When we hear music, it can remind us of a certain time or place in our lives. The strumming of a guitar or the beat made by a synthesizer can instantly put us back in the memory we associate with that song. I find this especially true in the summer, since some of my happiest memories are during this time. One of my favorite things to do is to just drive around with the windows down, blaring a playlist made specifically for the summer months. Here are 11 songs that put me (and hopefully you, dear reader!) in a good mood and a summer state of mind.
1. "House Party" by Sam Hunt
I'll be the first to admit, I don't listen to a lot of country music, nor do I go out of my way to do so. But after hearing this song at - you guessed it - a house party, it's been a favorite of mine ever since.
2. "Helter Skelter" by The Beatles (Across the Universe Version)
Okay, well first off, if you haven't seen this movie yet, I recommend doing so. But have plenty of tissues on hand. I first heard this song in the movie's trailer and loved how much the singer sounded like Janis Joplin. While the movie has a lot of quality covers, this one is one of the best.
3. "Summertime" by The Mowgli's
The Mowgli's are the band you listen to when you're having a bad day and you want to uplift your mood. Their music is just happy; there's really no other way to describe it. Besides, the title is quite appropriate for this time of year, don't you think?
4. "When the Levee Breaks" by Led Zeppelin
The opening to this song never fails to get me amped up. No matter the time of year, or what mood I'm in, there's a Led Zeppelin song for every occasion.
5. "Saturday in the Park" by Chicago
The band is called Chicago, for crying out loud. It's named after the best city in the world. Need I say more? When I hear this song, I'm taken back to last summer when I met up with my friend and we went to the Chicago Blues Festival in Grant Park. A true Saturday in the park, indeed.
6. "The Schuyler Sisters" from Hamilton
It really wouldn't be a playlist made by me if there weren't at least a couple of show tunes on there. Before I heard the Hamilton soundtrack, I wasn't sure if it would live up to all the hype it had been getting. Don't worry, it has. Jasmine, Phillipa and Renee have incredible voices, and the R&B feel of the song combined with the setting of the American Revolution makes for a truly dynamic tune.
7. "All Of The People" by Panama Wedding
The first time I heard this song, I was in a car driving along PCH. It's impossible for me to think of this song and not immediately picture the ocean. This song has such a carefree vibe, which makes it an ideal song for cruising.
8. "Me & Bobby McGee" by Janis Joplin
There are many versions of this song, but Janis Joplin's is the best in my mind. Her distinctive voice and the pick up of the song at the end not only make the song her own, but make it an essential song for any road trip playlist.
9. "The Wolves" by Angel Haze
Like I said about country, I don't listen to rap all that much. However, because of Angel Haze, that's starting to change. I should add that it's not just this song, but the entire album this song is on is underrated. Haven't heard of Back To The Woods? You should change that, ASAP.
10. "The Love You Save" by The Jackson 5
I grew up listening to a lot of music made through Motown, and I'm so grateful. The Jackson 5 had hit singe after hit single and set the stage for subsequent boy bands. Their pop sound not only inspired countless artists to come, but earned them a place on any self-respecting summer setlist.
11. "Bicycle Race" by Queen
Never mind that I partially chose this song because I do like to ride my bike. The slew of contemporary pop-culture references and the sound of bicycle bells make it one of many songs by Queen that will always have a special place in my heart (and my music library).
