic summer vibes; one that I would rate a 10/10.

“Can I Call You Tonight?” by Dayglow

Though the song may lack meaning as the artist himself, Sloan Struble, states. The song, released in 2018 off of his debut album, Fuzzybrain, was repopularized via TikTok for it’s upbeat vibes and swooning melodies. The music video, based off of a retro-style video game, adds to the carefree elements of the song.

“Corners of My Mind” by Emotional Oranges

Though the song is an emotional testimony of one’s breakup, the tempo matches the immaculate feeling of driving with the windows rolled down as the sun begins to set during summer. I can’t shake the nostalgia this song provides me and will forever be on my summer playlists.

“Bossa No Sé” by Cuco featuring Jean Carter

This song was played religiously in my room last summer while I danced around and did my makeup. The song is about the love-hate dynamics of a relationship; something most people can relate to pretty well… or at least I could. The beats of this song keep the lyrics from becoming too real and contributing to the “I don’t know” translation and attitude.

“Don’t Go Changing” by Aly & AJ

“Everyone needs a song that reminds them that they’re unique and beautiful just the way they are,” Aly & AJ told PAPER Magazine. “We touched on themes like this a lot during past records and we feel it’s important to spread this kind of love and positivity to our fans. Changing isn’t always for the better.” The electro-pop song creates uplifting and powerful messages, all tied to the resurrection of the duo.

“Young Blood” by The Naked and Famous

Saving the best for last, we have the 2010 synth-pop hit by The Naked and Famous from their album Passive Me, Aggressive You. I don’t even think I need to describe how perfect and fitting this song is for a summer playlist, so I’ll just let the chorus speak for itself: “The bittersweet between my teeth/Trying to find the in-betweens/Fall back in love eventually/Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.”

xx,

Kailey Blunk

Coe College 

Alpha Omicron Pi 

@kaileyblunk