Let's face it - what's a summer drive without some feel-good music as the soundtrack? Great music is a necessity, but what exactly classifies as a "summer song?" In my opinion, a variety of genres is perfect for sunny days. So, inside this list, you will find some acoustic songs that sound as though they were meant to be listened to while laying on a hammock. You'll also find the kind of song that boosts your mood with some upbeat rhythms and catchy choruses you won't be able to get out of your head. Of course, there are also songs that fall somewhere in the middle or on a totally different spectrum, but you will certainly find some songs to add to your summer playlist.
1. "Circles" by machineheart, Vanic
This song is the lovechild of a bubbly pop tune and something much more groovy and electronic. It's so infectious that you won't be able to stop yourself from dancing when you hear it.
2. "Cold Cold Man" by Saint Motel
When you first hear it, this song sounds surprisingly retro. After listening some more, you realize it's so incredibly fresh. I can't stop listening to it.
3. "Get It" by Matt and Kim
Let's be honest - I think I first heard this song on a commercial for Royal Caribbean. If it's used in an advertisement for a cruise line, you know it has to be a song that sounds like the definition of summer fun. This song makes me want to drive through a city at night with the windows down and all my friends piled into the backseat.
4. "Corona and Lime" by Shwayze
This one's a bit of a throwback - the album came out in 2008. But this song still makes me want to watch the sunset on a beach with my main squeeze.
5. "Kings of Summer" by ayokay feat. Quinn XCII
The lyrics describe an idyllic and carefree summer night - listening to this song makes me want to never grow up. It has a soothing, down-tempo beat, but somehow still feels energizing and perfect for an afternoon spent by the pool.
6. "Our Own House" by MisterWives
7. "If I Had Eyes" by Jack Johnson
Jack Johnson will always be my go-to summer music when I'm in the mood to slow down and relax a little, so it was hard to pick just one of his many songs to go on this list. I love the chorus because the energy picks up a little while maintaining a laid-back feel.
8." Wherever is Your Heart" by Brandi Carlile
This is my feel-good song of the summer. When I need to get pumped up for something, I listen to this song and get instantly happy. Play this song when you're driving home after a long day at work and you need to just let yourself go and sing along to something at the top of your lungs.
9. "Pay No Mind" by Madeon ft. Passion Pit
This song brings me back to the early days of Passion Pit, when I couldn't stop listening to "Little Secrets" and "Sleepyhead." It'll hit you with a nice dose of nostalgia, but it feels new and different thanks to Madeon's electronic beat.
10. "Dead Man Walking" by Jon Bellion
To say that I love Jon Bellion would be the understatement of the year. I am utterly obsessed with him and all of his music. He just released his debut solo album, "The Human Condition," but he had a ton of music floating around prior to this album. "Dead Man Walking" is one of his older songs and his style has evolved a lot since its release. It sounds like you and your friends are sitting on the porch and one of you picked up a guitar and started singing - it's that simple.
11." All We Ever Knew" by The Head And The Heart
The Head And The Heart is one of my favorite bands and I've been waiting patiently for new music by them for the past three years. Well, it's finally here and it did not disappoint! This song sounds like a happy drive along some back roads. There's even some "la-la-la" action that you can sing along to, but be warned... you probably won't be able to stop and the song will end up on repeat all day.
