As we speak, researchers are looking into the effect of music in hospitals. Apparently, certain songs have been said to trigger autobiographical memories for those who have suffered traumatic brain injuries and can’t remember certain things. That’s how powerful music is. While you may not need music as drastically as the person with amnesia, you’ll want a good soundtrack to your summer. If you’re tired of the same hits on the radio, here’s fourteen new songs to add to your jam:
1. First- Cold War Kids
For when you’re walking out of your final exam of summer classes. Shades on. School’s out.
2. Stars (Hold On)- Youngblood Hawke
For when you’re feeling incredibly positive about the world and want to dance about it.
3. Take Care- Beach House
For when you have a magical, romantic moment and want to encapsulate it forever. Slow dance it out.
4. Conrad- Ben Howard
For when life lets you down a little. Yes, it can happen even in summer.
5. Let’s Be Still- Head and the Heart
For when you’ve been functioning on socialization overload and need some downtime at the beach. Or lying awake at night listening to rain hit your cabin roof. Or reading in your room.
6. Before Our Time- Jon Foreman (feat. Sara Watkins)
For when you’ve lost all motivation for that summer project you were supposed to be working on and the days start to bleed together into a never-ending cycle of wasting time. Getting rested is one thing, but procrastination is another- listen to our friend Jonny to get pumped for that one big task.
7. High Hopes- Kodaline
For when you’re feeling nostalgic or heartbroken for no reason at all but still need to journal about it while sitting on the roof and cry a little. (Is that just me? Okay.)
8. Ophelia- The Lumineers
For when you’re having a pancake-making party at your house, obviously. Only those with bare feet are allowed in your kitchen.
9. Resolution- Matt Corby
For when you’re feeling cozy in love, like driving home in the rain from an all-day date with your darling.
10. America- Simon & Garfunkel
For when you’re driving across the country and trying to remember how it felt to be a kid again, safely asleep in the backseat.
11. On Our Way- the Royal Concept
For when you’re at your best friend’s wedding and your gang need a super shout-y song to express your overwhelming happiness. If you need a grown-up YOLO song, this is it.
12. Don’t Shy From the Light- NEULORE
For when summer has included tragedy for you and you’re trying to determine the way forward.
13. Couch Potato- Shortstraw
For when you’re looking for that happy, end-credits kind of song to play at your summer soiree. (And when you want to find new foreign bands- Shortstraw is made up of super talented South Africans!)
14. Shake it Out- Florence and the Machine
For when summer is coming to a close and you have a few regrets. It’s okay. Everyone has them. There will be other summers- and besides, fall is fast approaching.
