Songs To Add To Your Definitive Summer Playlist*

Summer is finally here and after the Spring we’ve had, we should be all embracing summer as much (and as safely) as possible.

While not many of us are feeling comfortable with going abroad (especially with the ever changing quarentine list), we’re all looking forward to staycations, back yard  barbeques, picnics in the park and days on the beach. That’s if the weather will give us something to work with! With all the fun summer events cancelled (I’m really feeling not having the Olympics this year, that really brings people together) people will be looking to making their own fun, have you considered a garden festival? My neighbours have been out camping in the garden a few times, but what about investing in a projector and hosting a movie night? Yes, summer 2020 feels lacklustre as many of us have had our holidays cancelled (myself included) but hey, lets make the best of it!

One the the best way to enhance these experiences is by having the ultimate summer playlist. Did you know that different types of music go great with different activities. I actually have a few Spotify playlists that I only listen to when I’m doing something in particular. For example I have a playlist for the best music to work to, this includes bands like Matchbox 20, Goo Goo Dolls, Michelle Branch, basically songs I listened to when preparing for my GCSEs and A Levels and they still motivate me now! I also have an empowering all female playlist for when I work out, featuring artists like Lizzo and Beyonce. It really gets me pumped.

So what would be on a definitive summer playlist? Well here are a few of my picks and why I picked them;

The Boys of the Summer by The Ataris

I know, I might get heat for this, but The Ataris’ version of The Boys of the Summer is one of my fave covers of all time and it’s such a great summer song. It takes me back to my first real boyfriend and driving from Newcastle to Brighton one summer to go camping.

Dancin’ In The Moonlight by Toploader

I don’t have any particular memories of past summers associated with this song, but whenever I listen to it, no matter what time of year it is, it just conjures up images of dancing on the beach. You can’t get more summer than that!

Summer of 69 by Bryan Adams

Did you even attend your school prom in the early 00s if this wasn’t one of the last songs and you all went a little bit crazy? Same goes for weddings. It is such a TUNE and definitely perfect for a summer playlist if you want to bring people together.

Sunny Afternoon by The Kinks

I used to keep this on my old iPod purely for walking out in the sunshine. It was one my dad had on a CD in the car when I was a kid and it just has such a great summer vibe. It really makes me feel good.

Hot in Herre by Nelly

I know, this looks strange compared to all my other choices, and what’s apparently my taste in music, but once upon a time I did love popular music and Hot in Herre was a tune tha summer. I mean how can you not include a song that has lyrics “it’s getting hot in herre, so take off all your clothes“?

Hey Soul Sista by Train

The very tune of this makes me think of summer, and I remember the music video being on the TV all the time (remember when we watched music channels). I love that Train have so many summery tunes, but this is definitely my favourite as far as this playlist is concerned.

Want You Bad by The Offspring

When I was a teen American Pie 2 was the ultimate summer movie. It was set during the first summer after collage and the soundtrack was amazing. The song that always stuck out to me was Want You Bad by The Offspring and even now, all these years later at 32, it still reminds me of the summer I lived with 2 friends and we party hard. It’s just such a good song.

So come on, what is on your definitive summer playlist?