I always seem to associate summer with what songs I was listening to. I don't mean for it to happen, but somehow, it always happens. Oh, summer 2012? You mean when "Overexposed" by Maroon 5 was on repeat? 2014? That was "X" by Ed Sheeran. Last year I started making playlists for each season, so I could remember what I was listening to and revisit it. Here's the first half of summer's best songs. They're hand picked by me for maximum pool-lounging listening and enjoyment.

1. "Running Behind" by HOLYCHILD

HOLYCHILD is a pop duo consisting of Liz Nistico and Louie Diller. They're originally from Los Angeles, California and gained fame in 2014 with their EP "Mindspeak." They've been placed on lists like "artists to watch in 2014" (Billboard) and "LA bands who are going to blow up in 2014" (LA Weekly). "Running Behind" is an upbeat pop-synth song with a chorus you'll never be able to get out of your head once you hear it.

Best lyrics: "Wake me up when the voices die / treat me like you might know my mind / come with me to the other side"

2. "Good Grief - Bastille"

You'll probably remember the English indie band Bastille from their award-winning single "Pompeii" in 2013. The band consists of Dan Smith, Kyle Simmons, Will Farquarson and Chris Wood. They've won multiple awards and gained many loyal fans since "Pompeii" and now they're out with another catchy summer single that once again manages to be a perfect mix of upbeat and fun along with beautiful lyrics. (P.S. Bastille are on their "Wild Wild World Tour" this summer, and you can find tickets here.)

Best lyrics: "What's gonna be left of the world if you're not in it? / what's gonna be left of the world?"

3. "Send My Love" (To Your New Lover) - Adele

We all know Adele, the English singer with an amazing vocal range and too many awards to count? It's no surprise she has /some/ song that's gaining popularity, but "Send My Love" is more upbeat and light than her usual songs. By the way, her newest album, "25," was expected to be so popular that major artists even changed their own release dates.

Best lyrics: "I was too strong, you were trembling / couldn't handle the hot heat rising / baby I'm still rising"

4. "WILD" - Troye Sivan ft. Alessia Cara

If you don't know Youtuber-turned-musician Troye Sivan, you're missing out. He's an openly gay, South African (though he lives in Australia) singer-songwriter who also did some acting when he was younger. He's also known for helping to destroy gender roles, frequently painting his nails and wearing more androgynous/feminine clothing. It's no surprise he was named one of the 25 most influential teens of 2014. His debut album, "Blue Neighbourhood," was well-received with dreamy pop singles like "Youth" and "Wild."

Best lyrics: "Cause there's still too long til the weekend / too long til I drown in your hands / too long since I've been a fool"

5. "Heathens" - Twenty One Pilots

Twenty One Pilots are famous for not falling into any label or genre. They range from rap songs to upbeat ukulele tunes. Made up of Tyler Joseph and Josh Dun from Ohio, their fans (called the Skeleton Clique) are one of the most loyal and dedicated fan bases. They haven't put out any songs since their sophomore album "Blurryface" (2015) but have released a new song for the soundtrack for "Suicide Squad." If you've ever heard them, you know there's no real way to describe their sound. Just listen for yourself.

Best lyrics: "Why'd you come you knew you should have stayed / I tried to warn you just to stay away / and now they're outside ready to bust / it looks like you might be one of us"

6. "ILYSB" - LANY

I discovered LANY (an acronym for Los Angeles and New York) just a few weeks ago, but I've been hooked since I've heard the first song. They're a pop trio from Los Angeles made up of Paul Jason Klein, Jake Goss and Les Priest. They've been supporting acts for artists such as Ellie Goulding, Halsey, and X Ambassadors. Although they're not quite as popular as other names on this list, they will be soon. Their songs are catchy and they're in the same genre as Troye Sivan, called "dream pop." ILYSB sounds almost futuristic, and it's a perfect song to listen to with the top down on a road trip.

Best lyrics: "And you need to know / that nobody could take your place / and you need to know / that I'm hella obsessed with your face"

7. "Bury It" - CHVRCHES ft. Hayley Williams

CHVRCHES are a Scottish band that have made tons of leverage in the US the past few years. You might've heard some of their songs on "Grey's Anatomy," "GTA V," or the "Hunger Games: Mockingjay," just to name a few. There are three members: Iain Cook, Martin Doherty, and Lauren Mayberry. "Bury It" features the lead singer of Paramore, Hayley Williams. It's a synthpop anthem that's sure to get stuck in your head, with wonderful lyrics buried beneath Lauren and Hayley's beautiful duet.

Best lyrics: "I never promised you anything I couldn't do / we tried to bury it and rise above / you never promised me we were seeing differently / bury it and rise above"

8. "yes girl" - Bea Miller

Bea Miller may have gotten her start coming in ninth place on the "X Factor," and then being named Radio Disney's N.B.T., but don't get it twisted. Miller's lyrics and sound are far more mature than most Disney Channel singers. She sounds wise beyond her years (17). Her newest song is catchy but also has an underlying strong message, which is an added bonus!

Best lyrics: "You used to let me in / do you even know you changed? / and now you're my perfect sin / 'cause I'm either on your side or a mile away"

9. "Sit Still, Look Pretty" - Daya

If you want to talk about summer songs with a great message, look no further. "Sit Still, Look Pretty" has a much needed message about feminism and the concept of 'trophy wives' and being seen, not heard. You probably know Daya from her part on the Chainsmokers' song, "Don't Let Me Down." She's from Pennsylvania and is only 17 like Bea Miller, but possesses the same maturity as well.

Best lyrics: "I'm a pretty girl / in a pretty world / but they say pretty hurts / and I don't wanna sit still"

10. "Girls Talk Boys" - 5 Seconds of Summer

I've been a personal fan of 5 Seconds of Summer for a few years now, and I know a lot of people who are biased against them. But look at this with an open mind, because this song sounds totally different than what they're known for. It's funky, with rougher vocals and more mature sounds than the stuff that they're known for (see: "She Looks So Perfect"). They recorded this song for the new "Ghostbusters" reboot, and it's quickly climbed the charts.

Best lyrics: "Cause every night you and I find ourselves / kissing and touching like no one else / falling and falling until I fell / for you"