Now that summer is in full-force (with an extreme heat wave to prove it) it's time for a summer playlist, and of course, it has to be dubbed Lana Del Rey's dreamy-pop tune "Summertime Sadness."
When I think of summer, I picture myself riding down the California coastline with my best friend in a yellow Volks-Wagon with the convertible top down and the breeze blowing through our hair. I mean, that's what summer should be all about: good friends, great music, and adventure ahead. So, when I own a red convertible Mustang one day and I'm driving through Beverly Hills, this is the playlist I would put on — but if you're stuck like me in a dried-out town suffering from a heat wave in a boring state like Connecticut, maybe these tunes will lift your summer spirits.
One of the most necessary tunes on Summertime Sadness is "Mr. Brightside" by The Killers. Honestly, this song could brighten any bad mood I'm in. It's a catchy bop that makes you want to scream the lyrics out of your car window. Similarly, Calvin Harris' "Summer," "Not Going Home" by DVBBS, and The Strokes' "Last Night" are among the list's jams, along with Weezer's "Feels Like Summer" and "Just The Girl" by The Click Five.
Some imperative throwback tracks include Gwen Stefani's "Hollaback Girl," Hot Chelle Rae's "Tonight Tonight," and of course, "Call Me Maybe" by Carly Rae Jepsen, which will forever remain one of the best jams of the 2000's. Neon Tree's "Everybody Talks," Fountain of Wayne's "Stacy's Mom," Far East Movement's "Like A G6," and Tove Lo's "Talking Body" all remind me of summer; each are perfect for a bonfire, road-trip, or for some pre-game pumped-up tunes.
Of course, I had to add some newer hits like Dua Lipa's "New Rules," Justin Timberlake's "Filthy," and Fall Out Boy's "The Last Of The Real Ones." One of my latest recommendations would have to be "Crazy" by Makeout. The fast-paced track is packed with so much energy, angst and heavy guitar riffs that every time I hear it, I'm forced to head-bang. It's uplifting, jam-worthy, and just flat out fun.
Out of the 3+ hours of music on Summertime Sadness, I'd have to say that my favorite summer tunes boil down to Dirty Heads' "My Sweet Summer," Yellowcard's "Ocean Avenue," and of course I can't forget "Smells Like Teen Spirit" by Nirvana.
Check out the full playlist below and give it a follow if you feel inclined! What are some of your favorite summer jams?
