Soak up the Sun: A Summer Playlist
It’s summer and you’re beaching. Picnicking. Roller blading. Dancing. Lounging for hours in that sweet, sweet sun. Need a soundtrack for your summer-y coming-of-age film? Here’s an upbeat playlist to get you in the mood:
Paprika, Japanese Breakfast: Kicking off the playlist with a bright, beautiful track from an album (Jubilee) that’s all about joy!
I Wanna Dance With Somebody, Whitney Houston: Objectively the best song ever recorded. Perfect for summer, perfect for Pride, perfect for every season.
Silk Chiffon, MUNA: Cute, queer, and bubbly — this one is for rollerskating but like, in a gay way. Check out the But I’m a Cheerleader inspired music video for additional fun.
Dancin’ on My Own, Robyn: Yes, this is technically a break-up song, but it is also fast-paced and infinitely fun to dance to! Big Meredith and Christina from Grey’s Anatomy vibes.
Take Off Ur Pants, Indigo de Souza: A wicked fun, infectious indie-rock/pop song from an incredible up-and-coming artist. Confirmed will be stuck in your head for months.
Kiss Me More, Doja Cat, SZA: So good, so fun, so catchy. A radio hit for your summer romance pleasure.
Lilacs, Waxahatchee: Folksy, Southern, beautifully written and recorded — this one’s a great windows down, driving through nature song.
Want You in My Room, Carly Rae Jepsen: When it comes to Carly Rae Jepsen, you really can’t go wrong. This track is cute and silly and so much fun.
Daddy Lessons, Beyoncé: Again, can’t go wrong, but there’s something about the country twang of this one that makes me want to do donuts in a parking lot and sing along.
Venus, Lady Gaga: A dance-y Gaga track that’s out of this world — justice for Artpop!!!
Why Can’t I?, Liz Phair: Lizzie McGuire movie nostalgia here we go. Learn the words and scream along!
Kill Bill, SZA: Extreme ear worm here, I cannot stop singing it. The melody. The vengeance. *chef’s kiss*
How to Be a Heartbreaker, MARINA: It’s summer! Break hearts!! Listen to MARINA!!! I don’t make the rules!!!!
Walcott, Vampire Weekend: An underrated pop song from the band’s first album that absolutely reeks of indie coming-of-age film beach scene. Get into it.
Tik Tok, Kesha: I think this one speaks for itself.
…Baby One More Time, Britney Spears: Ditto.
Watermelon Sugar, Harry Styles: This one was already a song of the summer, why not bring it back?
Cool for the Summer, Demi Lovato: They’re an icon for this one.
Levitating, Dua Lipa: Turn this one up for a blue and pink strobe lit love affair on the dance floor.
Cruel Summer, Taylor Swift: Win for the Swifties on this one, arguably one of the best she’s ever recorded. You’ll be screaming the bridge in no time! You could do any number of Taylor Swift songs — State of Grace, New Romantics, You Belong with Me… have at it, champ!
Music for the Motion Picture Juno: Okay this one is just for me, but many of my favorite summer memories are underscored by the CD of this soundtrack I played to death in my trusty old car. It’s so folksy and fun! Just go with it…
I will stop now, but know that I COULD keep going! I suggest adding Rihanna, Katy Perry, One Direction, Khalid, Olivia Rodrigo, more Beyoncé, more Carly Rae Jepsen, Ariana Grande, whatever floats your boat.