The end of the summer brings with it a time of transitions. It's a shift from carefree, sun-soaked days to book-filled school ones. Here are a couple songs I feel capture the in-between season the best. Because transitions are never easy, but everything's better with a killer soundtrack.
1. "Love at First Sight," The Brobecks
This track off of The Brobecks' album, Violent Things, is the opposite of everything the album title implies. The song is filled with the stuff of the "prettiest things" it mentions: a beat reminiscent of the hurried, happy start of a fresh new summer, a guitar part that feels like the musical equivalent of skipping through a meadow, and lyrics like, "Could this be love at first sight, or should I walk by again?" "You're photogenically dressed, the conversation begins." "Oh god, now what did I say? Let me start over again," that are equal parts adorable and awkward -- a perfect representation of the best kind of summer.
2. "Budapest," George Ezra
The combination of pop infused beats and George Ezra's deep, soulful voice serves as proof that sometimes carefree and heavy pair just fine. Budapest is the song version of a train ride through the countryside -- summer breezes, life thriving around you, and some dramatic gazing out the window, just because you can.
3. "HandClap," Fitz and the Tantrums
Fitz and the Tantrums' "HandClap" is the party that the last dregs of summer has to offer. It's that strip of bright orange right before the sun sets -- harried vocals, dance beats, and eponymous claps that perfectly capture the end of summer rush to experience everything in all its bright, blinding glory.
4. "Jack and Diane," John Mellencamp
Throwback to a song that, in my eyes (ears?) will always feel like summer. From the opening chords that are equal parts celebratory and bracing, Jack and Diane captures every side of the anticipation that characterizes the end of the summer. It's excited but also grounded, reminding us that when it comes to our transitions, "Life goes on."
There you go, a couple new additions to finish your summer playlist strong!
