In every period of my life, I have listened to certain music. I often repeat a certain playlist so many times that each song becomes engraved into my head. Sometimes, it is a radio, with changing yet similar songs. Regardless of what I listen to, I will always associate certain periods of my life with different music. Maybe I’m just feeling nostalgic, or I could be crazy, but since summer’s getting closer, I want to share my perfect musical mix of artists that remind me of the sunny season.
Bob Marley: The King of Reggae
Truthfully, you can listen to Bob Marley year-round, but it feels more canonically correct to blast Could You Be Loved while driving to get shaved ice on a hot day in June. Something about the drums in the backing track, combined with his soulful, raspy voice, makes for the perfect jam to play while having a slushy outside.
Special mention: Amber by the 311
I love the way that the guitar reverberates during the track. It feels like the singer is taking you on a trip to the beach, where people are playing sand volleyball, tanning, and splashing around in the water.
Tv girl
TV Girl has songs for almost any season, but I recommend reserving their music for winter and summer. For summer, an iconic track is Better In The Dark for a good reason. Jordana’s (featured artist) sweet voice over top of the funky yet memorable backing sound makes for a perfect song. Another ideal song off the album is Jump the Turnstile, and honestly, if you listened to the entire Summer’s Over album, I wouldn’t judge you. Each song is perfectly curated and deserves a spot in your summer playlist.
Blood orange
An obvious choice since his song, Champagne Coast, went viral and was the song of the summer last year. It was – to say the least – a cultural reset, which led to my discovery of more amazing songs written by him. One great example is Bad Girls, which is the perfect song to play for a trip to Wildcat Den or Benzo, which perfectly encapsulates a long summer day full of fun. Another favorite of mine is Chewing Gum (featuring Asap Rocky), but the song gives off more of a laid-back hangout later at night, like skateboarding along the riverfront or pulling an all-nighter with a friend and going out to see the stars.
Kendrick Lamar
His album Untitled, Unmastered, has beats that sound so smooth and nostalgic. A great choice for a pool day is Untitled 08 l 09.06.2014. This album was my go-to soundtrack for days of pacing around the weed park with my friends and talking about anything and everything. There are also other songs in the album with different feels, like Untitled 03 l 05.28.2013, which gives me the vibe of going to Black Pearl for some good drinks and spending time hanging out in someone’s backyard.
Steve Lacy
An obvious choice since his album Gemini Rights came out during the summer before Freshman year for Juniors. Almost all of the songs quickly became popular and were constantly played on the radio, but I favor some of the less-played ones. I find Static soooo beautiful, and the perfect song for watching a summer sunset, or just driving around while contemplating and complaining about life. Buttons is a unique song that is sooooooo perfect. Honestly, the whole album gives a very summery vibe, with Sunshine (featuring Foushee) pointing out the best part of summer weather, and it is the perfect hype song. Besides those few, one that I fell in love with last year was Foushee’s song, Candy Grapes, with Mr. Lacy being featured. I just absolutely love the lyrics, “Some say we’re the weirdos, The quiet ones should be feared most.” I played this song during the last few weekends leading into May, and it reminds me of this spot in the year. Every weekend feels like a preview of summer, teachers have countdowns until break on their whiteboard, and I finally bust out my jorts to wear to school on the daily.
Solange
Losing You was another popular song last summer that I love. The beat is weird and fun. I love the background, and the song just makes me want to get up and dance. Another popular song of hers Binz has a rhythmic background with her melodic voice over it. I also love Crush, an upbeat, flowy song that’s giving tanning in the backyard, it makes you feel warm.
Honorable mention: Shelly
One of the top ten best summer songs ever: Steeeam. It just brings back memories of driving around downtown with friends, trying to decide where to drive next, with the crisp breeze blowing through the windows. Natural is the soundtrack for bracelet making and sipping on apple juice. It’s the song that you blast in the background while you dance around your room, rip open the curtains, and try on crazy outfits. (Also, shout out to Clairo for having an awesome voice; she’s my favorite member of the group.)
These songs remind me of fond memories I have of summer. Whether it’s running around town or finding ways to have fun at home. These songs remind me of good times, and I hope that you can listen to these songs and create your great memories, or just steal ideas of things to do. If you love to read about music, check out my other stories, like my Chromakopia album review or Gnx album review. If you love music itself, listen to these songs in the playlist for some extra songs, and that perfect feeling.
