As a way to informally kick off my Odyssey account, I found myself struggling with ideas as to what I should write about. Should I make a statement on political affairs or a piece critiquing The Secret Life of Pets? After hours of debating, something finally clicked in my head. Why don't I make my first article about something that consumes my daily life from the minute I wake up in the morning to the moment I pass out at night... music.
Like many, music is something that I use as a daily counterpart to help me deal with all of life's tribulations. There's nothing I love more than finding new music to listen to or rediscovering old favorites from years ago. I thought that it would be a nifty idea to create and share a monthly Spotify playlist of songs that I think people should definitely check out. Whether these songs can consolidate you through difficult times, or just simply lighten up the mood, I'm making it a mission to devise a new playlist per month that I hope people will benefit from.
With that being said, for the month of July, I've composed a 16 song playlist that I think will sound great in any long car ride down the shore:
1. "Starry Eyed Surprise" by Paul Oakenfold & Shifty
To open up this playlist I thought I'd throw it on back to the summer of 2002 when this song dominated our radio stations. Having just recently re-discovered this track, I was hit with a plethora of refreshing memories of listening to this as a child whenever I was in the car. The cool, laid back production paired with the raspiness of Shifty's voice makes for a great summer throwback song.
2. "Say It" by Flume featuring Tove Lo
Given that I am absolutely obsessed with Tove Lo, I thought that it would make sense to feature this song on this playlist. Since its release, I've had this song on constant replay. No matter how much I listen to it, it is a song I can never get tired of. Tove Lo's captivating voice and Flume's whimsical synths make for an awesome song. It's the perfect summertime anthem.
3. "Rollercoaster" by Bleachers
While the first two songs mentioned above are a bit more upbeat, this song takes our playlist down a more alternative route. This one almost sounds like something straight out of the 80's; has a very distinctive "I Melt With You"-esque sound. This song is the perfect kind of mellow to put you in a nice, relaxed, lazy beach day kind of mood.
4. "Tired of Talking" by LÉON
Another affable track to put you in the proper summer type of vibe. The verses are slow but they build into a powerful and echoey chorus. The lyrics accompanied by LÉON's alluring voice make for a very relatable song. Definitely the first thing you should play once you plug in that aux cord.
5. "LA Hallucinations" by Carly Rae Jepsen
Carly Rae Jepsen has completely evolved as an artist since her "Call Me Maybe" days. Her evolution was showcased in her sophomore effort, E•MO•TION, which was one of my favorite albums of the past decade. Like many on that album, this song is an infectious, disco-inspired masterpiece. "LA Hallucinations" being one of the highlights on the album, the song is perfect for a fun, light-hearted summertime singalong.
6. "American Money" by BØRNS
Haven just seen BØRNS (and Carly Rae) live in concert, I was welcomed into the world of his music. Although, his songs aren't my personal cup of tea, I really enjoyed the song "American Money" enough to add it to this playlist. It's a bit darker than any of the previously mentioned songs, but stills offers a catchy chorus and an ominous undertone that justifiably fits into this summer playlist.
7. "Polarize" by twenty one pilots
Twenty One Pilots' recent album, Blurryface, completely blew me away, unlike recent bandwagoners, I've been exposed to their prior music for several years now and haven't been as connected to their material as much as I am with Blurryface. "Polarize" is definitely accentuates what this album has to offer. If you liked "Stressed Out" and "Ride" you'll most likely like this track, too. This song is is a perfect dosage of alternative rap for your summer playlist.
8. "Animal" by Neon Trees
This throwback is perfect for the summer season. I remember hearing this song all over the radio back in the summer of 2010, and now I associate this song as a classic summertime staple.
9. "Gold" by Kiiara
When I first heard this song, I thought it was a bit unusual. The lyrics sung in the chorus are a bit hard to decipher, nonetheless, this song is all the more memorable with each listen. There's no doubt you'll be hooked on Kiiara's enchanting vocals.
10. "Don't Need Nobody" by Ellie Goulding
Ellie Goulding has a plethora of shelved hits-in-the-making on her Delirium record, and this song is one of them. Ellie's fanciful voice along with the fresh production this song captivates the listener from the get go. There's no doubt you won't like this infectious made-for-summer tune after a few listens.
11. "Florida Kilos" by Lana Del Rey
Of the very few songs I liked on Lana's Ultraviolence album, "Florida Kilos" is one of them. This song combines a bluesy folk genre with a more alternative twist. Lana's jazzy, old-fashioned way of singing brings this song to life and will definitely bring your July to "life," if I might add.
12. "When It's Over" by Sugar Ray
Another major throwback with this song. I envision jamming out to this 2001 track while driving with the sun roof open on a hot summer's day. The carefree spirit this song brings gives me a hankering for the beach.
13. "New Person, Same Old Mistakes" by Tame Impala
Yes, Rihanna did cover this song on her recent album, however, while both versions are great I prefer this one. This, original version, seems a bit more "powerful." The lyrics really explode with the production. This song is very different from the others on this playlist. If you're willing to take on this sonic masterpiece think of psychedelic explosions in your ears.
14. "Radioactive" by Marina and The Diamonds
An older track from Marina's second album, Electra Heart. This song is so enthralling to me, and I find myself listening to it almost every time I'm at the beach. Marina's unique vocal arrangements give this song life and I think it could be a timeless summer favorite for everyone.
15. "Cough Syrup" by Young The Giant
This song has seemed to exist for so long, yet I never get tired of it. It's so good-natured that I tend to always forget about all my anxieties whilst listening to it. I thought it was a perfect way to settle down the playlist. Although, summertime is typically chock full of good vibes, people still have their personal issues. However, I feel as if this song's soothing rhythms can serve as an aid to anyone going through tough times during the summer.
16. "Summer Girls" by LFO
As a way to close off this first playlist, I chose another throwback song to tie everything together. This easygoing, completely lackadaisical song from way back when is sure to lighten up anyone's mood. It will be super hard to keep this song's nonsense lyrics out of your head. If you give this oldie a chance, it's sure to be an aux cord favorite for the upcoming summer months.
Hopefully after checking out the aforementioned 16 songs you'll have some new songs to listen to for the remaining weeks of summer!