The definition of summer in the dictionary in my head means long drives, concerts, trips with friends, and of course, music. I think that summer jams are different from regular jams because they make you feel some type of way. Now if you are reading this and you re anything like me, you probably also picture yourself in a made-up music video in your head as you listen to some indie songs for the summer. Now that summer has been turned upside down on its head because of the coronavirus, I think good music is the only way to feel like you still have some sort of summer.

Sometimes the only way I cope with the sadness that hangs over me because I no longer have a summer to look forward to (was that too dark?), is by hitting shuffle on my playlists and thinking that I can still hang onto the imaginary summer that I have playing on repeat in my mind.

So without further adieu, here are 10 must-have songs for your summer playlists:

Another Day of Sun - La La Land Soundtrack

Youtube

I mean come on, how could I not have this as number one on the list? This song has everything you could imagine about summer in 3:48. I love this song because I also just love La La Land a little too much (to the point that I named my Animal Crossing island "La La Land"). I think this song is super fun and it definitely is a mood booster if you are ever feeling down because you can't go on fun road trips with your friends.

Way it Goes - Hippo Campus

Youtube

I love this song because it just screams summer vibes to me. I've always been a fan of Hippo Campus because their music is very mellow but still upbeat enough to dance to. I think "Way it Goes" is the perfect summer song to go on a drive to. It always makes me happy when I listen to it. I highly recommend this song, and not just for summer, but all other times too.

Take a Walk - Passion Pit

Youtube

This song is a classic and I am sure you have probably heard it before. I love this song because it is very indie in my opinion but it's also super fun to just have on in the background. This song is the type of song I want to be listening to on the plane as it's taking off. I know that's very specific but when you hear it, picture yourself on a plane and it will just make a lot of sense.

Broken - lovelytheband

Youtube

This song just needs to be played out loud, on speakers with some great bass. I think the little melody that keeps repeating in the song is very catchy and I am pretty sure that's what sucked me into loving the song. I used to listen to this song on repeat and just dance around my room. It definitely boosts the serotonin we've all been missing.

How it's Going to Be - Gerard Way

Youtube

I know what you're thinking, "Autriya, I thought you weren't emo anymore," and to that, I say yes, I am no longer as emo as I used to be. This song is sung by the lead singer of My Chemical Romance, however, it is not emo at all. When I listen to this song I picture myself on a road trip with my friends to Sedona. The vibes are too good and I think that Gerard Way's music should be given a little bit more credit. "How it's Going to Be" was the first song I heard off of his solo album after the break-up of MCR and I was pleasantly surprised. The drums are so fun and the chorus part is to die for.

Sun - Two Door Cinema Club

Youtube

No, I didn't just include this because of the title. I love this song because it's very different from all the other songs I've included on the list. I think the bulk of the song comes from the very fun guitars and horns incorporated throughout the chorus and after the main verse. I also think this song has one of the most fun bridges Two Door Cinema Club has ever written. The whole song is basically just this build-up to the bridge and honestly, there really isn't that much singing. The horns, the guitar, and the fun bass in the background are what make this song very unique. I also definitely just recommend Two Door Cinema Club as a band to listen to because they have amazing music. I also think that they are just a tad underrated.

Compass - Zella Day

Youtube

What I love about this song is not necessarily the music aspect of it, although it is fantastic, I just love Zella Day's voice. She is another one of my favorite artists that I think is super underrated. Her voice is so smooth and makes your ears feel all warm when you are listening to her. The bridge of the song is also super fun. I think this song is nice to have on a summer playlist because it's toward the softer and chiller side. It's definitely a nice break to have to just sit there and immerse yourself in her amazing voice. I think she has one of the most captivating voices I have ever heard.

Your Love Could Start a War - The Unlikely Candidates

Youtube

This song is so fun and every time I listen to it I want to put everything down and just start dancing. This song is definitely the most fast, upbeat, and crazy song I have on this list. I found this song randomly one day on Spotify and it soon became one of my favorites. I usually play this song in the car with my friends and we basically become monsters screaming the lyrics at the top of our lungs. I love the build-up of the choruses and I think that you won't regret having this song on your summer playlist.

Caviar Dreams - Al Bairre, PHFAT

Youtube

I have no idea what this song is about and why it's called what it is, but, it is just super fun. I love the euphoria feeling you get while listening to this song. Also if you listen with headphones that's a plus, because the artist does a great job of doing different things in the left and right ear. There is also a heavy bass drum in the background that is sort of muted during the verses, which I think is one of the coolest things about this song. There is also a fun little rap section in the song which I usually would stay away from, but I actually like how it fits with the song. I think this song belongs on a summer playlists because honestly, this is the type of song you probably would be listening to at 3 a.m. contemplating weird life decisions.

Still Feel - Half Alive

Youtube

I love this song so much and I cannot emphasize how good it is. Also, before you add this song to your summer playlist do me a favor and just watch the music video. The music video to this song really makes it what it is. I love this band with all my heart and again, I think they are super underrated. They have a great way of incorporating different musical aspects and making it all work. This song is perfect for summer because it's one of those you can play it in the background but also sit there and really listen to it.

This list is of course, not complete. I don't think you can sum up summer into 10 songs and it took me a long time to write this article because as I was writing it, I also created a summer jams playlist. One of my favorite things to do is create different playlists for different occasions so if you feel like having a summer filled with amazing vibes check out my playlists: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7wHpXmqHZfhSW6PG...