Summer is practically here, and if you're anything like me, that means looking for summer songs to replay over and over again as the weeks go on. Whether you listen exclusively to pop music, like a little bit of everything, or just want a new perspective on summer tunes, here's a list of 16 songs (in no particular order) that remind me of summer. So kick back, soak in the sun, and enjoy the next few months, because you definitely earned it.
1. "Island In the Sun" by Weezer
Starting off the list is a pick that brings to mind beaches and forgetting your cares. Whether you first heard this song in the movie "Aquamarine" or remember it playing over the radio, “Island in the Sun” brings a sort of calm to the beginning of summer.
2. "Ride" by Twenty One Pilots
Twenty One Pilots is a fantastic band that is finally starting to get credit for their varied songs. “Ride” is no exception; it has drums that make you want to bob your head, and the chorus is incredibly catchy. Top it off with a section where singer Tyler Joseph raps, and you’ve got an upbeat song that catapults its way into your playlist.
3. "Santeria" by Sublime
Reggae rock has a huge place in summer hits, and “Santeria” is the epitome of a laid-back, summer-laziness-inducing song. As opposed to some of the other choices on this list, the beat is relatively slow; but sometimes you need to just hang around during the summer, and this is a good pick to do just that.
4. "I Took A Pill In Ibiza (Seeb remix)" by Mike Posner
Next on the list is a song that’s been popular for a few months now. Mike Posner’s comeback tune is achingly honest about stardom and its effect on him. The remix by Seeb creates a dance floor-ready beat that will strongly thrum its way into the oncoming summer months.
5. "Spirits" by the Strumbellas
This is a song I am aware that not many people know, but trust me -- you should. “Spirits” has been gaining traction on YouTube and Spotify in the past few months, and for good reason. The beginning of the song leads to a burst of drums, bells, and clapping. The chorus is catchy, the beat makes you want to stomp along, and trust me, after you hear it once you’ll want to hear it again.
6. "Irresistible" by Fall Out Boy ft. Demi Lovato
Fall Out Boy has been racking up the hits in the past few years, and this song is no exception. The addition of Demi Lovato and her harmonization adds another, interesting layer to the original version. It’s a more heavy-hitting pick to listen to as we head into summer.
7. "CAN'T STOP THE FEELING!" by Justin Timberlake
I just heard this song and had to include it in my list. Justin Timberlake is back at it, with this upbeat tune that is sure to be another hit. Honestly, you might be listening to the surefire “Summer Song of 2016." It’s happy and energetic, and is evidence that JT doesn’t disappoint.
8. "YOUTH" by Troye Sivan
“YOUTH” is an insanely infectious, chill-sounding song. The snapping in the beginning, along with Troye’s repeated question, “What if?” leads to a chorus with banging drums and catchy lyrics. This is a summer jam in every sense of the phrase.
9. "Harlem" by New Politics
This song, in my opinion, is supremely underrated. Chances are you’ve heard it before, and if not, you’re missing out. It’s just plain fun, and the beginning alone never fails to make me want to drop what I’m doing and dance. This song is a few years old, but definitely worth listening to.
10. "The Sound" by The 1975
Here’s one with a slightly different sound. (See what I did there? Yeah, sorry.) It feels like part of it comes from the 70’s and part of it comes from the future. Its beat and infectious piano and vocals just lend this song to be a warm-weather favorite. Roll down your car windows and enjoy.
11. "Semi-Charmed Life" Third Eye Blind
This is a time-tested standby, and for good reason. The overall feel of this 90’s hit is fast-paced fun, and the heavy guitar and drums add more of an edge to a typical summer playlist. If you don’t know at least some of the lyrics to this pick, here’s your chance to learn them.
12. "LA Devotee" by Panic! At the Disco
This drum-heavy song evokes a sense of driving down a dusty highway in Los Angeles in the scorching heat. I highly recommend this song to anyone. Anyone at all. It embodies a sense of having fun, and the lyrics are catchy and make me scream-sing every time.
13. "Roses" by the Chainsmokers ft. ROZES
This is another great laid-back song with a summer vibe. It was released last June but didn’t get popular until a few months ago, so it’s about time that this reigns as a summer song again. The drop is gorgeous and terrific, and this pick’s variety in the style makes it interesting to listen to.
14. "America's Sweetheart" by Elle King
This song brings summer back to a more carefree, banjo-touting level. Elle’s voice is so unique and this has the potential to be another radio favorite. As Elle sings about loving who she is, you’ll want to clap along and just live your best life. (Because honestly, who among us is really America’s Sweetheart?)
15. "Cheap Thrills" by Sia
When “Cheap Thrills” was released as a single a few months ago, ushering in spring, I fully expected it to do so with summer as well. Sia's powerful voice on top of a steady, perfect-for-dancing beat makes for a fun time that speaks to any college kid during the summer. (Because we don’t have money. We want cheap thrills. I’ll show myself out.)
16. "Summer Sixteen" by Drake
I’m sorry, I had to. If this isn’t one of the first songs that came to your mind when thinking about the Summer of ’16, here it is. You’re welcome. (I couldn't find a video, unfortunately.)