With summer imminently approaching, I thought that it was the perfect time to do a summer playlist. Like my road trip playlist last month, this summer playlist is going to be full of songs with good vibes across a multitude of different genres. From one-hit-wonders to Grammy winners, these 10 tracks are an absolute must-have for any summer party, vacation or lake day.
“Brandy (You’re a Fine Girl)” - Looking Glass
This yacht rock classic breezes by quicker than a ship at sea. This is truly the perfect song for any day on the water. “Brandy” has one of the most iconic intros of any song from the ‘70s. A true one-hit-wonder band, this was Looking Glass’ only number one hit. However, one has to ask, “How can you ever top ‘Brandy’?”
“Margaritaville” - Jimmy Buffett
Nearly any Jimmy Buffet song would make a fantastic addition to a summer playlist. Whether it is “Fins,” “Cheeseburger In Paradise” or his collaboration with Alan Jackson, “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere,” Buffett is the king of fun summer songs. It’s no surprise how the song has spawned everything from merchandise to bars to even resorts.
“Tongue Tied” - GROUPLOVE
“Tongue Tied” is an absolute blast of a song from the alternative rock band. The five-time platinum single is easily the band’s biggest hit and for good reason. Everything about the song just screams summer vacation. From the high-energy production to the band’s vocals, the song begs you to scream along with the lyrics.
“Brown Eyed Girl” - Van Morrison
It’s safe to say that “Brown Eyed Girl” has one of the most recognizable intros to any song ever. The slick electric guitar work, Morrison’s vocals and one of the easiest to sing choruses ever make this classic one of the most important songs of the 1960s. It’s hard to find someone who dislikes the song; it’s simply that good.
“New Light” - John Mayer
For an artist known for his simply jaw-dropping guitarwork, “New Light” is not nearly as guitar-heavy as many of his hits. In fact, the track does not sound like a majority of his deep discography. However, it’s safe to say this is Mayer’s most vibe-filled track. The ‘80’s pop-inspired track makes you feel like you’re in a neon daydream.
“Dreams” - Fleetwood Mac
One of the most iconic songs from one of the most iconic albums ever, “Dreams” is an absolute delight. Though the lyrics are far from happy, the overall feel and vibe of the song are simply too good to leave off this list. The track has one of the lushest and gorgeous overall production of a song ever, even more than 45 years after its initial release.
"Indigo Dreams” - Grant Schaffer
Despite being the youngest and most unknown artist on the list, Grant Schaffer has immense talent that absolutely should be recognized. His tunes were seemingly built to be on a summer playlist. His excellent, John Mayer-esque guitar work is on display here as well as many other tracks of his. The light grooves coupled with his smooth vocals make the track breezy, perfect for any summer day.
“Passionfruit” - Drake
From the second the song begins, the good vibes begin on this Drake classic. Arguably one of the most popular songs of the 2010s, “Passionfruit” is an absolute essential for any hip-hop fan. There’s simply nothing better than playing the track during a late-night drive with the windows down.
“Springsteen” - Eric Church
In this nostalgia-filled ode to the legend himself, Bruce Springsteen, Church recalls a lost love. Like “Dreams,” “Springsteen’s” lyrics are a bit of a downer. However, the production that marries rock and country is perfection. The driving percussion, the hint of piano throughout and all the references to Springsteen’s hits make this a nostalgia trip that is bound to relate to a lot of people.
“Here Comes the Sun” - The Beatles
Does “Here Comes the Sun” really need an explanation? Being arguably one of the most iconic Beatles songs on one of the most recognizable albums of all time, it’s simply a treat for the ears. The iconic fingerpicking on the guitar throughout the song and the overwhelmingly positive lyrics are bound to put anyone in a good mood.
Honorable Mentions:
“We Found Love” - Rihanna, “Glory Days” - Bruce Springsteen, “Night Moves” - Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band, “Free Spirit” - Khalid, and “Chattahoochee” - Alan Jackson
There are so many fantastic songs that were not able to make the cut simply due to length. Like my previous road trip list, I tried to hit as many genres and eras as possible.